journey open arms what year

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Open Arms by Journey

Songfacts®:

• Written by band members Steve Perry and Jonathan Cain , this song is about a couple who drifted apart but found each other again and realized how much they love each other. >> Suggestion credit : James - Chesterfield, Derbyshire, England
• According to the liner notes in Journey's Time3 compilation, Jonathan Cain came to Journey with this melody already written. It could have been a song for the Babys, his previous band, except that Babys vocalist John Waite rejected the melody as "too syrupy." He sheepishly showed the tune to Perry on his portable Wurlitzer keyboard and Perry immediately wanted to do it. The rest of the band wasn't so sure. "They were opposed to the ballad," said Perry. "Neal hated the idea and Jon Cain thought maybe John Waite was right." The third single from Escape not only went on to become the band's highest charting single and sent album sales into orbit, but pioneered the entire concept of the power ballad. "Now everybody's got to have one," said Perry. Waite came around as well: his big hit as a solo artist was the ballad " Missing You ."
• " Don't Stop Believin' " has become Journey's most popular song, but it only charted at #9 in America; "Open Arms" was the group's biggest hit on the Hot 100, reaching #2, where it stayed for six weeks, first behind " Centerfold " and then " I Love Rock And Roll ."
• Mariah Carey recorded this for her 1996 album Daydream . Her version hit #4 in the UK.
• This was used in the 1981 animated movie Heavy Metal . It also appears in these films: Daddy's Home 2 (2017) I Now Pronounce You Chuck & Larry (2007) Date Movie (2006) The Last American Virgin (1982)
• More songs from Journey
• More songs about reconciliation or forgiveness
• More songs from 1981
• Lyrics to Open Arms
• Journey Artistfacts

Comments: 13

• Luna Loud from Royal Woods, Michigan Armin from Fort Worth/Dallas: It's not in a minor key, dude. It's in D major. But, yeah, I wouldn't classify it a "monster ballad" or "power ballad", because there's really no, well, "power CHORDS" being played. IDK I guess that's how I've always defined the word "power ballad", though there is definitely power in the melody, lyrics, and emotion, so I guess you could call it that. And Frank from Canada: real men cry. Don't be afraid to let it out, bro.
• Armin from Dallas/fort Worth I have trouble thinking of this song as a power ballad but after reading the cooments, I think I understand. It doesn't seem to fit the mold of a typical power ballad: sensitive passages driven home by a power-rock section---a light-to-heavy transition. Think Stairway to Heaven or Aerosmith's Dream On. Separate Ways seems all power, no ballad. They lyrics are deeply sentimental, especially as delivered by Steve Perry's crooning, but the constant charge in the music sounds more like power pop. I understand now that it's really the intense emotions in the lyrics and the minor key that set the prevailing mood and this song is just a little too unique to classify so conveniently.
• Mckinzie from United States I love this song so very much! I want to dance to this song with my future husband at my future wedding.
• Barry from Sauquoit, Ny On October 28th 1977, Journey appeared in concert at Bill Graham's Old Waldorf in San Francisco, California... It marked Steve Perry's first concert appearance as the lead singer of the West Coast-Bay Area group... Just over five months later on April 2nd, 1978 the group's first charted record, "Wheel in the Sky", would enter Billboard's Hot Top 100 chart at position #89, five weeks later on May 7th it peaked at #57 {for 1 week} and it stayed on the chart for 8 weeks... Between 1978 and 1985 the group had twenty seven Top 100 records; six made the Top 10 with "Open Arms"* being their biggest hit, it peaked at #2... {See next post below}.
• Barry from Sauquoit, Ny On January 10th 1982, "Open Arms" by Journey entered Billboard's Hot Top 100 chart; and on February 21st it peaked at #2 (for 6 weeks) and spent 18 weeks on the Top 100 (and 10 of those 18 weeks were on the Top 10)... It also reached #2 on the Canadian RPM Top Singles chart... The first three weeks it was at #2, the #1 record was "Centerfold" by the J. Geils Band and the last three weeks it was "I Love Rock 'N Roll" by Joan Jett and the Blackhearts was at #1... Was track 5 on side 2 of the group's seventh studio album, 'Escape', and on September 6th, 1981 peaked at #1 (for 1 week) on Billboard's Top 200 Albums chart... Three other tracks off the album also made the Top 100; "Who's Crying Now" (#4), "Don't Stop Believin'" (#9) and "Still The Ride" (#19)...
• Hannah from Ottawa, On Steve Perry has such a beautiful voice. This song is definitely one of the greatest songs of all time!
• Gina from Springfield, Mo This song came out just before my husband & I was married in March of 1982; always been a very special song to me!
• Aimee from Plant City, Fl One of the most special songs ever written!
• Megan from Stevenson, Al This song is so sweet! Beautiful...<3 Makes me cry everytime!
• Joe O from Schenectady, Ny an absolutely gorgeous song, I am learning to play this one on my keyboards. Surprisingly enough, it's not that difficult. I've become a bigger fan of Journey thru this and also from knowing about the history of Journey. Thanks to Jonathan Cain and Steve Perry for this song and the entire Journey catalog of great hits.
• Richard from Houston, Tx It's easy for a song to do that. Think about it - the singer and/or writer has poured their heart into the song, and there's obviously emotion behind it. Just a matter of finding it.
• Stu from Philly, Pa It's not stupid for a song to make you cry. Sometimes a song just hits you in the exact right spot. Something so beautiful. Frank, that's one of my favorite songs, and if you think it hits you when you hear it, try playing it. whoo! what a powerful experience it is to play that song.
• Frank from Brampton, Ontario, Canada As with any other sad song I hear, this one makes me cry alot. Hey... I know that may seem really stupid on my part, but you know.... heartfelt songs like this one really do make ppl cry. Trust me, if such powerful ballads like this make you cry, then you know it really is a good song.

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MY ROCK MIXTAPES

Welcome to a journey with my favorite rockstars!

The Story of JOURNEY’s “Open Arms”

There are great rock ballads and then there’s Journey ’s “Open Arms” – a song that goes beyond the realms of any ordinary power ballad with its distinctive poeticism and ability to break down even the toughest hearts out there. Back in the day, when I knew so little about Steve Perry or Journey , it was “Open Arms” that convinced me that there is something special about this band and I should dig deeper. Now, years later, I look back at that moment when I fell in love at first listen and I can’t but be grateful for this gorgeous song that found a way to appear in my life and brought Journey with it.

I thought it’s high time this out-of-this-world power ballad got the spotlight on [My Rock Mixtapes] . I have gathered some interesting facts and personal interpretations which hopefully my readers will find beneficial. Don’t get too emotional (though I know I will).

– “Open Arms” was released as the third single from Journey ’s highly successful 1981 album “Escape” . Written by Steve Perry and Jonathan Cain , the delicate ballad turned into an instant radio sensation and a fan-favorite. Moreover, not only it skyrocketed the album sales but it became the band’s highest charting single, occupying #2 spot for six weeks! (Surprise! Journey ’s most popular tune “Don’t Stop Believin’” didn’t even reach top5 positions in the States). All in all, what “Open Arms” achieved should come as no surprise because it was in fact a revolutionary song at the time – after its release and commercial success, it became an absolute necessity for any rock act to release a power-ballad.

– “Open Arms” is a perfect marriage between melody and lyrics. Steve Perry is such a magical being; how could he come up with words so touching and so affecting, is beyond my comprehension. Simple, yet so moving, those lines are effortlessly playing on the strings of your heart, making you fall apart with each second. There’s a reason why many fans and critics refer to “Open Arms” as one of the greatest ballads of all time – not many ballads can actually provoke an emotional and physical reaction in you.

(Do I even need to comment on Steve Perry and his God-like vocal delivery? I will just let him do the talking…)

“Open Arms” Lyrics

So now I come to you With open arms Nothing to hide Believe what I say So here I am With open arms Hoping you’ll see What your love means to me Open arms

Living without you Living alone This empty house seems so cold Wanting to hold you Wanting you near How much I wanted you home

But now that you’ve come back Turned night into day I need you to stay

References: “Open Arms” Lyrics, retrieved from http://www.azlyrics.com/lyrics/journey/openarms.html “Open Arms” official Wikipedia Page: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Open_Arms_(Journey_song) P.S. I don’t own any audio or visual material used in this publication. All the rights and credits go to the owners and/publishers. The publication expresses my personal opinion and in no way is trying to make a generalized statement. Please be kind and considerate when you read and/or comment. Cheers~

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The Unlikely Story Of How “Open Arms” Become Journey’s Hit Ballad

NEW YORK, NY - APRIL 07: Inductees Steve Perry and Neal Schon of Journey speak onstage during the 32nd Annual Rock & Roll Hall Of Fame Induction Ceremony at Barclays Center on April 7, 2017 in New York City. The broadcast will air on Saturday, April 29, 2017 at 8:00 PM ET/PT on HBO. (Photo by Kevin Mazur/WireImage for Rock and Roll Hall of Fame)

Jonathan Cain first time presented “Open Arms” to The Babys and it wasn’t accepted with, you guessed it, open arms. So Cain, kept the song hidden.

Former Journey frontman Steve Perry later told Jeb Wright, “My understanding is that he had most of it sketched.” Cain and Perry had been discussing song ideas at Perry’s house, not long after Cain left The Babys for Journey.

As Cain recalls, Perry was interested in writing a different kind of material.

“He was talking to me about his solo album and wanting to do ballads, wanting to do soaring melodies with ballads,” Cain said in 2019. “I said, ‘Steve, there’s no reason for you to go do a solo album. You know, you could do it here in Journey.'”

Cain went out to his car to get his Wurlitzer piano, which he brought along “just in case” and showed Perry the unfinished song he originally offered to the Babys. Cain had the melody, but have no lyrics, but even it was still incomplete, Perry immediately recognized the song’s potential.

Perry remembered asking Cain what’s the song,

“and he said, ‘This is just a song that I started. I played it for my wife and I played it for [Babys frontman] John Waite but he said it was too syrupy.’ I told him, ‘Too bad for him and good for us.'”

The duo eagerly worked together to finish the song.

“That particular one kind of wrote itself. It went that quick,” Perry told Wright. “Escape was not easy; it still was hard. Jonathan and I had a lot of moments writing lyrics where there was difficulty between us. He would make a suggestion and I would say that I would try to sing it but then I would not be able to believe it, or own it for myself, so I would have to throw in a couple of changes or make additions to it to make it mine. That was fine with him; that is basically collaboration.”

Cain and Perry were both excited about the outcome. “I just remember just sitting there going, ‘Oh, wait til the world hears this,'” Cain said in an episode of VH1’s Behind the Music.

When they shared the song to Journey, sadly, Neal Schon was at a loss.

“It’s not that I didn’t like the song when I heard it,” he said in the same VH1 episode. “It was just so far removed from anything we had ever attempted to record before. It’s just like, ‘What am I gonna do on this?'”

Which Cain replied, “you’re gonna be an orchestra, that’s what you’re gonna do.” In addition to bassist Ross Valory and drummer Steve Smith’s tracks, Cain added rhythm guitar and everyone contributed backing vocals.

Years later, when recalling footages for Live in Houston 1981, Perry remembers the memories of constructing the song with Cain and its emotional significance from decades ago.

“I had to keep my head down on the console when ‘Open Arms’ was on,” Perry told Wright. “There is one line in the song that I always wanted to be a certain way. I have ideals about certain things. The line ‘wanting you near’ – I just wanted that line to go up and soar. I wanted it to be heartfelt. Every time it would come by, I would just have to keep my head down and try to swallow the lump in my throat. I felt so proud of the song that I had written with Jonathan.”

“Open Arms” was released in January 1982 and made its way to No. 2 on the charts, becoming one of Journey’s most iconic songs and a set list staple. Truly, a missed opportunity for the Babys had turned into a phenomenal hit which started with just two bandmates who believed in the song.

“[Perry’s] idea melded with what I always had been wanting to find in the song lyrically,” added Cain, who credited Perry with “championing” the tune through its completion.

“You never give up on a song. No matter what anybody says about your song, there’s something there.”

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How a Rejected Babys Song Becomes Journey’s Signature Ballad

The song that would become Journey 's signature ballad was not received with open arms when Jonathan Cain initially presented it to the Babys . So he shelved "Open Arms" for another time.

"My understanding is that he had most of it sketched," former Journey frontman Steve Perry told Classic Rock Revisited . The two had been discussing song ideas one day at Perry's house, not long after Cain left the Babys for Journey.

As Cain recalls, Perry was interested in writing a different kind of material. "He was talking to me about his solo album and wanting to do ballads, wanting to do soaring melodies with ballads," Cain said in 2019 . "I said, 'Steve, there's no reason for you to go do a solo album. You know, you could do it here in Journey.'"

Cain went out to his car to retrieve his Wurlitzer piano, which had had brought along "just in case" and showed Perry the half-conceived song he originally offered to the Babys. It needed work: Cain had the melody down, but no lyrics. Perry, however, immediately recognized the song's potential.

"I asked him what that was," Perry remembered, "and he said, 'This is just a song that I started. I played it for my wife and I played it for [Babys frontman] John Waite but he said it was too syrupy.' I told him, 'Too bad for him and good for us.'"

The pair promptly set to work finishing "Open Arms." "That particular one kind of wrote itself. It went that quick," Perry told Classic Rock Revisited. " Escape  was not easy; it still was hard. Jonathan and I had a lot of moments writing lyrics where there was difficulty between us. He would make a suggestion and I would say that I would try to sing it but then I would not be able to believe it, or own it for myself, so I would have to throw in a couple of changes or make additions to it to make it mine. That was fine with him; that is basically collaboration."

Watch Journey Perform 'Open Arms' in 1982

Cain and Perry were ultimately excited about what they had come up with. "I just remember just sitting there going, 'Oh, wait til the world hears this,'" Cain said in an episode of VH1's Behind the Music .

When they brought the song to Journey, however,  Neal Schon was at a loss. "It's not that I didn't like the song when I heard it," he said in the same VH1 episode. "It was just so far removed from anything we had ever attempted to record before. It's just like, 'What am I gonna do on this?'"

Cain said, "you're gonna be an orchestra, that's what you're gonna do." In addition to bassist Ross Valory and drummer Steve Smith 's tracks, Cain added rhythm guitar and everyone contributed backing vocals.

Years later, when revisiting footage for Live in Houston 1981 , memories of constructing the song with Cain and the emotional significance from decades ago surfaced again for Perry.

"I had to keep my head down on the console when 'Open Arms' was on," Perry told Classic Rock Revisited. "There is one line in the song that I always wanted to be a certain way. I have ideals about certain things. The line ' wanting you near ' – I just wanted that line to go up and soar. I wanted it to be heartfelt. Every time it would come by, I would just have to keep my head down and try to swallow the lump in my throat. I felt so proud of the song that I had written with Jonathan."

Released in January 1982, "Open Arms" made its way to No. 2 on the charts, becoming one of Journey's most recognizable songs and a set list staple. A missed opportunity for the Babys had turned into a phenomenal hit, penned between two bandmates who had only just begun working together.

"[Perry's] idea melded with what I always had been wanting to find in the song lyrically," added Cain, who credited Perry with "championing" the tune through its completion. "You never give up on a song. No matter what anybody says about your song, there's something there."

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Unfolding the Journey: The Timeless Allure of Open Arms

A Timeless Classic from a Legendary Band

Journey’s “open arms”: a timeless power ballad that transcends generations, embodying love, vulnerability, and unparalleled musicianship..

Few bands in the history of rock music have had such a lasting impact as Journey. Formed in 1973 in San Francisco, this American rock band has remained a force in the world of music for nearly 50 years. With their powerful combination of soaring vocals, intricate guitar work, and unforgettable songwriting, Journey has left an indelible mark on generations of fans and inspired countless musicians.

Perhaps no song better exemplifies the band’s unique sound and spirit than “Open Arms.” Released in 1981 as a part of their chart-topping album Escape, this power ballad quickly became a fan favorite and a staple of the band’s live performances. The song showcases the incredible vocal range and emotion of Steve Perry, Journey’s legendary frontman, and the intricate musicianship of Neal Schon on guitar, Ross Valory on bass, Jonathan Cain on keyboards, and Steve Smith on drums. The unforgettable lyrics, penned by Perry and Cain, tell a poignant story of love and vulnerability, making “Open Arms” a timeless classic that continues to resonate with listeners today.

While Journey has been widely celebrated for their musical prowess and success, they haven’t remained entirely immune to criticism. Some detractors have labeled the band’s music as overly commercial or lacking in depth, while others have pointed to lineup changes and internal struggles as indicators of instability. However, even amidst such critiques, Journey’s popularity and influence have remained undeniable, with the band selling over 75 million records worldwide and being inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2017.

Journey’s numerous accolades speak to their lasting impact on the music world. In addition to their Hall of Fame induction, the band has received multiple awards and nominations throughout their career, including a 1982 Grammy nomination for Best Rock Performance by a Duo or Group with Vocal for their iconic hit “Don’t Stop Believin’.” Although “Open Arms” did not win any specific awards, its inclusion on the incredibly successful Escape album and its enduring popularity are testaments to its significance within the band’s impressive catalog of music.

In the end, the legacy of Journey, and “Open Arms” in particular, lies in the hearts and minds of the countless fans who have been captivated by their music. As we approach the 40th anniversary of this classic ballad, it’s clear that Journey’s emotional resonance and undeniable talent will continue to inspire generations of listeners for years to come.

Charting the Journey of a Timeless Ballad

“journey’s ‘open arms’ – a timeless power ballad that captivates generations and conquers charts worldwide”.

Released on January 29, 1982, “Open Arms” quickly became a defining song in Journey’s discography. With its heartfelt lyrics and passionate delivery, the power ballad resonated with fans, skyrocketing up the charts and solidifying the band’s status as rock legends.

Upon its release, “Open Arms” entered the Billboard Hot 100 at No. 57, a strong start considering the competition during that time. As the weeks progressed, the song continued to climb the charts, eventually reaching its peak position at No. 2 on the Hot 100. Although it narrowly missed the top spot, it held onto the No. 2 spot for six consecutive weeks, demonstrating its enduring popularity.

In addition to its success on the Hot 100, “Open Arms” made waves on other charts as well. The song reached No. 1 on the Billboard Adult Contemporary chart, reinforcing its appeal to a wide range of listeners.

The song’s chart performance wasn’t limited to the United States, either. “Open Arms” found success on the Canadian RPM Top Singles chart, where it peaked at No. 4. The track also made an impact on the UK Singles Chart, albeit to a lesser extent, peaking at No. 58.

Despite narrowly missing the No. 1 spot on the Hot 100, “Open Arms” remains one of Journey’s most beloved and enduring hits. Its impressive chart performance is a testament to the song’s timeless appeal and the band’s undeniable talent. Even decades later, “Open Arms” continues to captivate listeners with its powerful message and unforgettable melody, proving that some songs truly stand the test of time.

Diving Deep into the Heartfelt Lyrics

So now I come to you with open arms Nothing to hide, believe what I say So here I am with open arms Hoping you’ll see what your love means to me Open arms

Living without you, living alone This empty house seems so cold Wanting to hold you, wanting you near How much I wanted you home But now that you’ve come back Turned night into day I need you to stay

“Open Arms” is a power ballad that captures the essence of love and longing, emotions that resonate with listeners across generations. The lyrics, written by Steve Perry and Jonathan Cain, are a testament to the timeless power of love and its ability to overcome obstacles and bring people together. When the song was released in 1981, the world was undergoing significant cultural, social, and political changes. The United States was amid the Cold War, and the country was still reeling from the impact of the Vietnam War and the Watergate scandal. Amidst this backdrop of uncertainty and turmoil, “Open Arms” offered listeners a message of hope, promising that love could heal even the deepest wounds.

At the heart of the song is the theme of reconciliation and the willingness to let go of past grievances to embrace love with “open arms.” The lyrics describe a relationship that has weathered the storm, with the couple drifting apart and then reuniting once again. As they lie together in the dark, the sincerity and vulnerability of their love are palpable. The protagonist in the song emphasizes that they have “nothing to hide” and that their love is genuine and strong.

This powerful message of love and forgiveness resonated with listeners in the early 1980s, a time when the world was searching for stability and unity. The song’s heartfelt lyrics served as a reminder that love could provide solace and strength during difficult times. Today, “Open Arms” continues to touch the hearts of listeners and remains a beloved classic in the annals of rock history.

A Visual Journey: The Music Video for “Open Arms”

Emotionally charged and visually captivating, journey’s “open arms” music video masterfully blends timeless love, cinematic narrative, and their iconic live performance, showcasing the power of an unforgettable 80s classic..

The music video for “Open Arms” showcases Journey at their finest – combining the band’s powerful stage presence with the emotional weight of their timeless ballad. Released in 1981, the song’s video is rooted in the aesthetics of the era, and the live concert footage is intercut with tender moments between a couple in love. This visual representation of the lyrics deepens the connection between the audience and the raw emotion of the song.

Directed by veteran music video director, Steve Barron, the “Open Arms” video highlights his signature style – seamlessly blending performance and narrative. Barron, who has worked with numerous iconic artists such as Michael Jackson, Madonna, and A-ha, brings a cinematic touch to Journey’s music video, which was no small feat given the relatively small budget of early 80s music videos.

The video was filmed at a Journey concert at the iconic Houston Summit in Texas, and the live setting serves as an immersive and authentic backdrop for the song. The audience’s palpable energy and enthusiasm are infectious, and the close-ups of lead singer Steve Perry’s emotive performance pull viewers in even closer. Journey’s charismatic stage presence is captured masterfully by Barron’s direction, and this visual element complements the song in a way that only a well-crafted music video can achieve.

The creative choice to include the romantic narrative gives “Open Arms” a visual representation of the love and longing expressed in the lyrics. The couple’s intimate moments are juxtaposed against Journey’s passionate performance, creating a delicate balance between the band’s powerful sound and the vulnerability of love. This narrative-based approach was not as common in music videos of the time, making “Open Arms” a refreshing and artistic standout.

While there are few specific production details available about the “Open Arms” music video, the video’s enduring popularity speaks to its timeless appeal. Fan-made tributes and covers can be found all over YouTube, as well as live performances from various stages of Journey’s career. This song’s continued resonance is a testament to the powerful combination of an evocative song and a memorable music video, both of which hold a special place in the hearts of fans and music lovers alike.

The Mastermind behind “Open Arms”: Jonathan Cain

The genius composer behind Journey’s romantic ballad “Open Arms” is none other than Jonathan Cain. As the band’s keyboardist and songwriter , Cain joined Journey in 1980 and quickly made his mark on their music. Apart from penning “Open Arms,” he is also responsible for some of the band’s most iconic hits like “Don’t Stop Believin’,” “Who’s Crying Now,” and “Faithfully.” Interestingly, before joining Journey, Cain was a part of the band The Babys, where he honed his songwriting skills. Cain’s extraordinary ability to create memorable melodies and heartfelt lyrics has cemented his legacy as one of rock music’s most influential composers.

The Legacy & Impact of an Iconic Ballad

Embracing the power of an eternal classic, journey’s iconic ballad “open arms” transcends generations, genres, and mediums, cementing its timeless legacy in the hearts of music lovers..

Over the years, “Open Arms” has gained numerous awards and accolades, further solidifying its status as a classic hit. Released in 1982 as part of Journey’s wildly successful album, “Escape,” the song quickly climbed the charts, peaking at number two on the US Billboard Hot 100. The Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA) certified the track Gold in 1990, and it was also ranked as number 34 on the Billboard Year-End Top 100 Singles of 1982.

The timeless ballad has also made its mark on popular culture. The song has been featured in various movies, television series, and even in video games, which demonstrates its widespread appeal and lasting impact. Memorable appearances include the films “Heavy Metal” (1981) and “The Last American Virgin” (1982), as well as the hit television series “Glee” in 2011. “Open Arms” was also part of the soundtrack for the popular video game “Karaoke Revolution Volume 2” in 2004, allowing players to sing their hearts out to this beloved classic.

In addition to these accolades and appearances, “Open Arms” has inspired numerous cover versions by artists across different genres. Mariah Carey released her rendition of the song as part of her 1995 album, “Daydream.” Her cover was praised for its vocal range and emotional depth, proving that the original’s charm could transcend generations. The song has also been covered by various other artists, including Barry Manilow, Celine Dion, and Boyz II Men, showcasing its ability to resonate with diverse audiences.

“Open Arms” has undoubtedly left a lasting impact on the music industry and popular culture. As a testament to its enduring appeal, the song continues to be cherished by listeners and has become an iconic staple in the power ballad genre. Whether it’s through the classic Journey original or the numerous covers and adaptations, “Open Arms” has truly stood the test of time and remains a beloved classic for generations to come.

Dissecting the Musical Elements

The magic of “Open Arms” lies in its simplicity, proving that sometimes less really is more. The song is composed in the key of D Major, which is often associated with a warm, bright, and inviting sound. This choice of key perfectly complements the theme of unconditional love and the heartfelt emotions conveyed in the lyrics.

The chord progression follows a standard I-V-vi-IV pattern (D-A-Bm-G). This progression is quite common in pop music and has a way of evoking an emotional response from listeners. Additionally, this progression allows for the melody to shine, as it consists of simple, diatonic chords that don’t distract from the vocal line.

The tempo of “Open Arms” is set at a leisurely 63 beats per minute, further contributing to the intimate and heartfelt atmosphere of the song. This ballad-like tempo creates a sense of vulnerability, allowing the listener to fully immerse themselves in the emotions portrayed by the band.

One particularly noteworthy aspect of the song’s structure is the lack of a traditional instrumental bridge. Instead, Journey opted to include a brief piano interlude, which serves to heighten the emotional depth of the track. This piano interlude is played in the relative minor key (B minor) before transitioning back to the original key (D major) for the final chorus. This shift in tonality provides a welcome contrast and adds an extra layer of emotional complexity to the song.

As for the vocal performance, Steve Perry’s soaring and expressive tenor voice is truly the star of the show. His passionate delivery combined with the song’s simple yet effective melody creates a memorable and impactful listening experience. The vocal range spans two octaves, from D3 to D5, showcasing Perry’s impressive vocal abilities and further solidifying the song’s status as a classic power ballad.

In conclusion, the beauty of “Open Arms” lies in the perfect synergy of its musical elements – the warm key of D major, the simple yet evocative chord progression, the leisurely tempo, and the powerful vocal performance by Steve Perry. Each of these components plays a crucial role in crafting the timeless and universally beloved ballad that continues to captivate listeners to this day.

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Classic Rock Music

Journey - open arms.

"Open Arms" is a song by American rock band Journey. It was released as a single from the Heavy Metal soundtrack and their 1981 album, Escape. Co-written by band members Steve Perry and Jonathan Cain, the song is a power ballad whose lyrics attempt to renew a drifting relationship. It is one of the band's most recognizable radio hits and their biggest US Billboard Hot 100 hit.

"Open Arms" has been covered by various recording artists. American singer-songwriter Mariah Carey enjoyed an international hit with the song in 1996; hers is arguably the best-known version of the song in the United Kingdom, where it reached number 4 on the UK Singles Chart. The song has also been covered by such artists as American singer and songwriter Barry Manilow, R&B group Boyz II Men and Canadian singer Celine Dion.

Journey's recording of "Open Arms" has been described as one of the greatest love songs ever written; VH1 named the song as the greatest power ballad of all time.[6] Mike DeGagne of AllMusic described it as "one of rock's most beautiful ballads", which "gleams with an honesty and feel only Steve Perry could muster."

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Lyrics submitted by WhT LytEniN

Open Arms Lyrics as written by Stephen Perry Jonathan Cain

Lyrics © Royalty Network, Hipgnosis Songs Group, Cloud9

Lyrics powered by LyricFind

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My fiancee and I fell in love in high school to Journey, and this specific song, 25 years ago. We broke up and then got back together last fall. This song, and Faithfully, both remind us of those days and how lucky we are to have found each other again. We'll be playing Journey songs at our wedding reception for sure!

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One of the great love songs of all time!!!!

no, i think its about the relationship steve perry had with this girl and he was deeply inlove with her, but they seperated and he was utterly broken hearted, to the point where the linbe between livin and dying was blurred.. then, one glorious day she came back to her, and he never wanted to let her go ( metaphorically), i guess you dont know what u got until its actually gone...

i wish i had told you kristy that i loved you, before you had to kill yourself........ i know i sound all like "oh feel bad for me" but im sorry this beautiful beautiful song forced me to say that...... and i love you and there is no one that will ever measure up to your beauty

This is one of the most beautiful songs I have ever heard. -Mega Huge Journey Fan- Oh, and the way he says the word 'share' is so nice. I think this song is self-explanitory, they sailed together and drifted apart, and here she is by his side, and so now he's welcoming her back with open arms. So simple, yet such an amazing song, and the simplicity of it and nt have to dig for a hidden meaning makes it even more beautiful. I think this is the ultimate song for after you've broken up and gotten back together.

This song is about true love.

They had time apart, and now they are together again, despite all of their past troubles. Nothing is hidden between them anymore. They've grown up and realized that they need each other.

as a man it's weird to listen too this song. because it just like a serious relationship. my girl was in califronia and we just got our relationship started and she had to go. and when she came back it was the greatest day ever. a walk on the beach a romantic dinner and then 2 weeks later she died in a accident with a drunk driver...i'll miss ya Angie Romeo

This song is so preaty, i think its about meeting the person you like for the first time and hoping it would work out. "Lying beside you, here in the dark, feeling your heart beat with mine Softly you whisper, you're so sincere, how could our love be so blind We sailed on together, we drifted apart, and here you are by my side"

I think this talks about the first time he spends with the girl and how its just perfect for him.

"So now I come to you with open arms, nothing to hide, believe what I say So here I am with open arms, hoping you'll see what your love means to me Open arms"

I thin this is him tellinh her how he feels about there relationship and how he wants to move forward.

"Living without you, living alone, this empty house seems to cold Wanting to hold you, wanting you near, how much I wanted you home

But now that you've come back, turned night into day, I need you to stay"

I think this means, that the girl only wants to stay friends and not move on, and he is really upset about it

this song will make me sad for a long time, it was playing wen my boyfriend ended our relationship. maybe if we get back together it'll mean even more to me "we sailed on together, we drifted apart, and here you are by my side"

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Lying beside you Here in the dark Feeling your heartbeat with mine Softly you whisper You're so sincere How could our love be so blind? We sailed on together We drifted apart And here you are By my side So now I come to you With open arms Nothing to hide Believe what I say So here I am With open arms Hoping you'll see What your love means to me Open arms Living without you Living alone This empty house seems so cold Wanting to hold you Wanting you near How much I want to bring you home But now that you've come back Turned night into day I need you to stay So now I come to you With open arms Nothing to hide Believe what I say So here I am With open arms Hoping you'll see What your love means to me Open arms

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Journey is an American rock band formed in 1973 in San Francisco by former members of Santana and Frumious Bandersnatch. The band has gone through several phases; its strongest commercial success occurred between 1978 and 1987, after which it temporarily disbanded. During that period, the band released a series of hit songs, including 1981's "Don't Stop Believin'", which became in 2009 the top-selling catalog track in iTunes history. Its parent studio album, Escape, the band's eighth and most successful, reached No. 1 on the Billboard 200 and yielded another of their most popular singles, "Open Arms". Its 1983 follow-up, Frontiers, was almost as successful in the United States, reaching No. 2 and spawning several successful singles; it broadened the band's ap… more »

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Written by: Steve Perry, Jonathan Cain

Lyrics © Wixen Music Publishing, Downtown Music Publishing, WORDS & MUSIC A DIV OF BIG DEAL MUSIC LLC

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Know any other songs by journey don't keep it to yourself, image credit, the web's largest resource for, music, songs & lyrics, a member of the stands4 network, watch the song video, top hot 100 songs 1982, billboard #2, more tracks from the album, sony music 100 years: soundtrack for a century.

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10 Best Journey Songs of All Time

List of the top 10 best journey songs of all time.

Journey is an American rock band formed in San Francisco in 1973. They are known for their melodic rock sound, soaring vocals, and memorable guitar solos. Journey rose to fame in the late 1970s and early 1980s with a string of hit albums and singles.

The band’s classic lineup consisted of lead vocalist Steve Perry, guitarist Neal Schon, keyboardist Jonathan Cain, bassist Ross Valory, and drummer Steve Smith. Together, they created some of Journey’s most iconic songs, including “Don’t Stop Believin’,” “Any Way You Want It,” “Wheel in the Sky,” and “Separate Ways (Worlds Apart).”

Journey’s music is characterized by its anthemic choruses, catchy hooks, and uplifting lyrics, making them a favorite among fans of arena rock and classic rock alike. Their albums “Escape” (1981) and “Frontiers” (1983) are among the best-selling albums of the 1980s and cemented their status as one of the biggest bands of the era.

Despite numerous lineup changes over the years, Journey has continued to tour and record new music, with various lead singers stepping in to replace Steve Perry. The band’s enduring popularity is a testament to the timeless appeal of their music and their ability to connect with audiences around the world. Journey remains a beloved and influential band in the history of rock music.

Table of Contents

1. Don’t Stop Believin’

“Don’t Stop Believin'” is a song by Journey, released in 1981 on their album “Escape.” It was written by Journey members Jonathan Cain, Steve Perry, and Neal Schon.

“Don’t Stop Believin'” is one of Journey’s most iconic and enduring songs, known for its uplifting lyrics, catchy melody, and memorable piano intro. The song’s anthemic chorus and positive message have made it a favorite at sporting events, graduations, and other celebratory occasions.

The track features Steve Perry’s powerful vocals, Neal Schon’s melodic guitar work, and Jonathan Cain’s driving keyboard lines. Lyrically, “Don’t Stop Believin'” tells the story of a small-town girl and a city boy who meet on a midnight train journey, with the song encouraging listeners to hold onto their dreams and never give up hope.

“Don’t Stop Believin'” was a commercial success upon its release and has since become one of the best-selling digital singles of all time. It has been covered by numerous artists and featured in various TV shows, movies, and commercials, solidifying its status as a timeless classic and one of the most beloved songs in rock music history.

2. Faithfully

“Faithfully” is a song by Journey, released in 1983 on their album “Frontiers.” It was written by Journey keyboardist Jonathan Cain.

“Faithfully” is a power ballad known for its heartfelt lyrics, soaring melodies, and emotional delivery. The song features Jonathan Cain’s iconic keyboard intro and Steve Perry’s powerful vocals, which convey the longing and devotion expressed in the lyrics.

The lyrics of “Faithfully” speak about the challenges of life on the road for a touring musician and the sacrifices made to maintain a relationship. Despite the distance and hardships, the narrator pledges to remain faithful and true to their partner.

“Faithfully” became one of Journey’s most enduring hits and a staple of their live performances. It reached the top 20 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart and remains a favorite among fans of the band and the power ballad genre.

The song’s emotional resonance and timeless appeal have solidified its status as one of Journey’s signature songs and a classic in the rock ballad canon.

3. Any Way You Want It

“Any Way You Want It” is a song by the American rock band Journey, released in 1980 on their album “Departure.” The song is known for its upbeat tempo, catchy chorus, and energetic performance.

“Any Way You Want It” features a driving rhythm and a melodic guitar riff, with Steve Perry’s distinctive vocals delivering the song’s anthemic lyrics. The lyrics of the song describe a sense of freedom and spontaneity, with the narrator expressing a willingness to adapt to the desires of their partner.

Musically, “Any Way You Want It” is a blend of rock and pop, with a polished production that reflects the sound of early 1980s rock music. The song’s arrangement includes a memorable guitar solo and a dynamic bridge section that builds to a climactic chorus.

“Any Way You Want It” was a commercial success, reaching the top 25 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart. The song’s catchy melody and uplifting lyrics have made it a favorite among Journey fans, and it remains one of the band’s most popular songs.

4. Open Arms

“Open Arms” is a song by the American rock band Journey, released in 1982 on their album “Escape.” The song is known for its heartfelt lyrics and powerful vocal performance by Steve Perry.

“Open Arms” features a soft rock ballad style, with a piano-driven melody and lush orchestration. The lyrics of the song describe a longing for love and connection, with the narrator expressing a willingness to open their heart to someone special.

Musically, “Open Arms” is characterized by its emotive vocals and soaring chorus, which showcase Perry’s vocal range and control. The song’s arrangement is simple yet effective, with a focus on the melody and Perry’s vocals.

“Open Arms” was a commercial success, reaching the top ten on the Billboard Hot 100 chart. The song has since become one of Journey’s most iconic songs and is often regarded as a classic of 1980s rock music.

5. Separate Ways (Worlds Apart)

“Separate Ways (Worlds Apart)” is a song by Journey, released in 1983 on their album “Frontiers.” It was written by band members Jonathan Cain, Steve Perry, and Neal Schon.

“Separate Ways (Worlds Apart)” is characterized by its driving beat, powerful guitar riffs, and catchy keyboard hook. The song’s energetic instrumentation is complemented by Steve Perry’s soaring vocals and emotive delivery.

Lyrically, “Separate Ways (Worlds Apart)” tells the story of a relationship on the brink of ending, with the narrator expressing frustration and longing for reconciliation. The chorus, with its iconic line “Someday love will find you, break those chains that bind you,” captures the theme of hope amidst heartache.

The song’s music video, featuring the band performing against a backdrop of industrial landscapes and dramatic lighting effects, became iconic and is often cited as one of the most memorable music videos of the 1980s.

“Separate Ways (Worlds Apart)” was a commercial success, reaching the top ten on the Billboard Hot 100 chart and becoming one of Journey’s most popular and enduring songs. It remains a staple of classic rock radio and a favorite among fans of the band.

6. Wheel in the Sky

“Wheel in the Sky” is a song by the American rock band Journey, released in 1978 on their album “Infinity.” The song is known for its driving rhythm and catchy chorus, as well as its powerful vocal performance by Steve Perry.

“Wheel in the Sky” features a hard rock sound, with a prominent guitar riff and a driving drum beat. The lyrics of the song describe life on the road and the experiences of being a touring musician, with the “wheel in the sky” symbolizing the constant motion and unpredictability of life on tour.

Musically, “Wheel in the Sky” is characterized by its energetic performance and memorable guitar solo. The song’s arrangement is dynamic, with a building intensity that culminates in a climactic chorus.

“Wheel in the Sky” was a commercial success, reaching the top 40 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart. The song has since become one of Journey’s most enduring hits and is often included in their live performances.

7. Who’s Crying Now

“Who’s Crying Now” is a song by Journey, released in 1981 on their album “Escape.” It was written by band members Steve Perry and Jonathan Cain.

“Who’s Crying Now” is a power ballad characterized by its memorable melody, soulful vocals, and emotive lyrics. The song features a dynamic arrangement, with soft verses building into powerful choruses, showcasing the band’s ability to blend rock and pop sensibilities.

Lyrically, “Who’s Crying Now” explores themes of heartbreak and resilience in the aftermath of a failed relationship. The narrator reflects on the pain of lost love but finds strength in moving forward and letting go of the past.

The song’s chorus, with its anthemic refrain “Who’s crying now?,” became iconic and is often cited as one of Journey’s most memorable hooks. “Who’s Crying Now” was a commercial success, reaching the top ten on the Billboard Hot 100 chart and becoming one of the band’s signature songs.

The song’s emotional resonance and timeless appeal have solidified its status as a classic in the rock ballad genre and a fan favorite among Journey’s extensive catalog.

8. Lovin’, Touchin’, Squeezin’

“Lovin’, Touchin’, Squeezin'” is a song by the American rock band Journey, released in 1979 on their album “Evolution.” The song is known for its catchy chorus and energetic performance.

“Lovin’, Touchin’, Squeezin'” features a driving rhythm and a bluesy rock sound, with Steve Perry’s powerful vocals delivering the song’s lyrics. The lyrics describe a tumultuous relationship, with the narrator expressing frustration and confusion over their partner’s behavior.

Musically, “Lovin’, Touchin’, Squeezin'” is characterized by its catchy guitar riff and infectious groove. The song’s arrangement includes a memorable vocal harmony section and a dynamic guitar solo.

“Lovin’, Touchin’, Squeezin'” was a commercial success, reaching the top 20 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart. The song has since become one of Journey’s most popular songs and is often included in their live performances.

“Lights” is a song by Journey, released in 1978 on their album “Infinity.” It was written by band members Steve Perry, Neal Schon, and Gregg Rolie.

“Lights” is a melodic rock song characterized by its upbeat tempo, catchy melody, and reflective lyrics. The song features a prominent piano riff and lush harmonies, creating a nostalgic and uplifting atmosphere.

Lyrically, “Lights” is an ode to the city of San Francisco, where Journey was formed. The song’s lyrics express a sense of longing and nostalgia for the city’s vibrant atmosphere and the memories associated with it. The chorus, with its iconic refrain “When the lights go down in the city, and the sun shines on the bay,” captures the essence of the song’s theme.

“Lights” became one of Journey’s most beloved and enduring songs, achieving commercial success and reaching the top 20 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart. It remains a staple of classic rock radio and a fan favorite among Journey fans, often cited as one of the band’s signature tracks.

10. Send Her My Love

“Send Her My Love” is a song by the American rock band Journey, released in 1983 on their album “Frontiers.” The song is a power ballad with a heartfelt melody and emotional lyrics.

“Send Her My Love” features a soft rock sound, with a melodic piano intro and Steve Perry’s soulful vocals delivering the song’s lyrics. The lyrics describe a sense of longing and regret, with the narrator expressing a desire to reach out to a lost love.

Musically, “Send Her My Love” is characterized by its lush orchestration and powerful vocal performance. The song’s arrangement builds to a climactic chorus, with a memorable guitar solo adding to the emotional impact.

“Send Her My Love” was a commercial success, reaching the top 30 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart. The song remains a favorite among Journey fans and is often regarded as one of their standout ballads.

Edward Tomlin is a frequent contributor to Singers Room. Since 2005, Singersroom has been the voice of R&B around the world. Connect with us via social media below.

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What year did Journey release ''Open Arms''?

The rock band Journey first released the single Open Arms on their album Escape. It was recorded in 1981 and released in January of 1982, written by Steve Perry and Jonathan Cain and produced by Kevin Elson and Mike Stone.

Steve Perry and Jonathan Cain, two members of the band Journey.

charted in late January 1982...probably came out in late 1981

January 1982

Add your answer:

What deos the 80's classic rock band will Foreigner and Night Ranger open for later this year?

What famous american band hired a new lead singer from the philippines.

Journey's Lead SingerThe Journey hired Arnel Pineda as their lead signer this year.

What year did journey break up?

they broke up for the first time in 1989, but reformed and later disbanded again in 2003 and rebanded shortly after

Is Steve perry from the group journey paralyzed?

No. He's fine. After he hurt his hip, he refused to have surgery until about a year later.

What year did the musical Annie Get YOur Gun open on Broadway?

What year did journey release single lights.

Journey released "Lights" as a single in 1978.

When did the song With Arms Wide Open by Creed come out?

The song 'With Arms Wide Open' was recorded in 1998 by the band called 'Creed'. Even though it was recorded at that time, it was released in the year 2000.

Is the actor Danny Glover in the film called Long Day Journey?

Yes, Danny Glover is in the film 83 Days. The year of release is 2015.He plays the role of Oakley.

The year of journey of bartholemew diaz?

The year that Bartholomew Dias' journey was 1488.

What year was Journey to the Center of the Earth made?

Journey to the center to the earth was made in the year 2008.

Who performed the longest space journey in year 2007?

Who performed the longest space journey in the year 2007?

Why arnel pineda quit the journey band?

Arnel Pineda has not yet quit the band. There will be an upcoming Journey album this year 2011. He will still be the Lead vocals for it. They have already planned their tour after the release of the album. Please see Journey's official webiste at www.journeymusic.com There will be another 2 year long tour for the promotion of the album.

What year did Eric the red start his journey?

The year 982.

What year did Muhammad journey to the Fertile Crescent?

Prophet Muhammad did NOT journey to the fertile crescent.

What year did Muhammad's journey to heaven take place?

It was the 13th year of preaching of Hazrat MUhammad (SAW). After the journey of Taif, he was extremely dejected and sorowful. Allah Almighty blessed him with heavenly journey in 621Ad wih this Heavenly Journey known as Ma'iraaj.

What year did Leif Erikson go on his journey?

In the year 1002 or 1003.

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Israel-Hamas war latest: Three Israeli hostages killed during rescue operation, Hamas says

Israel's hostage rescue operation in Gaza yesterday has killed 274 Palestinians, according to the Hamas-run health ministry. Hamas has also claimed three Israeli hostages were killed during the operation, which saw four captives freed and returned to their families.

Sunday 9 June 2024 15:53, UK

• Israel-Hamas war

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• Number of Palestinians killed during Israeli operation 'rises to 274'
• Four hostages rescued - what you need to know
• Three hostages killed during Israel's rescue operation - Hamas
• Paramedic describes 'horror movie' scenes after strikes
• 'Shame on you' - Israeli minister hits back at EU official
• Who are the rescued hostages?
• Analysis:  Hostages rescue will be cathartic for Israelis - but Netanyahu is under pressure and infuriating the US
• Live reporting by  Josephine Franks  

Three hostages were killed during Israel's rescue operation yesterday, the armed wing of Hamas has said. 

In a post on Telegram, the militant group said one of the captives killed held American citizenship. 

"We inform you that against these, your army killed three prisoners in the same camp, one of whom holds American citizenship," Hamas said. 

The group also shared a video warning other captives will not be released until Palestinian prisoners held in Israel are released. 

Four hostages were rescued during Israel's operation.

Three of the four hostages freed by Israeli forces yesterday spent the last month in captivity together, one of their uncles has said. 

Speaking after his nephew, Almog Meir Jan, returned home, Aviram Meir said the trio, made up of Almog, Andrey Kozlov and Shlomi Ziv, had made a "wonderful team". 

"They got in touch together and they supported each other and they are very good friends now," he said. 

"I thank them for the support." 

He said he was pleased to see 21-year-old Almog wasn't thin because it meant Hamas had allowed him to eat during his eight months of captivity. 

"Yesterday, we had a very big surprise that Almog arrived in an incredible operation that the Israel Defence Forces did," he added. 

"We met a guy which we love, and we know is safe and sound.

"He's been in the Hamas captivity for the last eight months and we think that he's okay. We'll see it in the next few days, but he's okay."

The rescue of four Israeli hostages yesterday was the largest rescue operation since the war started. 

The first hostage, an IDF soldier, was rescued on 30 October. 

Then in February, two hostages taken from Kibbutz Nir Yizhak in the 7 October attacks were rescued from captivity in Rafah.

A total of seven hostages have been freed in IDF operations. 

Of the 250 hostages abducted on 7 October, about half were released in a week-long ceasefire in November. 

About 120 hostages remain in Gaza, with 43 pronounced dead. 

Survivors include about 15 women, two children under five and two men in their 80s.

A doctor working at the hospital closest to yesterday's strikes on Nuseirat refugee camp has described treating children in extreme shock. 

The Hamas-run government says 274 Palestinians were killed during the hostage rescue operation; the IDF acknowledges up to 100 deaths. 

Karin Huster from Doctors Without Borders, an international charity working in the Al-Aqsa Martyrs Hospital, said: "We had the gamut of war wounds, trauma wounds, from amputations to eviscerations to trauma, to TBIs [traumatic brain injuries], fractures, and obviously, big burns.

"Kids completely grey or white from the shock, burnt, screaming for their parents. 

"Many of them are not screaming because they are in shock."

The UK's Ministry of Defence has denied claims by Yemen's Houthis that a British destroyer was targeted with missiles.

The Houthis claim HMS Diamond was attacked in the Red Sea. 

In a statement, the rebel group said a strike on the ship was "accurate" but did not say whether it had caused damage.

The MoD has dismissed the reports, saying that the claims are false.

Two commercial vessels - identified as the Norderney and Tavvishi - were also said to have been targeted by the Houthis in the same attack. 

The group claimed a fire had broken out on the first ship as a result of the attack.

Medical staff at Sheba Hospital are helping the rescued hostages rebuild "the infrastructure of their life", according to a medic who works there. 

"A lot of them have lost friends and family," Dr Itai Pessach said.

"Things happened in these eight months that they weren't here."

He said none of the four hostages have serious physical injuries but it is likely to be days before they can be discharged.

The four rescued hostages are Noa Argamani, Almog Meir Jan, Andrey Kozlov and Shlomi Ziv.

Israel has extended its controversial ban on Al Jazeera by 45 days after the cabinet agreed its broadcasts posed a threat to security.

The network's satellite and cable broadcasts and access to its websites will remain blocked, Israel's communications ministry said. 

Israeli authorities raided a Jerusalem hotel room used by Al Jazeera as its office on 5 May and said they were shutting the operation down for the duration of the Gaza war. 

A Tel Aviv court last week upheld an initial 35-day ban on Al Jazeera operations in Israel, imposed by the government on national security grounds, which ended on yesterday. 

During a Sunday blessing, the Pope has called for aid to reach Gaza.

"I encourage the international community to act urgently, with all means, to come to the aid of the people of Gaza, worn out by the war," he said.

"Humanitarian aid must be allowed to reach those in need, and no one can impede it."

He then backed proposals for a ceasefire, urging both Israel and Hamas to accept it "immediately for the sake of the Palestinians and Israelis".

Istanbul has condemned Israel's raid on the Nuseirat refugee camp, saying it was "barbaric". 

Israel carried out the raid yesterday to rescue four hostages. 

The Hamas-run Gaza health ministry has said 274 Palestinians were killed during the operation. 

Israeli army spokesman Daniel Hagari said there were fewer than 100 casualties.

It is not clear how many were militants, although eyewitnesses reported seeing the bodies of women and children. 

Turkey's foreign ministry said today: "Israel has added a new one to the list of war crimes it has committed in Gaza."

The US national security adviser has declined to say if Joe Biden will meet with Benjamin Netanyahu next month.

In an interview with CBS's Face the Nation, Jake Sullivan said he "didn't have anything to announce" on whether the two leaders would meet.

He added: "[Netanyahu] is coming to address the Congress. The president talks to him all the time."

We reported last month that the Israeli prime minister was invited to address Congress, despite growing criticism about Israel's strategy in Gaza.

Mr Sullivan added that he hopes a ceasefire and hostage deal will be in place by the time Mr Netanyahu comes to Washington.

For context:  While Mr Biden has fully supported Israel during its war on Hamas, reports have regularly claimed the US president is angry with Mr Netanyahu about the deaths of civilians.

At the start of June, Mr Biden urged Hamas and Israel to agree to a comprehensive new ceasefire deal, saying at the time: "Everyone who wants peace now must raise their voices and work to make it real. It's time for this war to end."

While Mr Netanyahu's office confirmed he authorised negotiators to present the deal, sources close to the Israeli prime minister told Sky News they do not "wholly recognise or agree with" the proposal outlined by Mr Biden.

Read more on what ceasefire is being offered by Mr Biden, Israel and Hamas here …

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How One Chinese EV Company Made Battery Swapping Work

• Chengyi Lin

While Tesla and others focused on bigger batteries and faster charging, Nio invested in customer experience, infrastructure, and leasing programs.

Battery swapping is a technology that could solve one key barrier for EV adoption: consumers’ range anxiety and the long waiting time for battery charging. Wouldn’t you feel more assured on a weekend trip if you knew you could stop at a swap station and replace depleted battery packs with fully charged ones in five minutes ? But this isn’t easy to do, as Tesla and Better Place’s past failures. In China, however, battery swapping has been a reality for a couple of years. How did Chinese companies like Nio make it work with 2,300 swapping stations nationwide? What can companies outside China learn from the Chinese experience?

Range anxiety has been one of the most significant barriers for electric vehicle (EV) adoption among consumers. For example, if I wanted to drive a Tesla Model 3 from Paris to the famous Mont Saint-Michel, which is roughly 360 km (or 220 miles away), I would need to carefully plan my route and stop at one of Tesla’s Supercharger stations near Paris before heading east, as there are simply no other Supercharger stations along the way.

• Chengyi Lin is affiliate professor of Strategy and a leading expert on digital transformation at INSEAD. His research and teaching explore the strategic impacts of digital technologies, such as AI, and drivers of innovation for global and multinational organizations.

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FACT SHEET: President   Biden Announces New Actions to Secure the   Border

New actions will bar migrants who cross our Southern border unlawfully from receiving asylum Biden taking action as Congressional Republicans put partisan politics ahead of national security, twice voting against toughest reforms in decades

Since his first day in office, President Biden has called on Congress to secure our border and address our broken immigration system. Over the past three years, while Congress has failed to act, the President has acted to secure our border. His Administration has deployed the most agents and officers ever to address the situation at the Southern border, seized record levels of illicit fentanyl at our ports of entry, and brought together world leaders on a framework to deal with changing migration patterns that are impacting the entire Western Hemisphere.  Earlier this year, the President and his team reached a historic bipartisan agreement with Senate Democrats and Republicans to deliver the most consequential reforms of America’s immigration laws in decades. This agreement would have added critical border and immigration personnel, invested in technology to catch illegal fentanyl, delivered sweeping reforms to the asylum system, and provided emergency authority for the President to shut down the border when the system is overwhelmed. But Republicans in Congress chose to put partisan politics ahead of our national security, twice voting against the toughest and fairest set of reforms in decades. President Biden believes we must secure our border. That is why today, he announced executive actions to bar migrants who cross our Southern border unlawfully from receiving asylum. These actions will be in effect when high levels of encounters at the Southern Border exceed our ability to deliver timely consequences, as is the case today. They will make it easier for immigration officers to remove those without a lawful basis to remain and reduce the burden on our Border Patrol agents. But we must be clear: this cannot achieve the same results as Congressional action, and it does not provide the critical personnel and funding needed to further secure our Southern border. Congress still must act. The Biden-Harris Administration’s executive actions will:   Bar Migrants Who Cross the Southern Border Unlawfully From Receiving Asylum

• President Biden issued a proclamation under Immigration and Nationality Act sections 212(f) and 215(a) suspending entry of noncitizens who cross the Southern border into the United States unlawfully. This proclamation is accompanied by an interim final rule from the Departments of Justice and Homeland Security that restricts asylum for those noncitizens.
• These actions will be in effect when the Southern border is overwhelmed, and they will make it easier for immigration officers to quickly remove individuals who do not have a legal basis to remain in the United States.
• These actions are not permanent. They will be discontinued when the number of migrants who cross the border between ports of entry is low enough for America’s system to safely and effectively manage border operations. These actions also include similar humanitarian exceptions to those included in the bipartisan border agreement announced in the Senate, including those for unaccompanied children and victims of trafficking.

Recent Actions to secure our border and address our broken immigration system: Strengthening the Asylum Screening Process

• The Department of Homeland Security published a proposed rule to ensure that migrants who pose a public safety or national security risk are removed as quickly in the process as possible rather than remaining in prolonged, costly detention prior to removal. This proposed rule will enhance security and deliver more timely consequences for those who do not have a legal basis to remain in the United States.

Announced new actions to more quickly resolve immigration cases

• The Department of Justice and Department of Homeland Security launched a Recent Arrivals docket to more quickly resolve a portion of immigration cases for migrants who attempt to cross between ports of entry at the Southern border in violation of our immigration laws.
• Through this process, the Department of Justice will be able to hear these cases more quickly and the Department of Homeland Security will be able to more quickly remove individuals who do not have a legal basis to remain in the United States and grant protection to those with valid claims.
• The bipartisan border agreement would have created and supported an even more efficient framework for issuing final decisions to all asylum seekers. This new process to reform our overwhelmed immigration system can only be created and funded by Congress.

Revoked visas of CEOs and government officials who profit from migrants coming to the U.S. unlawfully

• The Department of State imposed visa restrictions on executives of several Colombian transportation companies who profit from smuggling migrants by sea. This action cracks down on companies that help facilitate unlawful entry into the United States, and sends a clear message that no one should profit from the exploitation of vulnerable migrants.
• The State Department also imposed visa restrictions on over 250 members of the Nicaraguan government, non-governmental actors, and their immediate family members for their roles in supporting the Ortega-Murillo regime, which is selling transit visas to migrants from within and beyond the Western Hemisphere who ultimately make their way to the Southern border.
• Previously, the State Department revoked visas of executives of charter airlines for similar actions.

Expanded Efforts to Dismantle Human Smuggling and Support Immigration Prosecutions

• The Departments of State and Justice launched an “Anti-Smuggling Rewards” initiative designed to dismantle the leadership of human smuggling organizations that bring migrants through Central America and across the Southern U.S. border. The initiative will offer financial rewards for information leading to the identification, location, arrest, or conviction of those most responsible for significant human smuggling activities in the region.
• The Department of Justice will seek new and increased penalties against human smugglers to properly account for the severity of their criminal conduct and the human misery that it causes.
• The Department of Justice is also partnering with the Department of Homeland Security to direct additional prosecutors and support staff to increase immigration-related prosecutions in crucial border U.S. Attorney’s Offices. Efforts include deploying additional DHS Special Assistant United States Attorneys to different U.S. Attorneys’ offices, assigning support staff to critical U.S. Attorneys’ offices, including DOJ Attorneys to serve details in U.S. Attorneys’ Offices in several border districts, and partnering with federal agencies to identify additional resources to target these crimes.

Enhancing Immigration Enforcement

• The Department of Homeland Security has surged agents to the Southern border and is referring a record number of people into expedited removal.
• The Department of Homeland Security is operating more repatriation flights per week than ever before. Over the past year, DHS has removed or returned more than 750,000 people, more than in every fiscal year since 2010.
• Working closely with partners throughout the region, the Biden-Harris Administration is identifying and collaborating on enforcement efforts designed to stop irregular migration before migrants reach our Southern border, expand investment and integration opportunities in the region to support those who may otherwise seek to migrate, and increase lawful pathways for migrants as an alternative to irregular migration.

Seizing Fentanyl at our Border

• Border officials have seized more fentanyl at ports of entry in the last two years than the past five years combined, and the President has added 40 drug detection machines across points of entry to disrupt the fentanyl smuggling into the Homeland. The bipartisan border agreement would fund the installation of 100 additional cutting-edge inspection machines to help detect fentanyl at our Southern border ports of entry.
• In close partnership with the Government of Mexico, the Department of Justice has extradited Nestor Isidro Perez Salaz, known as “El Nini,” from Mexico to the United States to face prosecution for his role in illicit fentanyl trafficking and human rights abuses. This is one of many examples of joint efforts with Mexico to tackle the fentanyl and synthetic drug epidemic that is killing so many people in our countries and globally, and to hold the drug trafficking organizations to account.

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Microsoft Azure Blog

Category: AI + Machine Learning • 11 min read

From code to production: New ways Azure helps you build transformational AI experiences   chevron_right

By Jessica Hawk Corporate Vice President, Data, AI, and Digital Applications, Product Marketing 

What was once a distant promise is now manifesting—and not only through the type of apps that are possible, but how you can build them. With Azure, we’re meeting you where you are today—and paving the way to where you’re going. So let’s jump right into some of what you’ll learn over the next few days. Welcome to Build 2024!

Unleashing innovation: The new era of compute powering Azure AI solutions   chevron_right

By Omar Khan General Manager, Azure Product Marketing

New models added to the Phi-3 family, available on Microsoft Azure   chevron_right

By Misha Bilenko Corporate Vice President, Microsoft GenAI

AI + Machine Learning , Announcements , Azure AI Content Safety , Azure AI Studio , Azure OpenAI Service , Partners

Published May 13, 2024 • 2 min read

Introducing GPT-4o: OpenAI’s new flagship multimodal model now in preview on Azure   chevron_right

By Eric Boyd Corporate Vice President, Azure AI Platform, Microsoft

Microsoft is thrilled to announce the launch of GPT-4o, OpenAI’s new flagship model on Azure AI. This groundbreaking multimodal model integrates text, vision, and audio capabilities, setting a new standard for generative and conversational AI experiences.

AI + Machine Learning , Announcements , Azure AI , Azure Cosmos DB , Azure Kubernetes Service (AKS) , Azure Migrate , Azure Web PubSub , Compute , Industry trends

Published May 6, 2024 • 5 min read

Harnessing the power of intelligent apps through modernization   chevron_right

By Mike Hulme GM, Azure Digital Applications Marketing

81% of organizations believe AI will give them a competitive edge. Applications are where AI comes to life. Intelligent applications, powered by AI and machine learning (ML) algorithms are pivotal to enhancing performance and stimulating growth. Thus, innovating with intelligent apps is crucial for businesses looking to gain competitive advantage and accelerate growth in this era of AI.

AI + Machine Learning , Announcements , Azure AI , Azure AI Search , Azure App Service , Azure Cosmos DB , Azure Database for PostgreSQL , Azure Databricks , Azure DevOps , Azure Health Data Services , Azure Machine Learning , Azure Managed Applications , Azure SQL Database , Customer stories , DevOps , Events , Microsoft Azure portal , Microsoft Copilot for Azure , Microsoft Defender for Cloud , Migration , SQL Server on Azure Virtual Machines

Published May 2, 2024 • 11 min read

What’s new in Azure Data, AI, and Digital Applications: Harness the power of intelligent apps    chevron_right

Sharing insights on technology transformation along with important updates and resources about the data, AI, and digital application solutions that make Microsoft Azure the platform for the era of AI.

Hybrid + Multicloud , Thought leadership

Published May 2, 2024 • 4 min read

Cloud Cultures, Part 8: Recapturing the entrepreneurial spirit in the American Rust Belt   chevron_right

By Corey Sanders Corporate Vice President, Microsoft Cloud for Industry

Excited to explore this industrious spirit and a cloud culture closer to home, we ventured to the Northeastern and Midwestern states—the famed Rust Belt—to learn how entrepreneurial adaptability is energizing both people and businesses in the area. 

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Analytics , Announcements , Azure Kubernetes Service (AKS) , Azure Monitor , Compute , Containers

Published June 5, 2024 • 4 min read

Announcing Advanced Container Networking Services for your Azure Kubernetes Service clusters   chevron_right

By Deepak Bansal Corporate Vice President and Technical Fellow, Microsoft Azure , and Chandan Aggarwal Partner Group Engineering Manager, Microsoft Azure

Microsoft’s Azure Container Networking team is excited to announce a new offering called Advanced Container Networking Services. It’s a suite of services built on top of existing networking solutions for Azure Kubernetes Services (AKS) to address complex challenges around observability, security, and compliance.

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A Conversation With President Zelensky

In a wide-ranging interview, president volodymyr zelensky of ukraine challenged the west’s hesitations..

This transcript was created using speech recognition software. While it has been reviewed by human transcribers, it may contain errors. Please review the episode audio before quoting from this transcript and email [email protected] with any questions.

From The New York times, I’m Sabrina Tavernise. And this is “The Daily.”

[SPEAKING UKRAINIAN]: [LAUGHS]:

Five years ago, a TV personality and comedian, Volodymyr Zelenskyy, won the presidency in Ukraine in a landslide victory.

[SPEAKING UKRAINIAN]:

And then — [ALARM BLARING]

— after three years in office, he faced the biggest challenge of his presidency and of his life.

This is only the beginning for Russia on the Ukrainian land. Russia is trying to defeat the freedom of all people in Europe.

He rose to that challenge, beating back one of the world’s largest armies. But now —

We urgently need Patriot systems and missiles for them. And you can imagine what our soldiers feel when they simply have nothing to respond to enemy fire.

The tide has turned against him.

Please do not ask Ukraine when the war will end. Ask yourself, why is Putin still able to continue it?

Today, my colleague Andrew Kramer sat down with Zelenskyy to talk about the fight of his life and how it might end. It’s Tuesday, June 4. So, Andrew, you’ve been covering Ukraine for many years, and you first met President Zelenskyy back in 2020 before Russia invaded. Tell us what he was like back then.

There’s just an incredible density of events that have filled Zelenskyy’s tenure as president. I had an opportunity to interview president Zelenskyy in 2020. And this was during COVID, so it was a Zoom interview. And it was really a different era for Zelenskyy. He had just come in as president. He was baby-faced. He was a fresh presence in Ukrainian politics. And at this moment, he was trying to reset relations with the United States. There had been tensions with the Trump administration, and he wanted to turn a new page in bilateral relations.

And by tension with the Trump administration, you mean, of course, that Zelenskyy was in the middle of the first Trump impeachment. We may all forget, but Trump made a phone call to Zelenskyy, asking him to investigate not only Joe Biden, but also his son, Hunter Biden. And Trump hinted that the US would actually withhold military aid if Zelenskyy didn’t do that.

That’s right. The perfect phone call. That’s what President Trump called it. And during this time, Zelenskyy became briefly a known figure in the United States. But in Ukraine, he was known as a charismatic leader. He was a television personality before becoming president, and he had campaigned on an idea of a new morning in Ukraine. He would crack down on corruption. And a central element of his campaign had been to make peace with Russia.

It’s pretty interesting to remember, actually, that Zelenskyy started as someone who thought it was possible to make peace with Russia. That’s who he was as a politician when he started out.

And he had wide support. He was elected with 73 percent of the vote. So a lot of Ukrainians believed that he would actually be able to achieve this. But this had really fallen apart. And by the time I talked to him late in 2020, the prospects for these negotiations were very unclear. And it was, for this reason, more important than ever for the Zelenskyy administration to shore up support from the United States.

So that was 2020. A lot has changed. Clearly, at this point, Zelenskyy is not making peace with Russia anymore. You sat down with Zelenskyy a couple of weeks ago. Why did you want to talk to him again now?

Well, it’s a very interesting and critical moment in the war. The tide has turned in the war. Russia is pressing all along the front and American aid had been stalled for six months. And it was passed recently in congress, but it hasn’t yet arrived. So it’s a moment where Zelenskyy has his back against the wall. And what Zelenskyy has really zeroed in on is that the NATO countries and the United States should allow Ukraine to use donated Western weaponry to hit targets inside of Russia.

Now, of course, firing American weapons into Russia has really been a red line for the United States through the more than two years of this conflict because Russia is a nuclear armed power. And there have always been fears in the background that this would be provocative, this would be escalatory, and would really raise the risk of a wider war. So we wanted to understand how Zelenskyy was making that argument for Biden to allow him to use American weapons to hit targets inside of Russia, despite the risks.

So tell me about your interview. Start from the beginning.

Are we — are we recording now?

I’m rolling, yeah.

Well, we walked into the presidential administration through a very tight security. It’s always an interesting experience arriving at the presidential office in Kyiv. There are sandbags and anti-tank barriers around the building.

Andrew, you’ll set up on the right closest to the president.

Yeah, if we can get Andrew —

We made our way through the compound to a ceremonial reception hall. This was in a 19th century building with exotic plaster moldings on the walls called the House of Chimaeras.

OK? It’s OK for you.

And I went to interview Zelenskyy with my colleagues, Phil Pan, the international editor, and Bill Brink, the Ukraine editor.

You’re going to have to catch him later.

We waited there for about an hour before the president showed up.

[MUSIC PLAYING]

Hi, I’m sorry I’m late.

Hi. Mr. president, nice to meet you.

Welcome. How was trip?

When he walks into a room, you immediately notice that he’s there, that he’s a presence.

Mr. President, I believe you know Andrew Kramer. He’s our bureau chief here.

Well, we had an interview, but it was by Skype in 2020, I think.

Maybe. I’m sorry. It was in another life.

And he is a little bit shorter in real life than he might appear on television. And war has changed Zelenskyy. He looks haggard. And for the last two years, he’s been bearded and wearing only military fatigues. In this case, it was a green t-shirt and green trousers. But he did seem to be holding up all right. He looked healthy and he was very energetic.

Thank you so much for coming. We can sit.

After some small talk in English —

Can we check Ukrainian translation? Talk with us.

He switched into Ukrainian, and we spoke with him through a translator.

The Biden administration has prohibited Ukraine from using American made weapons to strike inside Russia out of concern for escalation, including the risk of nuclear war.

And our very first question was about this red line.

Your government has urged a change to this policy given the situation on the battlefield right now. Why?

Thank you so much. Well, first of all, Biden administration was really against the use of the Western weapons. That’s important to mention.

And he became quite animated. He was gesturing. He was using his skills as a public speaker to convey what he felt was a very important point.

They are striking with the missiles from Russian territory. So how can we protect ourselves from these strikes?

And he was saying that it’s really not possible for him to fight when the Russians can gather their forces and fly their airplanes in Russia and then attack Ukraine, when he is not allowed to strike back as they gather across the border.

They are in the closest villages and settlements to the border from Russia, knowing that we will not respond.

He was conveying this sense of fighting with one hand tied behind his back. And they have to endure the attacks from Russia, the bombings and the artillery strikes, and they’re not allowed to hit back.

That is their big, big advantage.

He talked about the Northeastern part of Ukraine, near Ukraine’s second largest city, Kharkiv. It’s been a target of Russian attack. It’s bombarded almost daily. And it’s now one of the focal points of the war.

To defend Kharkiv, Ukraine has been forced to divert soldiers from elsewhere to fight this Russian incursion with the city at their backs.

Russia is piling up the troops. They are —

And Zelenskyy was telling us that his intelligence can see the Russians unloading from trains weaponry and equipment just across the border in Russia, but he’s not allowed to strike it because of the restriction on the use of Western weaponry. And so he said he has no choice but to watch them prepare to attack.

And he had a very vivid image for this. He was saying that he sees the Russians gathering on that side of the border.

That means that tomorrow, they will not give us flowers. They will give us death.

And that he knows they aren’t coming with flowers, but they’re coming with death.

If we know that tomorrow they are not celebrating with us, but they are killing us, why can’t we use our weapons to demolish them in the point of collection of the arms?

In other words, what he was saying was that they’re basically sitting ducks. And if you could only use these big, powerful American weapons to shoot inside of Russia to take the war to Russians, then that could turn the tide of the war. But the Americans were just not letting him do that.

That’s right. And he’s also asking for very specific weaponry to do this. And it really speaks to Zelenskyy’s life over the past 2 and 1/2 years. His country depends on an arsenal of weaponry from allies who have often been reluctant to provide it. And he finds himself often coming with what amounts to a shopping list to these Western nations, describing what his military needs in any particular circumstance.

We can get, in the end of the day, from NATO countries.

And what he told us —

— Patriot systems. Seven.

Was that he needed seven Patriot anti-aircraft missile systems.

Our analysts told us we need 120, 130 F-16s.

And 120 to 130 F-16 airplanes. And these kind of requests, well, understandable. His soldiers are engaged in combat, they’re suffering casualties, and civilians are being killed. So it’s of dire importance to Zelenskyy. But these type of requests have sometimes grated on Western politicians, so much so that last summer, the British minister of defense had said in response, and really in frustration, that, Zelenskyy, we’re not Amazon. Don’t come with a shopping list.

And this, of course, has been the view of the US administration as well. Hey, guy, we just gave you $60 billion. Have some gratitude.

OK, so it’s clear why shooting American weapons into Russia would help Zelenskyy. But how is he viewing the risk of Russia retaliating and potentially setting off a nuclear war? Because, of course, that’s why the US drew this red line in the first place, right?

Well, this is really the question of the hour on escalation.

What do you say to the people who argue that it is too risky to allow Ukraine to use these weapons inside Russia because of the risk of escalation?

There are no risks of escalation.

And when we asked about this, Zelenskyy asked us, in a sense, to get inside Putin’s head a little bit and understand how he sees this playing out.

He was saying that Putin is an irrational actor, so obviously somebody to be feared.

That he could use the nuclear weapon then when he failed to conquer us during the first year of the war.

But if he were to use nuclear weapons, he would have used them in the first year of the war when Russia was down and Ukraine was up. And he was also saying that —

He did not use it because he really loves his own life.

Putin, he’s irrational, but he would also fear for his own life.

And he understands that that’s it. The door will be totally locked to Russia, fully locked if he uses nuclear weapons. It’s a fact. And no one will be able to do anything with that, even his fans among the politicians. They won’t be able to do anything because the use of the nuclear weapon is not the red line. This is a totally different level. That’s it. This is the World War III.

Using a nuclear weapon would obviously be risking World War III, and Putin would understand the consequences of this. So these were Zelenskyy’s explanations of why he felt the Russians were bluffing on the nuclear question.

So Zelenskyy’s conclusion was that the nuclear threat really isn’t real, that it’s not that much of a risk then for the West to let Ukraine cross that red line. Use those American weapons to shoot at Russians inside Russia.

Yes. And then last week, apparently, Biden was convinced by Zelenskyy’s arguments. The Biden administration and administration officials announced that American weapons could be used to hit targets inside of Russia. The decision to shift was weighing the risk of losing Ukraine’s second largest city, Kharkiv, or having it bombed into oblivion against a very small risk of a nuclear war. A large risk of losing a city and a small risk of nuclear war. But there were caveats.

The American permission only allowed the use of American weapons on the border and in response to Russian military attacks across the border on Ukraine. And it didn’t cover the most powerful rocket in the arsenal that the United States has provided, the attack-guided rocket. So we won’t see Ukrainian attacks on large Russian cities using American weapons, such as rocket attacks on Moscow. But it is evidence that the Biden administration has shifted a red line.

And it seems significant, even if it’s limited. So the red line maybe isn’t actually so red. What do you think this tells us?

It tells us that Zelenskyy has been persuasive with his style of public performance, with his style of reaching out directly to voters in the countries that are allies with Ukraine. He has pushed Western leaders to shift on red lines and to continually provide more military support for his military and change their policies on how they assist Ukraine.

But Zelenskyy has another challenge. It’s something he doesn’t talk about nearly as much, but it’s just as important to winning the war. And this is a challenge inside Ukraine, in Ukrainian society.

We’ll be right back.

So, Andrew, you said that there was another big potential problem for Zelenskyy, and that was a problem in Ukrainian society. Tell me about that.

In short, it comes down to this. Not enough men want to fight, and Zelenskyy doesn’t know how to make them. He has been drafting men in relatively small batches throughout the country. And those who have signed up in the beginning, they are still serving at the front and have been fighting continuously for two years. So there’s fatigue of soldiers who are fighting and in the Army. And there’s also reluctance of those who have not yet been drafted to be drafted into the military.

So, Andrew, I’m really thinking about this with you and remembering back to those early days when you and I were walking around the streets of Kyiv and going into draft offices, and seeing everybody who signed up, right? History professors. I think you even interviewed a male stripper at some point that we were remarking on. Everybody wanted to fight. But that is very different now. What happened? What changed?

It’s now been two years, and there’s been a lot of dying. If you look at the number of men serving in the Ukrainian military now, including some units like the National Guard and border guards, it’s about 1 million men under arms. Out of that 1 million, about 10 percent have died so far. We don’t know the exact number of casualties in the Ukrainian army, but estimates are in the range of about 100,000 Ukrainian soldiers who have been killed over two years of war.

One thing that I found really remarkable when you travel around in villages and towns is that there are almost always dry flowers all over the roads because there are funerals so often. And they put these flowers down, and then they have processions. So military vehicles will come very slowly carrying the body in a hearse. And people will get out of their cars and they’ll kneel on the side of the road while this procession goes by. And it’s these sort of scenes that are really frightening to men who are eligible for the draft and who know what it would mean to be called up and sent into the trench fighting.

And how many men are eligible for the draft?

In Ukraine, there are 3 to 4 million men who could be drafted and could be serving in the military. So they could be fighting a war of attrition with Russia with a larger army, where they’re able to mobilize and equip these additional soldiers. But they haven’t done this, and there’s been quite a bit of reluctance. So they’re at a moment now where they need soldiers, but the patriotic wave from earlier in the war has really washed over. And at this point, they’re going to have to use the power of calling up men against their will in order to continue fighting this war.

What does that look like in Ukraine now?

Well, the call-up of men from villages in some areas of Ukraine has been so great that there are villages without men. There are villages where women, when they see the draft officials coming into town, they have swarmed these vehicles and are protesting to protect the few remaining men in these areas. There have been roadblocks put up in Kyiv and other towns to stop cars and check draft registration documents on the street. And sometimes, men are asked to report to basic training within as little of a week after being stopped at one of these surprise checkpoints.

And this has been disruptive. And men are fearful of being caught in one of these roadblocks and approached by draft officials. And there are even social media apps that track where they’re moving around town. For example, in Kyiv, there’s an app called Weather in Kyiv. And it’ll say it’s raining on a certain intersection. And that would mean that the draft officials are there and men should avoid that area.

Interesting. And is Zelenskyy acknowledging this challenge? The challenge of trying to get men to fight in the war.

Politically, Zelenskyy has disassociated himself from the challenges of the draft. He’s said this is a problem for parliament or for the military. It’s politically very unpopular. And he hasn’t, for example, given major speeches calling on Ukrainians to sign up and explaining the draft policies.

In our interview, he did, though, acknowledge the toll of the war on Ukrainian society. And he described this as divisions.

Some people are at war. Some people are not.

That there had been some rift in society between men who were fighting and men who were not fighting.

It is really serious because the society begins to divide.

And for somebody trying to steer a country in a war, this could be a problem.

This separation in the society, this division, at this moment, the enemy can use it.

So given that fewer and fewer people want to fight, and war is obviously fundamentally about fighting, where is Ukrainian society’s head right now on this war? And what is their appetite to stop it? Do people want to call it quits, agree to just, OK, lob off a third of their territory and give it to Russia and finally be done with this? Or is a full draft, mass mobilization finally going to be on the table?

Well, this is what makes Zelenskyy’s situation now so interesting is he’s in a bind. He’s ruling a country that on the one hand, there’s massive support for continuing the war. There’s incredible anger at Russia. Still seething anger at Russia over this war, and no desire to negotiate. On the other hand, you have fewer and fewer people actually willing to fight. So Zelenskyy is caught between these two positions, and it’s a difficult moment.

OK, to summarize here, Zelenskyy has been pushing on these red lines abroad. He’s getting stuff. He made some progress last week, but it seems like it’s not enough to dig himself out of the hole he’s in. And at home, there’s kind of a similar dynamic. He’s done these small batch drafts of men, but that also seems like it’s not enough to really win. And now he’s in this very hard place. And to put it very bluntly, it seems like a losing place.

Well, this is probably the moment of most uncertainty for Zelenskyy and for Ukraine since the beginning of the war. There’s no popular decision for Zelenskyy. Drafting more soldiers is unpopular. If he doesn’t draft soldiers and settles in a ceasefire negotiation, that will also be unpopular. Zelenskyy is really squeezed between two fires. And this is all against the backdrop of Russia escalating an offensive that’s expected to continue through the summer.

How is he coping with this? This is a lot on his shoulders.

Well, this is something that we asked in the interview.

I just wanted to ask if you could say a few words about your own life as a wartime president. And maybe —

And we talked to him on what was the 817th day of the war.

I’m not afraid of working for many hours and to do my work and many other works. But the hardest is the emotions. You understand that. Emotions.

He doesn’t tell jokes like he used to. One aspect of the war is that his life as a comedian has really come to a close, and he’s become a much more serious public figure.

And I wake up very early and —

He said that he deals with some of the stresses of leadership by working out in the morning.

I can see my wife more often. She’s in the office. But I see my children not that much.

And he was most expressive and went on at some length about his family.

He said that through the course of the war, his children have grown up. His daughter is now 19. His son is 11. And he said that he would spend time with his son working on Spanish homework.

I don’t know Spanish, in fact. But I’m interested just in some time to spend with him, whatever he does.

And these are the happiest moments. And here, I can relax.

Andrew, how did you end the interview?

I asked him what he would do after the war. And I thought his answer was telling.

So what are your plans after the war?

[LAUGHS]: [SPEAKING UKRAINIAN]:

I would like after the war — after the victory, because those are different things.

He said there’s a distinction between the end of the war and victory.

I think that my plans depend on that. So I would like —

And then he described what would happen after victory. He would spend time with his family and his dogs. But what he left unsaid was what his life would look like if Ukraine lost the war.

And what would it look like?

Well, one scenario is that he could die at the end of this. [MUSIC PLAYING]

He’s been the target of 10 assassination attempts, according to his government. Another possible outcome would be that Ukraine could lose a large chunk of its territory in a settlement agreement. So it’s understandable why he didn’t go into the details, but it was still remarkable that he acknowledged just for a moment this vulnerability, this idea that there could be an outcome for Ukraine other than victory.

Andrew, thank you.

Thank you, Sabrina. [MUSIC PLAYING]

Here’s what else you should know today.

[PEOPLE CHANTING]

On Sunday, Mexican voters elected the country’s first woman and first Jewish president, Claudia Sheinbaum.

[SPEAKING SPANISH]

It was a landslide victory for the 61-year-old climate scientist and former mayor of Mexico City. Sheinbaum, a leftist, had campaigned on a promise to continue the legacy of Mexico’s current president, Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador.

Under Obrador, millions of Mexicans were lifted out of poverty. But he was also criticized for failing to control rampant cartel violence. The election was the largest in Mexico’s history, with the highest number of voters taking part. And it puts a Jewish leader at the helm of one of the world’s largest predominantly Catholic countries.

And President Biden is expected to sign an executive order on Tuesday, allowing him to temporarily seal the US border with Mexico when the number of migrant crossings exceed a certain threshold. The order would suspend protections for asylum seekers in the US, and represents the most restrictive border policy instituted by Biden, who is under intense political pressure to address illegal migration. Polls suggest that there is growing support, even inside the president’s own party, for more aggressive border measures. The executive order is likely to be challenged in court.

Today’s episode was produced by Nina Feldman, Claire Toeniskoetter, Rob Szypko, and Diana Nguyen, with help from Michael Simon Johnson. It was edited by Lisa Chow. Contains original music by Marion Lozano and Elisheba Ittoop, and was engineered by Chris Wood. Our theme music is by Jim Brunberg and Ben Landsverk of Wonderly. Special thanks to Sashko Chubko.

That’s it for “The Daily.” I’m Sabrina Tavernise. See you tomorrow.

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• June 4, 2024   •   29:17 A Conversation With President Zelensky
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Hosted by Sabrina Tavernise

Featuring Andrew E. Kramer

Produced by Nina Feldman ,  Clare Toeniskoetter ,  Rob Szypko and Diana Nguyen

With Michael Simon Johnson

Edited by Lisa Chow

Original music by Marion Lozano ,  Elisheba Ittoop and Sophia Lanman

Engineered by Chris Wood

Listen and follow The Daily Apple Podcasts | Spotify | Amazon Music | YouTube

Five years ago, a TV personality and comedian, Volodymyr Zelensky, won the presidency in Ukraine in a landslide victory. When Russia launched a full-scale invasion of the country three years later, he faced the biggest challenge of his presidency and of his life. Despite initial success beating back one of the world’s largest armies, the tide has turned against him.

Andrew E. Kramer, the Kyiv bureau chief for The Times, sat down with Mr. Zelensky to discuss the war, and how it might end.

On today’s episode

Andrew E. Kramer , the Kyiv bureau chief for The New York Times.

Background reading

Read The New York Times’s interview with President Volodymyr Zelensky of Ukraine .

Explaining the debate over Ukraine’s use of Western weapons .

There are a lot of ways to listen to The Daily. Here’s how.

We aim to make transcripts available the next workday after an episode’s publication. You can find them at the top of the page.

Special thanks to Oleksandr Chubko .

The Daily is made by Rachel Quester, Lynsea Garrison, Clare Toeniskoetter, Paige Cowett, Michael Simon Johnson, Brad Fisher, Chris Wood, Jessica Cheung, Stella Tan, Alexandra Leigh Young, Lisa Chow, Eric Krupke, Marc Georges, Luke Vander Ploeg, M.J. Davis Lin, Dan Powell, Sydney Harper, Mike Benoist, Liz O. Baylen, Asthaa Chaturvedi, Rachelle Bonja, Diana Nguyen, Marion Lozano, Corey Schreppel, Rob Szypko, Elisheba Ittoop, Mooj Zadie, Patricia Willens, Rowan Niemisto, Jody Becker, Rikki Novetsky, John Ketchum, Nina Feldman, Will Reid, Carlos Prieto, Ben Calhoun, Susan Lee, Lexie Diao, Mary Wilson, Alex Stern, Sophia Lanman, Shannon Lin, Diane Wong, Devon Taylor, Alyssa Moxley, Summer Thomad, Olivia Natt, Daniel Ramirez and Brendan Klinkenberg.

Our theme music is by Jim Brunberg and Ben Landsverk of Wonderly. Special thanks to Sam Dolnick, Paula Szuchman, Lisa Tobin, Larissa Anderson, Julia Simon, Sofia Milan, Mahima Chablani, Elizabeth Davis-Moorer, Jeffrey Miranda, Maddy Masiello, Isabella Anderson, Nina Lassam and Nick Pitman.

Andrew E. Kramer is the Kyiv bureau chief for The Times, who has been covering the war in Ukraine since 2014. More about Andrew E. Kramer

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