The song peaked at #8 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart in December, 1989, becoming Cher's third top ten single from Heart of Stone in the US. It also peaked at #9 on the Billboard Adult Contemporary chart. The song was released in the UK in December 1989 and peaked at #11 on the UK Singles Chart in February 1990.
Cher has stated during concert performances that she never cared much for the song, in part because there are so many lyrics in it that she has to sing, but she acknowledges that many of her fans cite the song as one of their favorites. For this reason she added the song to her Farewell Tour.[citation needed]
Allmusic's Gary Hill noted that this song isn't like the rest songs on the album, and called it an "effective ballad."
A montage video of Cher's earlier music videos and clips from western movies was produced to promote the song.
Just Like Jesse James
Cher Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Just a small town dude with a big city attitude
Honey are you lookin' for some trouble tonight
Well alright
You think you're so bad, drive the women folk wild
Shoot 'em all down with the flash of your pearly smile
Honey but you met your match tonight
You think you'll knock me off my feet
'Til I'm flat on the floor
'Til my heart is cryin' Indian and I'm begin' for more
So come on baby
Come on baby
Come on baby show me what that loaded gun is for
If you can give it
I can take it
'Cause if this heart is gonna break it's gonna take a lot to break it
I know tonight
Somebody's gonna win the fight
So if you're so tough
Come on and prove it
Your heart is down for the count and you know you're gonna lose it
Tonight you're gonna go down in flames
Just like Jesse James
You're an outlaw lover and I'm after your hide
Well you ain't so strong, won't be long 'til your hands are tied
Tonight I'm gonna take you in
Dead or Alive
That's right
You break the laws of love in the name of desire
Take ten steps back
'Cause I'm ready baby
Aim and fire
Baby there's nowhere you gonna run tonight
Ooh That's right
Well you've had your way with love but it's the end of the day
Now a team of wild horses couldn't drag your heart away
So come on baby
Come on baby
Come on baby you know there ain't nothing left to say
If you can give it
I can take it
'Cause if this heart is gonna break it's gonna take a lot to break it
I know tonight
Somebody's gonna win the fight
So if you're so tough
Come on and prove it
Your heart is down for the count and you know you're gonna lose it
Tonight you're gonna go down in flames
Just like Jesse James
You think you'll knock me off my feet
'til I'm flat on the floor
'Til my heart is cryin' Indian and I'm begin' for more
So come on baby
Come on baby
Come on baby
Come on
If you can give it
I can take it
'Cause if this heart is gonna break it's gonna take a lot to break it
I know tonight
Somebody's gonna win the fight
So if you're so tough
Come on and prove it
Your heart is down for the count and you know you're gonna lose it
Tonight you're gonna go down in flames
Just like Jesse James
Tonight you're gonna go down in flames
Just like Jesse James
Tonight you're gonna go down in flames
Just like Jesse James
I'm gonna shoot ya down Jesse James
The song "Just Like Jesse James" by Cher was released in 1989 and the lyrics tell the story of a confident and cocky man who thinks he can win over any woman he wants. Cher, however, is not impressed by his arrogance and challenges him to prove his toughness. She compares him to the famous outlaw Jesse James, implying that he is about to meet his match in her. Cher says she won't be easily won over and is ready for a fight if necessary. The song is a blend of rock and pop, with a powerful chorus and striking instrumental parts.
The song was written by Desmond Child, who was known for his collaborations with many popular artists, including Aerosmith, Bon Jovi, and Ricky Martin. Desmond stated that the song was originally written for Bonnie Raitt but it was eventually sold to Cher. The song was produced by Jon Bon Jovi and Richie Sambora. The music video for "Just Like Jesse James" was directed by Marty Callner and featured Cher in a variety of outfits and scenes, including a western-style costume to match the Jesse James theme.
Line by Line Meaning
You're struttin' into town like you're slingin' a gun
You're walking into this situation with a lot of confidence
Just a small town dude with a big city attitude
You're from a small town but act like you're from a big city
Honey are you lookin' for some trouble tonight
Are you trying to start a fight?
Well alright
Okay, let's do it
You think you're so bad, drive the women folk wild
You believe you're irresistible to women
Shoot 'em all down with the flash of your pearly smile
You can win over women just by flashing your smile
Honey but you met your match tonight
You've finally met your match
Oh, that's right
Yes, indeed
You think you'll knock me off my feet
You believe you can easily defeat me
'Til I'm flat on the floor
Until I'm completely defeated
'Til my heart is cryin' Indian and I'm begin' for more
Until I'm fully heartbroken and begging for more love
So come on baby
Let's do this
Come on baby
Come on
Come on baby show me what that loaded gun is for
Let's see what you're made of
If you can give it
If you can handle it
I can take it
I can handle it
'Cause if this heart is gonna break it's gonna take a lot to break it
My heart is strong and hard to break
I know tonight
I'm certain that tonight
Somebody's gonna win the fight
One of us will be victorious
So if you're so tough
If you're really as tough as you say you are
Come on and prove it
Show me what you've got
Your heart is down for the count and you know you're gonna lose it
You're already at a disadvantage and you know you're going to lose
Tonight you're gonna go down in flames
You're going to fail miserably tonight
You're an outlaw lover and I'm after your hide
You have a reputation for being a troublemaker and I'm going to get you
Well you ain't so strong, won't be long 'til your hands are tied
You're not as tough as you think, and it won't be long until you're captured
Tonight I'm gonna take you in
I'm going to apprehend you tonight
Dead or Alive
I don't care if you're alive or dead
You break the laws of love in the name of desire
You're breaking the rules of love for the sake of fulfilling your own desires
Take ten steps back
You need to back off
'Cause I'm ready baby
Because I'm prepared
Aim and fire
Ready to take action
Baby there's nowhere you gonna run tonight
You won't be able to escape tonight
Ooh That's right
Yes, indeed
Well you've had your way with love but it's the end of the day
You've had your fun with love, but that time is over
Now a team of wild horses couldn't drag your heart away
You've become very attached to your current lover
Come on baby you know there ain't nothing left to say
There's nothing else to talk about
Tonight you're gonna go down in flames
You'll fail miserably tonight
I'm gonna shoot ya down Jesse James
I'm going to take you down
Lyrics © BMG Rights Management, Universal Music Publishing Group, Realsongs
Written by: Desmond Child, Diane Eve Warren
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind