- Songwriter Interviews
- Song Writing
- Fact or Fiction
- They're Playing My Song
- Songfacts Pages
- Songwriting Legends
- Songfacts Podcast
- Amanda Flinner
- Bruce Pollock
- Corey O'Flanagan
- Dan MacIntosh
- Laura Antonelli
- Leslie Michele Derrough
- Maggie Grimason
- Nicole Roberge
- Roger Catlin
- Shawna Ortega
- Stephanie Myers
- Trevor Morelli
Open Arms by Journey
Songfacts®:
- Written by band members Steve Perry and Jonathan Cain , this song is about a couple who drifted apart but found each other again and realized how much they love each other. >> Suggestion credit : James - Chesterfield, Derbyshire, England
- According to the liner notes in Journey's Time3 compilation, Jonathan Cain came to Journey with this melody already written. It could have been a song for the Babys, his previous band, except that Babys vocalist John Waite rejected the melody as "too syrupy." He sheepishly showed the tune to Perry on his portable Wurlitzer keyboard and Perry immediately wanted to do it. The rest of the band wasn't so sure. "They were opposed to the ballad," said Perry. "Neal hated the idea and Jon Cain thought maybe John Waite was right." The third single from Escape not only went on to become the band's highest charting single and sent album sales into orbit, but pioneered the entire concept of the power ballad. "Now everybody's got to have one," said Perry. Waite came around as well: his big hit as a solo artist was the ballad " Missing You ."
- " Don't Stop Believin' " has become Journey's most popular song, but it only charted at #9 in America; "Open Arms" was the group's biggest hit on the Hot 100, reaching #2, where it stayed for six weeks, first behind " Centerfold " and then " I Love Rock And Roll ."
- Mariah Carey recorded this for her 1996 album Daydream . Her version hit #4 in the UK.
- This was used in the 1981 animated movie Heavy Metal . It also appears in these films: Daddy's Home 2 (2017) I Now Pronounce You Chuck & Larry (2007) Date Movie (2006) The Last American Virgin (1982)
- More songs from Journey
- More songs about reconciliation or forgiveness
- More songs from 1981
- Lyrics to Open Arms
- Journey Artistfacts
Comments: 13
- Luna Loud from Royal Woods, Michigan Armin from Fort Worth/Dallas: It's not in a minor key, dude. It's in D major. But, yeah, I wouldn't classify it a "monster ballad" or "power ballad", because there's really no, well, "power CHORDS" being played. IDK I guess that's how I've always defined the word "power ballad", though there is definitely power in the melody, lyrics, and emotion, so I guess you could call it that. And Frank from Canada: real men cry. Don't be afraid to let it out, bro.
- Armin from Dallas/fort Worth I have trouble thinking of this song as a power ballad but after reading the cooments, I think I understand. It doesn't seem to fit the mold of a typical power ballad: sensitive passages driven home by a power-rock section---a light-to-heavy transition. Think Stairway to Heaven or Aerosmith's Dream On. Separate Ways seems all power, no ballad. They lyrics are deeply sentimental, especially as delivered by Steve Perry's crooning, but the constant charge in the music sounds more like power pop. I understand now that it's really the intense emotions in the lyrics and the minor key that set the prevailing mood and this song is just a little too unique to classify so conveniently.
- Mckinzie from United States I love this song so very much! I want to dance to this song with my future husband at my future wedding.
- Barry from Sauquoit, Ny On October 28th 1977, Journey appeared in concert at Bill Graham's Old Waldorf in San Francisco, California... It marked Steve Perry's first concert appearance as the lead singer of the West Coast-Bay Area group... Just over five months later on April 2nd, 1978 the group's first charted record, "Wheel in the Sky", would enter Billboard's Hot Top 100 chart at position #89, five weeks later on May 7th it peaked at #57 {for 1 week} and it stayed on the chart for 8 weeks... Between 1978 and 1985 the group had twenty seven Top 100 records; six made the Top 10 with "Open Arms"* being their biggest hit, it peaked at #2... {See next post below}.
- Barry from Sauquoit, Ny On January 10th 1982, "Open Arms" by Journey entered Billboard's Hot Top 100 chart; and on February 21st it peaked at #2 (for 6 weeks) and spent 18 weeks on the Top 100 (and 10 of those 18 weeks were on the Top 10)... It also reached #2 on the Canadian RPM Top Singles chart... The first three weeks it was at #2, the #1 record was "Centerfold" by the J. Geils Band and the last three weeks it was "I Love Rock 'N Roll" by Joan Jett and the Blackhearts was at #1... Was track 5 on side 2 of the group's seventh studio album, 'Escape', and on September 6th, 1981 peaked at #1 (for 1 week) on Billboard's Top 200 Albums chart... Three other tracks off the album also made the Top 100; "Who's Crying Now" (#4), "Don't Stop Believin'" (#9) and "Still The Ride" (#19)...
- Hannah from Ottawa, On Steve Perry has such a beautiful voice. This song is definitely one of the greatest songs of all time!
- Gina from Springfield, Mo This song came out just before my husband & I was married in March of 1982; always been a very special song to me!
- Aimee from Plant City, Fl One of the most special songs ever written!
- Megan from Stevenson, Al This song is so sweet! Beautiful...<3 Makes me cry everytime!
- Joe O from Schenectady, Ny an absolutely gorgeous song, I am learning to play this one on my keyboards. Surprisingly enough, it's not that difficult. I've become a bigger fan of Journey thru this and also from knowing about the history of Journey. Thanks to Jonathan Cain and Steve Perry for this song and the entire Journey catalog of great hits.
- Richard from Houston, Tx It's easy for a song to do that. Think about it - the singer and/or writer has poured their heart into the song, and there's obviously emotion behind it. Just a matter of finding it.
- Stu from Philly, Pa It's not stupid for a song to make you cry. Sometimes a song just hits you in the exact right spot. Something so beautiful. Frank, that's one of my favorite songs, and if you think it hits you when you hear it, try playing it. whoo! what a powerful experience it is to play that song.
- Frank from Brampton, Ontario, Canada As with any other sad song I hear, this one makes me cry alot. Hey... I know that may seem really stupid on my part, but you know.... heartfelt songs like this one really do make ppl cry. Trust me, if such powerful ballads like this make you cry, then you know it really is a good song.
More Songfacts:
Outside Staind
Staind's big moment came in 1999 when lead singer Aaron Lewis played "Outside" on Limp Bizkit's Family Values tour. The live, acoustic version earned lots of radio play.
Island Girl Elton John
Elton John's #1 hit "Island Girl" is about a prostitute.
I Don't Want To Miss A Thing Aerosmith
Diane Warren originally wrote Aerosmith's hit tune "I Don't Want To Miss A Thing" for Celine Dion.
Video Killed The Radio Star Buggles
"Video Killed The Radio Star" by Buggles was the first video to air on MTV when the network started broadcasting on August 1, 1981.
The Flame Cheap Trick
Cheap Trick hated the ballad "The Flame" but recorded it because they needed a hit, and the song delivered, going to #1.
Diamonds From Sierra Leone Kanye West
Movie director Michel Gondry played live drums on the Late Registration track, "Diamonds From Sierra Leone." The Eternal Sunshine of The Spotless Mind filmmaker happened to be in the studio on a day when producer Jon Brion was setting up a drum kit
Editor's Picks
Song Titles That Inspired Movies Song Writing
Famous songs that lent their titles - and in some cases storylines - to movies.
Amy Lee of Evanescence Songwriter Interviews
The Evanescence frontwoman on the songs that have shifted meaning and her foray into kids' music.
Yacht Rock Quiz Fact or Fiction
Christopher Cross with Deep Purple? Kenny Loggins in Caddyshack? A Fact or Fiction all about yacht rock and those who made it.
Sam Phillips Songwriter Interviews
Collaborating with T Bone Burnett, Leslie Phillips changed her name and left her Christian label behind - Robert Plant, who recorded one of her songs on Raising Sand, is a fan.
Kiss Fact or Fiction
Kiss is the subject of many outlandish rumors - some of which happen to be true. See if you can spot the fakes.
Cheerleaders In Music Videos Song Writing
It started with a bouncy MTV classic. Nirvana and MCR made them scary, then Gwen, Avril and Madonna put on the pom poms.
Songfacts® Newsletter
A monthly update on our latest interviews, stories and added songs
Information
- Terms of Service
- Our Privacy Policy
- Google Privacy Policy
- Songfacts API
- Music History Calendar
- Song Licensing
- Affiliate Disclosure
- Privacy Manager
- X (Twitter)
Contribution
- Message Boards
- Songfacts Writers
©2024 Songfacts, LLC
- Damon Albarn Blasts Coachella
- Keifer Froze in Cinderella Video
- James McCartney & Sean Lennon
- Top Videos by Journey & Solo
- 2024 Music Festivals
How a Rejected Babys Song Becomes Journey’s Signature Ballad
The song that would become Journey 's signature ballad was not received with open arms when Jonathan Cain initially presented it to the Babys . So he shelved "Open Arms" for another time.
