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.
Down And Out In Paradise
John Mellencamp Lyrics
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I live in the suburbs
It's a long way from Washington, D.C.
Had me a job
Working for wages
And they forgot about me
Can't draw unemployment
For some unknown reason
I've got four mouths to feed
I go out everyday lookin' for suitable
Employment
Do you think, there's something
You could do for me
'Cause I'm...
Down and out, here in paradise
Down and out, and I'm on my knees
I'm down and out, here in paradise
Looks like the milk and honey
Done run out on me
Dear Mr. President
I used to be a dancer
Got a little bit too old
So I became a secretary
Married as man
In Las Vegas, Nevada
And ten years later
He run out on the kids and me
Some said, I was pretty
But those days are over
Now, I've no place to live
And I'm out on the streets
Oh, Mr. President
Can I tell you a secret
I never ever thought, that this could
Happen to me
'Cause I'm...
Down and out, here in paradise,
Down and out, and I'm on my knees
I'm down and out, here in paradise
Looks like the milk and honey
Done run out on me
Dear Mr. President
I'm just a young kid
I'm in the fourth grade
At riley elementary
My Mom and Dad's been actin' funny
I'm not sure
If it ain't got something to do with me
My Daddy's always drunk
My Mom's a babysitter
And I don't like the Russians
.Cause I hear, they hate me
Dear Mr. President
Can I ask you one question?
When the bombs fall down
Will they hurt everyone in my family
Yeah, yeah
Down and out, here in paradise
Down and out, and I'm on my knees
I'm down and out, here in paradise
Looks like the milk and honey
Done run out on me
The lyrics of John Mellencamp's song "Down and Out in Paradise" depict three very personal letters from three different individuals to the President of the United States. The first verse shows a man who works hard every day but still struggles to make ends meet to provide for his family. He has no means of livelihood and cannot avail of any government schemes for assistance. He is on his knees and desperate for help. The second verse is from a woman who used to be a dancer but had to take up a secretarial job after she got too old. She was married, but her husband left her and her kids alone. She now has no place to live and is homeless. The third verse is from a child in the fourth grade, who is uncertain about the behavior of his parents and wonders if it has something to do with him. The child is scared of the Russians and asks if the bombs fall down, will they hurt everyone in his family.
The song represents the struggles of the working-class people in America that are often ignored by the government. The lyrics showcase how, despite their hard work, they are not able to provide for their families, and how they are left with no option but to seek help from the government. The song, through these letters, provides a glimpse into the harsh reality of the American Dream.
Line by Line Meaning
Dear Mr. President
I am addressing this song to you, the President of the United States.
I live in the suburbs
I live in a residential area on the outskirts of a city.
It's a long way from Washington, D.C.
My location is far from the nation's capital, where you make decisions that affect my life.
Had me a job
I used to be employed.
Working for wages
I worked to earn money to support my family.
And they forgot about me
My employer stopped paying me or laid me off and did not provide me with support.
Can't draw unemployment
I cannot receive government benefits for being unemployed.
For some unknown reason
I do not understand why I am unable to access unemployment benefits.
My kids are hungry
My children do not have enough food to eat.
I've got four mouths to feed
I have four people in my family who rely on me to provide for them.
I go out everyday lookin' for suitable employment
I am actively seeking a job that suits my skills and pays enough to support my family.
Do you think, there's something You could do for me
I am asking if you, as the President, have the power to help me find employment or access resources to feed my family.
'Cause I'm... Down and out, here in paradise
I am struggling and feel hopeless despite living in a supposedly perfect place.
Looks like the milk and honey Done run out on me
I am not experiencing the prosperity and abundance that I thought my community and country would provide.
I used to be a dancer
I had a career as a performer.
Got a little bit too old So I became a secretary
As I aged, my job options became limited, so I took a less desirable position.
Married as man In Las Vegas, Nevada
I got married to a man in the state of Nevada, known for its easy marriage laws.
And ten years later He run out on the kids and me
My husband left me and our children a decade after getting married.
Some said, I was pretty
Some people commented on my physical appearance.
But those days are over
That time in my life has passed, and I am no longer considered attractive or valuable as a performer.
Now, I've no place to live
I am homeless and do not have a place to call my own.
And I'm out on the streets
I am forced to live in public spaces without a home.
Oh, Mr. President
I am addressing you once again.
Can I tell you a secret
I have something personal and private to share with you.
I never ever thought, that this could Happen to me
I never imagined that I would experience such hardships and misfortune.
'Cause I'm... Down and out, here in paradise
I am struggling and feel hopeless despite living in a supposedly perfect place.
Looks like the milk and honey Done run out on me
I am not experiencing the prosperity and abundance that I thought my community and country would provide.
I'm just a young kid
I am a child.
I'm in the fourth grade At riley elementary
I attend elementary school at Riley Elementary in my community.
My Mom and Dad's been actin' funny
My parents are behaving in a strange or concerning way.
I'm not sure If it ain't got something to do with me
I am uncertain if my parents' behavior is related to me or my actions.
My Daddy's always drunk My Mom's a babysitter
My father has a drinking problem and my mother works as a babysitter.
And I don't like the Russians
I have negative feelings towards people from Russia.
Cause I hear, they hate me
I have heard that people from Russia dislike or have ill will towards me.
Dear Mr. President Can I ask you one question?
I have one more question for you.
When the bombs fall down Will they hurt everyone in my family
I am worried about the impact of potential bombings on my family and if they will experience harm.
Down and out, here in paradise
I am struggling and feel hopeless despite living in a supposedly perfect place.
Looks like the milk and honey Done run out on me
I am not experiencing the prosperity and abundance that I thought my community and country would provide.
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: JOHN MELLENCAMP
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind