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.
Peaceful World
John Mellencamp Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
I'm up from Indiana down to Tennessee
Everything is as cool as can be
In a peaceful world
People know this world is a wreck
We're sick and tired of being politically correct
If I see through it now but I didn't at first
Lookin' down their noses at what people say
These are just words and words are okay
It's what you do and not what you say
If you're not part of the future then get out of the way
Come on baby take a ride with me
I'm up from Indiana down to Tennessee
Everything is cool as can be
In a peaceful world
Racism lives in the USA today
Better get hip to what Martin Luther King had to say
I don't want my kids being brought up this way
Hatred to each other is not okay
Well I'm not a preacher just a singer son
But I can see more work to be done
It's what you do and not what you say
If you're not part of the future then get out of the way
Come on baby take a ride with me
I'm up from Indiana down to Tennessee
Everything is cool as can be
In a peaceful world
The money's good and the work is okay
Looks like everything is rollin our way
"Til you gotta look the devil in the eye
You know that bastard's one big lie
So be careful with your heart and what you love
Make sure that it was sent from above
It's what you do and not what you say
If you're not part of the future then get out of the way
Come on baby take a ride with me
I'm up from Indiana down to Tennessee
Everything is cool as can be
In a peaceful world
Lay back the top and ride with me
I'm up from Indiana down to Tennessee
Everything is cool as can be
In a peaceful world
Hey yeah
Hey yeah
Hey yeah
Hey yeah
The song "Peaceful World" by John Mellencamp is a call to action for people to come together in a peaceful way. The song opens with Mellencamp inviting his listener to join him on a ride from Indiana to Tennessee. He sings about the need for positivity in the current climate of negativity and intolerance, asserting that peace is possible if people choose to work towards it. The second verse touches on issues of racism and the importance of following the message of Martin Luther King Jr. Mellencamp acknowledges that he is not a preacher, but he can see the need for more work to be done to create a better world.
The chorus repeats the idea of a peaceful world being possible if people are willing to work towards it. The third and final verse touches on the tension between success and morality, and the importance of staying true to one's values in the face of temptation. The song ends with Mellencamp repeating his invitation to join him on a peaceful journey.
Line by Line Meaning
Come on baby take a ride with me
Let's go on a journey together
I'm up from Indiana down to Tennessee
I'm traveling from one state to another
Everything is as cool as can be
Everything is going well
In a peaceful world
In a world free from conflict
People know this world is a wreck
People are aware of the state of this world
We're sick and tired of being politically correct
We're exhausted from trying to please everyone
If I see through it now but I didn't at first
I now understand what I couldn't initially see
The hypocrites made it worse and worse
People who pretend to be something they're not made things worse
Lookin' down their noses at what people say
Criticizing others for their words without doing anything themselves
These are just words and words are okay
Words can't hurt if their intent isn't malicious
It's what you do and not what you say
Actions speak louder than words
If you're not part of the future then get out of the way
If you're not willing to make a difference, move aside
Racism lives in the USA today
Racism is still prevalent in society
Better get hip to what Martin Luther King had to say
We should listen to what Martin Luther King preached about equality
I don't want my kids being brought up this way
I don't want my children to grow up in a world filled with hate
Hatred to each other is not okay
Hating others for their beliefs, race or ethnicity is wrong
Well I'm not a preacher just a singer son
I'm not trying to preach, just singing about the world as I see it
But I can see more work to be done
There is still much more to do in order to achieve peace
The money's good and the work is okay
Things may seem fine on the surface
Looks like everything is rollin our way
It looks like everything is going according to plan
'Til you gotta look the devil in the eye
Until you are faced with an evil that challenges you
You know that bastard's one big lie
You know that evil is not real and it exists only in people's minds
So be careful with your heart and what you love
Be mindful of what you cherish
Make sure that it was sent from above
Ensure that your beliefs are rooted in something pure
Lay back the top and ride with me
Let's relax and enjoy the ride together
Hey yeah
Hey yeah
Hey yeah
Hey yeah
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: JOHN MELLENCAMP
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@RichardFeynmanRules
Come on baby take a ride with me
I'm up from Indiana down to Tennessee
Everything is as cool as can be
In a peaceful world
People know this world is a wreck
We're sick and tired of being politically correct
If I see through it now but I didn't at first
The hypocrites made it worse and worse
Lookin' down their noses at what people say
These are just words and words are okay
It's what you do and not what you say
If you're not part of the future then get out of the way
Come on baby take a ride with me
I'm up from Indiana down to Tennessee
Everything is cool as can be
In a peaceful world
Racism lives in the USA today
Better get hip to what Martin Luther King had to say
I don't want my kids being brought up this way
Hatred to each other is not okay
Well I'm not a preacher just a singer son
But I can see more work to be done
It's what you do and not what you say
If you're not part of the future then get out of the way
Come on baby take a ride with me
I'm up from Indiana down to Tennessee
Everything is cool as can be
In a peaceful world
The money's good and the work is okay
Looks like everything is rollin our way
"Til you gotta look the devil in the eye
You know that bastard's one big lie
So be careful with your heart and what you love
Make sure that it was sent from above
It's what you do and not what you say
If you're not part of the future then get out of the way
Come on baby take a ride with me
I'm up from Indiana down to Tennessee
Everything is cool as can be
In a peaceful world
Lay back the top and ride with me
I'm up from Indiana down to Tennessee
Everything is cool as can be
In a peaceful world
Hey yeah
Hey yeah
Hey yeah
Hey yeah
@dambo0706
The thing about Mellencamp that I (and his many fans "get") about him is that he truly means what he writes and sings. He's the real deal! No bullshit. He writes and sings from the heart and if you don't like it, so be it. He's not going to change. He's not going to pretend. He's who he is to the core and it resonates through his music.
@mstrbillable
Damn right! As much as I like Springsteen or Dylan or Seger, this guy is my first choice for hitting me on an emotional level.
@rickklinger8685
He's the 'Poor Man's' Springsteen...
@mikeb.8059
AMEN!!
@vincent7156
Bruce is a coward who told the draft board he was gay. Can't stand his music anyways.
@claudiaorsini6367
His words are so dead on. Perfect song
@krunksta4200
Such a relevant song with everything happening. ❤
Does this song ever give anyone else goose bumps or is it just me?
@heathergibson3590
I remember that this song came out right after 9/ 11. At the time I was the mother of two very small babies and I was training hard for the Chicago marathon of course everybody was devastated nobody could believe something this bad could happen in this great country the mayor of Chicago sent me a letter saying that they might close the marathon down but luckily that didn't happen all 60,000 of us gathered and prayed for those who didn't have the luxury of being alive that day and I remember at the end of the marathon this song was playing.Thanks John! You kept my faith in God and Humanity strong at a time when it was faltering
@elgato6053
This is very moving, thank you!
@heathergibson3590
@@elgato6053 peace be with you, my friend ❤️