top of page
Dont Stop Believin
Song

Dont Stop Believin

Journey
Album:
Escape

Song Meaning of Don't Stop Believin' by Journey, and what it is about


Journey, an American rock group, released the song "Don't Stop Believin'" in 1981 when it came out as a part of their album "Escape." Neal Schon, Steve Perry, and Jonathan Cain wrote the song. Although a song's specific meaning is sometimes up for debate, "Don't Stop Believin'" is frequently regarded as an anthem of optimism, resilience, and hope.


The lyrics of the song tell a story of a person's journey through life, facing challenges, doubts, and uncertainties, but ultimately urging them to hold onto their dreams and never lose faith.


The phrase "don't stop believin'" serves as a rallying cry to keep pursuing one's aspirations despite the obstacles that may come their way. It's about holding onto the belief that things can get better, that there is a brighter future ahead, and that with determination and perseverance, you can achieve your goals.


Don't stop believing, his father would frequently remind Journey keyboardist Jonathan Cain as a struggling musician in the Los Angeles music scene. When he got down to write a song with Journey frontman Steve Perry for their 1981 album, Escape, he had the line in mind. Many of the songs were inspired by folks they saw walking by bright street lamps in their hotel room after a performance in Detroit. "Wow, streetlight people," Perry remarked to Rolling Stone. "That's really cool." They made it into one of the most lasting songs of the 1980s with the aid of guitarist Neal Schon.


Lyrics of Don't Stop Believin' by Journey


Just a small-town girl

Livin' in a lonely world

She took the midnight train goin' anywhere

 

Just a city boy

Born and raised in South Detroit

He took the midnight train goin' anywhere

 

A singer in a smokey room

The smell of wine and cheap perfume

For a smile they can share the night

It goes on and on, and on, and on

 

Strangers waiting

Up and down the boulevard

Their shadows searching in the night

 

Streetlights people

Livin' just to find emotion

Hidin' somewhere in the night

 

Workin' hard to get my fill

Everybody wants a thrill

Payin' anything to roll the dice just one more time

 

Some will win, some will lose

Some were born to sing the blues

Oh, the movie never ends

It goes on and on, and on, and on

 

Strangers waiting

Up and down the boulevard

Their shadows searching in the night

 

Streetlights people

Livin' just to find emotion

Hidin' somewhere in the night

 

Don't stop believin'

Hold on to that feelin'

Streetlight people

 

Don't stop believin'

Hold on

Streetlight people

 

Don't stop believin'

Hold on to that feelin'

Streetlight people

Release Date

1981

Songwriter/s

Jonathan Cain, Steve Perry, Neal Schon

Producer/s

Kevin Elson, Mike "Clay" Stone

Label/s

Columbia

Other Songs

bottom of page