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 a favorite on reality television singing competitions as well, being performed by contestants on US shows The Voice and American Idol, and on the UK's The X Factor.

"[7] Journey recorded "Open Arms" for their seventh studio album, Escape, which was produced by Kevin Elson and Mike Stone.

"[8] Drummer Steve Smith recalls that Schon noted that it "sounds kinda Mary Poppins,"[8] added to which the other members of the band were against the idea of performing ballads.

[9] In 2005 Perry commented on the emotions he felt while producing Live in Houston 1981: The Escape Tour and listening to the band performing the song 24 years previously: "I had to keep my head down on the console when 'Open Arms' was on.

"Open Arms" was included on the set list for Britney Spears' 1999 ...Baby One More Time Tour, and it was also used as the love theme for Japanese director Eiichiro Hasumi's film Umizaru (2004).

[20] Matt Stone and Trey Parker, the creators of the animated television comedy South Park, frequently reference and parody Journey and their music in their work.

"Open Arms" is one of twelve greatest hits re-recorded by Journey featuring current lead vocalist Arnel Pineda on the second disc of their latest 2008 album Revelation.

Carey's career has crossed paths with Journey's: the band's drummer Steve Smith played drums on many of her earlier singles, and its bassist for a short period in the mid-1980s, Randy Jackson, has worked with her for a long time.

It became a number 4 hit in the United Kingdom and was performed live on the BBC's flagship chart television show, Top of the Pops.

The single's music video, directed by Larry Jordan, is a live performance of the song by Carey at Madison Square Garden.

The video for the Spanish version of the song, "El Amor Que Soñé", was recorded after the MSG show as Mariah performed to the studio track.

While recording for the album, Carey expressed the desire to cover the song, saying: "I've always loved Steve Perry's voice, I think he's really an amazing singer.

[38] A UK CD single for "Open Arms" included the Daydream track "I Am Free" and live versions of "Fantasy" and "Vision of Love" (1990).