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.
Miami
John Mellencamp Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Who toast their flesh in the sun
Living on allowances they receive from the old man at home
To keep up appearances, to have fun
[Chorus]
Hey, baby
Living in Miami
I know you're nowhere near twenty
But I ain't the kind to kiss and tell, or tell lies
Well they are easy to look at; they are hard to hold
They have high opinions of themselves
But at night you can find them drinking in the bar
Wishing that they could find somebody else
[Chorus]
Well, they pull and tug on their high fashion clothes
As they strip off their armour in their apartment bedrooms
They wish that somewhere they can find a spark
Well, their sights, and visions, and dreams are set high
They think the world can be won with a smile
I hear 'em giggle out loud, lost in the crowd
Give me a cuddle when we get outside
[Chorus x 2]
The song "Miami" by John Mellencamp is a commentary on the superficiality and materialism of young women living in Miami. Mellencamp describes Miami as a place where girls flaunt their bodies in the sun and live off the allowances they receive from their wealthy fathers. These girls are more concerned with appearances and having fun than really connecting with other people. Mellencamp acknowledges that he is aware of their hotel hookups and nightlife, but he is not interested in just kissing and telling or telling lies.
The second verse continues the theme of superficiality, describing these women as being "easy to look at, hard to hold." They have high opinions of themselves, but deep down they are lonely and looking for companionship. They drink at bars at night, hoping to find someone who will provide them with the spark they're missing in their lives. Mellencamp criticizes their sights, visions, and dreams, which he believes are too focused on the shallow things in life.
Overall, "Miami" is a cynical depiction of young women in a wealthy city obsessed with materialism, appearances, and fleeting fun. Mellencamp challenges these women to look beyond their high fashion clothes and comfortable lifestyles to find something deeper and more meaningful in life.
Line by Line Meaning
Well, I hear in Miami they have a lot of girls
I have heard that there are many women in Miami
Who toast their flesh in the sun
These women sunbathe to get a tan
Living on allowances they receive from the old man at home
They are financially supported by their fathers
To keep up appearances, to have fun
They use this money to maintain their image and enjoy their time
[Chorus]
Refrain
Hey, baby
Hey there
Living in Miami
Residing in Miami
I know you're hip to those hotel alibies
I know you are familiar with the hotel excuses
I know you're nowhere near twenty
I know you are not yet twenty years old
But I ain't the kind to kiss and tell, or tell lies
But I am not the type to reveal secrets or lie about my experiences
Well they are easy to look at; they are hard to hold
These women are attractive, but difficult to keep in a relationship
They have high opinions of themselves
They have a strong sense of self-worth
But at night you can find them drinking in the bar
However, they can still be found drinking at nightclubs and bars
Wishing that they could find somebody else
Wishing they could find someone better
[Chorus]
Refrain
Well, they pull and tug on their high fashion clothes
They fuss over their designer clothing
As they strip off their armor in their apartment bedrooms
As they remove their facade in their own homes
They wish that somewhere they can find a spark
They desire to find a genuine connection with someone
Well, their sights, and visions, and dreams are set high
Their aspirations are lofty
They think the world can be won with a smile
They believe that their charm will get them whatever they want
I hear 'em giggle out loud, lost in the crowd
I hear them laughing loudly, surrounded by people
Give me a cuddle when we get outside
Hold me in your arms when we leave this place
[Chorus x 2]
Refrain twice
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: JOHN MELLENCAMP
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind