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.
Jackie Brown
John Mellencamp Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Poorly educated and forced to live on the poor side of town.
Is this your daughter, Jackie Brown?
This pretty little girl
In the worn out clothes
That have been hand-me down.
Is this your wife, Jackie Brown?
With sad blue eyes, walking on eggshells so you don't see her frown.
Dream of vacationing on a mountain stream
And giving the world more than it gave you.
What ugly truths freedom brings
And it hasn't been very kind to you.
Is this your life, Jackie Brown?
Is this your meal, Jackie Brown?
Barely enough, I've seen people throw more than this out.
Is this your home, Jackie Brown?
This three room shack
With no running water
And the bathroom out back.
Is this your grave, Jackie Brown?
This little piece of limestone that says another desperate man took
Himself out.
Is this your dream, Jackie Brown?
Going nowhere and nowhere fast
We shame ourselves to watch people like this live.
But who gives a damn about Jackie Brown?
Just another lazy man who couldn't take what was his.
One helluva life Jackie Brown.
Forevermore, Jackie Brown
Amen and amen - Jackie Brown?
The song "Jackie Brown" by John Mellencamp is a poignant and unsettling portrait of a struggling American family. The song's protagonist, Jackie Brown, is a poor, uneducated man who lives in a shabby house with his wife and daughter. Mellencamp observes Jackie's life with both compassion and criticism, acknowledging the harsh realities and limitations of his circumstances while also suggesting that he has the power to transcend them.
The first verse describes Jackie's family, who are resigned to their lot in life but still hold on to the dream of something better. Mellencamp's use of the phrase "walking on eggshells" suggests a tense and unhappy home life. The second verse portrays Jackie's standard of living, which is meager and insufficient. The final verse poses the question, "Is this your dream, Jackie Brown?" implying that his life is a nightmare from which he cannot wake.
The song is a commentary on the plight of the working poor and the underprivileged in America. Mellencamp's lyrics are powerful in their simplicity, and his delivery is both mournful and urgent. "Jackie Brown" is a haunting song that stays with the listener long after it has ended.
Line by Line Meaning
Is this your life, Jackie Brown?
Asking if this is the life that Jackie Brown has to suffer through, living in poverty with little hope of escape.
Poorly educated and forced to live on the poor side of town.
Jackie Brown is uneducated and lives in the impoverished part of the city, where opportunities are scarce.
Is this your daughter, Jackie Brown?
Asking if the little girl in worn-out clothes is Jackie Brown's daughter.
This pretty little girl
In the worn out clothes
That have been hand-me down.
Describing Jackie Brown's daughter, who is pretty but doesn't have enough clothing and is forced to wear hand-me-downs.
Is this your wife, Jackie Brown?
Asking if the woman with sad blue eyes who tries to hide her emotions is Jackie Brown's wife.
With sad blue eyes, walking on eggshells so you don't see her frown.
Describing Jackie Brown's wife, who is sad and tries to conceal her emotions so as not to upset Jackie.
Is this your family, Jackie Brown?
Asking if these people are Jackie Brown's family.
Dream of vacationing on a mountain stream
And giving the world more than it gave you.
Despite their impoverished circumstances, Jackie and his family dream of a better life and aim to make the world a better place than it has been for them.
What ugly truths freedom brings
And it hasn't been very kind to you.
Reflecting on the harsh reality of freedom and how it hasn't been kind to Jackie Brown or his family.
Is this your life, Jackie Brown?
Reiterating the question of whether this is the life Jackie Brown is stuck living.
Is this your meal, Jackie Brown?
Asking if the scant amount of food displayed is Jackie Brown's meal.
Barely enough, I've seen people throw more than this out.
The amount of food is barely adequate, and the artist has seen people waste more food than this.
Is this your home, Jackie Brown?
Asking if the dilapidated three-room structure with no running water and an outhouse for a bathroom is Jackie Brown's home.
Is this your grave, Jackie Brown?
This little piece of limestone that says another desperate man took
Himself out.
Asking if the gravestone that marks a desperate man's suicide is that of Jackie Brown.
Is this your dream, Jackie Brown?
Going nowhere and nowhere fast
Rhetorically asking if this is the life that Jackie Brown dreamed of, where he is stuck and lacking progress.
We shame ourselves to watch people like this live.
Reflecting on how society feels ashamed watching people like Jackie Brown live their impoverished lives.
But who gives a damn about Jackie Brown?
Just another lazy man who couldn't take what was his.
Society doesn't care about Jackie Brown, just assuming him to be a lazy man who didn't have the drive to achieve more.
One helluva life Jackie Brown.
Acknowledging that Jackie Brown's life has been extremely tough and difficult.
Forevermore, Jackie Brown
Amen and amen - Jackie Brown?
Reflecting on the life and legacy of Jackie Brown, and wondering what his ultimate fate will be.
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: JOHN MELLENCAMP
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@redcaddiedaddie
I grew up among people like Jackie. Luckily, I found education & a career. Now retired from the fire dept., for the past 5 years I've been able to collect large quantities of clothing for the homeless. I say this not for praise, but to illustrate that EVERY PERSON can do something, even if it's only a little. Mellencamp, in this song, gave me the inspiration I needed to begin my efforts, & for that I'm forever grateful- tears & thanks, John!
@mgbforme23
Well done to you. Some of us simply get a nice call of the dice when we're born. It saddens me to see many in need. Australia is called the lucky country but for some it's very hard and unfair. I heard this song after so many years I'd almost forgotten it. A great song but it brings tears to my eyes.
@44moedog
This song and video always makes me tear up. That people have to live that way is a travesty. My family and I are so lucky
@johnkerrigan6389
... "we shame ourselves."
@colleenfirestine7284
What a wonderful story! Hope all is still well with you an dothers you have helped.
@jayweiss4378
As a dad….I need to stick around as those kids need me… No quitting! (That’s what I take from the song)
@user-ry6dz7hj3h
Pray for all the Jackie Browns in America!
@sammyrodriguez1099
John cougar can sure sing about the reality of life so anybody can relate.
@decacards5250
This is his best song, in my opinion, it represents the tragedy of the common man trapped by the foothold of poverty.
@sofieewing5967
exactly