These Days

Bon Jovi's song 'These Days' is a poignant reflection on the struggles and disillusionment that characterize modern life. The lyrics paint a picture of individuals facing hardships and chasing dreams in a world that seems increasingly difficult to navigate. The song's narrative weaves through various characters, each dealing with their own set of challenges and aspirations, ultimately highlighting a sense of shared human experience in the face of adversity.

The opening verse introduces us to a world where even the most regal among us, symbolized by the 'vagabond king,' can find themselves in a state of decline, represented by the 'styrofoam crown.' This imagery suggests the fragility of status and success. The chorus emphasizes the commonality of struggle ('Everybody got their cross to bare') and the difficulty of finding something solid to hold onto in these tumultuous times ('Still there's nothing to hold on to but these days').

The song also touches on the loss of innocence and the fading of traditional pathways to success ('these days there ain't a ladder on the streets'). The character of Jimmy, who attempts to fly by jumping from a window, embodies the desperate lengths people go to in order to achieve their dreams, even in the face of potential self-destruction. The repeated line 'These days the stars seem out of reach' encapsulates the feeling of unattainable goals in a world that moves too fast for genuine connection or lasting achievements. Bon Jovi's 'These Days' is a call to recognize the shared humanity in our collective struggle and to find solace in the fact that we are not alone in our experiences.