worlds apart journey

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Separate Ways (Worlds Apart) by Journey

Songfacts®:

• Journey keyboardist Jonathan Cain and lead vocalist Steve Perry wrote this song on tour during a period when two of the band members were going through painful divorces due to the stresses (and temptations) of life on the road. According to Journey's Time3 compilation, with guitarist Neal Schon and bass player Ross Valory going through painful - and expensive - divorces, Perry and Cain thought there should be some way to dredge something positive out of such circumstances. "There's got to be a more soulful way of looking at this," Perry told his collaborator, Cain. The pair worked out the tune in a hotel room using Cain's little Casio keyboard and the entire band worked up the fresh song the next afternoon at soundcheck, inserting the party-finished song into the program that night. "I think he mumbled his way through half the lyrics," said Cain, "but the audience just came unglued." The song was sitting in the band's pocket long before the beginning of sessions for the next album. Released as the first single off Frontiers , it zoomed up the charts to #8 in March 1983.
• This was used in the TV series The O.C. in Season 1 Episode 21 (2004) when Seth and Ryan are on their way to the airport. It also plays in the first episode of the Netflix series GLOW (2017) in a fantasy scene where the main characters battle it out in the wrestling ring. Other uses of the song include: The Simpsons ("All's Fair in Oven War" - 2004) Cold Case ("Greed" - 2004) Yes Man (2008) TRON: Legacy (2010) >> Suggestion credit : Anthony - Hermosa Beach, CA
• When MTV launched in 1981, the race was on to come up with unusual concepts for music videos. Journey staked their claim with the first ever "air band" video. That's right, the group played pretend instruments for much of the clip. Shot on a wharf in New Orleans, it was directed by Tom Buchholtz, who like many music video directors of the time, came from the world of directing commercials. Journey were dragged kicking and screaming into the video era. They knew MTV exposure was crucial for sales, but hated making the videos and left the concepts up to the directors, which is how they ended up on a wharf playing pretend instruments. In the book I Want My MTV by Craig Marks, we learn that lead singer Steve Perry cut his hair shortly before the shoot, and also that there was some drama on the set. Perry brought his girlfriend to the set - the same girl he sings about in " Oh Sherrie " - and she did not want Steve to have another girl playing his love interest in the video. "Sherrie was jealous and possessive," said Jonathan Cain. "There was a big kicking and screaming session. Sherrie was giving Steve a very bad time about that girl." Years later, Beavis and Butt-Head gave it a good mocking.
• A remix by the composer Bryce Miller was used in the trailer for season 4 of the Netflix series Stranger Things in 2022. This version is surprisingly spooky, with the song's refrain sounding like a classic horror movie theme. The song quickly started trending and entered Billboard's Rock Digital Song Sales chart dated April 23, 2022. An extended version of the remix appears at the end of episode 8, "Papa," which sets the stage for a climatic battle. Steve Perry, a big fan of the show, signed off on the project and got involved after hearing a demo of the remix. It was his idea to do an extended version, which appears on the show's soundtrack. As for the significance of the lyrics, Bobby Gumm of the marketing firm that worked on the remix explained : "The characters, at the end of the third season, did all go their separate ways, and even the ones that are still living in the same town have gone their separate ways a little bit. They're in different cliques and things like that."
• Halestorm's vocalist Lzzy Hale covered this song with Daughtry in January 2023. The video for their version wasn't planned. "I don't think either of us, Lzzy or myself, were actually 'dressed' for a video shoot," said Chris Daughtry. "We were basically just trying to get some b-roll to capture the studio experience of recording this track. But when we got the footage back, it was like, 'Well... This looks way cooler than I expected, so... I guess we have a music video now?' Haha. It was the most low-key, low-pressure video I've ever done."
• More songs from Journey
• More songs about marital problems or divorce
• More songs used in TV shows
• More songs in heavy rotation in the early days of MTV
• More songs used on The Simpsons
• More songs used in Stranger Things
• More songs from 1983
• Lyrics to Separate Ways (Worlds Apart)
• Journey Artistfacts

Comments: 22

• Montana Julian from Missoula, Mt It just seems to me that the thematic element of Separate Ways(Worlds Apart) musically speaking is a classical piece that I just can’t put my thumb on. Something maybe that Beethoven or Mozart might have done. Anyone else with a background in the classical classics hear what I am hearing?
• Seventhmist from 7th Heaven One of the most powerful songs ever made. Pain and anger in abundance, yet delivered with love and a last desperate touch of hope.
• Marc from -, Md First-ever interview with the girl in this video, including what she's doing now (plus never-published set pics): http://noblemania.blogspot.com/2013/07/the-girl-in-video-separate-ways-worlds.html.
• Nick from Ludlow, Ma I saw on another board about the gif of the opening air band part and searched for years who (At the time, I didn't know who anyone for Journey looked like, I'm a teen) so I saw the video and found out it was this song, I was shocked. I can't believe a song this epic was done so bad in a music video).
• Erica from Pensacola, Fl This is one for the mp3, morning workout/run! Love it!
• Jeff from Boston, Ma If your heart doesn't race when you hear this song you are dead inside.
• Jeff from Boston, Ma I agree the Frontiers album overall was bad, but this is a phenomenal song. If you can't relate to what this song is about, someday you will.
• Josep from Dubrovnik, Croatia Whenever this song comes on the radio, my brother punches my arm in rhythm with the guitar riff. Good times!
• Karen from Manchester, Nh I have to agree with most here...horrible video, but easily one of my favorite Journey songs (right up there with "Lovin', Touchin' Squeezin'"). This is one of those, "put the car windows UP, turn the volume UP, and sing along as loud as you can!"
• Jones from San Antonio, Tx It was a pretty dumb music video, but I love the song!!! -Steve Perry ROCKS!!!
• Chris from Meriden, Ct what makes the song great is the keyboard riff
• Ricky from Bountiful, Ut Holy crud, I laughed so hard I cried when I saw the video! But the song is... Epic. My band is working on a cover.
• Tony from Chicago, Il One of my favorite Breakup songs!!!!!!
• Aldrin from Manila, Philippines nice synthesizer sound accompanied by neil schon's deadly guitar riffs...
• Jennifer Harris from Grand Blanc, Mi I love the song and video! both mother and I love Journey.It hasn't been the same without Steve Perry.
• Benny from Chattanooga, Tn This is the song where Journey (my favorite band) officially "jumped the shark" God, Frontiers was so bad........
• Sanafabich from Santiago, Chile yeah, cheezy video but still great! you gotta love the 80's!
• Pete from Toronto, Canada this has got to be one of the cheeziest videos ever made! what was the director thinking http://youtube.com/watch?v=ZbZwAn3qOJU&search=Journey%20Seperate%20Ways
• Sara Mackenzie from Middle Of Nowhere, Fl good song!!!!!!!!!
• Michelle from Anaheim, Ca A long time ago, i was flipping channels in my parents room and on MTV they were showing the video, and little tidbits came up. the director had the band members playing air instruments-air guitar, air keyboards,etc.
• William from Toronto, Canada A good song. The synthesizers really emphasize the theme that the site has posted in my opinion.
• Mercedies from Soldotna, Ak This is one of my favorite journey songs. It's really emotional and the tune is awesome. You can actually feel what the band members are going through. A moving song really, and it's great live. When it's live you feel like you're there.

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Journey to the Heart: A Deep Dive into “Separate Ways (Worlds Apart)”

Exploring the Depths of Journey’s Timeless Classic

Diving into journey’s enduring anthem “separate ways (worlds apart)”: a testament to the band’s undeniable talent and timeless impact on rock music..

When you think of iconic anthems from the ’80s, Journey’s “Separate Ways (Worlds Apart)” is undoubtedly one that comes to mind. Released in 1983 on their album Frontiers, this powerful rock ballad remains an enduring testament to the incredible talent and versatility of the band.

Journey, formed in 1973 in San Francisco, initially started as a progressive rock band but found their niche in the world of arena rock. The band’s lineup has seen several changes over the years, with notable members including renowned keyboardist Gregg Rolie, virtuoso guitarist Neal Schon, and, of course, the unforgettable voice of Steve Perry. It was the addition of Perry in 1977 that helped propel them to superstardom, with his incomparably emotive range and distinct vocal tone. While Perry has been absent from the band in recent years, his legacy remains a crucial part of what makes Journey so iconic.

“Separate Ways (Worlds Apart)” showcases the band’s incredible musicianship and their ability to create memorable melodies, powerful riffs, and heart-wrenching lyrics. Perry’s vocals shine in this song, telling the tale of a couple in the middle of a breakup, with a performance that pierces the soul. The combination of Schon’s soaring guitar and Jonathan Cain’s skillful keyboard work add to the emotional depth of the track, making it a timeless classic. The music video, however, has been criticized for its awkward air instrument performances, which in hindsight, could be considered somewhat endearing in the context of the era’s cheesy music videos.

Journey has received numerous accolades and awards, such as the prestigious Diamond certification for their 1981 album, Escape, and being inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2017. They have sold over 75 million albums worldwide, making them one of the best-selling bands of all time. Throughout their career, Journey has continued to captivate audiences with their incredible live performances, their ability to create unforgettable anthems like “Don’t Stop Believin,” “Open Arms,” and, of course, “Separate Ways (Worlds Apart).”

In conclusion, Journey remains an influential and important band in the history of rock music, with “Separate Ways (Worlds Apart)” being a prime example of their incredible talent both lyrically and musically. Despite the occasional misstep, like a questionable music video choice, Journey has undoubtedly left an indelible mark on the hearts of millions of fans worldwide.

Charting the Journey of “Separate Ways”

“separate ways: a rock ballad’s chart odyssey in the 80s music landscape”.

Released on January 5, 1983, “Separate Ways (Worlds Apart)” quickly became a fan favorite and demonstrated Journey’s prowess in the realm of rock ballads. The song’s chart journey is an interesting tale, displaying both its successes and the changing landscape of the music industry during the early 80s.

Upon its release, “Separate Ways (Worlds Apart)” debuted at number 56 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart. With its powerful guitar riffs and unforgettable chorus, the song steadily climbed the charts, ultimately reaching its peak position at number 8 just nine weeks later. Journey’s captivating power ballad remained in the top 10 for a total of four weeks, showcasing its staying power and resonating with audiences across the United States.

The song also found success on other charts, such as the Billboard Mainstream Rock Tracks chart, where it peaked at an impressive number 3. On the international stage, “Separate Ways (Worlds Apart)” fared well in Canada, peaking at number 12 on the RPM Top Singles chart.

However, not every chart told the same success story for Journey’s classic ballad. In the United Kingdom, “Separate Ways (Worlds Apart)” struggled to find its footing, reaching only number 84 on the UK Singles Chart. This discrepancy in chart performance highlights the varying tastes and preferences of music listeners around the globe.

Despite the song’s mixed chart performance, “Separate Ways (Worlds Apart)” has cemented its place in rock history and continues to be a beloved anthem for Journey fans. Its chart journey not only exemplifies the tumultuous nature of the music industry but also serves as a testament to the power of a well-crafted, emotionally resonant song.

Unlocking the Emotional Depth of “Separate Ways (Worlds Apart)”

Someday, love will find you Break those chains that bind you One night will remind you How we touched and went our separate ways If he ever hurts you True love won’t desert you You know I still love you Though we touched and went our separate ways

Troubled times Caught between confusions and pain, pain, pain Distant eyes Promises we made were in vain, in vain, vain If you must go, I wish you love You’ll never walk alone Take care, my love Miss you, love

Journey’s “Separate Ways (Worlds Apart)” features lyrics that dive deep into the emotional experience of love and heartbreak. The song, released in 1983, captures the spirit of the times and resonates with the challenges and uncertainties that marked the early 1980s. With its powerful lyrics and anthemic sound, the song quickly established itself as a rock classic.

The lyrics of “Separate Ways” convey a sense of longing and sadness for a love that has ended but still lingers in the hearts and minds of the individuals involved. The song paints a vivid picture of sleepless nights and the relentlessness of feeling that something is gone. This concept of love as a force that divides yet continues to bind people together, even after they’ve gone their separate ways, reflects the complexities of human emotions and relationships.

The 1980s were a time of change and transition, marked by events such as the Cold War, the rise of technology, and shifting cultural norms. These broader dynamics of the era are echoed in the lyrics’ themes of uncertainty, confusion, and pain. The song’s resolution – that true love will eventually find you and break the chains that bind you – offers a hopeful message amidst the turmoil.

Serving as a testament to the timeless appeal of Journey’s music and lyrics, “Separate Ways (Worlds Apart)” will continue to resonate with fans and listeners for generations to come.

A Visual Journey: The Making of “Separate Ways (Worlds Apart)” Music Video

“journey’s iconic first music video, ‘separate ways (worlds apart),’ transports us back to the 80s with its passionate performance, bold fashion, and innovative camera techniques, making it a lasting emblem of rock history.”.

The music video for Journey’s 1983 hit “Separate Ways (Worlds Apart)” is often heralded as a quintessential representation of the 80s music video era. Directed by Tom Buckholtz, the video showcases the band performing on a wharf with lead singer Steve Perry passionately belting out the lyrics, while the rest of the band mimics playing their instruments with no cords or amplifiers present. The video also features a love interest, played by actress Margaret Olmstead.

Interestingly, “Separate Ways” was Journey’s first music video, making the band relatively new to the concept of visual storytelling. With a modest budget and a simple premise, the video was shot in a single day in New Orleans, Louisiana. The band and crew completed the shoot despite freezing temperatures, adding an icy authenticity to the video’s waterfront setting.

Though not as elaborate as some of its contemporaries, the “Separate Ways” video is memorable for its innovative use of camera movement and angles. Buckholtz employed the “Ricochet Zoom,” a technique that involves moving the camera rapidly in one direction and then immediately zooming in the opposite direction. This effect creates a dynamic and energetic visual experience, perfectly complementing Journey’s powerful rock anthem.

Another notable aspect of the video is its strategic use of slow motion. This effect is used to emphasize important moments, such as when Steve Perry throws a handful of sand into the air or when guitarist Neal Schon leaps off a stack of equipment. These striking visuals have contributed to the video’s lasting impact and continued popularity.

Over the years, “Separate Ways (Worlds Apart)” has been celebrated and parodied, with fans and other artists creating their own renditions and tributes. The music video has also been hailed as a nostalgic piece of 80s pop culture, with critics praising its bold fashion choices, such as the band’s infamous red leather pants, and its unabashedly dramatic performance style. In the end, the “Separate Ways” video remains an iconic and beloved artifact of Journey’s storied career.

A Deeper Dive into Jonathan Cain’s Genius

Jonathan Cain, the mastermind behind Journey’s iconic hit “Separate Ways (Worlds Apart)”, is no stranger to crafting memorable tunes that stand the test of time. As the band’s keyboardist and primary songwriter since 1980, his creative prowess has contributed to numerous Journey classics. Among his many accomplishments, Cain co-wrote the anthemic “Don’t Stop Believin'”, a song that remains a global phenomenon and one of the most downloaded tracks in the digital era. Additionally, Cain’s songwriting credits include other Journey hits like “Faithfully” and “Open Arms”, further solidifying his status as a legendary composer in the music industry. With a talent for creating songs that resonate with listeners across generations, Jonathan Cain’s influence on the rock and roll landscape is truly undeniable.

Awards, Accolades, and Appearances Galore

From billboard charts to glee and tron: legacy, “separate ways (worlds apart)” transcends genres and decades, proving its timeless rock anthem status..

“Separate Ways (Worlds Apart)” has certainly made a mark in the history of rock music since its release in 1983. The song peaked at number 8 on the Billboard Hot 100, showcasing its wide appeal and success at the time. The song also secured a Gold certification by the RIAA in 2019, proving its lasting impact on the music scene.

Throughout the years, “Separate Ways (Worlds Apart)” has been featured in various forms of media, solidifying its status as an iconic track. Fans of the hit TV series Glee would remember the exciting performance of the song in the season 5 episode “New New York” where it was powerfully sung by Lea Michele and Adam Lambert.

The song also made its way into the realm of movies, with the memorable inclusion in the 2010 blockbuster “Tron: Legacy,” where it played a pivotal role in setting the tone for one of the film’s most thrilling scenes. Video game enthusiasts would also recall hearing “Separate Ways (Worlds Apart)” in the action-packed Saints Row IV game as part of its in-game radio station.

As with any timeless classic, “Separate Ways (Worlds Apart)” has inspired numerous covers and tributes by renowned artists over the years. One of the most notable renditions came from the Swedish pop group A*Teens in 1999, giving the song a fresh, youthful twist. The song has also been covered by In This Moment, an American heavy metal band, as part of their 2010 EP “The Dream – Ultraviolet Edition,” showcasing the versatility of the song across genres.

Overall, “Separate Ways (Worlds Apart)” continues to leave an indelible mark in the world of music and media. Its enduring appeal, coupled with its successful chart performance and numerous appearances in films, TV shows, and games, only adds to the song’s impressive legacy.

Breaking Down the Musical Elements

Diving into the technical aspects of “Separate Ways (Worlds Apart),” we find a song that’s skillfully crafted to deliver an anthemic, arena-ready sound. Written in the key of E minor, the song employs a straightforward chord progression, with the verses predominantly using Em, D, and C chords, and the chorus switching to a G, D, Em, and C pattern. This progression creates a sense of urgency and emotion, which perfectly complements the song’s theme of love and heartbreak.

The tempo of “Separate Ways (Worlds Apart)” sits at a brisk 128 beats per minute, driving the song’s energy and making it an ideal track for both air guitar enthusiasts and those looking to dance their heartbreak away. The band’s skillful use of syncopation and rhythmic variation adds further excitement to the track, with the drums and bass working in tandem to create a solid foundation for the soaring vocals and blistering guitar work.

Instrumentally, the song is built on a foundation of powerful, yet melodic, guitar riffs and solos, punctuated by the unmistakable sound of the synthesizer. The synth intro, played in unison with the guitar, is one of the most iconic elements of the song, and it continues to be a fan favorite to this day. Combined with the tight rhythm section and Steve Perry’s emotive vocal performance, it’s no wonder this song has stood the test of time.

As for the song’s structure, “Separate Ways (Worlds Apart)” follows a classic verse-chorus-verse-chorus-bridge-chorus format. However, Journey adds their own unique twist with a pre-chorus that builds anticipation for the powerful, sing-along chorus. Additionally, the inclusion of an instrumental break, featuring a blazing guitar solo, showcases the band’s technical prowess and adds further depth to the song.

In conclusion, the technical aspects of “Separate Ways (Worlds Apart)” contribute significantly to the song’s enduring appeal. From its catchy, anthemic chorus to the masterful musicianship on display, it’s clear that Journey crafted a true classic with this track.

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New JOURNEY Band Biography 'Worlds Apart' Now Available

Time Passages has announced "Journey: Worlds Apart" , the definitive accounting of the "Don't Stop Believin'" hitmakers by award-winning journalist Nick DeRiso . A multiple columnist of the year award-winner with the USA Today network, DeRiso conducted dozens of interviews to compile a book that's not just a biography of JOURNEY — it's a backstage pass.

JOURNEY started as a dream for former SANTANA road manager Herbie Herbert , who thought he could build a blockbuster band out of the remnants of post- Woodstock SANTANA with Gregg Rolie and Neal Schon . Turns out, he could — but it would take a few albums, and the arrival of frontman Steve Perry . By the time Rolie exited at the turn of the '80s, JOURNEY was already a multi-platinum band — and they would only get bigger with the addition of Jonathan Cain from JOURNEY 's former opening act THE BABYS .

Solo projects and long periods apart slowed their momentum until Perry finally left for good in the late '90s. Then JOURNEY was faced with one of its biggest challenges: Whether and how to move forward without the singer who had redefined their sound forever on songs like "Open Arms" , "Only The Young" and "When You Love A Woman" .

The story is guided from their earliest roots by conversations with co-founding members Schon , Rolie and Prairie Prince , along with longtime Herbert confidant Pat Morrow . DeRiso then follows JOURNEY toward pop-culture superstardom through additional talks with later-era collaborators Cain , Steve Smith , Deen Castronovo , Steve Augeri and scores of producers, sidemen, label representatives and acknowledged experts like former Rolling Stone contributing editor David Wild , original MTV VJ Martha Quinn , and longtime San Francisco Chronicle music writer Joel Selvin , the latter of whom covered JOURNEY almost from the beginning.

Along the way, "Journey: Worlds Apart" emerges as the definitive look back at Journey, with deep explorations of every era, every album and every song. Pathway collaborations and key side projects complete this detailed analysis, as DeRiso speaks with John Waite , Jan Hammer , Marco Mendoza , Ron Wikso and others.

Nick DeRiso is assistant managing editor with Townsquare Media . Time Passages most recently published "Eagles: Up Ahead In The Distance" , the second in a three-book series.

Time Passages, LLC is an independent publishing based near Annapolis, Maryland.

For more information, visit www.timepassages.net .

