What Bon Jovi’s Livin’ on a Prayer has to do with Fisting
In introduction to this story, I’ve been telling it in person for years and watching it spread. I’ve tossed around the idea of writing this blog post before but have always held off – the subject matter is a little iffy or uncomfortable for most people and my blog/twitter cross the line into business territory sometimes. But (there’s always a but), Bon Jovi was on the Grammies last night and they played this song. Strangely, watching the Grammies last night was a lot like the night that this story took place – full of laughter and mockery and general silliness.
Four or five years ago there was an evening of beer drinking and card playing at our friend’s Tim and Caroline’s place. There were eight of us sitting around Octy, an octagonal table that was only present in the household for a week but who made a fantastic card table.
For the most part it was a typical night with friends, with lots of laughter and silliness and card playing. I’m not sure exactly what we were doing when Bon Jovi’s Livin’ on a Prayer came on the playlist, but I do know that the entire party stopped when Caroline piped up and said “Guys, its fisting music.”
The entire party stopped and we just busted out laughing. Fisting music? FISTING MUSIC?
After the laughter died down, Caroline was able to explain that what she had meant was that Bon Jovi was ‘fist in the air, arena rock music’. You know, with some of the good ole’ fashioned fist pumping, get the boys riled up music.
We’re still giggling, but finally settle down and get back to playing cards. Until Mike White makes the connection. The really, really important connection. The chorus of Livin’ on a Prayer goes something like this…
“Oh, we’re half way there // Oh oh, livin’ on a prayer // Take my hand, we’ll make it I swear //Oh oh, livin’ on a prayer”
And that dear readers is why Bon Jovi’s Livin’ on a Prayer really is a song about fisting. We’re half way there? Take my hand? We’ll make it I swear? Sounds about right to me.
What makes it even better is when you’re out at a bar or a club or a wedding or function and the song comes on. Watch the crowd. The guys will all raise their fists in the air and sing along. Little to do they know…
If you’re in the know (and now you are), next time this song comes on make a duck bill instead of a fist. Its more appropriate and it’ll help us identify each other in a crowd.
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HA-HA! Secret fisting code. I’m in!
oh wait…
We’re like the Masons…of fisting!
What’s even better is that once someone hears this story, they have trouble thinking of the song the same way.
Bon Jovi definitely rocks, the best rock and roll band in the planet:~;