There’s something about nostalgia that hits differently. It gets a bad rap sometimes—mostly because it can make us label anything from our past as a “classic” just because it’s tied to some fond memory. But when it’s genuine, nostalgia can feel like stepping back into a moment you never wanted to end.

That’s exactly what today’s “Song of the Day” does—it stirs up those feelings of the past and reminds me why some songs never lose their magic. I’m talking about one of the all-time great power ballads: Journey’s “Open Arms.”

Released in 1982 on Journey’s seventh album, Escape, the song was an instant hit, both on the radio and in their arena shows. “Open Arms” quickly became the rock power ballad—the one all others get compared to. Like any good ballad, it’s about losing love and finding it again. Honestly, I don’t know anyone—no matter their music taste—who hasn’t slow danced to this song at least once.

It wasn’t exactly the go-to tune at my high school dances, but I definitely heard it plenty once I was older—at weddings, anniversaries, and other celebrations. The song’s staying power comes from more than just its lyrics—it’s Steve Perry’s voice. His delivery is powerful without feeling overdone or corny. There’s this sincerity in his singing, like he’s sharing something deeply personal, and that’s what gives the song its timeless emotional pull.

Open Arms

Lying beside you
here in the dark
Feeling your heart beat with mine

Softly you whisper
you’re so sincere
How could our love be so blind
We sailed on together
We drifted apart
And here you are by my side

So now I come to you
with open arms
Nothing to hide
believe what I say
So here I am with open arms
Hoping you’ll see what your love means to me
Open arms

Living without you
living alone
This empty house seems so cold

Wanting to hold you
wanting you near

How much I want you home
But now that you’ve come back
Turned night into day
I need you to stay

So now I come to you
with open arms
Nothing to hide
believe what I say
So here I am with open arms
Hoping you’ll see what your love means to me
Open arms