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.
Play Guitar
John Mellencamp Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Ina brand new shiny car
Your face in the wind your haircut's in
And your friends think you're bizarre
You may find a cushy job and I hope that you go far
But if you really want to taste some cool success
You better learn to play guitar
Play guitar--play guitar (3X)
You got your eyes on the cheerleader queen
And you're walkin' her home from school
You know that she's only seventeen
But you know that your a fool
You know you can't touch this stuff
Without money or a brand new car
Let me give you some good advice young man
You better learn to play guitar
[Chorus:]
All women around the world want a phony rock star
Who plays guitar
Well you can pump your iron and shine your shoes
And wear your hair just right
You go down out on cruisin' street
'Cause you want to score tonight
We all want to strut our stuff
And you really want to show your scars
Forget all about that macho shit
And learn how to play guitar
[Chorus:]
The lyrics of John Mellencamp's song Play Guitar encourage listeners to learn how to play an instrument rather than wasting their time trying to impress others with material possessions or physical appearance. The verses point out various examples of how people strive to fit in or stand out in society, such as driving a shiny new car, having a trendy haircut, or dating a popular cheerleader. However, the chorus repeats the phrase "play guitar" as a reminder that true coolness and success come from self-expression and creativity.
The song seems to criticize the superficiality and consumerism prevalent in American culture and suggest music as an alternative way to connect with others and explore one's identity. By playing guitar, one can express a range of emotions and opinions, tell stories, and connect with audiences beyond superficial appearances. The bridge of the song emphasizes the universality of music, as it states that "All women around the world want a phony rock star who plays guitar."
Line by Line Meaning
You may drive around in your town
You may be cruising in a fancy new car in your city.
In a brand new shiny car
The car you're driving around is new and in pristine condition.
Your face in the wind your haircut's in
You're driving around with your face against the wind, probably with the windows down. Your haircut is fresh and styled.
And your friends think you're bizarre
Your friends might think that your behavior is unusual.
You may find a cushy job and I hope that you go far
You could find a comfortable job, and I wish you success in it.
But if you really want to taste some cool success
If you want to really taste amazing success.
You better learn to play guitar
Then you need to learn how to play the guitar.
[Chorus:]
Chorus
Play guitar--play guitar (3X)
Play Guitar, Repeated 3 Times.
You got your eyes on the cheerleader queen
You have your eyes set on a popular cheerleader.
And you're walkin' her home from school
You're accompanying her on her way home from school.
You know that she's only seventeen
You're aware that she is only 17 years old.
But you know that your a fool
You know that pursuing her could be foolish.
You know you can't touch this stuff
You know that this is out of your league.
Without money or a brand new car
You can't get to her level without money or a new car.
Let me give you some good advice young man
Allow me to share some words of wisdom with you, boy.
You better learn to play guitar
The only way to ensure that she would notice you is by learning to play guitar.
[Chorus:]
Chorus
All women around the world want a phony rock star
Women across the globe desire a bogus rockstar.
Who plays guitar
One who strums the guitar with style.
Well you can pump your iron and shine your shoes
You can lift weights to build muscles and polish your leather shoes.
And wear your hair just right
Maintain your hair to look presentable.
You go down out on cruisin' street
You go down to the streets for a joyride.
'Cause you want to score tonight
To score or succeed tonight is your objective.
We all want to strut our stuff
We all want to show off our skills.
And you really want to show your scars
You also want to display your hard work and effort.
Forget all about that macho shit
Put aside trivial notions of being macho.
And learn how to play guitar
Learn how to play the guitar so that your true talent and creativity can shine.
[Chorus:]
Chorus
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: DAN ROSS, JOHN MELLENCAMP, LARRY CRANE
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind