separate ways journey and steve perry

Divorces, New Beginnings, and the Meaning Behind the 1983 Journey hit “Separate Ways (Worlds Apart)”

Tina Benitez-Eves

By 1982, Journey was still riding the waves of their No. 1 album Escape , released a year earlier, but all was not well within the band. Guitarist Neal Schon and bassist Ross Valory were both in the middle of a divorce and their bandmates wanted to try to reveal some of the positives of the situation. That year, bandmates Jonathan Cain and Steve Perry began writing a song reflecting the difficulties their bandmates were struggling with at the time and wrote “Separate Ways (Worlds Apart)” while the band was on tour. “Usually we don’t write songs that far in advance of an album,” said Cain in 1983. “But on that occasion, Steve and I were just working an idea backstage and it all came together.”

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[RELATED: 4 Songs You Didn’t Know Steve Perry Wrote for Other Artists]

Instead of writing a despondent ballad, “Separate Ways (Worlds Apart)” was an uplifting song about recognizing a love that has ended and being determined to find it once again.

Here we stand Worlds apart, hearts broken in two, two, two Sleepless nights Losing ground, I’m reaching for you, you, you Someday love will find you True love won’t desert you You know I still love you Though we touched and went our separate ways Within a day, Cain and Perry presented their song to the rest of the band, and they started fleshing it out during soundcheck. Soon after, Journey started plugging “Separate Ways” into their nightly sets, and the song immediately connected with the audience before the band had a chance to record it. “It doesn’t matter where we put this song because it has always had a strong effect on the audience, all the way back to the first time we played it—before it was even recorded,” said Schon in 2008. “It was written on tour and we threw it in the set to see how it would go down. The audience had an amazing reaction to it without even knowing what it was. Released as the lead single off Journey’s 1983 album Frontiers, “Separate Ways” was a hit for the band and went to No. 8 on the Billboard Hot 100.

‘Stranger’ Covers

While watching the Netflix sci-fi series Stranger Things in 2022, Chris Daughtry was captivated by “Separate Ways (Worlds Apart),” when he heard it playing in an episode. He immediately wanted to cover the Journey classic as a duet and called on Halestorm’s Lzzy Hale and the two recorded it. Coincidentally, the duo’s 2023 release of “Separate Ways” also marked the 40th anniversary of the release of the song and Journey’s landmark album Frontiers . “I didn’t even think about it,” Daughtry told American Songwriter in 2023. “We didn’t set it there for inspiration or as a muse or whatever—it was just there. The 40th anniversary thing, I had no idea about it until after we had recorded it.”

[RELATED: Daughtry and Lzzy Hale Talk Covering Journey’s “Separate Ways”]

Remixed by Bryce Miller for the season 4 trailer and cliffhanger of Stranger Things , Perry said he was hesitant at first to feature the song on the show. “I was sent this trailer version, and I was absolutely stunned by the feeling that I got from it,” said Perry in 2022. “Because it was so organic and analogy, and I was stunned that the vocal was emotionally that  good .” Perry added, “When Bryce started arranging it, he took certain melody things that were always there, like guitar lines or things that we had worked on back in the day, and just expanded on them in a different way, and so it became a new version of itself, emotionally. I mean, I knew it was good, but I didn’t think it was that emotional.”

Photo: Michael Ochs Archives/Getty Images

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Separate Ways: Steve Perry on How a 40-Year-Old Journey Hit Found New Life Via “Stranger Things”

Separate Ways: Steve Perry on How a 40-Year-Old Journey Hit Found New Life Via Stranger Things

Joined by Alloy Tracks’ Bryce Miller and Troy MacCubbin, Perry discusses why he believes the 1983 hit resonates so deeply in 2022.

Words : Dan Epstein

July 27, 2022

Photo by Michael Muller. Image design by Gene Bresler at Catch Light Digital. Cobver design by Jerome Curchod. Phoebe Bridgers makeup: Jenna Nelson (using Smashbox Cosmetics) Phoebe Bridgers hair: Lauren Palmer-Smith MUNA hair/makeup: Caitlin Wronski 

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With its vivid 1980s setting and rampant pop cultural reference points, the Netflix series Stranger Things has proven to be an important new platform for numerous musical artists of that decade, as seen from the recent burst of renewed popularity for Kate Bush’s “Running Up That Hill” and Metallica’s “Master of Puppets,” both of which were prominently featured in the show’s fourth season. 