Coming soon! Posted by Journey: Worlds Apart on  Thursday, December 7, 2023

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Song Meanings and Facts

“Separate Ways (Worlds Apart)” by Journey 

by George Spencer · Published July 4, 2022 · Updated July 4, 2022

Journey’s “Separate Ways (Worlds Apart)” is a breakup song, with the title being derived from the vocalist implying the inevitability of he and the addressee going their “separate ways”. That seems to be a foregone conclusion, that this relationship has run its course, even though the verses read like the two of them are still together in a physical sense. But the thesis sentiment is cast into the future, i.e. with Steve envisioning them already being separated and her with another man.

And as far as said sentiment goes, what he is letting the addressee know is that yes, their romance is in fact dead. But that reality is not going to cause him to stop loving her. He appears to imply that their relationship has developed into an intolerably-toxic one. But that understood, he knows that one day, her heart will remember that the feelings they share are genuine. And Steve is confirming that such is indeed the case, that his love for her is “true”. Owing to this, he is also wishing her the best as she goes on her ‘separate way’.

Release Date of “Separate Ways (Worlds Apart)”

This is a song that originally came out on 5 January 1983, through Columbia Records. It was issued as part of Journey’s album titled “Frontiers”. It served as the lead single from that project.

Song’s Achievements

“Separate Ways” performed impressively on its own, topping US  Hot Mainstream Rock Tracks  chart. Furthermore, it also made it onto the top 10 of the Billboard Hot 100 and Cashbox Top 100.

In 2022,  this song recharted , that time around appearing on the Billboard’s  US Rock Digital Song Sales  list. Well actually in said case, it was a remix of “Separate Ways” which charted, one designed specifically  to be utilized  by one of the most-popular television series of the early 2020s, Netflix’s  Stranger Things .

Credits for “Separate Ways (Worlds Apart)”

Journey is a band from San Francisco who were really poppin’ around the time this song came out, i.e. throughout the 1980s and into the 1990s. During the “Frontiers” era, the band was held down by vocalist Steve Perry and the following:

• guitarist Neal Schon
• bassist Ross Valory
• keyboardist Jonathan Cain
• drummer Steve Smith

To note, Schon and Cain are still members of the band at the time of this writing.

The writing of “Separate Ways” is credited to Steve Perry and Jonathan Cain. The track’s producers, on the other hand, are Kevin Elson and the late Mike Stone (1951-2002).

Music Video

The music video to this track was filmed in New Orleans, with its director being Tom Buckholtz. 

This clip was Journey’s first in a manner of speaking, i.e. the initial one from the band not to rely on specifically-made visuals as opposed to past-performance footage. Also keep in mind that this was around the time American artists in general began regularly dropping music videos. 

So the clip has its artistic issues which, in hindsight, may seem unintentionally comical – so much so that  Beavis and Butt-Head  gave it a sound mocking (which significantly offended Jonathan Cain) on a 1993 episode titled  Buff ‘N’ Stuff . 

And speaking of MTV, a few years later, in 1999, they also placed the clip on their  MTV 25 Lame (Worst Music Videos)  ranking. But generally speaking the visual has gone down in infamy, with fans of the band understanding that it harps back to a more-innocent era in music video production.

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He finds this girl really beautiful and can’t stop thinking about her. They have several encounters. And Feelings seem mutual. Though it is in vain for obvious reasons. Till one day the encounters endand they are forced to go there separate way. Never

He finds this girl beautiful and can’t stop thinking about her. They have many years of pointless encounters. Feelings appear mutual. Their love is in vain though for obvious reasons. Till one day they are forced to go their separate ways. Never to meet again

beautiful song

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Tags: Jonathan Cain Journey Kevin Elson Mike Stone Ross Valory Separate Ways (Worlds Apart) Steve Perry Steve Smith Tom Buckholtz

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August 4, 2019

 by SMF · Published August 4, 2019 · Last modified September 21, 2022

April 12, 2021

 by Amanda London · Published April 12, 2021

January 4, 2022

 by Amanda London · Published January 4, 2022

Song Meanings & Facts

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"Separate Ways (Worlds Apart)" lyrics

• Journey Lyrics

Meaning of “Separate Ways (Worlds Apart)” by Journey

Michael is a music teacher and professional cellist. He loves uncovering the deeper meaning of popular songs.

Journey’s “Separate Ways (Worlds Apart)” is a powerful rock anthem about the end of a romantic relationship. The song delves into themes of love, heartbreak, and hope, depicting two lovers parting ways yet clinging to the belief that love will find them again. The lingering connection and emotional turmoil are vividly portrayed through the words, representing the songwriter’s contemplation on separation and enduring affection. It’s likely an outpouring of feelings from a personal experience, an artistic expression of heartbreak and optimism combined.

Craving more? Dive deep into the world of Journey’s emotional ballads and unravel the sentiments etched into the lyrics of “Separate Ways (Worlds Apart).” Discover the rich tapestry of emotions and experiences that inspired this timeless hit.

“Separate Ways (Worlds Apart)” Lyrics Meaning

Journey’s classic, “Separate Ways (Worlds Apart),” starts with poignant imagery. The opening lines, “Here we stand, Worlds apart, hearts broken in two, two, two,” paint a vivid picture of two lovers, once united, now standing in the wake of a ruptured relationship, with the repetition of “two” emphasizing their divided states.

“Sleepless nights, Losing ground, I’m reaching for you, you, you,” further illustrate the struggle and longing experienced in the aftermath of a breakup. The persistent repetition of “you” reflects the omnipresence of the departed lover in the narrator’s thoughts, highlighting the internal battle between clinging on and letting go.

The essence of the song revolves around hope and enduring love, encapsulated by, “Someday love will find you, True love won’t desert you, You know I still love you.” These lines convey a message of resilience and unwavering love despite the separation, portraying an optimism that true love will eventually reunite them, or at least, will not leave them deserted.

The refrain, “Though we touched and went our separate ways,” underscores the core theme of the song—the enduring connection between two people who have physically parted. It’s a potent reminder that although paths have diverged, the remnants of love and shared experiences continue to linger.

By examining the heartfelt lyrics of “Separate Ways (Worlds Apart),” we observe a common human experience, relatable to anyone who has tasted the bittersweet essence of love and loss. It’s a journey through the emotional landscapes of hope, despair, longing, and reconciliation, providing solace to those walking the same painful path.

Why Was “Separate Ways (Worlds Apart)” Written?

Exploring the backdrop of this powerful song sheds light on the depth of emotion and the state of mind of the songwriter. It seems plausible that the song is a musical manifestation of a personal journey through heartache and separation. The vivid depiction of pain and the subsequent battle between holding on and healing suggest that the songwriter was experiencing a significant emotional upheaval during the creation of this piece.

The intense emotions and the detailed portrayal of a broken relationship hint at a personal connection to the content, possibly reflecting the artist’s own experiences and internal reflections. The profound understanding of love and loss articulated in the song may be the result of navigating the tumultuous waters of a broken relationship, ultimately culminating in a powerful expression of hope and resilience in the face of heartbreak.

This background enriches our understanding of “Separate Ways (Worlds Apart)” and reinforces the universal appeal of its themes, making it a timeless anthem for anyone who has loved and lost. The intertwining threads of personal pain and universal experience have created a melody that resonates with listeners, allowing them to find comfort and connection in the shared journey of love and separation.

