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.

This Time
John Mellencamp Lyrics

Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴

I've had a lot of girls in my life
They never meant that much to me
A good time was always had by all
But those good times, they were fleeting memories
I used to lie to them, and then I'd kiss them
But I kept them an arm's length away
Well, hey man, now you know me
And look how silly I been acting today

This time I really think I'm in love, I'm in love
This time I think I'm really in love
This time I really think I'm in love
This time I think I'm really in love

I used to roll down the window
And let that tape deck blow
And look at the honey I was holding that night
I'd say, "Hey, girl, you're the one"
And then I'd laugh when I'd take her home
You got your arms around my shoulders
You got my soul confused with my heart
You were too smart to believe all those tired lines
And I was too dumb to know what had started

I hope you don't lose that innocent laughter
I hope time doesn't take that away

This time I really think I'm in love, I'm in love
This time I think I'm really in love

This time I really think I'm in love
This time I think I'm really in love

Overall Meaning

In John Mellencamp's song, "This Time," the musician reflects on his past relationships with women and compares them to his current relationship with a woman he believes he is truly in love with. He explains how he used to treat women as objects, enjoying the temporary pleasure of their company without investing any real emotions into the relationships. He would lie to them, kiss them, and then shut them out without forming any attachment. However, the chorus signals a change in his mentality. This time, Mellencamp's lyrics show that he is actually in love, rather than just using women for his pleasure. He has found someone who has captured both his heart and his soul.

Mellencamp's lyrics can be seen as a reflection of the traditional male stereotype in American society- hopping from one girl to the next and generally being non-committal. This song was released in 1991, when open and reflective discussions concerning toxic masculinity weren't common, so it's likely the song was seen as refreshing in its honesty. "This Time" seems to represent a change in Mellencamp's own thinking- perhaps he has grown tired of such flippant relationships or his partner has helped him to acknowledge the need for a more emotionally-fulfilling connection.

This TimeJohn Mellencamp Lyrics

This Time
John Mellencamp Lyrics