The Alternate Verse To “Who’S Crying Now” Recorded But Never Released

April 2, 2025

In the heart of the 1980s, a time of vibrant colors and booming rock music, there was a song that nearly made its way to the top of the charts. The song was “Who’s Crying Now” by Journey, a power ballad that perfectly captured the struggles of love and heartache. But what many didn’t know was that there was an alternate verse recorded for the song, a verse that never made it to the final cut. This lost verse was filled with raw emotion and deeper reflections on loss, and its story is one of resilience, creativity, and the passion for music that can inspire us all.

The alternate verse spoke of a journey not just through a troubled relationship but also through personal growth and self-discovery. The lead singer, Steve Perry, had poured his heart into these lyrics after experiencing his own ups and downs in life. He had faced rejection and heartbreak, feeling lost in a world that often seemed unforgiving. Yet, instead of allowing these challenges to defeat him, he used them as fuel for his creativity. This alternate verse echoed the sentiments of countless listeners who felt trapped in their circumstances, reminding them that pain could be transformed into power.

As the band rehearsed, the alternate verse became a source of inspiration. It brought a sense of unity among the band members, reminding them of why they loved making music together. In the recording studio, the energy was electric. Each note sung by Perry resonated with the weight of his experiences, creating a connection not just to the song but to the very essence of those who related to the message. Even though the verse never made it onto the album, it lingered in the hearts of the band members, a testament to their creative spirit and resilience.

Ultimately, Journey released “Who’s Crying Now” without the alternate verse, and it soared to great heights, becoming a classic that is still celebrated today. But for Perry, the experience served as a profound lesson. He learned that not every piece of art would take flight, but that didn’t diminish its worth. The emotion behind the lyrics, the passion infused into every note, and the journey of creating it were all part of a larger tapestry of his musical journey. This lesson fortified his belief that every experience, whether it ended in success or not, was valuable.

Years later, fans peered into the depths of Perry’s past when stories of the alternate verse emerged. It wasn’t just a curiosity; it became a symbol of perseverance. Many fans took to social media, sharing how the verse, even in its absence, encapsulated their struggles and triumphs. They found inspiration in the story of a song that almost existed but didn’t, and it motivated them to embrace their own struggles and turn them into something beautiful.

In the world of music, not every note played becomes a hit, and not every lyric gets sung aloud. But in the heart of an artist like Steve Perry, the journey of creating something meaningful remains paramount. His resilience, fueled by passion and creativity, reminds us that the true beauty of art lies not just in its public success, but in the personal battles fought and the stories told along the way.