Journey’s “Lovin’, Touchin’, Squeezin'”: A Bluesy Anthem of Heartbreak and Resilience
“Lovin’, Touchin’, Squeezin'” by Journey is one of the band’s quintessential tracks, showcasing their ability to blend bluesy rock with infectious, sing-along choruses. Released in 1979 as the lead single from their breakthrough album Evolution, this song marked a significant moment in Journey’s career, helping to propel them to greater mainstream success. “Lovin’, Touchin’, Squeezin'” climbed to number 16 on the Billboard Hot 100, making it the band’s first top 20 hit in the United States, and cementing Steve Perry‘s role as the band’s charismatic frontman.
The song’s lyrics, written by Perry, tell a classic story of love and betrayal, capturing the pain and frustration of being in a relationship with someone who is unfaithful. Perry’s straightforward, almost conversational, style of lyricism adds to the song’s emotional impact, making it relatable to anyone who has experienced the sting of heartbreak. The opening lines, “You make me weep and wanna die, just when you said we’d try,” immediately set the tone, conveying the anguish of a love that has gone sour.
Musically, “Lovin’, Touchin’, Squeezin'” is grounded in a blues-rock tradition, with a strong, steady rhythm and a soulful groove that drives the song forward. Neal Schon’s guitar work is particularly notable here, with his bluesy riffs and licks providing the perfect complement to Perry’s impassioned vocals. Schon’s guitar tone is warm and rich, adding a layer of depth to the song that enhances its emotional intensity.
The structure of “Lovin’, Touchin’, Squeezin'” is simple but effective, with the verses building up to the memorable chorus, where Perry belts out the repeated refrain, “Na-na-na-na-na, na-na,” a melody that is as catchy as it is cathartic. This chorus has become one of Journey’s most iconic moments, a perfect example of how a simple, repeated phrase can become a powerful and unforgettable hook. The “na-na” chant is both a release of frustration and a rallying cry, inviting listeners to sing along and share in the emotional release.
Steve Perry’s vocal performance on “Lovin’, Touchin’, Squeezin'” is, as always, exceptional. His voice conveys a mix of vulnerability and strength, capturing the raw emotions of the lyrics while also delivering them with a sense of resilience. Perry’s ability to convey complex emotions through his voice is one of the reasons why Journey’s music resonates so deeply with fans. In this song, he moves effortlessly from the softer, more introspective verses to the powerful, belted chorus, showcasing his impressive range and control.
Jonathan Cain, who would later become a key member of Journey, had not yet joined the band at the time of this recording, but Gregg Rolie’s contributions on keyboards are still an essential part of the song’s sound. Rolie’s organ playing adds a soulful, church-like quality to the track, grounding it in a rich, bluesy tradition. The organ’s warm, sustained chords provide a solid foundation for the rest of the band, while also adding to the song’s overall emotional depth.
The rhythm section, consisting of Ross Valory on bass and Steve Smith on drums, is tight and groove-oriented, providing a steady, driving beat that keeps the song moving forward. Smith’s drumming, in particular, is notable for its precision and power, laying down a rock-solid groove that anchors the entire track. Valory’s bass lines are equally important, adding to the song’s groove and helping to build the tension that is released in the chorus.
“Lovin’, Touchin’, Squeezin'” is more than just a song about heartbreak; it’s also a song about resilience and moving on. The final repetition of the “na-na” chorus feels like a cathartic release, as if the protagonist is finally letting go of the pain and frustration that has been building throughout the song. This sense of release and empowerment is one of the reasons why the song has remained a fan favorite over the years.
The song’s success on the charts was a turning point for Journey, helping to establish them as one of the leading rock bands of the late 1970s and early 1980s. It was also a precursor to the even greater success they would achieve with their next album, Departure, and the massive hits that would follow, such as “Any Way You Want It” and “Don’t Stop Believin’.” But even as Journey continued to evolve and experiment with their sound, “Lovin’, Touchin’, Squeezin'” remained a staple of their live shows, a testament to its enduring appeal.
In conclusion, “Lovin’, Touchin’, Squeezin'” by Journey is a classic rock anthem that combines bluesy riffs, soulful vocals, and an unforgettable chorus to create a song that is both emotionally powerful and universally relatable. Its success helped to solidify Journey’s place in the rock pantheon and remains a beloved track that continues to resonate with listeners today. Whether you’re experiencing heartbreak or simply love great rock music, “Lovin’, Touchin’, Squeezin'” is a song that speaks to the heart and soul of what makes Journey one of the greatest rock bands of all time.