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.
Cold Sweat
John Mellencamp Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
I don't care ha about your past
I just want ho our love to last dee
I don't care darlin' about your faults huh
I just want to satisfy your pulse
Oh
When you mess me
Hold my hand
Make me understand
I break out - in a cold sweat
Ho! uh! ho!
I don't care about your wants
I just wanna ha! tell ya about the does and don'ts
I don't care about the way you treat me darlin' ha!
I just want huh! to understand me honey
Oh
When you kiss me
And ya miss me
You hold me tight
Make everything all right
I break out - in a cold sweat heh!
Mercy on me
C'mon now
Brother
Put it, put it where it's at now
Aww
Let him have it
Uh!
Awww!
The lyrics to John Mellencamp's song "Cold Sweat" are about a lover who is unconcerned about their partner's past mistakes and faults, as long as they can maintain their love and satisfy their pulse. The singer is fully committed to their lover and only desires to be understood in return. The chorus suggests that when the lover kisses, messes, or holds the singer's hand, it causes them to break out in a cold sweat, a physical reaction that signifies overwhelming emotion.
The song's lyrics paint a passionate picture of a relationship that is full of lust, desire, and commitment. The lyrics show that the singer is willing to overlook their partner's insecurities and fears, as they are completely devoted to their partner's happiness. The use of the phrase "cold sweat" reveals the intense emotions that the singer experiences when with their partner. The song's lyrics suggest that they're in love with someone who makes them feel alive and creates an instant connection, which is why they constantly break out in a cold sweat whenever they're together.
Line by Line Meaning
Ha!
Expressing excitement and enthusiasm.
I don't care ha about your past
I am not concerned about your previous actions or experiences.
I just want ho our love to last dee
I desire our love to endure for a long time.
I don't care darlin' about your faults huh
I am not bothered by your imperfections.
I just want to satisfy your pulse
I only want to fulfill your physical desires and needs.
Oh
Expressing surprise, excitement, or emphasis.
When you kiss me
Referring to the act of kissing, which is often an affectionate or romantic gesture.
When you mess me
Referring to the act of causing trouble or confusion, leading to a sense of chaos and disorder.
Hold my hand
Requesting physical contact in order to feel closer or more connected.
Make me understand
Asking for clarity and comprehension regarding a situation or idea.
I break out - in a cold sweat
Experiencing a sudden panic or anxiety attack, often accompanied by physical symptoms such as sweating or shaking.
Ho! uh! ho!
Expressing excitement and enthusiasm.
I don't care about your wants
Dismissing another person's desires or needs as irrelevant or unimportant.
I just wanna ha! tell ya about the does and don'ts
I want to educate you on what is acceptable or not acceptable behavior.
I don't care about the way you treat me darlin' ha!
I am not bothered by the way you treat me, even if it is negative or hurtful.
I just want huh! to understand me honey
I simply desire to be understood and acknowledged by you.
Oh
Expressing surprise, excitement, or emphasis.
When you kiss me
Referring to the act of kissing, which is often an affectionate or romantic gesture.
And ya miss me
Referring to the negative feelings that arise when someone is absent or unavailable.
You hold me tight
Indicating physical embrace and affection.
Make everything all right
Suggesting that physical comfort and emotional connection can alleviate negative feelings and situations.
I break out - in a cold sweat heh!
Experiencing a sudden panic or anxiety attack, often accompanied by physical symptoms such as sweating or shaking.
Mercy on me
Expression of surprise or disbelief, often with religious connotations.
C'mon now
Encouragement to continue or to move forward.
Brother
Term of address often used to indicate camaraderie or friendship.
Put it, put it where it's at now
Encouragement to place emphasis on priorities or to focus on the most important task.
Aww
Expression of disappointment or frustration.
Contributed by Lily O. Suggest a correction in the comments below.