Calling it a "Perry-ism" in the liner notes to 1992's box set Time3, Cain explains, "With his own domestic situation in disarray and his mother slowly dying, Perry needed life affirming messages."

Journey made front-page news in Billboard magazine for the superstar rock act's decision at the height of MTV's influence and popularity to release no music video in support of their new album's lead single.

[4] Two of four subsequent singles from the album, "Girl Can't Help It" and "I'll Be Alright Without You", were supported by live concert clips that received strong rotation at MTV.

Billboard wrote upon the single's release—when it became the second-most added song at radio after Madonna's "Live to Tell"—"Power pop kingpins return with a bang, reelin' and a-rockin' and defying expectations of a ballad".

Perry soars swiftly through an inspirational pair of verses and choruses over a driving beat and surging guitars punctuated by punchy keyboards.