You can now add “Separate Ways (Worlds Apart),” Journey ’s 1983 smash, to the list of ’80s classics finding a new generation of listeners via its appearance in this season of the series. But unlike the Bush and Metallica anthems, which were included largely in their original form, “Separate Ways” was drastically remixed by Bryce Miller and Alloy Tracks —initially for use in the series’ trailer, and then for the dramatic cliffhanger conclusion to Episode 8. The latter “Extended Remix” of the song was also created with input from former Journey lead singer Steve Perry , whose soaring vocals graced the original track.

Perry, Miller, and Alloy Tracks founder Troy MacCubbin recently spoke with us about their haunting remixes of “Separate Ways,” which bookend Legacy Recordings’ new Stranger Things: Soundtrack from the Netflix Series, Season 4 . They not only gave us a fascinating behind-the-scenes look at the process of breathing new life into a 40-year-old track, but also offered some interesting thoughts on why Stranger Things and the music used in the series resonate so deeply with audiences in 2022.

How did these remixes of “Separate Ways” come about?

Troy MacCubbin: Well, Bobby Gumm and Adam Finklestein at Trailer Park [the production house that cuts the trailers for Stranger Things ], we’ve been working with them for a while now. They sent over Stranger Things , which we were so excited about, and their ideas for possible songs that could be remixed for the trailer. I think Trailer Park mentioned “Separate Ways” to us, and Bryce said, “Yeah, ’Separate Ways’ would be an awesome track.” And then we kind of went off from there…

So your first remix of the song was done specifically to suit the trailer’s needs?

Bryce Miller: Yes, exactly. That really gave me the opportunity to incorporate the analog synths and textures that are used in the Stranger Things score, and try and match this remix to really fit the sound of the show.

“I can’t think of any other show that bridges the gap between children and parents in this kind of emotional way, where the characters are living on the edge of their own fears and the music is intertwined emotionally with all of it.” — Steve Perry

At what point did Steve get involved?

Troy: Well, at the time I was in Nashville, and I get this call from a number I didn’t recognize. The person on the other end rattled off something and then mentioned Stranger Things , so I thought it was Netflix calling to talk about what we had done. He’s like, “You guys did such an amazing job, I want to learn more about what you guys did.” And after 15 minutes, he’s about to hang up, and I’m like, “Um, can you tell me who this is again?” And he’s like, “It’s Steve Perry—the guy who sang the song!” [ Laughs. ]

And at that point I was like, “Wow, oh my God, Steve, you’re a fuckin’ legend! I can’t believe I’m talking to Steve Perry!” We were over the moon because, throughout our careers, we haven’t ever had the actual singer from any of the songs that we’ve trailer-ized over the years call and give us feedback and want to be involved. And then Steve just took it to the next level, because he was like, “Well, what else can we do?”

Steve, take me back to when you first heard what they’d done with “Separate Ways,” and your initial reaction.

Steve Perry: Well, you know, I still own all my songwriting; the other [Journey] members involved have since sold their songwriting. So I was contacted to approve the use of it. I was sent this trailer version, and I was absolutely stunned by the feeling that I got from it. Because it was so organic and analog-y, and I was stunned that the vocal was emotionally that good . [ Laughs. ]

“We were over the moon because, throughout our careers, we haven’t ever had the actual singer from any of the songs that we’ve trailer-ized over the years call and give us feedback and want to be involved.” — Troy MacCubbin

You gotta remember, I did that vocal, like, years ago, and back then I was struggling to be heard amongst incredible amounts of instruments—analog synths, many, many guitars, and drums. So when I heard that Bryce had taken [my vocal track] out like he did, and there were certain harmonics that I think he had accentuated, with certain echoes that were just touching me emotionally that I wish I would’ve had on the original, I turned to my girlfriend and I said, “You know, I never heard the vocal without all that stuff around it, it really, emotionally, sounds so different than I remember it—and in a positive way!” I was blown away with what they had done, and I just wanted to get to know them and talk to them more. 

A week or so later, I got Bryce’s number from Troy. I called him up and said, “Look, I have this idea—just for fun, let’s see if we can extend it.” Bryce already had a lot of different versions of his remix saved, which we were able to apply to that extended mix. In one day, we put this mock together and sent it to the music supervisor for Stranger Things . Within a few days the Duffers came back to us like, “We’ve got to have this on the record!” So now, all of a sudden, we’re mastering it down for the soundtrack! 

Bryce, how did you approach that first remix for the trailer?

Bryce: Funny enough, one of the first things that Steve wanted to ask me was where I got this isolated vocal; because, as far as we know, it’s not available. I used a piece of software that uses artificial intelligence to pull the vocal away from the instrumental. And hearing those vocals isolated for the first time, just hearing the lead line, I felt something that I hadn’t felt in the song before. And I think that’s kind of what led to how the remix begins, which is just creating a bed of drone for that vocal to sit on top of, and not getting in the way—just letting this emotion come through.

“I’m not trying to just take the original song and slap a few new elements on it to make it louder or more cinematic. I really like to look into the song, and find the musical and vocal ideas that can be given new meaning.” — Bryce Miller

I think what’s the most fun about working on remixes like this is, I’m not trying to just take the original song and slap a few new elements on it to make it louder or more cinematic. I really like to look into the song, and find the musical and vocal ideas that can be given new meaning. And I think that when you pull Steve’s vocals away from the rock track, you find all this emotion and sadness in it. And then be able to take the lead synth line and the lead guitar solo away from their rock world and blow ’em out into big orchestral arrangements…it’s just so satisfying to take the music that the guys in Journey had written and hear it in a totally new context.

Steve: I just wanna say that there’s musical contributions that people can make, but then there’s emotional contributions—and what Bryce and Troy have done is, they picked up on the deeper, emotional, buried-in-there potential contribution that they could pull out of it. They really reached for more emotion than I even knew was in there. When Bryce started arranging it, he took certain melody things that were always there, like guitar lines or things that we had worked on back in the day, and just expanded on ’em in a different way. And so it became a new version of itself, emotionally. I mean, I knew it was good, but I didn’t think it was that emotional . [ Laughs. ]

Steve, were you already a fan of Stranger Things ?

Steve: Yes. I love the show. The first time I saw and heard the trailer [with “Separate Ways”], I kind of lost my mind because it was so powerful. The Duffers are great filmmakers, and what Troy and Bryce were reaching for really fit the filmmakers’ emotional requirements. It’s not easy for people to do trailers and add a connective tissue to the story and the emotion of the show. Most people do trailers and they’re just hack trailers—they get that one voice, like [ growls ] “He’s back! And he’s angry!” [ Laughs. ]

“What Bryce and Troy have done is, they picked up on the deeper, emotional, buried-in-there potential contribution that they could pull out of it.” — Steve Perry

“Separate Ways,” “Running Up That Hill” and “Master of Puppets” have all gotten a huge boost from this season. Do you see any common thread that connects these very different tracks?

Steve: I mean, the soundtrack has Musical Youth on there, “Pass the Dutchie,” and it’s got “Wipeout” by The Surfaris! Somehow they all work in the show, because the Duffers have this incredible sense of humor about themselves, and their darkness is so deep. The one that I scratched my head about—and then I thought, “No, I guess it’s cool”—was when they’re gonna jump in the airplane with the crazy Russian pilot and they’re playing “Traveling Man” by Ricky Nelson?

Troy: Just the fact that these songs are coming back and being discovered by a new generation—I’ve got a six-year-old and an 11-year-old, and now suddenly every time I talk to Steve on the phone, they’re like, “Did you just speak to Steve Perry ? Oh my god, are you gonna see him?” [ Laughs. ] 

Steve: I can’t think of any other show that bridges the gap between children and parents in this kind of emotional way, where the characters are living on the edge of their own fears as they’re facing the bigger fears and the music is intertwined emotionally with all of it. And with the music comes even more of that, because the emotion of the music, no matter what it is, is already in the tracks. 

Steve, this is not the first time a Journey track has wound up in a key position in a major TV show…

Steve: Well, no. And by the way, now that you mentioned that, I really think that this is the next equivalent of a Sopranos moment for a whole new generation. Like, how Troy was talking about his children—my doctor calls me all the time and puts his 16-year-old on the phone with me, because she can’t believe that I know her dad. But they’re watching the show together , and he told me the other day that when they were watching Episode 8 and our song came on, she cried. He said, “I’ve never seen her cry like that!” 

Did this experience make you want to mess around with some of your other old tracks in a similar way?  

Steve: 100 percent. Troy and Bryce and I, this isn’t the last of us!

Bryce: We’re a band now! FL

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How Journey Ended Up With That ‘Cheeseball’ Video for ‘Separate Ways’

Journey resisted MTV's siren call for a while. They offered throwaway performance clips, and once allowed NFL Films to capture some backstage moments. But they didn't go all in; there were no big sets, no big ideas.

Then they released a promo clip for "Separate Ways," the first single off 1983's Frontiers .

Singer  Steve Perry had specifically been against this kind of choreographed video. "He'd always say, 'We're performers, we're entertainers, but we're not actors,'" keyboardist Jonathan Cain says in I Want My MTV: The Uncensored Story of the Music Video Revolution . "And we were not a very photogenic band. So, we stayed on the sidelines at first."

Eventually, they could no longer resist the growing trend. But the whole process got away from them. Journey ended up having little say in what became a deliriously campy setup in New Orleans by producer John Diaz and the late directer Tom Buckholtz.

Perry tried to push back in their lone pre-shoot meeting, but was brushed off. "Don't worry," Diaz reportedly said . "You're going for the obvious. There're better ways to convey emotion in these things."

The band arrived at the Louisa Street Wharf during Mardi Gras season , only dimly aware of what would be required. The still-unformed concept involved a woman who fell asleep with her headphones on, then dreamed the video. Much of the rest would be improvised on the spot.

Guitarist Neal Schon wasn't sure about any of this, though he eventually learned to appreciate the clip's camp factor. "I like the song, I don't know about the video," he told Huffington Post in 2012. "Well, it was the beginning of the video era. I think we made that video for, like, $5,000. You know, nobody was spending big money on videos, for one."

Cain had his doubts too, but figured this was the way things were going to be in the MTV era. "Visual impact is very important these days," he told The New York Times in 1983. "This is the '80s. We feel we're a band of the future, so we've gotta do well at this. Yet we don't want to be embarrassed out there. There were times this morning when I must admit I felt like I was on 'Celebrity Bowling.'"

There were problems from the first: A blustery wind rolled in from the Mississippi River, and that sent Perry scurrying to his Winnebago for warmth. He'd also brought along Sherrie Swafford, his then-girlfriend, despite a band agreement to leave significant others at home. Swafford was apparently unhappy about the presence of Margaret Oldstead, a local woman who starred in the video.

"Sherrie was like, 'You're really going to have this girl in your video?'" Cain told Huffington Post. "So, Steve was getting pressure from her. And, in the end, I think [Journey manager] Herbie Herbert had to talk to Steve and go, 'Come on, let's just do this. We're down here in New Orleans; we don't have any other ideas. Let's just go do this.'"

Oldstead, a student at nearby Tulane University, was oblivious to the drama surrounding her. She had answered an open audition on a whim. "I was working and paying my way through college, so the [notion] of making money for shooting a video was a godsend," she told Marc Tyler Nobleman in 2013. "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. So, I was now the girl in the Journey video, still clueless."

Suddenly, a large boat arrived from the U.K., ready to dock in New Orleans. "They were mooring the British ship and there's Journey," Buckholtz told the Golden Age of Music Video in 2011. "So, they thought we had organized a big welcome for them. And when the British naval band came out to play for the arrival, they interrupted our video shoot, and all the people on the ship started shouting, 'We want Journey!'"

Then there was a very late night. "What they couldn't understand was why no one ever said 'Last call!'" Oldstead added. "Being a New Orleans girl, I couldn't understand what a last call even was. They explained they were out all night because normal cities close bars and let everyone know that they are closing. But this was New Orleans and Mardi Gras."

Watch Journey's Video for 'Separate Ways'

Things were just as interesting during the filming. At work on a largely autonomous set, Buckholtz was free to experiment. "There was a lot of 'let's try this' or 'let's try that' – a lot of it shot on the fly," he said. "We mostly had to wing it, and back then, CBS Records only sent one person, so there was virtually no supervision."

Many of the clip's most obvious fashion missteps – Oldstead's white leather jacket, Perry's checkerboard sleeveless shirt – could be understood, if not forgiven. Same goes for the band's general lack of self awareness. It was, after all, the early '80s. But for some reason, someone came up on the idea of playing air guitar. And air drums and air bass and air synths.

Adam Dubin, who  co-directed the video for the Beastie Boys ' "(You Gotta) Fight for Your Right (To Party!)," argued that Journey may have been a victim of poor timing. At this point, there weren't any rules in place.

"Here's a band at their commercial peak, and some idiot decided to film them on a wharf, and – here's the worst part – instead of giving them instruments, let them mime playing imaginary instruments," Dubin says in I Want My MTV . "The director should be shot. And the manager should be shot for allowing his band to be put in this position. But this is my point, there really wasn't a music-video aesthetic yet."

Pressed on who exactly hatched this air-instrument plan, Buckholtz sighed before finally telling Golden Age of Music Video , "That was me."

Cain told I Want My MTV that he's still at a loss to explain any of it. "I will never live down those air keyboards," he added. "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."

Buckholtz, who also helmed clips for Journey's " After the Fall " and " Chain Reaction " during this same whirlwind week, admitted that inexperience played a role in any missteps. In fact, he described himself back then as "a hick director. If I had to do it over again, I wouldn't have done it any different — well, yes I would, but my wife laughs every time it comes on TV. I'd never done one before, and maybe that shows."

Schon acknowledges now that the video for "Separate Ways" is far more infamous than beloved. It became fodder for one of the more memorable segments on MTV's Beavis and Butt-Head (" Is this the Partridge Family? "); there have been countless other jokes since. Schon has found a way to put things in perspective, he told Huffington Post. "Better that way than not ever seeing it at all," Schon argued.

Perry eventually came to the same place. "You gotta love it! We'll be immortalized forever now!" he told Entertainment Weekly in 1994, after watching Beavis and Butt-Head excoriate his band.

"It was just cheeseball, from beginning to end," Cain added. "I can still see Steve Perry at the meeting going, 'No!'" Still, some good came of it all. Perry eventually promised to write the still-angry Swafford a song by way of an apology, and " Oh Sherrie " became a No. 3 solo Billboard hit a year later in 1984.

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author • speaker • "Batman & Bill" character • pop culture archaeologist • he

Saturday, July 13, 2013

The girl in the video: “separate ways (worlds apart)” (1983) and “oh sherrie” (1984).

You are the only person [who] has ever received a response! MTV, VH1 [contacted me and] I did nothing and hoped they thought it was the wrong number! I am an esthetician, teach yoga, never married, no children. Love my animals, planting flowers, and life. Cherish my friends (including Steve) and my privacy. It was so different for us! It was just Love, nothing else!

Real research question: if you know the Annie Hubbard who was in 1984 Night Ranger video “Sister Christian,” pls contact @MarcTNobleman Real research question: if you know the woman — even just her name—in 1986 Cinderella video “Shake Me,” pls contact @MarcTNobleman Real research question: if you know woman—even just her name—in ‘87 Richard Marx video “Should’ve Known Better,” pls contact @MarcTNobleman

30 comments:

Great series! Journey on Beavis and Butthead: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k6WplQoHeHs

Thanks Michael! Added that link above.

This was awesome to read!

I heard that Sherrie Swafford did in fact get married and had children, something that she had wanted with Steve, but never attained. I heard from various sources that she was very happy living her life with her family and a private life at that.

thanks for sharring that info. i still believe steve perry is the best singer for journey....

Kimberly - are you saying you heard this from people who knew Sherrie?

Kimberly,had heard that Sherrie had married and had kids to0 but that seems to be just like all of the other stuff that comes out of the rumor mill. Since this came from Sherrie, now we know the truth.

Sherrie told the truth...never married, no children, very private. Beautiful inside and out! Fact.

I miss Steve Perry when I heard his music. I love that music and his voice. In the Journey.

Muchas gracias por compartir esta historia.Steve I LOVE YOU.

My dad (at least, his back) appears in the 4th picture. He's the one all the way to the right.

Wow! glad I ran across this...the girl/image in Separate Ways seems kind of straight faced snobbish in the character she portrayed. Margaret Oldsted Menendez seems like the sweetest person you could ever meet, so very down to earth. Being a Journey fan I really enjoyed reading the behind the scenes info. Adding this to my song facts & trivia notes.

I produced the "Oh Sherrie" video and when Steve Perry said he wanted Sherrie, his girlfriend, as "Sherrie," I tried to dissuade him. My experience was that rock stars who did use their girlfriends, went on to hate the video after they broke up with them. In fact, in the first takes of the ending, Steve says to her "I kinda love you" as we went on it became "I kinda like you" (which was used). She was nice and it's still one of my favorite videos I made (and it's "prequel" Strung Out"). I even appear in the "Oh Sherrie" video as the "writer" throwing the script in the air after Steve rebels against the video's concept.

Such awesome era! Thanks for the memories, the Love, the pain, the missing, the aching, the hoping a return...hope you are all happy.

Kimberly Marconi - Margaret Oldsted Menendez, the girl in the video Separate Ways, got married to her high school sweetheart at 21 and they are still married today and they have 4 grown children.

Great article, Thank You!

What town was she living in when her and Steve dated?

Fun Fact, Margaret's sister-in-law, Barbara Menendez (Ganucheau) has just written a cookbook of New Orleans recipes done vegan. Called Vegan Dawlin'.

Did anyone ever tell you you look just like Gene Wilder?

I always loved Steve & Sherrie together as a couple 💖 They were so in LOVE with each other & they always looked so happy! 💖2018: they are both single..I wonder if there's ANY chance of a Steve/Sherrie reunion?!😊

i thought of it a hundred times.. maybe they could rekindle the sweet moments they had back then.. love might just be one the air again, and there's nothing wrong with it...

Steve's new album "Traces" is absolutely great,Finally he is back and oh a tour would be so great hes around 70 years old now but watching his new videos he sure doesn't look it, oh a fun fact in his video no more cryin the younger lead guitarist is Clint Eastwood son cant remember his first name though,anyway this was a great read

Sherrie was from Bakersfield, Ca. Her parents were next door neighbors of my mother's. She was already out of the house but would visit her parents and younger sister. Steve Perry came with her as well. After one of these visits her parents showed us a picture of Steve, Sherrie and them together. Her parents eventually moved from their house on Driller Ave but continued to send my mother a Christmas card every year.

No offense to anyone, but the Sherrie video is much better. It's funny, I also liked Sherrie's hair better than the short hair look (which was super hip at the time) in Separate Ways. Hadn't seen the Sherrie video in a long time. Wish I could go back to 1984 again. Some really interesting tidbits in the article & comments. Thanks everyone for your information.

I would love to know when sherrie's birthday is I tried to Google it but it's very difficult to find

I'd love to go back again to 1984 too! Love you Steve Perry! 😘😘❤️

Omgosh I came here specifically looking for the separate ways haircut ! I was describing to a younger person how cool it was and how I always wanted that haircut every time I see the video. I wonder why Margaret didn't like it.

Oh me too, I wish I could have been in a video with Steve. At least meet him..

You are so lucky to have met and worked with Steve perry . I love him. I miss him with journey but he will be forever my favorite person

Sherrie sounds like she was a real handful, but Margaret is truly a class act. This was a fun read.

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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: 23

• Jodie from Maryland They deserved a way better video for this great song.
• 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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The Meaning Behind The Song: Separate Ways (Worlds Apart) by Journey

Journey is one of the most legendary rock bands of all time, and their hit song “Separate Ways (Worlds Apart)” is an anthem for anyone who has ever experienced heartbreak. The song was released in 1983 and quickly became one of the band’s most recognizable tunes. It starts with a hauntingly beautiful guitar riff, and the lyrics are filled with powerful emotions that can really touch your soul. So, what exactly does this song mean? Let’s take a look.

Table of Contents

The Inspiration Behind “Separate Ways”

Steve Perry, the lead vocalist of Journey, has stated that “Separate Ways” was inspired by his own experience with a failed relationship. He wrote the lyrics based on the raw emotions he was feeling at the time, and the band composed the music around them. When you listen to the song, you can feel the intense pain and heartbreak he must have been going through.

The Lyrics of “Separate Ways”

The lyrics of “Separate Ways” are simple yet powerful. They speak of a relationship that has ended and the pain caused by the separation. The first verse starts with the lines, “Here we stand / Worlds apart, hearts broken in two / Sleepless nights / Losing ground, I’m reaching for you.” These lines describe the feeling of being alone after a breakup and the desperate need to be with someone you once loved.

The chorus of the song is perhaps the most well-known part. It goes, “Someday love will find you / Break those chains that bind you / One night will remind you / How we touched and went our separate ways.” The message is clear that even though a relationship may have ended, the memories will still be there forever.

The Music of “Separate Ways”

“Separate Ways” is built around a simple but effective guitar riff played by Neal Schon. The riff is catchy and memorable, and it perfectly captures the melancholic mood of the song. The verses are quiet and subdued, with Perry’s voice and a gentle guitar melody.

But the chorus is where the song really comes to life. The band kicks in with powerful drum beats and soaring guitar solos that create a sense of grandeur and emotional release. It’s no wonder that this song became such a massive hit.

Frequently Asked Questions About “Separate Ways” by Journey

1. are the lyrics of “separate ways” based on a real breakup.

Yes, Steve Perry has confirmed that the lyrics were inspired by his own experience with a failed relationship.

2. Who wrote the music for “Separate Ways?”

The music for the song was written by the entire band, with guitarist Neal Schon coming up with the memorable riff.

3. Was “Separate Ways” a hit when it was first released?

Yes, the song reached #8 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart in 1983 and remains one of Journey’s most popular tunes.

4. What is the meaning behind the title of the song?

The title “Separate Ways (Worlds Apart)” refers to the feeling of being separated from someone you once loved and feeling like you are living in completely different worlds.

5. What is the significance of the guitar riff in the song?

The guitar riff is one of the most memorable parts of the song and perfectly captures the melancholic mood of the lyrics. It is widely regarded as one of the best guitar riffs in rock music history.

6. What inspired Steve Perry to write the lyrics of “Separate Ways?”

Perry was going through a difficult time in his personal life, and the lyrics reflect his pain and heartbreak.

7. What message is the song trying to convey?

The song speaks of the pain and heartbreak of a failed relationship, and the message is that even though love may end, the memories will always be there.

8. Who produced “Separate Ways”?

The song was produced by Kevin Elson and Mike Stone.

9. Is there a music video for “Separate Ways”?

Yes, the music video features Journey playing the song in an abandoned warehouse and has become infamous for its cheesy special effects and awkward dance moves.

10. Has “Separate Ways” been covered by any other artists?

Yes, the song has been covered by several artists, including Steelheart and Rascal Flatts.

11. What album is “Separate Ways” featured on?

The song is featured on Journey’s 1983 album “Frontiers.”

12. Was “Separate Ways” performed live by Journey?

Yes, the band has played the song live on many occasions, and it remains a fan favorite at concerts.

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Journey ‘Separate Ways’ Remix Featured on ‘Stranger Things’ Season 4 Soundtrack

Bryce Miller and Alloy Tracks' remixes of Journey's "Separate Ways (Worlds Apart)" are featured in the season 4 soundtrack.

By Rania Aniftos

Rania Aniftos

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The music featured in season four of Stranger Things has become just as hyped as the series itself, as shown in the popularity surge of Kate Bush ‘s 1985 track, “Running Up That Hill (A Deal With God).”

The popular Netflix series unveiled its full soundtrack upon the season’s completion, and the set includes Bryce Miller and Alloy Tracks’ remixes of Journey ‘s “Separate Ways (Worlds Apart)” featured in the fourth season. The updated version of the 1983 song features the band’s longtime singer Steve Perry.

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“One of the wonders of  Stranger Things  is that it has a way of connecting each of the songs to its multigenerational audience around the world in very unique ways,” the show’s longtime music supervisor Nora Felder previously told  Billboard . “That reflects the power of a meaningful, timeless song — and how its significance can be revived and reconceived when it is married to a remarkable story such as  Stranger Things .”

Listen to the “Separate Ways (Worlds Apart)” remix and see the  Stranger Things season 4 soundtrack full track list below.

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Steve Perry And Journey Enchanted Their Audience With ‘Separate Ways’ | Live 1983

Youtube Channel: EwerLord

Oh, How I Love Me Some Journey!

Let’s face it, if you’re not a fan of Journey , then how are you even a fan of music!? Journey is a band that set themselves apart VERY early in their career by writing, recording, and performing some of the most anthemic and catchy songs of our time… Seriously, I’m sure there isn’t a single Journey song that you wouldn’t be able to sing along to. This song here is no different!

What you’re about to watch is legendary rock band Journey take to the stage in Tokyo, Japan and perform their classic hit song Separate Ways . Despite having several amazing classic songs, this one truly stands out as one of their more epic songs. The opening synth pattern is the quintessential bell toll that ignites the fire of excitement in fans of Journey all over the world. Don’t believe us? Watch and see for yourself!

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STEVE PERRY And JOURNEY Go Separate Ways, This Week In Music History; Video

May 3, 2023, a year ago

news classic rock rarities steve perry journey

On May 7, 1998, Journey frontman, Steve Perry, left the band for the second and final time. Watch the clip below from AXS TV as Perry sits down with Dan Rather to reflect on his experience on This Week In Music History.

Find the full interview here .

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