A jilted guy learns from a miscue without growing bitter (“I can forgive you, but I won’t relive you”). In tough times Bon Jovi looks to friends (“I Am”), family (“Who Says You Can’t Go Home”), God and country (“Bells of Freedom”). “Welcome to Wherever You Are” tells fans they are valuable and ready to flourish (“Everyone’s a miracle … God makes no mistakes”). The singer remains upbeat about life, asking a woman to be his friend forever on “Story of My Life.”
A man persists in an unhealthy romance on “Wildflower,” describing his bedmate’s “spell” on him as involving voodoo. She also chats with ghosts. As the mischievous grin on the CD cover might imply, “Have a Nice Day” reeks of sarcasm. It also bristles at the idea of moral absolutes. (Keyboardist David Bryan explains, “It sort of gives the finger to the world.”) An unfortunate metaphor compares a departing lover to a savored “Last Cigarette.” Another equates the numbness of a failing relationship with a drug-induced paralysis, stating, “You’re the needle running through my veins” (“Novocaine”).
Have a Nice Day isn’t perfect, but a number of upbeat tunes contain great statements about family, friends and faith. Parents deciding that the good outweighs the bad should be careful to avoid the “DualDisc” version. Its DVD features include disappointing profanity, as well as an obscene gesture from guitarist Richie Sambora.
