“Born to Be My Baby” by Bon Jovi

Bon Jovi’s “Born to Be My Baby” is a continuation to the story of Tommy and Gina. These are two fictional characters (based on real people) whom Bon Jovi introduced to the world via their classic track “Livin’ on a Prayer” in 1986. And whereas they are not mentioned by name in this song, again “Born to Be My Baby” is the sequel to “Livin’ on a Prayer”, with both in fact being written by the same three artists.

Just like in the elder song, it is established, indeed from the onset of “Born to Be My Baby”, that the couple featured therein are faced with economic challenges. That is to say that they are struggling to make ends meet. But once again as established in the previous track, the love that exists between them is presented as actually being the defining feature of their relationship. Therefore even though situation is challenging financially, they are able to find solace and maintain hope as a unit.

We were born to be together!

However, this song goes a step further in detailing how Tommy feels about Gina. Or another way of looking at is that this time around instead of talking about the pair from a third-person perspective, Jon Bon Jovi actually takes on the role of Tommy. And outside of expressing his commitment to and appreciation for this romance what he is saying, as the title suggests, is that he and Gina were “born” to be together. 

Or stated more precisely, he is under the impression that God Himself had meant for the two of them to hookup. And operating under this disposition is another factor which allows him to retain optimism even when things are looking bleak. Or another way of looking at it is that if God has in fact ordained the two of them to be side-by-side, then by all means He has an ultimate, fulfilling plan for their union.

But as things stand now they are living a life which “ain’t fancy” at all. And this must be bothering Tommy to some extent, lest he wouldn’t bring up the issue of their poverty in the first place. But at the end of the day whereas such is obviously bothersome, it is not the subject he is harping on. Rather he is celebrating the fact that life, even amidst all of its difficulties, has also introduced him to his soulmate.

Facts about “Born to be My Baby”

The writing of this song was a collaboration between Jon Bon Jovi, Richie Sambora and Desmond Child. The first two artists mentioned are actually members of Bon Jovi.

And the track was produced by another musician by the name of Bruce Fairbairn.

Moreover this song was originally featured Bon Jovi’s fourth album, which is named after their home state (New Jersey). It was originally issued as part of its playlist on 19 September 1988. And later Mercury Records also released it as the second single from “New Jersey”.

The music video to “Born to Be My Baby” was yet another in which Bon Jovi opted to hire Wayne Isham as its director. It was a low-budget affair that featured the band jamming in the studio. And it climaxes with an authentic scene of Bon Jovi celebrating the fact that “New Jersey” topped the Billboard 200.

The song itself peaked at number 3 on the Billboard Hot 100 and also charted in a few other countries, including Canada and the United Kingdom.