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.
R. Gang
John Mellencamp Lyrics
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Sometimes you gotta get touch
I got me a bunch of boys when the going gets rough
Someone to lean on when their calling my bluff
Someone to
[Chorus:]
Talking about R. Gang, R. Gang, R. Gang, R. Gang, R. Gang, R. Gang
Well now the boy want to run out with the boys tonight
And the girls are on the corner in a fashion show all right
I got their allmoter dead on my right
You better get great protect on this cool old night
[Chorus]
Well now, if there's a moral to be told
Its just that, growin' up is to growin' old
And when the asses say yeah, I'm doing all right
Well I got my bunch of boys, its Saturday night
[Chorus]
John Mellencamp's song R Gang is about the importance of having a close group of friends to lean on during trying times. In the first verse, Mellencamp acknowledges that life can be tough and sometimes you need the support of your crew. He refers to his group of friends as R. Gang, which likely stands for "our gang." These are the people he can rely on when he's in trouble and who call him out when he's bluffing. The chorus repeats the phrase "R. Gang" to emphasize the camaraderie and loyalty of his group. The line "there were only your friends who died" suggests that the friends are like family, and losing them is devastating.
In the second verse, Mellencamp describes the scene of a typical Saturday night with his friends. The boys are going out while the girls are "on the corner in a fashion show." Mellencamp seems to be enjoying the moment but is also aware of the potential dangers. He mentions having great protection because it's a "cool old night." The final verse has a bit of a melancholy tone as Mellencamp reflects on the fact that growing up means growing old. However, he takes comfort in knowing that he has his "bunch of boys" to hang out with on Saturday night.
Overall, R Gang is an ode to the importance of companionship and the comfort that comes from having a tight-knit group of friends. Mellencamp's use of the term "R. Gang" emphasizes the idea that these friends are not just passing acquaintances but a dedicated group that is there for each other in good times and bad.
Line by Line Meaning
Well now to live in this world
Living in this world requires toughness.
Sometimes you gotta get tough
Occasionally, you have to be strong and resilient.
I got me a bunch of boys when the going gets rough
When times get tough, I have a group of male friends to rely on for support.
Someone to lean on when their calling my bluff
My friends call me out on my lies and help me stay honest.
Talking about R. Gang, R. Gang, R. Gang, R. Gang, R. Gang, R. Gang / There were only your friends who died
Referring to his gang of friends, who are like family, and who are always there for each other. The line talks about the loyalty and bond between the friends, which remains even after they die.
Well now the boy want to run out with the boys tonight
The singer and his male friends want to go out together tonight.
And the girls are on the corner in a fashion show all right
Girls are showing off on the corner, walking around and posing fashionably.
I got their allmoter dead on my right
The artist has his shotgun ready and loaded, held tightly at his right side to protect himself and his friends.
You better get great protect on this cool old night
It's a cold night and they need to be prepared for whatever comes their way.
Well now, if there's a moral to be told
The following lines present a moral or lesson to be learned.
Its just that, growin' up is to growin' old
Growing up means getting older and becoming more mature.
And when the asses say yeah, I'm doing all right
People often say they are doing fine when they're not really okay.
Well I got my bunch of boys, its Saturday night
The singer has his group of male friends with him on a Saturday night, which makes him feel secure and protected.
Talking about R. Gang, R. Gang, R. Gang, R. Gang, R. Gang, R. Gang / There were only your friends who died
The chorus is repeated to emphasize the importance of friendship and loyalty, which transcends death and lasts forever.
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: JOHN MELLENCAMP
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind