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.
Golden Gates
John Mellencamp Lyrics
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Ain't no streets paved in natural pearl
Ain't no angel with a harp come singin'
Leastways not that I know of in this world
In these days of uncertain futures
Who knows what the masters might do
They got their big deals goin' on, goin' on
If I could I'd get us a big suite
Overlooking the park
Only promise I know to be true
Are the promises made from the heart
I don't need to see the whole thing go down
I don't need to see another lonely man
I don't need to see a woman crying for the savior
Holding on to some moneyman's hand
Who can I call to make my reservations
Forever thrown in the dark
The only promises I know to be true
Are the promises made from the heart
I don't believe in the authorities
They ain't gonna take care of me and you
I don't have all the strength that I need
To love the way that I want to
The only promises I know to be true
Are the promises made from the heart
The lyrics of John Mellencamp's song Golden Gates talk about the uncertain futures that we all face, and how the promises we make to ourselves and others are sometimes the only things we can truly rely on. The opening lines tell us that there are no golden gates that will swing open to welcome us, no streets paved in natural pearl, and no angels with harps to greet us when we pass away. These lines are a metaphor for the fact that we don't know what happens after we die, and there may not be an afterlife at all.
In the next verse, Mellencamp sings about the big deals that the masters have going on, deals that have nothing to do with the common man. This is a commentary on the corrupt nature of society and how the powers that be tend to exploit the less fortunate for their own gains. Mellencamp sings about how he would like to get a big suite overlooking the park, but he knows that the only promises that can be trusted are those made from the heart.
The chorus brings back the theme of promises made from the heart being the only ones that can be trusted. Mellencamp sings about how he doesn't need to see everything go down to know that the promises made from the heart are the only things that matter. He doesn't believe in the authorities, and he knows that the only strength he has is the ability to love the way that he wants to.
Line by Line Meaning
Ain't no golden gates gonna swing open
There is no guarantee of a perfect life after death
Ain't no streets paved in natural pearl
There is no promised land on earth
Ain't no angel with a harp come singin'
There is no divine intervention in everyday life
Leastways not that I know of in this world
At least as far as I am aware
In these days of uncertain futures
In a world where the future is uncertain
Who knows what the masters might do
We cannot predict the actions of those in charge
They got their big deals goin' on, goin' on
Those in power have their own priorities and interests
Got nothing to do with me and you
The average person is not a part of the elite's agenda
If I could I'd get us a big suite
If possible, I would provide us with luxury accommodations
Overlooking the park
With a view of nature
Only promise I know to be true
The only guarantee I am certain of
Are the promises made from the heart
Are those that come from a place of genuine care and love
I don't need to see the whole thing go down
I do not need to witness the whole event
I don't need to see another lonely man
I do not want to see anyone suffer in isolation
I don't need to see a woman crying for the savior
I do not want to see someone pray for divine help
Holding on to some moneyman's hand
Reliant on the assistance of a wealthy individual or corporation
Who can I call to make my reservations
Who can I contact to secure my future
Forever thrown in the dark
Fate does not have a clear path illuminated for us
I don't believe in the authorities
I do not have faith in those in power
They ain't gonna take care of me and you
The government is not going to provide for us
I don't have all the strength that I need
I do not possess all the necessary ability
To love the way that I want to
To express my feelings in the way that I desire
The only promises I know to be true
The only definite commitments I am aware of
Are the promises made from the heart
Those that originate from a place of sincerity and compassion
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: JOHN MELLENCAMP
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind