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.
Teardrops Will Fall
John Mellencamp Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Tears filled my eyes
All of the promises you made
Were nothing but lies
So I turned your photograph over
Face to the wall
And when I dim the lights in my room tonight
Teardrops will fall
Teardrops will fall tonight
Tears I can't hide
Tears that I'd rather keep
Deep down inside
Tears fall
And love is gone beyond these walls
And when I dim the lights in my room tonight
Teardrops will fall
I'm gonna pray tonight, baby
Hopin' you will hear
And maybe you'll write all those wrongs
And dry each tear
I sit alone tonight
Hopin' you will call
And when I dim the lights in my room tonight
Teardrops will fall
Teardrops will fall tonight
Tears I can't hide
Tears that I'd rather keep
Deep down inside
Tears fall
And love is gone beyond these walls
And when I dim the lights in my room tonight
Teardrops will fall
Teardrops will fall tonight
Tears I can't hide
Tears that I'd rather keep
Deep down inside
Tears fall
And love is gone beyond these walls
And when I dim the lights in my room tonight
When I dim the lights in my room tonight
Teardrops will fall
The lyrics of John Mellencamp's song "Teardrops Will Fall" speak about the pain of a broken heart and the tears that follow. The singer has received a letter from a loved one confessing to have broken their promises and lied to them, leading to the end of the relationship. As a result, the singer has turned the photograph of their loved one face down and is left to cry in their room. The chorus repeats the line "teardrops will fall" as a reminder that the singer's pain and sadness will continue to haunt them in the night.
The lyrics also reveal the singer's desperation for a reconciliation with their loved one. They express hope that their loved one will listen to their prayers and "write all those wrongs" to mend their relationship. The singer sits alone, waiting for a phone call that may never come, as they come to terms with the fact that their love might be gone forever.
Overall, "Teardrops Will Fall" is a poignant portrayal of heartbreak and the emotional aftermath that often follows. The lyrics offer a sense of emotional depth and vulnerability that is a hallmark of Mellencamp's music.
Line by Line Meaning
I read your letter, darlin'
I received and read the letter from you, my dear
Tears filled my eyes
My eyes became full of tears after reading your letter
All of the promises you made
You made a lot of commitments
Were nothing but lies
None of them were true
So I turned your photograph over
I flipped over your picture
Face to the wall
So that it didn't remain in my view
And when I dim the lights in my room tonight
When I turn off the lights in my room tonight
Teardrops will fall
I will start crying
I'm gonna pray tonight, baby
I intend to pray this evening, my dear
Hopin' you will hear
Wishing that you would listen to my prayers
And maybe you'll write all those wrongs
And perhaps correct all the things that you did wrong
And dry each tear
And wipe away all my tears
I sit alone tonight
I am alone tonight
Hopin' you will call
Hoping that you would ring me
Teardrops will fall tonight
I'm going to cry this night
Tears I can't hide
These are the tears I cannot conceal
Tears that I'd rather keep
These are the tears I prefer not to show others
Deep down inside
They are deep inside me
Tears fall
I am crying
And love is gone beyond these walls
Love between us is over and beyond these partitions
And when I dim the lights in my room tonight
In the evening, when I switch off my room's lights
Teardrops will fall
I will have tears streaming down my face
Teardrops will fall tonight
There will be tears on this evening
When I dim the lights in my room tonight
When I switch off the lights in my room this night
Teardrops will fall
I will shed tears
Lyrics © MUSIC SALES CORPORATION
Written by: Eddie V. Deane, Dicky Doo
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@gabet.3519
I read your letter, darlin'
Tears filled my eyes
All of the promises you made
Were nothing but lies
So I turned your photograph over
Face to the wall
And when I dim the lights in my room tonight
Teardrops will fall
Teardrops will fall tonight
Tears I can't hide
Tears that I'd rather keep
Deep down inside
Tears fall
And love is gone beyond these walls
And when I dim the lights in my room tonight
Teardrops will fall
I'm gonna pray tonight, baby
Hopin' you will hear
And maybe you'll write all those wrongs
And dry each tear
I sit alone tonight
Hopin' you will call
And when I dim the lights in my room tonight
Teardrops will fall
Teardrops will fall tonight
Tears I can't hide
Tears that I'd rather keep
Deep down inside
Tears fall
And love is gone beyond these walls
And when I dim the lights in my room tonight
Teardrops will fall
Teardrops will fall tonight
Tears I can't hide
Tears that I'd rather keep
Deep down inside
Tears fall
And love is gone beyond these walls
And when I dim the lights in my room tonight
When I dim the lights in my room tonight
Teardrops will fall
@metalmick99
A great song from one of the great voices. He's had a long and storied career, and brought immense joy to so many.
@mikelawrence5739
Johns music is an American jewel. Been a fan since his first record. Will always be one of my favorite artists
@micheleerwin2848
John's music speaks to the soul.
@misslantana52
John Mellencamp's songs move me! He is a class act, and in a class all by himself! (*_*)
@debbiegillette4734
An old song covered by John. Love this version as well as most of John's music. Plus, I'm a fellow Hoosier, born and bred. I get ya John; favorite song is "Minutes to Memories". Have traveled that road.
@guitarsncarsnart
This is a good rendition. That has a lot of drive. His vocal style works great here. The fiddle is a great addition. Yes Ry's version is so unique. I love that one too. The record plant live version.
@marlanne21
What a beautiful song John! Well done!Love it!!!! Like sooo many of your songs throughout the yrs.!!! Thanks John...
@Gilyslas
Excellent job John. You sing it with conviction and soul. Love the celtic flavor in the backround. Folks out there, check out Ry Cooder's version too. Very tasty.
@gabet.3519
I read your letter, darlin'
Tears filled my eyes
All of the promises you made
Were nothing but lies
So I turned your photograph over
Face to the wall
And when I dim the lights in my room tonight
Teardrops will fall
Teardrops will fall tonight
Tears I can't hide
Tears that I'd rather keep
Deep down inside
Tears fall
And love is gone beyond these walls
And when I dim the lights in my room tonight
Teardrops will fall
I'm gonna pray tonight, baby
Hopin' you will hear
And maybe you'll write all those wrongs
And dry each tear
I sit alone tonight
Hopin' you will call
And when I dim the lights in my room tonight
Teardrops will fall
Teardrops will fall tonight
Tears I can't hide
Tears that I'd rather keep
Deep down inside
Tears fall
And love is gone beyond these walls
And when I dim the lights in my room tonight
Teardrops will fall
Teardrops will fall tonight
Tears I can't hide
Tears that I'd rather keep
Deep down inside
Tears fall
And love is gone beyond these walls
And when I dim the lights in my room tonight
When I dim the lights in my room tonight
Teardrops will fall
@reginataylor2392
love this song