Lovin’, Touchin’, Squeezin’

Zoo Freaks, get ready to groove with the Zoo Crew as we spin "Lovin’, Touchin’, Squeezin’" by Journey from their 1979 album Evolution. This bluesy rock anthem, written by lead singer Steve Perry, is a raw, emotional tale of heartbreak inspired by a real-life betrayal. Perry revealed in the liner notes for Journey’s Time3 compilation that the song’s story came from witnessing his then-girlfriend step out of a Corvette and share a long, loving kiss with the driver. He called it “love justice,” channeling his pain into lyrics that start with the gut-wrenching line, “You make me weep, I wanna die,” and end with a defiant twist where the cheater gets a taste of their own medicine. The song’s iconic “na-na-na-na-na-na” fade-out became a concert staple, perfect for sing-alongs, and its soulful vibe draws from Sam Cooke’s “Nothin’ Can Change This Love,” a connection noted by fans on X.

This track marked a big milestone for Journey, becoming their first Top 40 hit, peaking at #16 on the Billboard Hot 100 and #12 in Canada. It’s been covered by artists like Dream Theater, who included it in their 1995 “Big Medley,” and even popped up in pop culture, from the pilot episode of Glee to a Journey cover band called the Lovin’, Touchin’, Squeezins booked for a wedding in Scrubs. A fan on Songfacts called it a tune that “makes you wish Journey had done an ‘Unplugged’ album,” imagining its bluesy riffs stripped down acoustic-style. The song’s music video, directed by Bruce Gowers (known for work with Queen and Michael Jackson), was released in July 1979, adding a visual punch to its raw energy.

Journey’s journey began in San Francisco in 1973, born from the ashes of Santana. Founding members Neal Schon (guitar) and Gregg Rolie (keyboards, vocals), both ex-Santana, teamed up with Ross Valory (bass), George Tickner (guitar), and Prairie Prince (drums). Initially, they leaned into jazz-rock instrumentals, releasing their self-titled debut in 1975, followed by Look Into the Future and Next. These albums sold modestly, but the band struggled to break through. By 1977, craving radio success like Foreigner or Boston, they brought in Steve Perry, whose soulful, Sam Cooke-inspired voice transformed their sound. Their fourth album, Infinity (1978), went platinum, and with Evolution, featuring new drummer Steve Smith, they cemented their rise, hitting #20 on the Billboard 200.

Stay connected with Journey through their official website, where you can grab merch and check tour dates. Follow them on Facebook, Instagram, and X for the latest updates. Zoo Freaks can also dive into fan communities like the Journey Fan Club on Facebook or visit fan sites such as Journey-Tribute.com for trivia, forums, and more. Keep rockin’ with the Zoo Crew, and let’s keep those good vibes flowin’!