My mama told me
When I was younger
You better speak up
Don’t be a number
My daddy told me
When there was thunder
Go be the lightning
Don’t run for cover
Who’s gonna help the helpless
Sometimes we’re all alone
These days we’re all just looking
For a place that we call home
Now we can’t climb over
And you can’t go ’round
Build them up
We’ll tear them down
Brick by brick
Gonna watch them fall
Build more bridges
And tear down walls
These walls
Are the mountains that we climb
These walls
Are the great divide
Brick by brick
Gonna watch them fall
Build more bridges
Tear down walls
The space between us
Is getting wider
We need the spark to
Light the fire
Show me the promise
Give me some feeling
There’s too much hurting
We need some healing
Who’s gonna help the helpless
Sometimes we’re all alone
These days we’re one step closer
To that place that we call home
Now we can’t climb over
And you can’t go ’round
Build them up
We’ll tear them down
Brick by brick
Gonna watch them fall
Build more bridges
And tear down walls
These walls
Are the mountains that we climb
These walls
Are the great divide
Brick by brick
Gonna watch them fall
Build more bridges
Tear down these walls
I remember when the world was smaller
And we both felt 10 feet taller
Now we can’t climb over
And you can’t go ’round
Build them up
We’ll tear them down
Brick by brick
Gonna watch them fall
Build more bridges
And tear down walls
These walls
Are the mountains that we climb
These walls
Are the great divide
Brick by brick
Gonna watch them fall
Build more bridges
Tear down these walls
(These walls)
(These walls)
(These walls)
Tear down these walls
(These walls)
(These walls)
(These walls)
Tear down walls
Breaking Barriers: The Message Behind “Walls”
“Walls” by Bon Jovi is a powerful anthem about overcoming obstacles and fostering unity. The lyrics paint a vivid picture of personal and collective challenges—symbolized as “walls”—that keep people apart. Drawing on advice from parental figures, the song encourages listeners to be bold, to be the lightning rather than hide from the thunder. The recurring theme of tearing down walls and building bridges underscores the importance of empathy, connection, and healing in a divided world. With each chorus, Bon Jovi urges us to dismantle what separates us and reach for a sense of belonging—”that place that we call home.” The song’s hopeful tone and memorable hooks make it both a call to action and a source of comfort for anyone feeling isolated.
Song Credits
- Artist: Bon Jovi
- Songwriters: Jon Bon Jovi, Billy Falcon, John Shanks
- Release Year: 2020
- Label: Island Records