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.
Martha Say
John Mellencamp Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
She don't need his money, she don't need him between the sheets,
She ain't gonna sleep on the edge of the bed for no stinking man.
And that's the way she lives 'cause I saw her last night
Pouring water on a drowning man in the moonlight, saying:
Hi-de-hi-de-hi, brother,
Hi-de-hi-de-hey now, Martha.
Say what, hey you, look out, Martha.
Martha say she don't need no revolver to shoot some idiot down.
She can do it with her eyes, she can do it with her smile,
She can do it with a conversation just walking down the hall.
Man, now ain't that the truth 'cause i saw her take a bite out of
Some macho dude laying some corn ball line on her last night, saying:
Hi-de-hi-de-hi, brother,
Hi-de-hi-de-hey now, Martha.
Hi-de-hi-de-hi, sister.
Say what, hey you, look out, Martha.
Hi-de-hi-de-hi, brother. (Hi-de-hi-de-hi, brother.)
Hi-de-hi-de-ho, sister. (Hi-de-hi-de-hi, yeah.)
Hi-de-hi-de-hi. (Hi-de-hi-de-ho, yeah.)
Hi-de-hi-de-hi, Martha.
Say what, look out, shake it up Martha.
Martha say say she ain't changin', no nothin' for nobody for no damn good reason.
It's the way that she wants it, it's the way that she gets it.
Well, the girl loves playing hardball, it leaves me in a no win situation saying:
Hi-de-hi-de-hi, brother,
Hi-de-hi-de-hey now, Martha.
Hi-de-hi-de-hi, sister.
Say what, hey you, look out, Martha.
Repeat
Martha say she don't need no stinking man making no decisions for her.
The lyrics of the song "Martha Say" by John Mellencamp focus on the character of Martha, a strong and independent woman who doesn't need a man to make decisions for her or to provide for her. She is confident in herself and her abilities, and she is not willing to compromise her values or change to please others.
The repeated use of the phrase "hi-de-hi-de-hi" emphasizes Martha's playful and confident nature, while the lines "she can do it with her eyes, she can do it with her smile" highlight her ability to stand up for herself and shut down unwanted advances.
Overall, the song celebrates the strength and independence of women like Martha who want to live life on their own terms and refuse to be controlled by anyone else.
Line by Line Meaning
Martha say she don't need no stinking man making no decisions for her.
Martha believes that she does not require a man to make decisions for her and does not want any man to interfere with her decisions.
She don't need his money, she don't need him between the sheets,
Martha is self-sufficient and does not require a man's financial assistance or physical presence.
She ain't gonna sleep on the edge of the bed for no stinking man.
Martha refuses to compromise her comfort for any man.
And that's the way she lives 'cause I saw her last night
Pouring water on a drowning man in the moonlight, saying:
Martha lives by her principles and does whatever she thinks is right, as witnessed by her rescue attempt.
Hi-de-hi-de-hi, brother,
Hi-de-hi-de-hey now, Martha.
Hi-de-hi-de-hi, sister.
Say what, hey you, look out, Martha.
An exclamation used to call attention, to warn, or to encourage Martha.
Martha say she don't need no revolver to shoot some idiot down.
She can do it with her eyes, she can do it with her smile,
She can do it with a conversation just walking down the hall.
Martha can handle any situation without resorting to violence and can influence others with her charm and wit.
Man, now ain't that the truth 'cause i saw her take a bite out of
Some macho dude laying some corn ball line on her last night, saying:
The singer attests to the fact that Martha has the ability to shut down unwanted advances with ease.
Hi-de-hi-de-hi, brother. (Hi-de-hi-de-hi, brother.)
Hi-de-hi-de-ho, sister. (Hi-de-hi-de-hi, yeah.)
Hi-de-hi-de-hi. (Hi-de-hi-de-ho, yeah.)
Hi-de-hi-de-hi, Martha.
Say what, look out, shake it up Martha.
An exclamation used to call attention, to warn, or to encourage Martha.
Martha say say she ain't changin', no nothin' for nobody for no damn good reason.
It's the way that she wants it, it's the way that she gets it.
Well, the girl loves playing hardball, it leaves me in a no win situation saying:
Martha refuses to alter her behavior or beliefs for anyone and is determined to live life on her own terms, which is a challenge for the artist.
Hi-de-hi-de-hi, brother,
Hi-de-hi-de-hey now, Martha.
Hi-de-hi-de-hi, sister.
Say what, hey you, look out, Martha.
An exclamation used to call attention, to warn or encourage, or to reinforce the idea that Martha is a strong-willed woman.
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: JOHN MELLENCAMP
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind