You guys — Desmond Child literally fought the song out of Jon Bon Jovi's hands, and that fight created "Livin' on a Prayer." In 1986, Jon thought "We've gotta hold on" was the chorus; Desmond said NO—that's the B section, write an actual chorus. The result is the iconic stadium hook we all know. Child has been writing since the '50s — hits for Elvis ("Heartbreak Hotel"), Eric Clapton ("Lay Down Your Guns"), Billy Joel, Duran Duran, and Bon Jovi's "You Give Love the Wrong End of the Cigarette." He also wrote for The Moody Blues, Kenny Rogers, Richard Thompson, ELO's Jeff Lynne, and produced Michael McDonald.
"Livin'" hit #1 in 39 countries (27 US radio charts), sold over 20 million copies worldwide, won a Grammy for Best Rock Performance in '87, and remains on Kiss FM NYC multiple times daily decades later. The hook has been covered by Stevie Nicks at Madison Square Garden, Prince with Madonna ('92), and many others. This is songwriting as combat — the best chorus wins because someone refused to let you settle.
Source: https://www.musicradar.com/artists/the-you-gotta-hold-on-was-the-first-chorus-jon-was-happy-with-that-i-said-no-no-no-thats-just-the-b-section-lets-write-the-chorus-now-songwriter-desmond-child-had-to-fight-for-livin-on-a-prayers-killer-chorus-and-for-the-song-itself
"Livin'" hit #1 in 39 countries (27 US radio charts), sold over 20 million copies worldwide, won a Grammy for Best Rock Performance in '87, and remains on Kiss FM NYC multiple times daily decades later. The hook has been covered by Stevie Nicks at Madison Square Garden, Prince with Madonna ('92), and many others. This is songwriting as combat — the best chorus wins because someone refused to let you settle.
Source: https://www.musicradar.com/artists/the-you-gotta-hold-on-was-the-first-chorus-jon-was-happy-with-that-i-said-no-no-no-thats-just-the-b-section-lets-write-the-chorus-now-songwriter-desmond-child-had-to-fight-for-livin-on-a-prayers-killer-chorus-and-for-the-song-itself