Bon Jovi had big plans for 2020. They had a new album ready to be released on May 15, 2020. They had a big summer arena tour scheduled for June and July. When the Covid-19 pandemic struck and caused a global lockdown, those plans were put on hold. The tour was cancelled. Then the Black Lives Matter movement gained momentum and started to gain worldwide support for social justice and equality. With no tour dates in sight, and the world changing dramatically before our eyes, Bon Jovi delayed the release of “Bon Jovi 2020”, and got back to work.
The album “2020” is now scheduled for release on October 2, 2020. The track list has been altered. Two songs have been removed – “Luv Can” and “Shine”. In their place are two anthems for the ages, songs that capture in real time the moment, and the movement, that we are all living through.
“American Reckoning” is a haunting ballad examining the Black Lives Matter movement from the perspective of white privilege. As white America continues to learn how they have the privilege whether they act upon it or not, they have begun speaking out in support and understanding.
“Do What You Can” was crowd-sourced as Jon Bon Jovi looked for a way to support the front line workers fighting the coronavirus on our behalf, while including his audience in the creative process. Jon wrote a verse and the chorus, and asked fans to write their own verses to show their gratitude and respect for the ones putting others ahead of themselves every day. The end result is an instant classic sing-along that will inspire people for generations to come.
Bon Jovi – “American Reckoning”
America’s on fire
There’s protests in the street
Her conscience has been looted
And her soul is under siege
Another mother’s crying, as history repeats
I can’t breatheGod damn those 8 long minutes
Lying face down in cuffs on the ground
Bystanders pleaded for mercy
As one, cop shoved a kid in the crowd
When did a judge and a jury
Become a badge and a knee
On these streets?Stay alive, stay alive
Shine a light, stay alive
Use your voice and you remember me
American reckoningI’ll never know what it’s like
To walk a mile in his shoes
And I’ll never have to have the talk
So it don’t happen to you
Three little words written ‘cross the chest
Of a twelve year old who hasn’t lived life yet
“Am I next? Am I next?”Stay alive, stay alive
Shine a light, stay alive
Use your voice and you remember me
American reckoningIs this a moment or movement?
Is this the tide or a flood?
Is our American reckoning?
Our story written in blood
Or in love
Or in peaceStay alive, stay alive
Shine a light, stay alive
Use your voice and you remember meStay alive, stay alive
Shine a light, stay alive
Use your voice and you remember me
American reckoning
In our American reckoning
Bon Jovi – “Do What You Can”
Tonight they’re shutting down the borders
And they boarded up the schools
Small towns are rollin’ up their sidewalks
One less paycheck comin’ through
I know you’re feelin’ kinda nervous
We’re all a little bit confused
Nothing’s the same, this ain’t a game
We gotta make it throughWhen you can’t do what you do
You do what you can
This ain’t my prayer, it’s just a thought I’m wanting to send
‘Round here, we bend but don’t break
Down here, we all understand
When you can’t do what you do
You do what you canThe chicken farm from Arkansas brought workers PPE
Not before five hundred more had succumbed to this disease
Honest men and honest women workin’ for an honest wage
I got a hundred point one fever, and we still got bills to payWhen you can’t do what you do
You do what you can
This ain’t my prayer, it’s just a thought I’m wanting to send
‘Round here, we bend but don’t break
Down here, we all understand
When you can’t do what you do
You do what you canThey built a hospital on East Meadow in Central Park last night
Doctors, nurses, truckers, grocery store clerks manning the front lines
I saw a Red Cross on the Hudson
They turned off the Broadway lights
Another ambulance screams by
There by the grace of God go IAlthough I’ll keep my social distance
What this world needs is a hug
Until we find the vaccination
There’s no substitute for love
So love yourself and love your family
Love your neighbor and your friend
Ain’t it time we loved a stranger?
They’re just a friend you ain’t met yetWhen you can’t do what you do
You do what you can
This ain’t my prayer, it’s just a thought I’m wanting to send
‘Round here, we bend but don’t break
Down here, we all understand
When you can’t do what you do
You do what you can
When you can’t do what you do
You do what you can
Burning Rain on Monsters Of Rock Cruise X 2020