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.
Goodnight
John Mellencamp Lyrics
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Watch the cab drive you away
I see the night bein' eatin' up
By just another day
I guess I'd better accept
That we just didn't have a lot to say
Except goodnight
I guess it's goodnight
Cleanin' up the streets
An old man wrapped in rags and newspaper
Lies asleep on the corner of the street
Whatever we had
Lies in a heap at your feet
Goodnight
I guess it's goodnight
A crowd of people, aw shit
John Mellencamp's song Goodnight is a poignant reflection on the end of a relationship. The first verse describes the scene as the rain pours down on the singer, watching as his lover drives away in a cab into the night. The emptiness of their relationship is highlighted in the lines "I see the night bein' eatin' up / By just another day" implying that their time together was uneventful and unfulfilling. The singer reluctantly accepts that they didn't have much to say to each other except for goodnight, and the repetition of the word echoes his sadness and finality.
The second verse shifts to the description of the city streets and the people moving around him. The image of an old man in rags and newspapers sleeping on the street corner is a stark contrast to the life he had with his partner. The "heap at [her] feet" refers to the things they shared, now piled up and meaningless. The final verse begins with "a crowd of people," but it is cut off with the exclamation "aw shit!" as if the singer can't stand to be around people anymore. He's lost and alone, and the repetition of "Goodnight, I guess it's goodnight" drives this message home.
Overall, the song Goodnight is a melancholic but honest portrayal of a relationship's end. The lyrics paint a vivid picture of the scene, and the repetition of "Goodnight" emphasizes the finality of the end. Through his introspection, the singer suggests that sometimes it's ok to let go and move on.
Line by Line Meaning
It's rainin' on me
The singer is feeling down and sad
Watch the cab drive you away
The singer is watching their significant other leave
I see the night bein' eatin' up, By just another day
The singer perceives that time is passing by quickly without much change or significance
I guess I'd better accept, That we just didn't have a lot to say, Except goodnight
The artist acknowledges that their relationship had run its course and there was nothing left to do but say goodbye
The city workers, Cleanin' up the streets
The artist notices the routine work being done by city employees
An old man wrapped in rags and newspaper, Lies asleep on the corner of the street
The singer witnesses the unfortunate living conditions of some homeless individuals
Whatever we had, Lies in a heap at your feet, Goodnight
The singer realizes that their relationship is over and they have nothing left to hold on to
I guess it's goodnight, The city's neon lights
The artist is saying goodbye to the bright lights of the city
Goodnight to the streets and the signs
The artist is saying goodbye to the cityscape
And goodnight to you, I guess it's time for me to fly
The artist is saying farewell to their significant other and moving on with their life
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: JOHN MELLENCAMP
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind