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In These Arms
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In These Arms
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"In These Arms"
Single by Bon Jovi
from the album Keep the Faith
ReleasedMay 3, 1993 (1993-05-03)
GenreRock[1]
Length
  • 5:19 (album version)
  • 4:29 (radio edit)
Label
Songwriters
ProducerBob Rock
Bon Jovi singles chronology
"Bed of Roses"
(1993) 		"In These Arms"
(1993) 		"I'll Sleep When I'm Dead"
(1993)
Music video
In These Arms at YouTube.com

"In These Arms" is a song by American rock band Bon Jovi, released on May 3, 1993, by Mercury and Jambco, as the third single from the band's fifth studio album, Keep the Faith (1992). The song was written by band members Jon Bon Jovi, Richie Sambora and David Bryan, and produced by Bob Rock.

Composition

[edit]

The song's lyrics are about everlasting love and devotion. The song is characterized by a strong bass rhythm, jangling guitars, and very tight, hard drum playing, as well as soulful, emotional singing by Jon Bon Jovi. However, it is not a ballad, as its driving guitars and fast-paced beat and upbeat sound maintain it as more of a pop-rock song, in the vein of "Born to Be My Baby".

Chart performance

[edit]

"In These Arms" was Bon Jovi's second-most successful single from Keep the Faith in the United States, reaching number 27 on the Billboard Hot 100, number 32 on the Billboard Album Rock Tracks chart, and number 14 on the Billboard Top 40/Mainstream chart. It also reached number five in Iceland, number six in Canada, number seven in the Netherlands, number nine in the United Kingdom, and number 10 in Australia and Portugal.

Music video

[edit]

The accompanying music video for the song shows Bon Jovi performing at a concert on their Keep the Faith Tour. The live portions were filmed during Bon Jovi's New Year's Eve show at Stabler Arena in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania on December 31, 1992. The live show was also featured on their previous track "Bed of Roses". Portions of the video were also filmed at the Dane County Coliseum in Madison, Wisconsin in March 1993.

Legacy

[edit]

The song has always been a fan favorite, and was a staple in the band's setlist on their Have a Nice Day Tour, and also was played frequently on the Lost Highway Tour, especially on the European leg of the tour. The song was also recorded by the band's keyboard player David Bryan on his first solo album On a Full Moon released in 1995, as an instrumental piano version, and also appears on his second solo album Lunar Eclipse released in 2000, but this time with vocals from Bryan.

Track listing

[edit]
  • UK release
  1. "In These Arms"
  2. "Keep the Faith" (live)
  3. "In These Arms" (live)

Charts

[edit]

Certifications

[edit]
Region Certification Certified units/sales
Australia (ARIA)[27] Platinum 70,000‡
United Kingdom (BPI)[28] Silver 200,000‡

‡ Sales+streaming figures based on certification alone.

Release history

[edit]
Region Date Format(s) Label(s) Ref.
United Kingdom May 3, 1993
  • CD
  • cassette
[29]
Japan May 26, 1993 Mini-CD [30]
Australia June 14, 1993
  • CD
  • cassette
 [31]

References

[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia

In These Arms

View on Grokipedia
from Grokipedia
"In These Arms" is a power ballad by American rock band , written by lead singer , guitarist , and keyboardist , and released as the third single from the band's fifth studio album, , on May 3, 1993. Produced by at in , the song features soaring guitar solos, emotional vocals, and lyrics expressing unwavering commitment and longing in love, with lines like "If you were in these arms tonight / I'd hold you, do anything." The track runs 5:19 in length and helped propel , released on November 3, 1992, to commercial success, peaking at number five on the US and selling over five million copies worldwide. Upon release, "In These Arms" achieved moderate chart success, reaching number 27 on the US , where it spent 16 weeks, and number nine on the UK Singles Chart, marking Bon Jovi's sixth top-ten hit there. The single was backed by B-sides including an acoustic version of "" and live recordings of the title track and "" from a December 1992 performance at the Count Basie Theater in . Its music video, directed by Wayne Isham, captures the band performing energetically in a dimly lit concert venue, intercut with shots of fans, emphasizing the song's anthemic ballad style. The song's creation came during a transitional period for , following the massive success of 1986's and the exhaustive New Jersey tour, as the band sought to evolve their sound with more mature themes on . Critics praised "In These Arms" for blending the group's roots with pop sensibilities, with later ranking it among 's top songs for its heartfelt delivery and memorable chorus. Over the years, it has become a fan favorite in live performances, often featured in 's concerts, and has been covered by artists such as DJ in the Box, underscoring its enduring appeal in .

Background and composition

Writing process

"In These Arms" was written by , , and during the creative sessions leading up to Bon Jovi's fifth studio album, . Jon Bon Jovi took the lead on the lyrics, emphasizing themes of everlasting love and devotion, drawing from the band's evolving personal reflections amid their post-1980s career transitions. Sambora contributed guitar elements and melodic structure, while Bryan added keyboard arrangements to enhance the emotional depth. The song emerged in late 1991 to early 1992, as spent the summer of 1991 traveling anonymously across the on his , using the time to write material introspectively before reuniting with the band. This period of solitude influenced the album's more mature tone, with "In These Arms" reflecting the members' experiences of balancing fame, relationships, and artistic growth during a time of industry shifts. The track was finalized amid the collaborative songwriting for , where penned roughly half the songs solo or with Sambora, incorporating input from Bryan to shape its heartfelt narrative. Recording took place in 1992 at Little Mountain Sound Studios in Vancouver, Canada, under producer Bob Rock, who guided the sessions starting in January and lasting about six to seven months. The band set up with a focus on organic instrumentation, featuring prominent bass lines from Alec John Such and jangling guitar tones from Sambora to capture the song's intimate yet anthemic feel. Rock's production emphasized live band energy, with Bon Jovi's vocals layered for emotional intensity, aligning the track with the album's shift toward a more introspective rock sound.

Musical style and structure

"In These Arms" is classified as a pop rock ballad incorporating arena rock elements. The song highlights emotional vocals from Jon Bon Jovi, tight drumming by Tico Torres, and layered guitar work by Richie Sambora, creating a sound that balances intimacy with stadium-ready power. The track follows a conventional verse-chorus form, structured with an intro, three verses interspersed with pre-choruses, multiple choruses, a bridge, a , and an outro that fades with repeating vocal ad-libs. The full album version clocks in at 5:19, while the condenses it to 4:29 for broader appeal. Composed in at a of 123 beats per minute, it maintains a mid-tempo pace that builds momentum across its sections. Musically, the features a prominent bass line from that anchors the rhythm, Richie Sambora's signature guitar riffs and solos adding melodic hooks, and David Bryan's subtle keyboard accents providing atmospheric texture. Jon Bon Jovi's vocal performance delivers raw passion, rising in intensity to emphasize of unwavering devotion. Produced by , the recording employs dynamic layering to create a sense of escalating emotional build-up, with reverb on the vocals and guitars enhancing spatial depth and dramatic solos. This polished mix, handled by Rock and engineer Randy Staub, underscores the track's radio-friendly essence while preserving its rock edge.

Release and promotion

Single release

"In These Arms" was released as the third single from Bon Jovi's album on May 3, 1993, by and Jambco Records in the . The single was issued in multiple formats, including CD, cassette, and 7-inch vinyl. B-sides featured live recordings, such as versions of "" and "In These Arms" captured at the Count Basie Theater in , in December 1992. Promotion emphasized radio airplay to build on the momentum from the prior single "," positioning "In These Arms" as a key track in the album's rollout. The release aligned with the band's , which began on July 1, 1993, at in , , incorporating the song into live performances. Regional variations included distinct artwork and track listings across markets; for instance, European editions often featured the live B-sides, while North American promo versions prioritized the studio track in cardboard sleeves.

Music video

The music video for "In These Arms" is a live performance recording directed by Wayne Isham, capturing the band's high-energy stage show and interaction with enthusiastic crowds during their concerts. Filming took place as part of the Tour, with key portions shot at the band's concert on December 31, 1992, at Stabler Arena in , and additional footage recorded in March 1993 at the Dane County Coliseum in . The video highlights Jon Bon Jovi's commanding stage presence and charismatic delivery, Richie Sambora's dynamic guitar solos, and interspersed shots of the audience singing along, emphasizing the song's emotional rock ballad style in a live setting; it runs for approximately 5 minutes. Released in April 1993, the video premiered on in mid-1993, contributing to increased exposure for the single across the and as part of the album's promotional push.

Commercial performance

Chart performance

"In These Arms" entered the at number 72 on the week of May 8, 1993, and rose steadily over the summer, reaching its peak position of number 27 during the week of June 19, 1993. The single spent a total of 16 weeks on the , marking moderate success in the US market following the album's release. It also charted on rock and pop radio formats, peaking at number 32 on the US Mainstream Rock Tracks chart, reflecting Bon Jovi's core audience. Internationally, the song saw stronger performance, especially in Europe and select other regions, entering charts in the summer of 1993 and benefiting from the momentum of Keep the Faith. Peaks included number 5 in Iceland and Sweden, number 6 in Canada, number 7 in the Netherlands, number 8 in Belgium and Poland, number 9 in the UK, and number 10 in Australia and Portugal, with additional top-20 entries in countries such as Austria (#14), Finland (#19), Ireland (#12), New Zealand (#11), Norway (#6), and Switzerland (#20). Durations varied by market, with 7-8 weeks common in European charts like the UK (7 weeks from May 15, 1993) and Netherlands (8 weeks from April 1993).
CountryChartPeakWeeks on ChartEntry Date
United States2716May 8, 1993
UK Singles (OCC)97May 15, 1993
RPM Top Singles620May 1993
Singles1015June 27, 1993
78April 1993
57May 1993
Íslenski Listinn56June 1993
68May 1993
RIANZ Singles1112July 1993
1410June 1993
On year-end charts for 1993, "In These Arms" ranked number 58 in and number 67 in , underscoring its sustained radio and sales impact in those territories. The track's European traction highlighted Bon Jovi's global appeal during this phase, contrasting its more modest trajectory.

Certifications

"In These Arms" has received certifications in select markets reflecting its enduring commercial success, particularly through a combination of physical sales and streaming equivalents. In , the single was certified by the Australian Recording Industry Association () in 2023 for sales and streaming exceeding 70,000 units. In the , it attained certification from the (BPI) in 2025, denoting 200,000 units sold or streamed. No certification has been awarded by the (RIAA) in the , and while the single charted in the , it has not received a certification from NVPI/. These awards underscore the track's performance without reaching higher tiers like in the UK or equivalents elsewhere.
CountryCertificationAccredited unitsDate certifiedCertifying body
70,000‡2023
Silver200,000^2025BPI
‡ Sales + streaming figures based on certification alone.
^ Includes physical sales, downloads, and streaming equivalents. Certification thresholds for singles have evolved to incorporate since 2020, aligning with global industry standards. For , Platinum status requires 70,000 units, where one equates to 1,200 paid or 150 premium for singles post-2016 updates. Similarly, BPI's Silver award for 200,000 units factors in 200 as one sale, reflecting the shift toward digital consumption that boosted "In These Arms" in later years. The single's certifications were bolstered by strong radio airplay and Bon Jovi's ongoing tour promotions, contributing to estimated global sales surpassing 500,000 units, though no Diamond or multi-Platinum awards have been issued. Its top 10 chart peaks in Australia and other regions further supported these milestones.

Reception and legacy

Critical reception

Upon its release as a single in 1993, "In These Arms" received positive notice in contemporary album reviews for its energetic rock qualities and ability to engage listeners. In Entertainment Weekly's assessment of Keep the Faith, the song was singled out as a standout rocker alongside the title track, with the reviewer noting it "gets you movin'" and evokes the excitement of social anticipation. Critics observed the track's pop-rock elements, which aligned with Bon Jovi's evolving sound toward more mature, bar-band-style rock. The New York Times described the album's overall shift as "lean, tough" and less polished than the band's 1980s output, amid changing rock trends. Some outlets found the single formulaic in comparison to Bon Jovi's earlier anthemic hits such as "Livin' on a Prayer." Entertainment Weekly critiqued the album as a whole for lacking the intensity of prior releases, assigning it a D grade and suggesting the band had lost some edge.

Cultural impact

"In These Arms" has maintained a strong presence in 's live repertoire since its release, establishing itself as a fan favorite during major tours. Overall, the song has been played 486 times in concerts since 1993, reflecting its enduring appeal to audiences. The track has inspired notable covers and adaptations within the Bon Jovi circle, particularly by keyboardist . Bryan included an instrumental piano version on his solo album On a in , reinterpreting the ballad's emotional core through solo instrumentation. He later released a vocal rendition on Lunar Eclipse in 2000. While major covers by other artists are limited, the song has been adapted by tribute and fan bands in live settings. Among fans, "In These Arms" continues to resonate through high streaming engagement and inclusion in key compilations. The original recording has amassed over 84 million streams on as of November 2025, underscoring its lasting popularity on digital platforms. Its feature on the 1994 greatest-hits album Cross Road helped cement its place in the band's catalog, exposing it to new generations. The song's themes of love and longing have led to cultural references in media, including a featured appearance in an episode of the animated series during its third season in 1993, where it was highlighted for its radio-friendly rock ballad style. Despite lacking major synchronizations in films or television, it benefits from enduring radio , with stations continuing to rotate it as a staple decades after release.

Formats and track listings

Standard track listings

The standard track listings for "In These Arms" varied by region and format, all released under the Mercury and Jambco labels in 1993, with no digital exclusives prior to the .

UK CD and cassette single (JOVCD 10 / JOVMC 10)

No.TitleLengthNotes
1"In These Arms"5:19Album version from Keep the Faith
2"Keep the Faith" (live)6:35Recorded live at the Count Basie Theater, , December 1992
3"In These Arms" (live)6:07Recorded live at the Count Basie Theater, , December 1992

UK cassette single (JOVMC 10)

SideNo.TitleLengthNotes
AA1"In These Arms"5:19Album version from Keep the Faith
AA2"Bed of Roses" (acoustic)4:20Acoustic version
BB1"In These Arms"5:19Album version from Keep the Faith
BB2"Bed of Roses" (acoustic)4:20Acoustic version

US promotional CD single (CDP 837)

This promo release focused on broadcast versions in a cardboard sleeve.
No.TitleLength
1"In These Arms" (edit)4:30
2"In These Arms"5:19
3"In These Arms" (live version)6:08

Australian CD single (862 088-2)

No.TitleLength
1"In These Arms" (edit)4:29
2""5:57
This configuration featured a regional B-side variation from the album, differing from the UK live tracks.

7-inch vinyl single

Formats included both US and UK pressings, typically with the A-side as the title track and B-side as an excerpt. US version (862 088-7, 45 RPM):
SideTitleLength
A"In These Arms"5:19
B"Save a Prayer"5:56
UK version (JOV 10 / 862 228-7, 33⅓ RPM, single-sided etched):
SideTitleLength
A1"In These Arms"5:19
A2"Bed of Roses" (acoustic)4:20

Live and alternate versions

Several live recordings of "In These Arms" have been officially released. A version captured during a December 1992 performance at the Count Basie Theater in , was included on the 1993 CD single (JOVCD 10). Another live rendition, from the band's July 2008 concert at , appears on the 2009 live album and DVD Live at , with a runtime of 6:06. Alternate versions include a solo vocal cover by , featured on his 2000 instrumental album Lunar Eclipse. No official remixes exist, though unofficial fan edits circulate on platforms like . The song has been performed live during tours from 1993 through the band's 2019 tour, with tour-specific versions available as fan-recorded footage on , and some official live clips integrated into the remastered . Remastered audio from the original Keep the Faith album, including "In These Arms," is accessible on streaming services like in the 2020s.

References

  1. https://www.discogs.com/release/1440474-Bon-Jovi-In-These-Arms
  2. https://www.facebook.com/BonJovi/posts/the-single-for-in-these-arms-was-released-on-this-day-in-1993/10155166650902000/
  3. https://genius.com/Bon-jovi-in-these-arms-lyrics
  4. https://ultimateclassicrock.com/bon-jovi-keep-the-faith/
  5. https://bestsellingalbums.org/album/6013
  6. https://www.billboard.com/charts/hot-100/1993-06-25/
  7. https://www.officialcharts.com/charts/singles-chart/19930523/7501/
  8. https://www.imdb.com/title/tt7039256/
  9. https://www.billboard.com/music/rock/bon-jovi-songs-best-hits-list-7998847/
  10. https://secondhandsongs.com/work/198977/all
  11. https://www.udiscovermusic.com/stories/bon-jovi-keep-the-faith-album/
  12. https://www.last.fm/music/Bon%2BJovi/Keep%2BThe%2BFaith/%2Bwiki
  13. https://backstage.bonjovi.com/artifact/keep-the-faith-recording
  14. https://www.facebook.com/rockexperiencewithmike/posts/may-3-1993on-this-day-32-years-ago-bon-jovi-released-the-single-in-these-arms-it/1015018297489160/
  15. https://musicbydecade.com/1990s/in-these-arms
  16. https://www.songsterr.com/a/wsa/bon-jovi-in-these-arms-chords-s3413
  17. https://tunebat.com/Info/In-These-Arms-Bon-Jovi/0vTKR5TQD03kASmEGlyDF3
  18. https://musicstax.com/track/in-these-arms/0vTKR5TQD03kASmEGlyDF3
  19. https://www.yourguitarist.com/bobrockvocals.html
  20. https://musicbrainz.org/release-group/39e1d085-adac-3abe-a339-b7bcfde6b70e
  21. https://www.bonjovimuseum.com/main/oldmuseum/tours/id17.htm
  22. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mEYfg0t0w4U
  23. https://www.imdb.com/title/tt7039256/releaseinfo/
  24. https://www.billboard.com/charts/hot-100/1993-06-19/
  25. https://tsort.info/music/20gubh.htm
  26. https://www.officialcharts.com/songs/bon-jovi-in-these-arms/
  27. https://www.dutchcharts.nl/showitem.asp?interpret=Bon+Jovi&titel=In+These+Arms&cat=s
  28. https://musiccanada.wordpress.com/2015/12/11/top-100-singles-of-1993-in-canada/
  29. https://www.top100singles.net/2011/05/aria-top-singles-of-1993.html
  30. https://www.aria.com.au/accreditations
  31. https://chartmasters.org/cspc-bon-jovi-popularity-analysis/
  32. https://ew.com/article/1992/11/13/keep-faith-2/
  33. https://www.nytimes.com/1992/11/15/arts/recordings-view-bon-jovi-s-new-sound-lean-tough-uneasy.html
  34. https://www.setlist.fm/stats/songs/bon-jovi-33d6b851.html?songid=43d62b17
  35. https://www.discogs.com/master/810354-David-Bryan-On-A-Full-Moon
  36. https://www.discogs.com/release/2708758-David-Bryan-Lunar-Eclipse
  37. https://www.discogs.com/master/554403-David-Bryan-Lunar-Eclipse
  38. https://www.discogs.com/release/7441707-Bon-Jovi-Cross-Road
  39. https://chartmasters.org/artist/?id=58lV9VcRSjABbAbfWS6skp
  40. https://ultimateclassicrock.com/beavis-and-butt-head-one-liners/
  41. https://myq105.com/listicle/bon-jovis-20-most-viewed-music-videos/
  42. https://www.discogs.com/release/1812645-Bon-Jovi-In-These-Arms
  43. https://www.discogs.com/release/6215677-Bon-Jovi-In-These-Arms
  44. https://www.discogs.com/release/4069667-Bon-Jovi-In-These-Arms
  45. https://www.discogs.com/release/2004449-Bon-Jovi-In-These-Arms
  46. https://www.discogs.com/release/5154525-Bon-Jovi-In-These-Arms
  47. https://www.discogs.com/release/2063858-Bon-Jovi-In-These-Arms
  48. https://open.spotify.com/track/5xax8EsB9pmhzcquQwDCem
  49. https://www.discogs.com/release/10207767-Bon-Jovi-Live-At-Madison-Square-Garden
  50. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=59NoqP02ZYM
  51. https://open.spotify.com/track/1VOstdlofoiAp6KKmATkpS
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