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.
Lovin' Mother Fo Ya
John Mellencamp Lyrics
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You got your new tattoo, half devil, half man
Straddlin' a stallion made of chrome and steel
Spittin' out fire, this cat's for real
He'll be a lovin' mother for ya, don't you know
He'll be a lovin' mother for ya, don't you know
Some are nice and some are rude
They come up and slap your back
They say, "Hey buddy, you can't do that."
Everybody's got their opinions to protect
But after midnight they'll be sucking your neck
They'll be a sucking mother for ya, don't you know
They'll be a sucking mother for ya, don't you know
Squeeze me girl don't let me fall
I want to walk, don't want to crawl
Let me put my kickin' mule into your stall
'Cause I'm a kickin' mother for ya, don't you know
'Cause I'm a kickin' mother for ya, don't you know
In John Mellencamp’s song Lovin' Mother Fo Ya, the singer is riding in the park with a girl who has a golden tan and a new tattoo which is half devil and half man. The girl is straddling a stallion made of chrome and steel which spits out fire. The man tells the girl that he is a loving mother for her and will always be around to protect her. However, he warns her about the good and the bad attitudes that people may have towards her. Everyone has opinions to protect but after midnight they may have entirely different motives. These people who seemed nice during the day may turn into vampires who would try to suck her neck.
The song highlights the duality of people's personalities and how attitudes can change as the night progresses. The man is telling the girl to be careful of people's intentions as he is the only one who is truly there to love and protect her. The song showcases Mellencamp’s ability to blend catchy lyrics with biting social commentary.
Line by Line Meaning
Riding in the park with your golden tan
Enjoying a ride through the park on a sunny day with your beautiful tan
You got your new tattoo, half devil, half man
You recently got a tattoo that represents both good and bad qualities
Straddlin' a stallion made of chrome and steel
Riding a powerful motorcycle made of strong chrome and steel
Spittin' out fire, this cat's for real
The motorcycle is so powerful that it seems to spit out fire; it's not just for show
He'll be a lovin' mother for ya, don't you know
The motorcycle, as a beloved possession, will be a faithful companion and source of pleasure
Everybody's got their attitudes
People have their own ideas and personality traits
Some are nice and some are rude
People can either be kind or unpleasant
They come up and slap your back
Some people are quick to show physical affection
They say, "Hey buddy, you can't do that."
Others feel compelled to push back against things that they disagree with
Everybody's got their opinions to protect
People tend to hold their own beliefs in high regard
But after midnight they'll be sucking your neck
When the sun goes down, people might show interest in you in a more intimate way
They'll be a sucking mother for ya, don't you know
Reflecting the idea of intimacy, people who were initially resisting your opinion might become much more agreeable
Squeeze me girl don't let me fall
Asking for emotional and physical support in a relationship
I want to walk, don't want to crawl
Desiring to stand up tall and be fully independent
Let me put my kickin' mule into your stall
Sharing one's deepest desires and passions with their partner
'Cause I'm a kickin' mother for ya, don't you know
Explaining that the artist is strong and passionate when it comes to love and affection
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: JOHN MELLENCAMP, WILL CARY
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind