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.
John the Revelator
John Mellencamp Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Who's that a writing? John the Revelator
Who's that a writing? John the Revelator
A book of the seven seals.
Tell me what's John a writing? Ask the Revelator
What's John a writing? Ask the Revelator
What's John a writing? Ask the Revelator
Now who art worthy, crucified and holy
Bound up for some, Son of our God
Daughter of Zion, Judea's Lion
He redeemed us, Jesus bought us with His blood
Now tell me who's that a writing? John the Revelator
Who's that a writing? John the Revelator
Who's that a writing? John the Revelator
A book of the seven seals.
Well what's John a writing? Ask the Revelator
What's John a writing? Ask the Revelator
What's John a writing? Ask the Revelator
A book of the seven seals.
Well Moses to Moses, watching the flock
Saw the bush where they had to stop
God told Moses pull off your shoes
Out of the flock, a well a you I choose
Now tell me who's that a writing? John the Revelator
Who's that a writing? John the Revelator
Who's that a writing? John the Revelator
A book of the seven seals.
Well what's John a writing? Ask the Revelator
What's John a writing? Ask the Revelator
What's John a writing? Ask the Revelator
A book of the seven seals
The song "John the Revelator" by John Mellencamp is a gospel-blues inspired track that incorporates themes from the Book of Revelation. Throughout the song, Mellencamp references the "Revelator," a biblical figure who is believed to be the author of the Book of Revelation. The book is said to contain the seven seals that hold the secrets of the end of the world.
In the song, Mellencamp asks "Who's that a writing? John the Revelator?" as he seeks to understand the contents of the book. He goes on to describe the crucified and holy Savior who has redeemed us through His blood. The lyrics also mention Moses, who was chosen by God to lead the Israelites out of Egypt.
Overall, the song is a depiction of the eternal struggle between good and evil, with a focus on the triumph of the Savior over sin and death.
Line by Line Meaning
Well who's that a writing? John the Revelator
Asking who is the author of the book he's writing, referring to John the Revelator.
Who's that a writing? John the Revelator
Repeating the question about the author of the book.
Who's that a writing? John the Revelator
Asking once again who is writing the book.
A book of the seven seals.
Identifying the book John the Revelator is writing as a book with seven seals.
Tell me what's John a writing? Ask the Revelator
Asking the Revelator to reveal the content of the book John is writing.
What's John a writing? Ask the Revelator
Repeating the question about the content of the book.
What's John a writing? Ask the Revelator
Asking once again the Revelator to reveal the content of the book.
A book of the seven seals.
Identifying the content of the book as a book with seven seals.
Now who art worthy, crucified and holy
Addressing someone who is worthy, crucified and holy.
Bound up for some, Son of our God
Describing the addressed person as bound up for some people and as the Son of God.
Daughter of Zion, Judea's Lion
Referring to the addressed person as the Daughter of Zion, and Judea's Lion.
He redeemed us, Jesus bought us with His blood
Describing how Jesus has redeemed us by buying us with His blood.
Well what's John a writing? Ask the Revelator
Asking once again the Revelator to reveal the content of the book that John is writing.
What's John a writing? Ask the Revelator
Repeating the same question, urging for an explanation.
What's John a writing? Ask the Revelator
Asking again what John is writing, emphasizing the importance of the question.
A book of the seven seals.
Repeating the identification of the content of the book.
Well Moses to Moses, watching the flock
Referring to the biblical story of Moses watching the flock when he had an encounter with God in the form of a burning bush.
Saw the bush where they had to stop
Describing how Moses saw the bush where he had to stop.
God told Moses pull off your shoes
Recalling the instruction of God to Moses to take off his shoes.
Out of the flock, a well a you I choose
God chooses Moses out of the flock to be a leader and deliverer.
Now tell me who's that a writing? John the Revelator
Connecting the story of Moses and his encounter with God to the identity of the author of the book, John the Revelator.
Who's that a writing? John the Revelator
Repeating the question about the author of the book, connecting it to the story of Moses.
Who's that a writing? John the Revelator
Asking one last time about the author of the book, creating a sense of urgency and repetition.
A book of the seven seals.
Repeating the identification of the book's content.
Lyrics © BMG Rights Management, Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: Son House, Tom Waits
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind