“It’s My Life” by Bon Jovi

by Jessica Shelton· Published December 18, 2019· Updated May 11, 2023

Bon Jovi’s “It’s My Life” is based on the vocalist affirming his intent to live life to the fullest. More specifically, he derives courage from the likes of Frank Sinatra who insisted on doing things his way. So there is a strong subtheme of self-assertion.

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And this is also mixed with the vocalist acknowledging that taking such a stance, partially in light of overall issues which plague the society, is going to be a struggle. However, he is resolute on ‘standing tall’ in the face of all opposition and encourages the audience to conduct themselves likewise.

So it’s definitely easy to conclude that “It’s My Life” is philosophical in its approach. The singer understands that the days of a man’s life are finite. And this is apparently another factor that is encouraging him to go all-out in the here and now.

Overall he is dedicating the tune to those who have also “stood their ground” and “never back down”. In doing so, he is by default encouraging such individuals to keep it up. And this is all against the backdrop of him also comprehending that living in such a manner, i.e. courageously and being guided by one’s heart, is indeed challenging on a number of levels.

“It’s my life, it’s now or never
I ain’t gonna live forever
I just want to live while I’m alive
(It’s my life) My heart is like an open highway
Like Frankie said, ‘I did it my way’
I just wanna live while I’m alive
It’s my life”

Music Video

Wayne Isham, who has been directing Bon Jovi videos since the 1980s, also worked on the official clip for this song. And this music video went on to become Bon Jovi’s most-popular video on YouTube.

Success of “It’s My Life”

Bon Jovi is known as a rock band who were slappin’ primarily in the late 20^th century. However, “It’s My Life”, which was released in 2000, is recognized as their greatest hit from the 21^st century.

For instance it topped the music charts in almost 10 nations. And this is in addition to peaking at number three on the UK Singles Chart and making an appearance on four of Billboard’s listing, including Latin Pop Songs. So it’s understandable that this track has achieved double-Platinum status in the United States.

And generally speaking “It’s My Life” charted in over 20 countries.

Moreover this track has been nominated for both a Grammy and Echo Award and was the third best-selling song of the year 2000.

Interesting to note is that a cover of this song (in conjunction with Usher’s 2004 track “Confessions”) by the cast of the television musical “Glee” actually reached number 30 on the Billboard Hot 100 in 2009. And for the record, in terms of the Hot 100 it performed even better than Bon Jovi’s original, which peaked at number 33.

Notable Live Performances

Bon Jovi also performed this tune at some of the most-prominent venues. For instance, they rocked “It’s My Life” at Super Bowl XXXVII in 2003. And prior that that they played it at the Concert for New York, which was held in October of 2001 to benefit the victims of the 9/11 terrorist attacks. Moreover the following year the band rendered the song at the conclusion of the Winter Olympics, which were held in Utah.

Release Date

This song is featured on Bon Jovi’s seventh-standard album, which is entitled “Crush”. And “It’s My Life” was issued by Island Records on the 23rd of May 2000.

Who wrote “It’s My Life”?

The writers of “It’s My Life” are bandmates Jon Bon Jovi and Richie Sambora, with additional input from Max Martin.

Sambora and Jovi also produced the track but in that instance being assisted by Luke Ebbin.

Popular Namedrops in “It’s My Life”

In this song, Bon Jovi gives a shoutout to the legendary Frank Sinatra (1915-1998), a singer who like the band happens to be from New Jersey. And they refer to him as “Frankie” in the track, specifically referencing a song he released with a similar theme to “It’s My Life” in 1969 entitled “My Way”.

They also namedrop a couple, “Tommy and Gina”, whom they present as models of resilience in the face of adversity. These are actually characters Bon Jovi first introduced to the world in 1986 via another of their classics, “Living on a Prayer”.

Insights and Stories about “It’s My Life”

“Being a highly religious person, ‘It’s My Life’ feels more like a prayer to God, asking for the strength to face the challenges that life throws at me. The words convey a sense of hope, and a belief that no matter how difficult things may seem, I can overcome them with faith and perseverance.

My soul hears in the song a plea for relief from the burdens that are weighing me down, and a request for clarity and peace of mind. Listening to it brings me a sense of comfort and reassurance that everything I’m going through now will pass.”

– Mark

“‘It’s My Life’ helped me understand the importance of focusing on the journey rather than the destination. My ultimate goal in life was to obtain a college degree and secure a good job. Despite the numerous obstacles I faced along the way, I achieved all what I wished for, a feat not many are able to achieve in a tough neighborhood like what I grew up in. I actually enjoyed the process of achieving my goals more than the achievements. This song has always reminded me to appreciate the progress I make towards my goals and to find joy in the journey.”

– Ama, the Determined Soul

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