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Journey Mastered the Art of Uncool With ‘Separate Ways (Worlds Apart)’

Back in the public consciousness thanks to ‘Stranger Things,’ the earnest 1983 smash (and its cringe-worthy video) hark back to an era when soulless corporate rock ruled the airwaves. So why does it sound better now than it did back then?

When people expound on the legacy of Nirvana , one of the things they’ll invariably mention is that the band helped kill hair-metal , putting an end to a sexist, silly musical style. But that wasn’t the only popular strain of rock music Kurt Cobain was against. There’s a famous origin story of sorts in which a 17-year-old Cobain sells a bunch of his records to afford a ticket to a Black Flag concert, pledging allegiance to punk from there on. (“It was really great,” he’d later enthuse about the show. “I was instantly converted.”) The albums he parted with? Stuff from Foreigner and Journey, the soulless corporate rock that had defined the late 1970s and early 1980s. In one symbolic gesture, Cobain shed that side of his musical personality and adopted a new, cooler one.

Journey have sold millions of records. Their 1988 best-of Greatest Hits is 15-times platinum. Their 1981 bestseller Escape is 10-times platinum. They had six singles hit the Top 10 on the Billboard charts — one of which, “Don’t Stop Believin’,” enjoyed a robust second life after being the soundtrack to the final scene of the final episode of The Sopranos . (The song has been streamed over a billion times on Spotify.) Journey have a new album out now, Freedom , and they’ve already grossed $28 million on tour this year . They have been and are extremely popular. But they have never been cool. 

The band is back in the news as well for being incorporated into the Stranger Things juggernaut , a remix of their 1983 smash “Separate Ways (Worlds Apart)” featured as part of the new episodes released earlier this month. Those keyboards. That voice. That straining for epic grandeur. It’s like Journey never left.

“Separate Ways (Worlds Apart)” is as good an intro to the Bay Area band as any of their other hits. If The Sopranos ’ needle-drop of “Don’t Stop Believin’” gave a new generation an entry point into Journey’s full-throttled optimism, “Separate Ways” is the gateway drug to the band’s bombastic emotional excess, their mistaken belief that feverish intensity is the same thing as unshakeable romantic devotion. They’re probably not the most earnest rock band of all time — there are plenty of contenders for that title — but their combination of sincerity and emphaticness was emblematic of a rock era ruled by dudes with no chill. No wonder the music video for “Separate Ways” is so spectacularly, awkwardly awful.

That moment in the Separate Ways video when the rest of Journey stopped and thought "Goddamn, he's really going to work on those air keyboards." pic.twitter.com/dIZNLgNFwr — Super 70s Sports (@Super70sSports) March 17, 2021

Journey started up in the early 1970s, guitarist Neal Schon and keyboardist/vocalist Gregg Rolie both previously part of Santana. Their early tunes were jazzy, prog-rock excursions, although their sound changed when they decided to focus on more straightforward songs, recruiting singer Steve Perry to be their new frontman. 

“I found music as a life-sustaining thing when I was about six years old,” Perry once said . “My parents were about to split up, and I discovered Sam Cooke and 45 RPM records. I could turn what was happening around me off and live there. And it saved my life.” Speaking with The New Statesman , he went into more detail about his childhood, saying, “People don’t become performers because they don’t have needs. Singing, though it can be very lovely, is essentially a primal scream. And I was screaming pretty loudly — and quite big. … Things happened to me as a child that I still can’t talk about — nothing to do with my parents, but things did happen. … One of my needs to perform was the need to get myself heard.”

Blessed with an incredible voice — velvety, emotive, the larynx equivalent of a blazing guitar solo — Perry made his debut on Journey’s fourth record, 1978’s Infinity , which included such soon-to-be-staples as “Lights,” a swoon-along tribute to San Francisco that he’d originally written about L.A. before moving up to Northern California to be part of the group. 

Infinity is where Journey started becoming the Journey everyone knows, mastering an AOR sound that was polished and accessible. Hit albums followed, as well as a backlash from those who dismissed them as wimps and sellouts. In a 1980 interview with Rolling Stone , Schon (who’d co-written “Lights” and the later smash “Any Way You Want It” with Perry) groused, “When we started out, the critics said we had no direction. Now, it’s that we’re openly commercial and should go back to what we were. I don’t think we’ve compromised. We’ve just opened our audience by going toward songwriting and vocals. They like to sing along. And we’re gonna continue to try and please as many people as we can, without making it sound like we don’t have a direction.” 

But in that same profile, an executive at Journey’s label acknowledged, “People might say they’re wimpy and boring, but they’re such nice guys. And maybe these days that’s what it takes to sell records, to appeal to the most people possible.” Indeed, this was an era in which rock ‘n’ roll was already becoming big business, ushering in a steady stream of derivative, shiny stadium rock looking to cash in. Technically proficient, vaguely generic acts like Tom Scholz’s virtually-one-man-band Boston were huge. (Right, Boston’s big hit, “More Than a Feeling,” bore a striking similarity to Nirvana’s big hit, “Smells Like Teen Spirit.”) 

In such an environment, Journey thrived, proving to be experts at crafting tunes that sounded great on the radio. They only reached a higher level of slick precision when keyboardist Jonathan Cain joined the group, replacing Rolie. Cain, who’d been part of the opening band on Journey’s recent tour, immediately made his impression felt on 1981’s Escape , co-writing “Who’s Crying Now,” “Open Arms” and “Don’t Stop Believin’,” all of which went Top 10. Encouraging Journey to embrace a more synth-driven sound, which would come to dominate the 1980s, Cain had a simple message for his new bandmates : “I said, ‘I watched you guys 40 nights [on tour]. You just need to speak to [the fans] through your songs, bring their lives into your songs, bring their lives into our songs, sing to their triumphs, sing to their fears, sing to their hearts.’ And that’s what I brought. Something like ‘Don’t Stop Believin’’ is a perfect example.” 

Escape was Journey’s first No. 1 record, establishing them as one of the world’s biggest groups. Critics dissed them, the Grammys ignored them, but by the time Journey unveiled their follow-up, Frontiers , they were very much feeling themselves. If you seek proof, look no further than the press conference they gave around Frontiers ’ release. Perry and his bandmates seem especially proud of themselves — and their new video game , which capitalized on that industry’s rising prominence. It’s particularly wild to see them get defensive about their Budweiser sponsorship, a clear indication of how the early 1980s were different from today. Honestly, this three-minute news segment will tell you everything about the tension around “selling out” that was imperiling rock music at the time. 

Frontiers ’ opening track was something Journey had debuted on the road while promoting Escape . “[Perry and I] wanted to write something rhythmic and still have a strong and haunting melody,” Cain would later say . “We needed a main rhythm to run through the synthesizer and [drummer] Steve Smith designed that kind of drum beat to let everything breathe. … Steve has always listened to a lot of Motown records, songs with a strong chorus approach, songs that were really urgent-sounding, but still had rhythm and melody.” 

As often happens with artists who are out touring a lot, “Separate Ways (Worlds Apart)” came about because Journey realized they needed a song like that in their repertoire. “We took Escape on the road and we knew we needed more teeth. … Like, what would make our set undeniably great?” Cain said in 2018 . “And we tried to fill in what we were missing musically. … I remember writing ‘Separate Ways’ with Steve on the road. We wrote that in a hotel room — [bassist] Ross [Valory] was going through a divorce — and, boom, out comes ‘Separate Ways.’”

Kicking off with Cain’s space-age keyboard riff before Schon’s heavy guitar lick takes over, “Separate Ways” is the kind of brokenhearted ballad that was a Motown speciality. In the song, the narrator is crestfallen because he and his lady have gone their separate ways, a scenario that leaves him anxious and unhappy. Even worse, she’s apparently with another guy now. But our narrator isn’t giving up on their love. “Separate Ways” is what “I Heard It Through the Grapevine” would have been like if everybody involved decided to be way more bombastic. (The song’s pump-it-up sonic pyrotechnics would qualify it to be suitable theme music before the introduction of an NBA team .) Never one for subtlety, Perry belted out his anguish, making one final, desperate plea to his beloved:

Someday love will find you  Break those chains that bind you  One night will remind you  How we touched and went our separate ways  If he ever hurts you  True love won’t desert you  You know I still love you  Though we touched and went our separate ways

“Separate Ways” was Journey’s fourth song to crack the Top 10 in two years, helped by its ubiquity on MTV, which was then still just a fledgling cable channel. It’s funny how MTV has been blamed for elevating photogenic pop stars — supposedly making the industry more superficial and image-conscious in the process — because the truth was, there were plenty of regular-looking dudes enjoying huge success at the time, too. Like Journey.

In I Want My MTV: The Uncensored History of the Music Video Revolution , Cain recalled, “Steve Perry was very anti-video. He’d always say, ‘We’re performers, we’re entertainers, but we’re not actors.’ And we were not a very photogenic band. So we stayed on the sidelines at first.” But Frontiers saw Journey try their hand at this new medium, leading to the deeply dorky video for “Separate Ways.” 

“This was the very beginning of MTV. Nobody was making $200,000 videos or $500,000 videos or $3 million videos,” Schon said this week . “Some people were paying a million and a half for a music video because they had a movie producer backing them financially. What a freakin’ rip-off. I mean, that’s what it became. But back when we did this, our manager came to us and said, ‘Look, we need to get a music video. Who should we use?’ I suggested the director Wayne Isham . He came in and put together the storyboard. It was going to be in New Orleans, on a pier. Is it terrible? The air guitar and keyboards are cheesy as hell. I give it a 10 on the cringe scale. It’s so silly, man. Journey was not a band that did well with videos that had story lines.”

“I’m at a loss to explain that video,” Cain lamented in I Want My MTV . “Good Lord, I will never live down those air keyboards. No matter what else I’ve done in my career, sooner or later people find a way to ask me about the ‘Separate Ways’ video. And Perry, I don’t know what he was thinking, but he cut his hair right before the video. Bad idea. His hair was rocking before the shoot.” 

In the clip, filmed on the wharf in New Orleans near the French Quarter by local director Tom Buckholtz , the quintet sometimes play their instruments, but other times they are just miming, leading to a lot of white-man’s overbite and unconvincing air-rocking. Meanwhile, a young woman, Margaret Oldsted Menendez, wanders around, almost as if she’s unaware of the guys. “I was a college student at Tulane University in uptown New Orleans,” she recalled in 2013 . “I double majored in biology and environmental studies. I was working and paying my way through college so the [notion] of making money for shooting a video was a godsend. It paid $250 a day and I was paid for three days of work. That was a lot of money at the time for a student like me. … It wasn’t until many years later that I learned of [Perry’s] girlfriend being upset that a girl was in a Journey video.” 

“His girlfriend, Sherrie, was not down with it,” Cain told The Huffington Post in 2012 . “And there was this whole thing about, ‘You’re going to have a slut in your video?’” This was Sherrie Swafford, who Perry was dating and who would later be the subject of his 1984 solo hit “Oh Sherrie.” “Sherrie was jealous and possessive,” Cain says in I Want My MTV . “And when she found out there was gonna be a girl in the video — oh my god. There was a big kicking and screaming session.”

Even if the video was an embarrassment, Frontiers was another huge seller for the band, setting the stage for subsequent hit singles like the Cain-penned slow-dance standard “Faithfully.” (Fun fact: After Prince came up with “Purple Rain,” he called Cain, scared that his song was too close to “Faithfully.” “I thought it was an amazing tune,” Cain said in 2016 , “and I told him, ‘Man, I’m just super-flattered that you even called. It shows you’re that classy of a guy. Good luck with the song. I know it’s gonna be a hit.’” Cain was less thrilled with the “Faithfully” video, admitting in I Want My MTV , “The live stuff looks great. But the shot of Steve shaving off his mustache was a bit much. I mean, did people even know he had a mustache? I didn’t get that.”) 

In 1984, Perry recorded a solo record, Streek Talk , and then Journey reconvened for Raised on Radio , but by that point the group was fracturing. Journey got back together for a comeback album a decade later, Trial by Fire , but then that was it for Perry. “I was wrung out like a sponge,” he said about his decision to quit the band . “There was just no juice in my heart for music, and it really scared the hell out of me. But I knew intuitively that if I kept doing what I was doing, I’d have a hole in my soul that would get bigger and bigger. And I’d fill it with bad behaviors, if you know what I mean. So I had to stop.”

Journey soldiered on without him, releasing five albums this century, including the new Freedom . Schon, who has remained with the group, was asked recently if he talks to Perry anymore. “We are in contact,” he said . “It’s not about him coming out with us, but we’re speaking on different levels. That’s a start, even if it’s all business. And I’m not having to go through his attorney! We’ve been texting and emailing. He’s a real private guy, and he wants to keep it that way. We’re in a good place.”

As with a lot of legacy bands, there were lawsuits between members . When the band got voted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, Perry appeared on stage during their 2017 induction ceremony and graciously addressed the crowd, although he chose not to perform with his old group. (In fact, until he showed up to sing a few songs with his friend Mark Oliver Everett, aka E of the band Eels, at a concert in 2014 , he hadn’t performed live in 19 years.) Later, Perry explained that he didn’t sing with his former bandmates during the Rock Hall ceremony out of deference to their current frontman, Arnel Pineda. “I haven’t been in the band for quite some time,” Perry said . “Arnel’s been in the band for almost 10 years, I think. He’s a sweet kid — he’s a wonderful kid. He sings his heart out every night. It’s his gig.”

Time has a way of healing old wounds — or, at the very least, blunting the vitriol once directed at certain cheesy corporate-rock bands. It’s now been 15 years since The Sopranos ’ finale lent Journey zeitgeist-y cool, conferring on “Don’t Stop Believin’” a patina of hipness it never had during its initial lifespan. Perry had been the final holdout of the song’s three writers, not giving the show permission to use the track until the Thursday before the episode’s airing that Sunday, insisting that David Chase tell him how it would be integrated into the plot before he’d give his blessing. (“What I didn’t want to see was the family getting whacked,” Perry later explained . “ Scorsese would do that. He would play something beautiful while people were getting gunned down. So I held out.”) 

The suspense wasn’t as great for the Stranger Things producers, who first unveiled their remix of “Separate Ways” in an April trailer promoting the new season. “The lyrics are about people going their separate ways and the characters, at the end of the third season, did all go their separate ways,” Bobby Gumm, head of the trailer company who put together the clip, told Forbes . Perry got involved early on: Bryce Miller, who helped craft the remix, said in the same Forbes piece, “He had some specific mixing notes. He wanted the vocals to be brought out a little bit more in some places and just a refinement of some [other] details. It was really cool to work with him and he had some really nice things to say.”

In the 1990s, as Nirvana and alternative rock were cresting, an over-the-hill band like Journey were the epitome of toothless, boring rock — an easy thing to mock, never more savagely than on an episode of Beavis and Butt-Head , in which the boys take one bewildered look at “Separate Ways,” prompting Butt-Head to wonder if they’re watching the Partridge Family. Adding insult to injury, he then confuses Steve Perry with Barry Manilow . (Cain later admitted in I Want My MTV that he was so mad at the public skewering “I called our manager and said, ‘Isn’t there anything we can do to stop this?’”)

But whether in The Sopranos or Stranger Things , it turns out that Journey’s hyperbolic, achingly earnest music is uniquely excellent as background color in dramatic scenes. As a song, “Separate Ways” is so overblown as to elicit secondhand discomfort from anyone listening to it. (Look, Steve, getting dumped is a terrible feeling, but take it down a notch .) But as a supplemental emotional texture within a TV show or movie, it feels appropriately sized, a fitting complement to the overarching narrative stakes. Journey songs always felt like they should be the soundtrack to Rocky montages — at last, they sorta are.

At the start of the pandemic , everybody was trying to find ways to battle boredom and stave off anxiety. Some baked bread. Some got into quilting. The Heller family decided to do a shot-for-shot remake of the “Separate Ways (Worlds Apart)” video. “It was all my wife’s idea,” husband Steven Heller said , later adding, “She likes Journey, first of all. And after watching a number of music videos, it was like, ‘We could recreate this video with our kids around the house.’”

The Hellers’ version is the sort of wholesome distraction that a lot of people really needed during that unnerving time. I can see why people found it adorable. But viewed now, it’s incredibly dorky — there’s nothing cool or hip about it at all. In other words, it couldn’t be more perfectly Journey, the band that always cared way too deeply and always, always wore their heart on their sleeve.

“Everything I write comes back to high school,” Steve Perry said in 2018 . “I know it sounds funny, but everything. It all comes from the emotions I grew into during my adolescence. Those moments are not to be tossed away.” For a lot of us, those old memories also often contain a fair share of embarrassment, whether it’s the residual shame associated with long-ago breakups or the naive, giddy euphoria attached to good times that are now ancient history. Journey just wanted you to hold onto them a little longer, no matter how uncool it seemed.

Tim Grierson

Tim Grierson is a contributing editor at MEL. He writes about film and pop culture for Screen International, Rolling Stone and Vulture.

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New Journey Book Takes Definitive Look At the Band’s History

From the publisher’s announcement: Journey started as a dream for former Santana road manager Herbie Herbert, who thought he could build a blockbuster band out of the remnants of post-Woodstock Santana with Gregg Rolie and Neal Schon. Turns out, he could – but it would take a few albums, and the arrival of frontman Steve Perry. By the time Rolie exited at the turn of the ‘80s, Journey was already a multi-platinum band – and they would only get bigger with the addition of Jonathan Cain from Journey’s former opening act, The Babys.

Solo projects and long periods apart slowed their momentum until Perry finally left for good in the late ‘90s. Then Journey was faced with one of its biggest challenges: Whether and how to move forward without the singer who had redefined their sound forever on songs like “Open Arms,” “Only the Young” and “When You Love a Woman.”

The story is guided from their earliest roots by conversations with co-founding members Schon and Rolie, and Prairie Prince, along with long-time Herbert confidant Pat Morrow. DeRiso then follows Journey toward music superstardom through additional talks with later-era collaborators Cain, Steve Smith, Deen Castronovo, Steve Augeri and scores of producers, sidemen, label representatives and various industry veterans like former Rolling Stone contributing editor David Wild, original MTV VJ Martha Quinn, and longtime San Francisco Chronicle music writer Joel Selvin, the latter of whom covered Journey almost from the beginning. The title takes a similar approach as a definitive series on Eagles  from the same publishing company.

A sample two-page spread from the Journey: Worlds Apart book (Used with permission of the publisher)

Journey: Worlds Apart emerges as the definitive look back at Journey, with deep explorations of every era, every album and every song. Pathway collaborations and key side projects complete this detailed analysis, as DeRiso speaks with John Waite, Jan Hammer, Marco Mendoza, Ron Wikso and others.

Spanning 417 pages, this extensive Journey history contains dozens of rare photos from across the years. Also, it includes an exclusive appendix of never-before-seen concept art, designs, sketches, and illustrations of Journey projects — some accepted and some that never made it to production — from the masterful hand of famed rock illustrator Stanley Mouse.

Author DeRiso is currently assistant managing editor with Townsquare Media.

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Journey: Worlds Apart Paperback – December 8, 2023

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"Journey: Worlds Apart" offers an enthralling dive into the evolution of a legendary band. From their origins, emerging from the embers of Santana, Journey's tale is a mosaic of musical styles. This book delves into their journey as they transitioned from a dream to a global phenomenon, marked by iconic hits such as "Don't Stop Believin'," "Any Way You Want It," "Open Arms," and "Separate Ways." Selling over 100 million albums worldwide , their path to success was neither quick nor easy.

The band's dynamic changed with the addition of Steve Perry , whose soaring vocals, along with Neal Schon's steadfast guitar work, Gregg Rolie , and later Jonathan Cain , forged Journey's signature sound. However, the band faced challenges, particularly with Perry's departure, which almost altered the band's essence forever.

"Journey: Worlds Apart" is more than a mere chronicle of the band's history. It provides an intimate, behind-the-scenes exploration of each era, album, and tour. It's a tribute to Journey's enduring legacy, a must-read for fans, offering insights into the band's multifaceted journey from arena rockers and jam band to pop-culture icons and Rock and Roll Hall of Famers .

Don't miss the chance to embark on a musical odyssey with "Journey: Worlds Apart." Dive deep into the heart of a rock legend and witness the incredible story of Journey's rise to fame. Grab your copy now and gain an exclusive, all-access backstage pass to explore the triumphs, challenges, and evolution of one of rock's most iconic bands. Experience the journey behind the hits – this is a must-read for every music enthusiast and Journey fan. Order your copy today and be part of Journey's timeless legacy!

• Print length 417 pages
• Language English
• Publication date December 8, 2023
• Dimensions 7 x 0.94 x 10 inches
• ISBN-10 1734365390
• ISBN-13 978-1734365399
• See all details

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From the Publisher

Praise for author Nick DeRiso

Product details

• Publisher ‏ : ‎ Time Passages LLC (December 8, 2023)
• Language ‏ : ‎ English
• Paperback ‏ : ‎ 417 pages
• ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 1734365390
• ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-1734365399
• Item Weight ‏ : ‎ 1.59 pounds
• Dimensions ‏ : ‎ 7 x 0.94 x 10 inches
• #40 in Pop Artist Biographies
• #302 in Rock Music (Books)
• #329 in Rock Band Biographies

About the author

Nick deriso.

Nick DeRiso has been writing about music for three decades. He was a national music columnist for Gannett News Service and USA Today, before becoming assistant managing editor with Townsquare Media. DeRiso has also launched and hosted a series of radio programs for both public and commercial stations. He's been named columnist of the year five times by Associated Press, the Louisiana Press Association and the Louisiana Sports Writers Association, and has also had work published by American Songwriter, All About Jazz and Living Blues, among other national outlets. DeRiso oversaw the launch of two stand-alone entertainment publications and a literary magazine, and also owned a live-music venue. Along the way, he oversaw a daily section that was named Top 10 in the nation by the Associated Press.

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8 Movies and Shows That Played Journey’s Separate Ways (Worlds Apart) Song

Let’s face it, Journey was one of the most prominent bands of the 80s that they top almost all of today’s hit playlist, the biggest one being Don’t Stop Believing (1981).

But as for one of our personal favorites, Separate Ways (Worlds Apart), it peaked on the Billboard Hot 100 charts and spent four weeks as the first on the Top Tracks chart.

8 Movies and TV Shows that Played Separate Ways (Worlds Apart)

As for the movies that played Separate Ways (Worlds Apart), there were a ton. The reason for this is simply because it’s a powerful song that draws a lot of emotion. It’s also very catchy! So here they are. Enjoy!

1. The Simpsons

During season 16, episode 2, All’s Fair in Oven War, Homer had the family’s kitchen remodeled for Marge. She added some dishes to it, which got great reviews, and she was invited by Ned Flanders to enter the Ovenfresh Bakeoff. Although she quickly realized the competition was a lot harder than it looked.

The Separate Ways (Worlds Apart) song played in Homer’s car as a cultural reference before he asked himself to turn it down. The episode won great reviews from numerous critics.

2. The 2017 Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony

Recorded live on April 7th, 2017 in Cleveland, OH, The 2017 Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony honored six new inductees, including ELO, Joan Baez, Journey, Pearl Jam, Tupac Shakur and Yes. Separate Ways (Worlds Apart) was played by Journey.

The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame was established in 1983 in Cleveland, OH and is dedicated to recording the history of some of the best known and most influential bands, produced and musicians as well as other that have in some way greatly influenced the rock and roll industry.

3. TRON: Legacy (2010)

This song was awesome enough to be the opener of Tron: Legacy (2010) as Sam Flynn entered his father’s abandoned arcade. Pretty good opening song for a tech movie we might add. It also played in the background when Daft Punk entered Flynn’s Arcade in a similar manner at the beginning of the official music video “Derezzed.”

4. Yes Man (2008)

The song is best known in Yes Man for playing after Carl (Jim Carrey) escapes from the hospital in a white hospital gown on his nurse friend’s crotch rocket to confess his love for Allison (Zooey Deschanel). The song was meant to symbolize his transition from a No Man to a Yes Man. Fun fact: the song also plays on Carl’s ringtone, mostly when his friends were calling him to hang out (whom he neglected at the beginning of the movie).

5. Cold Case (2004)

In episode 20 of season 1, Greed , the team reopened a 1980’s case of a wealthy corporate stockbroker who set up a Ponzi scheme, which left many of its colleagues broke when it crashed. He was then murdered in an apparent carjacking. The song played when the four friends had to go their separate ways in 1980.

6. The O. C. (2004)

The O.C. TV series is about the troubled but close-knit young group of people living in the wealthy, upper-class neighborhood of Newport Beach, Orange County, CA. In In episode 21 of season 1, The Goodbye Girl , Anna was leaving, Theresa was staying and Seth thought he was the reason why Anna was planning on returning to Pittsburgh.

Ryan also knows he’s why Theresa was staying, but there wasn’t much either of them could do. Caleb was the Rivera’s Man of the Year.

The Separate Song (Worlds Apart) played in the while the two friends were in the car driving down the highway. One of them apparently didn’t like the song while the other almost yelled at him, “Do not insult Journey”.

7. Mystery Science Theater 3000

Abbreviated as MST3K , this cult comedy television series is about experimenting on the human mind when Joel Robinson (Joel Hodgson) was shot into space and forced to watch bad movies. Meanwhile, mad scientist Dr. Clayton Forrester (Trace Beaulieau) and his crony Frank (Frank Conniff) monitor his mind as they encounter various adventures. In episode 20 of season 9, Space Mutiny , Mike and the robots learned the 80s were worse than they thought as they endured the sci-fi movie Space Mutiny (1988).

8. Beavis and Butthead (1993)

In this animated MTV series about two teenage heavy-metal fans who did idiotic things because they’re bored, they thought everything was either “cool” or “sucks”. In episode 16 of season 3, Buff ’N’ Stuff, the pair were so thin they were forced to stay after gym for a personal workout with Coach Buzzcut.

While watching the music video, Beavis and Butthead were commenting on the music video, saying it was “horrible” and “this guy (Steve Perry) sucks”.

About Separate Ways (Worlds Apart)

The song was first written and composed in 1982 during the Escape tour. Just after two weeks of writing the song, they included it in their concerts, including Day on the Green and another at Chicago’s Rosemont Horizon. Both Jonathan Cain and Steve Perry had worked on the song backstage where Steve was working on the bass and he on the guitar, putting together the melody that night and the lyrics the following day. Here’s what Cain commented about the song:

“We wanted to write something rhythmic and still have a strong and haunting melody. We needed a main rhythm to run through the synthesizer and Steve Smith designed that kind of drum beat to let everything breathe. It’s really a throwback to all of our roots and the Motown sound. Steve [Perry] has always listened to a lot of Motown records, songs with a strong chorus approach. Songs that were real urgent sounding, but still had rhythm and melody.”

The Music Video

If you love Journey, you probably love the song and well, hate the music video. We agree they did a pretty poor job as a result of many controversies before its release. Steve Perry , the lead singer and writer of Separate Ways (Worlds Apart) really did not want a choreographed video, saying “We’re performers, we’re entertainers, but we’re not actors…and we were not a very photogenic band.”

Nevertheless, the video has millions of views and thousands of likes, so their overall popularity did make up for a poorly made video.

What Do You Think?

We’d love to hear what you think about the song and the music video! Please let us know in the comments below.

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4 thoughts on “ 8 movies and shows that played journey’s separate ways (worlds apart) song ”.

Steve Perry has such an amazing voice; he is truly gifted. No matter the song or the video, he consistently gave it his all, and the emotion and passion always shown through. So yes, love the song and the video to Separate Ways (Worlds Apart)!

Todo lo que canta Steve Perry tiene magia,su voz es angelical.

This song epitomises what makes 80’s power ballads so good. Perry’s voice complements the songs message and the urgency of the choruses resolution perfectly. I don’t remember Journey much (in Australia) but having picked up on them about 20 years ago, something from them is on every playlist I’ve made. Rock on!

I may be in a very small minority when I say I love the video! In fact I love it so much that when I visited San Francisco in 2001, I visited the pier they shot it on and listened to it on headphones whilst possibly playing air keyboards!

I do concede that some of it does make me cringe though, especially when they sing towards the woman model and to camera. I can imagine how embarrassing that would have been, especially having to do it over and over to get a good take.

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