John's first record released was under the stage name "Johnny Cougar" at the behest of Tony DeFries, his first manager. Mellencamp claims it was against his knowledge and will, and he hated the name. A few years later in 1982, he made his break through with the album "American Fool" which includes the hit singles "Hurts So Good" and "Jack and Diane" under the stage name "John Cougar". With 1983's "Uh-Huh" album, he added back his real last name to become known as "John Cougar Mellencamp." By 1987's "The Lonesome Jubilee" he dropped the "Cougar" moniker altogether, and has been known henceforth as "John Mellencamp."
Mellencamp has always been socially and politically active and supported the "Vote for Change" Tour in 2004 opposing the policies of President George W. Bush. Mellencamp is a devout evangelical Christian and strongly believes in non-violence; he has spoken about his beliefs frequently in interviews.
Ain't Even Done With The Night
John Mellencamp Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
I don't know why they don't explode
You got your hands in my back pockets
And Sam Cooke's singin' on the radio
You say that I'm the boy who can make it all come true
Well I'm tellin' ya that I don't know if I know what to do
You say that's all right, hold tight
Well all right, hold tight
We can stay out all day or we can run around all night
Well all night, all night
Well it's time to go home
And I ain't even done with the night
Well I don't know no good come-ons
And I don't know no cool lines
I feel the heat of your frustration
I know it's burnin you up deep down inside
You say that I'm the boy who can make it all come true
Well I'm tellin ya that I don't know if I know what to do
You say that's all right, hold tight
Well I don't even know if I'm doin' this right
Well all right, hold tight
We can stay out all day or we can run around all night
Well all night, all night
Well it's time to go home
And I ain't even done with the night
The song "Ain't Even Done With The Night" by John Mellencamp tells the story of two young lovers who are caught up in the excitement of the moment. As they drive around listening to Sam Cooke on the radio, they are overcome with emotion and passion. The singer reminds his partner that he is not perfect and doesn't have all the answers, but she reassures him that everything is going to be okay. The song captures the adrenaline rush of first love and the uncertainty that comes with it.
The chorus of the song is particularly powerful as the singer implores his partner to "hold tight" and promises to stay out all night with her. He knows that they have to go home eventually, but he is not ready to let go of the magic of the moment. The song embodies the feeling of being young and in love, where time seems to stand still and nothing else matters but the person you are with.
Line by Line Meaning
Well our hearts beat like thunder
Our excitement and passion in this moment feels incredibly intense
I don't know why they don't explode
It's surprising that our hearts aren't bursting with emotions
You got your hands in my back pockets
You're holding onto me and we're close together
And Sam Cooke's singin' on the radio
The music is adding to the moment and making it even more special
You say that I'm the boy who can make it all come true
You believe I have the power to fulfill your dreams and desires
Well I'm tellin' ya that I don't know if I know what to do
I'm not sure if I have the ability to live up to your high expectations
You say that's all right, hold tight
You reassure me that it's okay and encourage me to continue
Well I don't even know if I'm doin' this right
I'm unsure if my actions are reaching your expectations
We can stay out all day or we can run around all night
We can do anything together and have fun no matter what
Well all night, all night
We can keep going and enjoying ourselves for as long as we want
Well it's time to go home
The evening is coming to an end and we need to leave
And I ain't even done with the night
Despite the night being over, I haven't stopped thinking about how great it was
Well I don't know no good come-ons
I'm not skilled in flirting or saying the right things to impress you
And I don't know no cool lines
I don't have any clever, smooth phrases to say to you
I feel the heat of your frustration
I sense your disappointment or irritation with me
I know it's burnin you up deep down inside
I can tell it's bothering you more than you let on
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: JOHN MELLENCAMP
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Lisa Peterson
The fact that this song can instantly transport so, so many of us to a better time in our younger years (I’m 55 as I type this), is such a tribute to the talent of this artist and all involved in the song. Thank you, John Mellencamp!
Patricia Cardiel
This song makes me feel happy 😊
BOBBI OLM Ollmann
😊
Grump Butler
55 here and agree
Lori Banks
Takes me Back to high school and in the flag corp. Marching band had a great time. Where has time gone? U younger ones better take it slowly, indure every last second. You'll understand one day
Shelly Williams
OMG it takes me to being with my first love in Bloomington, IN where John is from!!! I am now 60
Greg Meeuwsen
I could put this song on repeat for all of eternity...
Patriot Missile
Tears
jmcljazz
Deep lol
Brad Pauler
I would not go that far, I love a million songs, but it IS GOOD