At a recent NFL game between the Detroit Lions and the San Francisco 49ers, Journey stirred controversy by changing their ‘Don’t Stop Believin” lyrics from ‘Born and raised in South Detroit’ to ‘Born and raised in San Francisco,’ inciting fury among Detroit fans.
Social media platforms quickly became a battleground for disgruntled fans voicing their displeasure over the lyric change. Many Detroit Lions supporters expressed their frustration, with some even humorously blaming Journey for the team’s loss, writing:
“Journey played at halftime of Lions-49ers and changed the lyrics to ‘Don’t Stop Believing’ – singing, ‘Just a city boy, born and raised in San Francisco.’ It’s probably Journey’s fault the Lions lost.”
Other Fan Reactions To The Changed Lyrics
Others were more straightforward in their criticism, calling the switch ‘weak’:
“Journey changing the lyrics from South Detroit to San Francisco was weak as hell.”
Another comment added:
“Journey really tried to change the lyrics to San Francisco instead of South Detroit.”
The performance, which took place at Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara, California, included a set of four songs by Journey: ‘Separate Ways (Worlds Apart),’ ‘Be Good To Yourself,’ ‘Any Way You Want It,’ and ‘Don’t Stop Believin’.’
Additional Highlights From The NFL Game Event
While the band, originally formed in the San Francisco area over 50 years ago, opted for the lyric change, it seemed that much of the crowd, especially Detroit fans, continued to sing the original ‘South Detroit’ line, potentially drowning out the band’s revised version.
Apart from the controversy, the event also featured other performances, including pregame shows by Amp Squad DJs and singer Nate Smith. The national anthem was rendered by Puerto Rican pop singer Luis Fonsi, accompanied by the San Francisco Police Department Color Guard team.
In other news, Journey is set to embark on a North American stadium tour in 2024 alongside Def Leppard. The tour will feature 23 cities, starting in St. Louis and concluding in Denver. The tour promises an exciting lineup, with Steve Miller Band as the opening act for most dates and alternating appearances by Cheap Trick and Heart.
See some of the fan reactions and the video from the performance below.
Journey played at halftime of Lions-49ers and changed the lyrics to Don't Stop Believing — singing, "Just a city boy, born and raised in San Francisco"
It's probably Journey's fault the Lions lost. https://t.co/P7gtQ6Pcpu
— Derek Wallbank (@dwallbank) January 29, 2024
Journey changing the lyrics from South Detroit to San Francisco was weak as hell 😂
— Domenik (@therealiLL) January 29, 2024
Journey really tried to change the lyric to San Francisco instead of South Detroit pic.twitter.com/quOdi6AIaM
— Brad S (@BradShuby) January 29, 2024
What a fitting tribute to the NFC Champs considering the score, earlier! The Bay Area's Journey (with the Philippines' Arnel Pineda) singing "Don't Stop Believing" at the halftime? Yes! We did not stop believing! 🙏 #49ers vctto 1077thebone on IG pic.twitter.com/ofa0RD6bx6
— CallMeByMyRealName's Echo Chamber (@yesitisprecious) January 29, 2024