"My understanding is that he had most of it sketched," former Journey frontman Steve Perry told Classic Rock Revisited . The two had been discussing song ideas one day at Perry's house, not long after Cain left the Babys for Journey.
As Cain recalls, Perry was interested in writing a different kind of material. "He was talking to me about his solo album and wanting to do ballads, wanting to do soaring melodies with ballads," Cain said in 2019 . "I said, 'Steve, there's no reason for you to go do a solo album. You know, you could do it here in Journey.'"
Cain went out to his car to retrieve his Wurlitzer piano, which had had brought along "just in case" and showed Perry the half-conceived song he originally offered to the Babys. It needed work: Cain had the melody down, but no lyrics. Perry, however, immediately recognized the song's potential.
"I asked him what that was," Perry remembered, "and he said, 'This is just a song that I started. I played it for my wife and I played it for [Babys frontman] John Waite but he said it was too syrupy.' I told him, 'Too bad for him and good for us.'"
The pair promptly set to work finishing "Open Arms." "That particular one kind of wrote itself. It went that quick," Perry told Classic Rock Revisited. " Escape was not easy; it still was hard. Jonathan and I had a lot of moments writing lyrics where there was difficulty between us. He would make a suggestion and I would say that I would try to sing it but then I would not be able to believe it, or own it for myself, so I would have to throw in a couple of changes or make additions to it to make it mine. That was fine with him; that is basically collaboration."
Watch Journey Perform 'Open Arms' in 1982
Cain and Perry were ultimately excited about what they had come up with. "I just remember just sitting there going, 'Oh, wait til the world hears this,'" Cain said in an episode of VH1's Behind the Music .
When they brought the song to Journey, however, Neal Schon was at a loss. "It's not that I didn't like the song when I heard it," he said in the same VH1 episode. "It was just so far removed from anything we had ever attempted to record before. It's just like, 'What am I gonna do on this?'"
Cain said, "you're gonna be an orchestra, that's what you're gonna do." In addition to bassist Ross Valory and drummer Steve Smith 's tracks, Cain added rhythm guitar and everyone contributed backing vocals.
Years later, when revisiting footage for Live in Houston 1981 , memories of constructing the song with Cain and the emotional significance from decades ago surfaced again for Perry.
"I had to keep my head down on the console when 'Open Arms' was on," Perry told Classic Rock Revisited. "There is one line in the song that I always wanted to be a certain way. I have ideals about certain things. The line ' wanting you near ' – I just wanted that line to go up and soar. I wanted it to be heartfelt. Every time it would come by, I would just have to keep my head down and try to swallow the lump in my throat. I felt so proud of the song that I had written with Jonathan."
Released in January 1982, "Open Arms" made its way to No. 2 on the charts, becoming one of Journey's most recognizable songs and a set list staple. A missed opportunity for the Babys had turned into a phenomenal hit, penned between two bandmates who had only just begun working together.
"[Perry's] idea melded with what I always had been wanting to find in the song lyrically," added Cain, who credited Perry with "championing" the tune through its completion. "You never give up on a song. No matter what anybody says about your song, there's something there."
Journey Albums Ranked
You Think You Know Journey?
More From Ultimate Classic Rock
Open Arms by Journey
Escape Album 1981
Added by Denis Managed by sebcat
- Highlights 6
- Versions 70
- Web Covers 2
First release by Journey (1981)
Open Arms written by Jonathan Cain , Steve Perry [US1] English
Open Arms written by Jonathan Cain , Steve Perry [US1] instrumental
by Noel DeLisle
by ThreeKey
Steve Perry Set to Sing Journey Hit “Open Arms” on Dolly Parton’s Upcoming Rock Album
by Tina Benitez-Eves November 9, 2022, 9:30 am
Just days after Dolly Parton ‘s induction into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame on Nov. 5, former Journey singer Steve Perry has confirmed that he will appear on the country music legend’s upcoming rock album.
Videos by American Songwriter
“If Dolly says it’s true, then it must be true,” wrote Perry on social media , confirming his participation. “Her voice is amazing.”
When Parton was inducted into the Rock Hall, she mentioned several artists she would like to collaborate with on a rock album during her speech and revealed that she and Perry will be singing a cover of Journey’s 1981 hit “ Open Arms ” on the album.
Released on Journey’s seventh album Escape , “Open Arms,” written by Perry and Jonathan Cain—who had just joined the band as the keyboardist and would become one of their key songwriters—was also featured on the soundtrack to the sci-fi film Heavy Metal .
The song reached No. 2 on the Billboard Hot 100 and was a success for Mariah Carey, who recorded the song for her fifth album, Daydream .
Parton previously said she would like to record a new version of Led Zeppelin’s “ Stairway to Heaven ” with Robert Plant and Jimmy Page and confirmed that Aerosmith’s Steven Tyler will also guest on her album, which is rumored to be produced by Steve Albini .
If Dolly says it’s true, then it must be true… her voice is amazing! -Steve Perry https://t.co/jei2oQzE3U — Steve Perry (@StevePerryMusic) November 8, 2022
When Parton was first nominated for induction into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame earlier in 2022, she vowed to make a rock album if she was inducted.
“I’m not expecting that I’ll get in, but if I do, I’ll immediately, next year, have to put out a great rock and roll album, which I’ve wanted to do for years, like a Linda Ronstadt or Heart kind of thing,” said Parton. “So this may have been just a God-wink for me to go ahead and do that.”
Parton recently revealed that she will retire from larger-scale tours , and recently released a new holiday duet “ Almost Too Early for Christmas ” with Jimmy Fallon.
Photo: Myriam Santos / btpr
Leave a Reply Cancel reply
Only members can comment. Become a member . Already a member? Log In .
Bruce Springsteen Plays Acoustic, Tells Corny Jokes at Stand Up For Heroes Benefit
© 2024 American Songwriter
Find Videos
- Best New Music Videos
- New Releases
- In Production
- Commentaries
- Videos by Release Date
- Videos by Country of Production
- Random Video
- Most Popular New Videos
- Most Popular of All Time
- More Awards
- Rap/Hip Hop
- More Genres...
Artists & Crew
- Artist Index
- Production Companies
- Crew by Position
Submit a Video
- Music Video Land Podcast
- Behind the Scenes
- Music Video Relapse
Most Popular Music Videos Did YouTube Lie to Us? The Shocking Truth Behind the Most Watched Music Videos of 2021
Lists jason baum's top 5 music videos of 2021, latest podcast, 199. imvdb's 2021 music video wrap up.
Doug Klinger and Jason Baum talk about the notable music videos from 2021.
IMVDb's Best Videos by Year
Featured channels.
- Browse Videos
Open Arms ( 1982 ) by Journey
- Release Date: 1982
- Status: Released
We do not have any credits for this video. Add some .
We do not have any awards for this video.
We do not have any trivia for this video. Add some .
Song Details
- Artist Name: Journey
- Song Name: Open Arms
- Technical Details
We do not have any technical details for this video. Add some .
- Video Sources
Social Details
Have credits or other information to add to Open Arms by Journey ?
On This Page
- Social Data
Greatest Hits
Buy now on Amazon Buy now on iTunes
- 0 open issues for this video
- 0 pending contributions for this video
ID: 251034249157
Embed Video
Manual embed code:
Wordpress shortcode:
Requires the Wordpress plugin .
You can find all the embed customization options here .
If you are using the manual code, you'll need to include this code once before the closing body tag of your site.
More from Journey
Stone In Love
Feeling That Way
Any Way You Want It
When You Love A Woman
Director: Wayne Isham
Separate Ways (Worlds Apart)
Just The Same Way
Chain Reaction
Why Can't This Night Go On Forever
I'll Be Alright Without You
Girl Can't Help It
Be Good To Yourself
Send Her My Love
After The Fall
Lovin', Touchin', Squeezin'
- Contributing to IMVDb
- Contribution Guides
- @newmusicvideo
- Vimeo Channel
- 94,104 Music Videos
- 459,996 Artists, Companies, and People
- 267,827 Credits
Content Partners
- FRINGE MUSIC FIX
©2024 IMVDb.com | Term & Conditions | Privacy Policy
Login to imvdb.
I forgot my password
Don't have an IMVDb account?
Log In With Facebook
IMAGES
VIDEO
COMMENTS
"Open Arms" is a song by American rock band Journey. It was released as a single from the Heavy Metal soundtrack and their 1981 album, Escape.Co-written by band members Steve Perry and Jonathan Cain, the song is a power ballad whose lyrics attempt to renew a drifting relationship. It is one of the band's most recognizable radio hits and their biggest US Billboard Hot 100 hit, reaching number ...
