Once upon a time Right here, right now... I been Tommy, working on the dock I've worn Gina shoes, working 'round the clock You've been underpaid and overworked I can see the blood and sweat stained your overshirt And it ain't nothin' to laugh when pain's something you feel Try to keep it concealed, ain't time to reveal But I know, when it's too much, I don't wanna do much Lost in transmission, I think I need a new clutch Holding on to my last, gotta give it my all Even when we can't stand, we gotta give 'em a crawl Gotta give 'em a push, just push and keep pushin' Once I get my footing, my falls will be cushioned 'Til then hold on, hold on Gotta pray it goes right, even when it goes wrong Down on your luck, just re-up on your blessings Life's a test, just keep up with the lessons We've gotta hold on to what we've got It doesn't make a difference if we make it or not We've got each other and that's a lot For love, we'll give it a shot... (CHORUS) Oh woah, we're half way there Oh woah, livin' on a prayer Take my hand, we'll make it I swear Oh woah, livin' on a prayer Livin' on, we livin' on a prayer Livin' on, we livin' on a prayer Six-string and the mic in hock In my pockets only lint, but this life won't stop Trying to run things, but I'm tired from the walk They only running their mouth, I grow tired of the talk Opportunity ain't come, it's up to me to start knocking Praying for a break every time I gotta clock-in Trying to see the path, but it's obstacles blocking Either over or around, I can't afford to be stopping I used to dream of running away I had to look into the mirror and say, "Nickey it'll be ok" Put your blood sweat and tears, and be a DOA At least when you finally make it, it'll be your way boy 'Til then hold on, hold on Gotta pray it goes right, even when it goes wrong You only lose when you give up on yourself You gotta fight the fight 'til nothing is left... We've gotta hold on to what we've got It doesn't make a difference if we make it or not We've got each other and that's a lot For love, we'll give it a shot... (CHORUS) These hard times make soft money Shelves run bare, even lost honey Sitting in a dark place, even though it's sunny I can't crack a smile, ain't a damn thing funny The situation gets real and life gets realer Build a new foundation, throw away your concealer You ain't gotta hide your scars, they tell your story Keep on climbing and claim your glory To the top, always fighting for a spot Yell, "Here I come ready or not, and I'm never letting go of what I got!" You gotta hold on, ready or not You live for the fight when it's all that you've got... (CHORUS)