Final answer:
In Bon Jovi's 'Livin' on a Prayer,' a key change to a higher key occurs when the lyrics discuss hardship, utilizing modulation to reflect the song's theme of perseverance through tough times.
Step-by-step explanation:
The Bon Jovi song Livin' on a Prayer is known for its key change, which is a common technique used in music to elicit an emotional response from the listener or to signify a change in mood. In this song, when Jon Bon Jovi sings about hardship, the music shifts to a higher key. This technique, known as modulation, often happens during a pivotal moment in the song to increase the energy and intensity, thereby reflecting the struggle or sense of urgency conveyed by the lyrics. This shift in key serves as a musical metaphor for overcoming obstacles, paralleling the thematic content of the song's lyrics about persevering through hard times.