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.
Jack & Diane
John Mellencamp Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Two American kids growing up in the heart land
Jack, he's gonna be a football star
Diane's debutante, back seat of Jacky's car
Suckin' on chilli dog outside the Tastee Freez
Diane sitting on Jacky's lap
Got his hands between her knees
"Hey, Diane, let's run off behind the shady trees
Dribble off those Bobby Brooks
Let me do what I please"
Saying "Oh yeah
Life goes on, long after the thrill of living is gone"
Saying "Oh yeah
Life goes on, long after the thrill of living is gone"
They walk on
Jack he sits back, collects his thoughts for the moment
Scratches his head, and does his best James Dean
"Well then, there, Diane, we ought to run off to the city"
Diane says
"Baby, you ain't missing nothing"
But Jack he says, yeah
"Oh yeah, life goes on, long after the thrill of living is gone"
"Oh yeah"
He's saying "Life goes on, long after the thrill of living is gone"
Oh, let it rock, let it roll
Let the bible belt come and save my soul
Holdin' on to sixteen as long as you can
Change is coming 'round real soon
Make us women and men
"Oh yeah, life goes on, long after the thrill of living is gone"
"Oh yeah"
He's saying "Life goes on, long after the thrill of living is gone"
A little ditty 'bout Jack and Diane
Two American kids doin' the best they can
The song "Jack and Diane" by John Mellencamp tells the story of two American teenagers growing up in the heartland. Jack is a football star, and Diane is a debutante who often rides in the backseat of Jack's car. They spend their time outside the Tastee Freez, sucking on chili dogs, with Jack's hands between her knees. Jack suggests they run off behind the shady trees and "dribble off those Bobby Brooks," while Diane looks on. The song's chorus reassures us that "life goes on, long after the thrill of living is gone." Jack and Diane are hopeful and enjoying their youth, but the lyrics suggest that there is something darker lurking beneath the surface.
The second verse sees Jack collecting his thoughts, scratching his head, and trying to be like James Dean. He suggests that they run off to the city, but Diane insists that he's not missing anything. Despite her protests, Jack is still determined to find something more. The chorus repeats, reassuring the listener that life goes on, even after the excitement of youth passes.
"Jack and Diane" is a catchy, upbeat song that speaks to the universal experience of growing up and realizing that life is not all thrills and excitement. It's a coming-of-age story that reminds us that, even when things get tough, life goes on, and we must find ways to adapt and move forward.
Line by Line Meaning
A little ditty 'bout Jack & Diane
A short song about two teenagers named Jack and Diane
Two American kids growing up in the heart land
Two young Americans living in the Midwest
Jack, he's gonna be a football star
Jack dreams of becoming a football player
Diane's debutante, back seat of Jacky's car
Diane is a debutante and she's in the back seat of Jacky's car
Suckin' on chilli dog outside the Tastee Freez
Jack and Diane are eating chili dogs outside a restaurant called Tastee Freez
Diane sitting on Jacky's lap
Diane is sitting on Jacky's lap
Got his hands between her knees
Jacky has his hands between Diane's knees
Jack he says
"Hey, Diane, let's run off behind the shady trees
Dribble off those Bobby Brooks
Let me do what I please"
Jack suggests that they go behind the trees and Diane takes off her clothes while Jack touches her
Saying "Oh yeah
Life goes on, long after the thrill of living is gone"
Saying "Oh yeah
Life goes on, long after the thrill of living is gone"
They walk on
The chorus suggests that life continues even after the excitement is gone and they keep moving forward
Jack he sits back, collects his thoughts for the moment
Scratches his head, and does his best James Dean
Jack takes a moment to think and acts like James Dean by scratching his head
"Well then, there, Diane, we ought to run off to the city"
Diane says
"Baby, you ain't missing nothing"
But Jack he says, yeah
Jack suggests they run away to the city but Diane doesn't think it's a good idea while Jack insists
"Oh yeah, life goes on, long after the thrill of living is gone"
"Oh yeah"
He's saying "Life goes on, long after the thrill of living is gone"
The chorus is repeated again, emphasizing that life keeps going
Oh, let it rock, let it roll
Let the bible belt come and save my soul
Holdin' on to sixteen as long as you can
Change is coming 'round real soon
Make us women and men
The bridge suggests that they should enjoy being young while they can because change is coming and they will become adults
"Oh yeah, life goes on, long after the thrill of living is gone"
"Oh yeah"
He's saying "Life goes on, long after the thrill of living is gone"
The chorus is repeated again, emphasizing that life keeps going
A little ditty 'bout Jack and Diane
Two American kids doin' the best they can
The song ends with a repeated chorus and a reminder that two American kids are doing their best
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: John Mellencamp
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@aaronmarshall
John Mellencamp's studio was about 4 or 5 doors down from my house when I was growing up in Belmont, Indiana. I used to watch him drive by in his Porsche and he would always wave real big when I was playing in the yard. He always inspired me. His big hits came from that studio right by my old house. World class. My siblings and cousins would see his music videos on rotation with the likes of Michael Jackson and the early MTV heavy hitters. It made everything feel so close to home. I thought, if that's possible and he's right here, I could do it too. I'm not a rockstar by any means, but I am a music producer & audio engineer now. I think John Mellencamp seeded that idea in my brain. Thanks! I'm forever grateful. I didn't realize just how cool that was when I was a kid.
@mphlohi
Was there a Tastee-Freez around that area back then?
@denisemartin7035
Great. Thanks for sharing. 😍
@usernotfound2925
@@denisemartin7035 no need to be sarcastic love :)
@anthonypaul1562
What a great story. God bless!
@dipper1685
Ur so lucky
@JimSting
"Oh yeah, life goes on, long after the thrill of living is gone". The truest lyrics ever written.
@raygreen5926
Very true Matt Flynn where ever you are from
@bluesteel8376
I always found this song strange because of those lyrics. It is an up beat song with such a depressing message.
@Ballernotfound
Yes