Weekend22

   
  • Home
  • Episodes
  • About Us
  • Music News
  • Contest
  • Contact Us

Journey’s Jonathan Cain Shares True Source and Inspiration Behind Song “Don’t Stop Believin'”

August 27, 2022

In a new White Chair Film released by global storytelling organization I Am Second, keyboardist and songwriter for rock band Journey, Jonathan Cain, explains how his relationship with his father, through the transcendence of his Heavenly Father, influenced the lyrics for the rock ‘n roll hit, “Don’t Stop Believin’”, “Faithfully,” “Open Arms,” among others.

Growing up, Cain’s father was an instrumental figure in his life, encouraging him that the best was yet to come in his life. Cain survived two near-death experiences when he was young including a school fire when he was in the third grade that killed nearly 100 of his classmates. These experiences rattled his still-developing belief in Jesus Christ.

“My father saw my sorrow right away and led me straight to music,” said Cain. “He told me, ‘Son, your life was spared for something greater and that must be music.’”

Cain’s father enrolled him in a music school where he embraced his dad’s vision, leading to years of honing his craft. In his twenties, he found himself financially struggling and was ready to give up. He called his father who said three words that Cain will never forget: “Don’t stop believing.” He wrote his father’s advice in his lyrics notebook, not realizing those words would change his career forever.

Not long after, Cain joined the band Journey and was tasked with writing a song for their new album. He looked through his lyrics notebook and found his father’s inspiring words. He wrote a melody for them, teamed up with his bandmates to complete a full song, and the rest is Rock ‘n Roll Hall of Fame history.

When his father passed away, Cain wasn’t sure how he would carry on.

“I always wrote my songs for him,” he shared. “Everything I did, every note I played, I could trace back to my father. One day, as I was weeping at the piano, I sensed God saying to me, ‘No Jon, it was me. I’ve always been the source. I’m where it comes from. You please me with your music.’ I thought, how did I miss that?”

Cain realized there was someone else in the room when he was crafting the lyrics to his famous songs including, “Don’t Stop Believin’” “Faithfully,” “Open Arms,” and “Separate Ways (Worlds Apart).”

Suddenly Cain saw the lyrics differently. They had a new meaning. Following years of admiring his father’s steadfast faith in Jesus and wanting to impress him with his music, Cain realized his father’s influence in his life represented the love, guidance and inspiration of his Heavenly Father.

“That moment opened my eyes to the transcendence of a Heavenly Father reaching down to his son through his natural father. I know where it all comes from now.”

Today, Cain continues to tour with Journey and leads worship at his church. He aims to encourage others to press on toward their biggest dreams and never stop believing.

To watch the exclusive I Am Second film, visit iamsecond.com/film/jonathan-cain.

Newsletter

By providing us with your name and email address you acknowledge that you're signing up to receive our newsletter and other email correspondence from The Weekend 22 which may occasionally include promotional information about products/services that may be of interest to you. (i.e. special events, new music releases, family entertainment etc.) The Weekend 22 will never sell your name and contact information to any third party.

Podcast



Click the menu icon in the upper right corner of the player to browse and download past episodes!

Weekend 22 Chart

Week of 5/3/25

01

We Still Believe  -  KB feat. Ryan Ofei & One Church Music

02

Heaven On This Earth  -  Forrest Frank feat. Torey D'Shaun

03

Stay Alive  -  Tedashii featuring Sam Rivera

04

I Need Help  -  Connor Price feat Maverick City Music

05

Pray  -  Social Club Misfits featuring Ryan Ellis

06

Miracles  -  Hulvey

07

Rearview  -  TobyMac featuring Juan Winans

08

Stick & Move  -  Steven Malcolm feat. Mike Teezy

09

Never Get Used To This  -  Forrest Frank feat. JVKE

10

Are You Ready  -  Blanca

11

Above The Waters  -  Spencer Kane and Caleb LaDuke

12

King David  -  116

13

Take The Wheel  -  DKG Kie featuring Caleb Gordon

14

Drop  -  Forrest Frank

15

True  -  Hulvey

16

Pray For Me  -  Anike

17

So What  -  Doe featuring Lecrae

18

God's Hands  -  Don Ready

19

Limelight  -  Coby James featuring Ben Becker

20

Sunshine Everyday  -  Gladden

21

Worthy  -  Blanca

22

Have Fun  -  Anike

Meet the Host

Josh Ashton
Christ-follower, husband to my beautiful wife Sarah, daddy to my 2 young'ens, dreamer & artsy music-nerd. In my free-time, you can find me soaking in live music at a concert, fishing, hiking... or even making my own clothes! I love to create & use my imagination for everything. Thanks for the honor of letting the Weekend 22 and myself be a part of your weekend!

Poll

Copyright © 2025 Weekend 22 · All Rights Reserved · Login