Yes I remember them saying that even in the 80's. And a few years later Desmond said how the song originated as a ballad. He said BJ sort of ruined it when they transformed it into this huge rock anthem. According to DC, that's the reason BTBMB never reached number one slot in the US.

I always liked the acoustic version on the LIS maxi single. Yet I think they made a good decision to put the rock version on NJ.

Stories on the writing processes of various songs are fascinating indeed. I'd always like to hear more of them. Sadly, there are tons of well known BJ songs that have never been commented by the band. I've read the story of almost every single Beatles song. I wish the same could be possible with Bon Jovi.