Joey Keys was from my neighborhood
Some would say that he was bad and Joe thought that was good
Joey got the name “Keys” picking locks
He never really robbed no one; it sure amused the cops
Joey’s parents owned a restaurant
After closing time they’d give us almost anything we’d want
I never cared that Joey Keys was slow
Though he couldn’t read or write too well but we’d talk all night long
Come on, come on, come on
What you gonna do with your life?
Come on, come on, come on
Chasing sparks in the nights
His old man said tomorrow is a ride that goes nowhere
But I’ll pull some strings, get blackbird wings
And break us out of here
Hey Joey
C’mon tell me ’bout your dreams
Tell me all the sights you’re gonna see
Tell me who you’re gonna be
Hey Joey
You’re gonna kiss the girls goodnight
Sometimes you got to stand and fight
It’ll be alright
We’re gonna find a better life
See Joe was 3 years younger to the day
Acting like a little brother but became my ball and chain
I met this girl named Rhonda, she fell for me
She said, “I might learn to like him but love ain’t built for three.”
Hey Joey
C’mon tell me ’bout your dreams
Tell me all the sights you’re gonna see
Tell me who you’re gonna be
Hey Joey
You’re gonna kiss the girls goodnight
Sometimes you got to stand and fight
It’ll be alright
Hey Joey
News gets around in this fading neighborhood
The old man lost the restaurant
He drinks more than he should
It’s time for Joey keys to do some good
Pick the lock off our lives, let’s get out of here like we always said we would
Hey Joey
C’mon tell me ’bout your dreams
Tell me all the sights you’re gonna see
Tell me who you’re gonna be
Hey Joey
You’re gonna kiss the girls goodnight
Sometimes you got to stand and fight
It’ll be alright
We’re gonna find a better life
Find a better life
Find a better life
A Story of Friendship and Dreams
“Joey” by Bon Jovi paints a heartfelt portrait of two young men navigating the struggles of a tough neighborhood. The song centers on Joey Keys, a misunderstood soul with a knack for picking locks and a gentle heart. Through the narrator’s eyes, we witness their close-knit friendship, the challenges they face, and their shared longing for a brighter future. Bon Jovi delivers a touching narrative about loyalty, resilience, and the universal desire to escape hardship and chase one’s dreams. The lyrics highlight the importance of hope and standing up for oneself, even when circumstances seem bleak.
Song Credits
- Artist: Bon Jovi
- Songwriters: Jon Bon Jovi, Billy Falcon
- Release Year: 2002
- Label: Island Records