Date Movie (2006) The Last American Virgin (1982) More songs from Journey; More songs about reconciliation or forgiveness; More songs from 1981; ... "Open Arms" by Journey entered Billboard's Hot Top 100 chart; and on February 21st it peaked at #2 (for 6 weeks) and spent 18 weeks on the Top 100 ...
VH1 called "Open Arms" the greatest power ballad of all time, ... When did Journey release "Open Arms"? ... Release Date. January 1982.
Provided to YouTube by Columbia/LegacyOpen Arms (2024 Remaster) · JourneyGreatest Hits℗ 1981 Columbia Records, a division of Sony Music EntertainmentReleased...
"Open Arms'' by JourneyListen to Journey: https://journey.lnk.to/listenYDWatch more Journey videos: https://Journey.lnk.to/listenYD/youtubeSubscribe to the o...
Open Arms is a timeless classic by the American rock band Journey, released in 1982 as a single from their album "Escape.". This power ballad, written by Jonathan Cain and Steve Perry, has resonated with millions of listeners worldwide. The song's lyrics tell a tale of love, vulnerability, and the longing for an emotional connection.
Enjoy the remastered version of Journey's classic hit "Open Arms" from 1981, a power ballad that showcases the band's vocal and instrumental talents. This video features high-quality audio and ...
Watch on. - "Open Arms" was released as the third single from Journey's highly successful 1981 album "Escape". Written by Steve Perry and Jonathan Cain, the delicate ballad turned into an instant radio sensation and a fan-favorite. Moreover, not only it skyrocketed the album sales but it became the band's highest charting single ...
Sign in to create & share playlists, get personalized recommendations, and more. New recommendations Song Video
Journey released the No. 2 smash 'Open Arms' in January 1982.
Genius is the ultimate source of music knowledge, created by scholars like you who share facts and insight about the songs and artists they love. Journey released "Open Arms" in January 1982.
Watch the video for Open Arms from Journey's Greatest Hits for free, and see the artwork, lyrics and similar artists. ... "Open Arms" is a song by American rock band Journey. It was released as a single from the Heavy Metal soundtrack and their 1981 album, Escape. Co-written by band members Steve Perry and Jonathan Cain, the song is a power ...
On this date in 1982, JOURNEY released the single OPEN ARMS (Jan 11, 1982) Released as a single from the Heavy Metal soundtrack and Journey's 1981 album, 'Escape', OPEN ARMS was co-written by band members Steve Perry and Jonathan Cain.
Official audio for "Open Arms" by JourneyListen to Journey: https://Journey.lnk.to/listenYDWatch more Journey videos: https://Journey.lnk.to/listenYD/youtube...
Journey originally released Open Arms written by Jonathan Cain and Steve Perry [US1] and Journey released it on the album Escape in 1981. ... Release date Info; Open Arms: Journey: 1981: First release Hit song: Open Arms: The Burch Sisters: April 1988: Open Arms: Mariah Carey: September 19, 1995: Open Arms: Gary Puckett: 1995: Open Arms ...
2. Singles. 52. Soundtrack albums. 1. American rock band Journey has released 15 studio albums, five live albums, 11 compilation albums, and 52 singles since 1975.
0:00 / 0:00. Provided to YouTube by Columbia/Legacy Open Arms (2024 Remaster) · Journey Greatest Hits ℗ 1981 Columbia Records, a division of Sony Music Entertainment ...
Just days after Dolly Parton's induction into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame on Nov. 5, former Journey singer Steve Perry has confirmed that he will appear on the country music legend's upcoming ...
1982 hit song by Journey. Peaked at #2 on the Billboard Hot 100 on February 27, 1982.©1981 by Columbia Records. All rights reserved.
'Open Arms' music video by Journey. 'Open Arms' music video by Journey. Browse; Discover; Blog; Podcasts; Log In; Sign Up; Find Videos. Best New Music Videos; New Releases; In Production; ... Release Date: 1982; Status: Released; 55M. Views. Credits . We do not have any credits for this video. Add some. Awards. We do not have any awards for ...
Open Arms (Live at Madison Square Garden - October, 1995) Mariah Carey (1996) Read the lyrics. See all of "Open Arms" by Journey's samples, covers, remixes, interpolations and live versions.