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.
The Man Who Sold the World
John Mellencamp Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Although I wasn't there, he said I was his friend
Which came as some surprise I spoke into his eyes
I thought you died alone, a long long time ago
Oh no, not me
I never lost control
You're face to face
I laughed and shook his hand, and made my way back home
I searched for form and land, for years and years I roamed
I gazed a gazely stare, at all the millions here
We must have died along, a long long time ago
Who knows? not me
We never lost control
You're face to face
With the Man who Sold the World
[Repeat]
In John Mellencamp's version of David Bowie's The Man Who Sold The World, the singer recounts a surreal encounter with an old acquaintance. The two briefly converse on a stairway, reminiscing about past times, despite the singer claiming he wasn't there. The acquaintance tells the singer that he was his friend, which surprises him as he thought the man had died a long time ago. The singer then declares that he never lost control and that the acquaintance is now face to face with the man who sold the world.
The lyrics are somewhat abstract and open to interpretation, but many believe they address themes such as identity and the quest for meaning. The reference to the "man who sold the world" is often interpreted as a metaphor for someone who manipulates or sells out their own identity for power or success.
The repetition of the phrase "you're face to face with the man who sold the world" creates a sense of unease and instability, as if the singer is warning the acquaintance of the potentially sinister consequences of chasing fame and power.
Overall, Mellencamp's interpretation of this classic song is haunting and thought-provoking, urging us to consider the true cost of our ambitions.
Line by Line Meaning
We passed upon the stair, we spoke of was and when
As we crossed paths on the staircase, we engaged in a conversation about past events.
Although I wasn't there, he said I was his friend
Even though I wasn't present, he referred to me as his friend.
Which came as some surprise I spoke into his eyes
This declaration was unexpected and left me momentarily speechless as I looked directly into his eyes.
I thought you died alone, a long long time ago
I believed you had died in solitude many years ago.
Oh no, not me
I did not meet that same fate.
I never lost control
Throughout my trials and tribulations, I maintained self-control.
You're face to face
We are now in a position of being in each other's presence.
With The Man Who Sold The World
You are now in the company of the man who manipulated reality to gain fortune and power.
I laughed and shook his hand, and made my way back home
After exchanging pleasantries, I laughed, shook his hand, and departed.
I searched for form and land, for years and years I roamed
I longed for stability and a place to call my own, and journeyed for an extended period to find it.
I gazed a gazely stare, at all the millions here
I took a long, scrutinizing look at the crowds of people surrounding me.
We must have died along, a long long time ago
It's possible that we all died many years ago and are now living in a fabricated reality.
Who knows? not me
I am unsure about the truth of our existence.
We never lost control
Regardless of the situation, we never relinquished our autonomy.
You're face to face
Once again, we are in the same vicinity.
With the Man who Sold the World
And once again, you find yourself in the presence of the man who deceived reality to achieve his own gain.
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: David Bowie
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@ricardocarranzaarana127
Amazing song !!! :o
@anaclaudiadesouzafernandes3270
Excelente
@soundping
That's a Mellencamp oldie.
@bowpet6574
David Bowie 1970 from the album The man who sold the world. Lulu sang it in 1974 much like Mellemcamps version.
@scottudell7202
I'm almost certain that Tony Defries put him up to make this version. Defries was always trying to hold onto David Bowie as much as he could after Bowie left him in the dust, for the very reasons why Mellancamp left him.
@markbaron9696
First time hearing this version, it is two minutes and twenty-eight seconds too long.
@bowpet6574
David Bowie song from 1970.
@ChangesBowieOdyssey
Based off the arrangement of the Lulu/Bowie/Spiders single version.