John Mellencamp (born 7 October 1951 in Seymour, Indiana) is an American si… Read Full Bio ↴John Mellencamp (born 7 October 1951 in Seymour, Indiana) is an American singer and a songwriter, known for a long and successful recording and performing career highlighted by a series of 1980s hits, including "Jack & Diane", and by his role in the Farm Aid charity event. Mellencamp currently lives in Bloomington, Indiana.

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.

Serious Business
John Mellencamp Lyrics

Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴

You ain't goin' nowhere
Gonna sit by this pool until you fall in
Didn't know what you were getting into
When you walked into this room
Did you, kid?

We got some girls over here
We got some boys over there

And they're here just for your fun

So have some dinner, baby
Play some records
Just remember one thing, son

This is serious business
Sex and violence and rock and roll
This is serious business
Sex and violence and rock and roll

You know my head is sweating
I can't dance and I can't relax
Outside is too threatening now
I've come this far and I can't go back

Call up some old friends
Call up some strangers
Get me used to that French telephone
Donna Donna, educate me
But tell those girls that I'm not alone

Take my life and take my soul
Put me on the cross for all to see
Put my name around my neck
Let those people throw stones at me

This is serious business
Sex and violence and rock and roll

Overall Meaning

The lyrics of John Mellencamp's "Serious Business" speak to the wild excess and hedonism of the rock and roll lifestyle. The opening lines are a directive to the listener to sit and observe, to take in the spectacle of this world. The singer warns that they didn't know what they were getting into, implying that there are consequences to indulging in this lifestyle. The lyrics then describe the people and the atmosphere, with girls and boys here just for your fun. The singer advises to have some dinner, play some records, but to remember that this is serious business, sex and violence and rock and roll.

As the song progresses, the singer becomes more introspective, revealing the toll that this lifestyle has taken on them. They can't dance or relax, and the outside world feels threatening. They call up old friends and strangers, seeking some kind of connection, but they seem to find it lacking. The line "Donna Donna, educate me" seems to show a desire for something deeper, a deeper understanding of the world beyond this hedonistic lifestyle. The final lines speak to the sacrifice one must make to be a part of this world, to put oneself on the cross for all to see, to have one's name around one's neck as people throw stones.

Overall, "Serious Business" paints a picture of a dark and troubled world, filled with wild excess and danger. The song serves as a reflection on the consequences of indulging in this kind of lifestyle, as well as a warning to those who might be drawn in by its allure.

Line by Line Meaning

You ain't goin' nowhere
You stay here until you fall into the pool

Gonna sit by this pool until you fall in
You're staying here until you jump in the pool

Didn't know what you were getting into
You had no idea what you were getting yourself into

When you walked into this room
When you first entered this room

Did you, kid?
Did you really know what was going on?

We got some girls over here
There are some girls over here

We got some boys over there
There are some boys over there

And they're here just for your fun
They are here for your entertainment

So have some dinner, baby
Eat some food, my dear

Play some records
Listen to some music

Just remember one thing, son
Keep one thing in mind, young man