Journey’s 1981 anthem Don’t Stop Believin’ has transcended its origins as a rock ballad to become a global cultural touchstone, but its most intriguing legacy lies in an unexpected place: Windsor, Ontario. The song’s reference to “South Detroit”—a fictional locale that geographically aligns with Windsor, has sparked a decades-long relationship between the Canadian city and the track, transforming a lyrical quirk into a symbol of regional pride Let’s sit back and explore how Windsor has claimed the “South Detroit” moniker, weaving it into the fabric of its cultural identity, artistic endeavors, and community spirit.
Despite the current tensions spurred on by political alliances across the Canada-US border, brought on by tariffs and 51st State jabs, the brotherhood of “south Detroit” remains forged in 180-Gram Vinyl from 1981.
When Journey’s lead vocalist Steve Perry penned the line “Just a city boy, born and raised in South Detroit” in 1980, he prioritized poetic cadence over cartographic accuracy. Detroit’s southernmost region is its downtown core, with the Detroit River separating the city from Windsor, Ontario. The term “South Detroit” exists only in the song’s mythology, yet Perry’s choice resonated globally. In interviews, Perry admitted he selected “South Detroit” for its phonetic appeal, unaware of its nonexistence. His inspiration came from observing “streetlight people” during a Detroit tour stop (which itself is a different story), crafting a narrative of hope and movement that inadvertently tied Windsor to the song’s legacy.
Windsor’s geographical position – directly south of Detroit—led locals to jokingly adopt the “South Detroit” label. This playful reclamation gained traction as the song’s popularity surged, particularly after its use in The Sopranos finale (2007) and Glee (2009). Windsorites embraced the misnomer as a badge of honor, celebrating their cross-border kinship with Detroit while carving out a distinct identity. As one resident quipped, “We’re not Detroit – we’re South Detroit”.
Windsor’s adoption of Don’t Stop Believin’ reached a fever pitch during the Detroit Lions’ historic 2023-2024 NFL playoff run. For the first time in 32 years, the Lions advanced to the postseason’s second round, igniting regional fervor. Windsor City Council raised the Lions’ flag at City Hall, with Councillor Renaldo Agostino declaring, “We’re showing our brothers and sisters over the border that we’re supporting them. There’s a lot of Lions fans here”. Local bars like Lefty’s on the O and Average Joe’s Sports Bar hosted watch parties, capitalizing on the cross-border camaraderie. The Lions’ success became a unifying force, bridging economic and cultural ties between the two cities.
I was so taken by the energy of the “South Detroit” motif that I thought I’d bring it to new heights with the establishment of South Detroit Films, a production company specializing in horror and psychological thrillers. Our 2025 project Avery – a film about a girl linked to her serial killer father – taps into the region’s underdog spirit, mirroring the song’s themes of resilience.
Don’t Stop Believin’ has become a staple at Windsor events, from sports rallies to cultural festivals. During Schlegel Villages’ 2024 leadership retreat, 500 attendees sang the song in unison, led by Choir! Choir! Choir! co-founders Nobu Adilman and Daveed Goldman. The performance underscored the track’s unifying power, with Adilman noting, “The energy here is incredible… it’s about believing in something bigger”. Similarly, Windsor’s Pride Fest Parade – a vibrant celebration of 2SLGBTQIA+ pride – has adopted the song as an unofficial anthem, embodying its message of hope amidst adversity.
The song’s themes of perseverance have transcended secular contexts, inspiring religious reflections. In a 2023 devotional published by 80’s Church, pastor John Heffron linked the lyrics to Matthew 6:25–27, urging readers to “release worries to God” and embrace faith. Heffron reinterpreted Perry’s “midnight train” as a metaphor for spiritual journeys, stating, “With unwavering belief, we can face any challenge, knowing we’re not alone”. This theological lens demonstrates the song’s adaptability, resonating across belief systems.
Windsor’s affinity for Don’t Stop Believin’ reflects its own underdog story. Once reliant on automotive manufacturing, the city has pivoted toward a vibrant arts and culture scene amid economic shifts. The rise of South Detroit Films and events like Pride Fest exemplify this reinvention. As Councillor Jim Morrison remarked during the Lions’ rally, “Detroit’s success feels like our own… it’s about rooting for the underdog”. The song’s refrain – “Don’t stop believin’”- encapsulates Windsor’s resilience, a mantra for a city forging new paths.
Windsor, Ontario’s embrace of Don’t Stop Believin’ transcends mere fandom; it represents a cultural reclamation that bridges music, identity, and community. By adopting the “South Detroit” label, Windsor has turned a lyrical oversight into a narrative of belonging, one that celebrates cross-border collaboration and hometown pride. From horror films to football fever, the song’s legacy endures as a testament to the power of art in shaping regional identity. As Steve Perry once mused, “It doesn’t matter if South Detroit exists—it’s emotionally true.” For Windsor, that emotional truth has become a rallying cry, proving that sometimes, belief truly can build a city.
Don’t stop.
