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.
Seventh Son
John Mellencamp Lyrics
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In the whole wide world, there's only one
I'm the one, yeah baby, I'm the one
I'm the one, I'm the one, the one they call seventh son
I can tell your future, it will come to pass
I can do things to you and make your heart feel glad
Look at the sky, predict rainAnd tell when a woman's got another man
I'm the one, yeah, I'm the one
I'm the one, I'm the one, the one they call seventh son
I can talk these words, make it sound so sweet
And even make your little heart skip a beat
Heal the sick and raise the dead
Make the little girls talk out of their heads
I'm the one, yeah, I'm the one
I'm the one, I'm the one, the one they call seventh son
Yeah, I'm the one, yeah, I'm the one, I'm the one, oh yeah, I'm the one
I'm the one, I'm the one, the one they call seventh son
The lyrics to John Mellencamp's song "Seventh Son" depict the singer asserting his unique abilities and status as the seventh son. The concept of the seventh son is often associated with folklore and superstition, where the seventh son of a seventh son is believed to possess special powers or abilities. In this song, the singer claims to be the only seventh son in the whole world.
The singer asserts that he can tell the future and make predictions come true. He claims to have the power to influence people's emotions, making their hearts feel glad. He also possesses the ability to observe the sky and predict rain, as well as perceive when a woman is involved with another man. These assertions contribute to the notion that the singer is indeed special and possesses supernatural qualities.
The lyrics further emphasize the singer's abilities, as he claims to have the power to use words in a way that sounds sweet and can even make someone's heart skip a beat. He boasts of his healing capabilities, suggesting that he can cure the sick and even resurrect the dead. Additionally, he claims to have the power to make young girls talk irrationally.
Overall, the lyrics to "Seventh Son" highlight the singer's belief in his exceptional abilities as the seventh son. He presents himself as a figure with supernatural qualities, capable of predicting the future, manipulating emotions, and performing miraculous feats.
Line by Line Meaning
Everybody's talking 'bout the seventh son
Everyone is discussing and gossiping about a person who is believed to possess special powers or abilities.
In the whole wide world, there's only one
Out of all the people in the world, there is only a single individual who fits the description of the seventh son.
I'm the one, yeah baby, I'm the one
The singer confidently asserts that they are indeed the seventh son being talked about.
I'm the one, I'm the one, the one they call seventh son
Once again, the artist reiterates their identity as the seventh son and the individual being referred to by others.
I can tell your future, it will come to pass
The artist claims to possess clairvoyant abilities and can accurately predict events that will unfold in someone's life.
I can do things to you and make your heart feel glad
The singer asserts their capability to bring joy and happiness to others through their actions or influence.
Look at the sky, predict rain
The singer can observe the sky and accurately anticipate when it will rain.
And tell when a woman's got another man
The artist claims to possess the perception to determine when a woman is involved romantically with another man.
I can talk these words, make it sound so sweet
The artist has the talent to speak in a charming and persuasive manner, captivating others with their words.
And even make your little heart skip a beat
The artist's words have the power to evoke strong emotions, causing one's heart to beat faster.
Heal the sick and raise the dead
The singer claims to possess miraculous abilities, capable of curing the ill and bringing the deceased back to life.
Make the little girls talk out of their heads
The artist can influence young girls to the point where they speak or think in an infatuated and irrational manner.
Yeah, I'm the one, yeah, I'm the one
The singer reaffirms their identity as the individual possessing extraordinary powers.
I'm the one, I'm the one, the one they call seventh son
Once again, the singer asserts their status as the seventh son and the person referred to by others.
Yeah, I'm the one, yeah, I'm the one, I'm the one, oh yeah, I'm the one
With great confidence, the singer emphasizes that they are indeed the seventh son and the central figure of discussion.
I'm the one, I'm the one, the one they call seventh son
The artist restates their unique identity as the seventh son and the person recognized by others with this title.
Lyrics © O/B/O APRA AMCOS
Written by: Willie Dixon
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind