We Weren't Born to Follow is a 2009 rock single by Bon Jovi from their eleventh studio album The Circle. Written by Jon Bon Jovi and Richie Sambora and produced by John Shanks, the song delivers an uplifting, defiant message about resilience and pulling through hard times. The album version runs about 4 minutes (the single edit is slightly shorter) and the track was released as the lead single on August 17, 2009. It reached number 68 on the US Billboard Hot 100 and earned a Grammy nomination for Best Pop Performance by a Duo or Group with Vocals. The accompanying video features a rooftop performance in New York City and intercuts archival clips of historic moments and influential figures to echo the song’s themes. Hal Leonard highlights its working people motif and notes the track as a strong rock anthem from The Circle era.
