I Believe In Miracles

The Zoo Crew is spinning the punk rock anthem "I Believe In Miracles" by the Ramones from their 1989 album Brain Drain, and the Zoo Freaks are surely feeling the raw energy of this track. This song, a standout on the album, was written by Dee Dee Ramone and producer Daniel Rey, reflecting Dee Dee’s introspective and resilient spirit. According to a 2019 article from Rock and Roll Globe, the song’s ear-splitting opener showcases an evolution of the Ramones’ classic sound, blending their signature punk with a touch of 80s sludge for a fresh edge. Dee Dee’s lyrics, like “I used to be on an endless run / Believe in miracles ‘cause I’m one,” speak to his personal struggles and survival, a theme that resonated deeply with fans. The song’s hopeful message and driving rhythm made it a live favorite, with setlist.fm noting it was frequently covered by bands like Pearl Jam and Eddie Vedder, cementing its lasting impact.

Another piece of trivia comes from the production of Brain Drain, which was fraught with tension. Dee Dee Ramone, in his 1998 autobiography, described the recording as tough, with band members clashing over personal issues. He didn’t even play bass on the album, with Daniel Rey and Andy Shernoff stepping in, as noted in Wikipedia. Despite these challenges, “I Believe In Miracles” emerged as a highlight, praised by Johnny Ramone in his 2012 autobiography Commando as one of the album’s bright spots. Social media posts from @PunkRockStory on X have celebrated the song’s legacy, marking Brain Drain’s anniversary and its singles, including “I Believe In Miracles,” as pivotal in the Ramones’ career. The music video for the song, featuring C.J. Ramone instead of Dee Dee, further underscores the band’s transition during this period, as Dee Dee left soon after the album’s release.

The Ramones got their start in 1974 in Forest Hills, Queens, New York, when childhood friends Jeffrey Hyman (Joey Ramone), John Cummings (Johnny Ramone), Douglas Colvin (Dee Dee Ramone), and Thomas Erdelyi (Tommy Ramone) formed the band. Inspired by 60s pop, comic books, and the raw energy of the New York music scene, they adopted the “Ramone” surname, a nod to Paul McCartney’s alias “Paul Ramon,” despite not being related. As detailed on Wikipedia, they pioneered punk rock with their minimalist style—short, fast songs, leather jackets, and a no-nonsense attitude. Their early gigs at CBGB in Manhattan built a cult following, and their 1976 self-titled debut album, recorded for just $6,400, became a blueprint for punk. Joey’s distinctive vocals, Johnny’s buzzsaw guitar, Dee Dee’s gritty songwriting, and Tommy’s relentless drumming defined their sound, influencing countless bands despite limited commercial success during their 22-year run of 2,263 concerts.

Fans can connect with the Ramones’ legacy through their official website, Facebook, Instagram, and X accounts, where updates and archival content keep the punk spirit alive. For deeper dives, fan communities thrive online. The Ramones Fan Club on Facebook is a vibrant group where Zoo Freaks can share memories and discuss the band’s impact. Another fan hub, Ramones Heaven, offers detailed discographies and tributes. These platforms ensure the Ramones’ influence endures, from their Queens roots to their global punk revolution, making “I Believe In Miracles” a perfect anthem for the Zoo Crew’s airwaves.