‘Blaze of Glory’ is the debut solo single of American singer-songwriter Jon Bon Jovi. It reached No. 1 on the US Billboard Hot 100 and Album Rock Tracks charts in 1990, becoming his only chart-topper away from his band Bon Jovi. ‘Blaze of Glory’ also topped the Australian, Canadian, and New Zealand singles charts and reached No. 13 on the UK Singles Chart.
The power ballad was allegedly recorded by Jon Bon Jovi because Emilio Estevez requested Bon Jovi's song ‘Wanted Dead or Alive’ for the soundtrack to Young Guns II, but Bon Jovi did not think the lyrics—about the band constantly touring—fit the theme of the Western movie. According to an article in Entertainment Weekly, Bon Jovi wrote the song after borrowing a script from the movie from his friend Estevez. Jon showed up on the set in New Mexico with an acoustic guitar, and played the song for the film's screenwriter John Fusco, who had used ‘Wanted Dead Or Alive’ as "Mood Music" while writing the first Young Guns. Bon Jovi played the song for Fusco, who loved it and put it in the movie.
In 1990, guitarist Aldo Nova wrote the main guitar riff used in the song. Bon Jovi ended up recording a whole album of songs inspired by Young Guns II, which was released a week after the film and also called Blaze of Glory. It was his first solo album, and it sold over 2 million copies. To play on the album, Jon recruited some big names, including Elton John, Little Richard, and Jeff Beck, who played slide guitar on this track. Randy Jackson also appeared on the album and played bass guitar on this track. Jackson said on American Idol that it was his second-best performance ever. He didn't disclose what he felt was his best performance.
The song features a music video and remains a crowd favorite with Bon Jovi fans, despite the fact that the song was not released as one of the band's singles, and only by Jon. The track is notable for the performance of Jeff Beck on guitar. The music video was filmed at The Rectory near Moab, Utah. Jon Bon Jovi wrote the song on a napkin in a diner on the set of Young Guns II. Emilio Estevez has it framed on a wall at his home.
Jon Bon Jovi recorded this as a solo project while he was taking a break from his band. Not only did he branch out from the group, but he also made his first foray into acting, appearing in Young Guns II as a pit inmate who is shot back into the pit. He has appeared as an actor many times since, including roles in the movies U-571 and Pay It Forward, and the TV shows Sex and the City and Ally McBeal.
Label – Vertigo
Songwriter – Jon Bon Jovi
Producers – Danny Kortchmar, Jon Bon Jovi
SONG LYRICS
[Verse 1]I wake up in the morning and I raise my weary head
I've got an old coat for a pillow, and the earth was last night's bed
I don't know where I'm goin', only God knows where I've been
I'm a devil on the run, a six gun lover, a candle in the wind
[Verse 2]
When you're brought into this world, they say you're born in sin
Well, at least they gave me somethin', I didn't have to steal or have to win
Well, they tell me that I'm wanted, yeah, I'm a wanted man
I'm a colt in your stable, I'm what Cain was to Abel, Mr. Catch-Me-If-You-Can
[Chorus]
I'm goin' down in a blaze of glory
Take me now but know the truth
I'm goin' out in a blaze of glory
And, Lord, I never drew first, but I drew first blood
I'm no one's son, call me young gun
[Verse 3]
You ask about my conscience and I offer you my soul
You ask If I'll grow to be a wise man, well I ask if I'll grow old
You ask me if I've known love and what it's like to sing songs in the rain
Well, I've seen love come, I've seen it shot down, I've seen it die in vain
[Chorus]
Shot down in a blaze of glory
Take me now but know the truth
'Cause I'm goin' out in a blaze of glory
Lord, I never drew first but I drew first blood
I'm the devil's son, call me young gun
[Guitar Solo]
[Bridge]
Each night I go to bed, I pray the Lord my soul to keep
No, I ain't lookin' for forgiveness, but before I'm six foot deep
Lord, I gotta ask a favor, and I'll hope you'll understand
'Cause I've lived life to the fullest, let this boy die like a man
Starin' down a bullet, let me make my final stand
[Chorus]
Shot down in a blaze of glory
Take me now but know the truth
I'm goin' out in a blaze of glory
Lord, I never drew first but I drew first blood
And I'm no one's son, call me young gun
I'm a young gun
Young gun
Young gun