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.

Warmer Place To Sleep
John Mellencamp Lyrics

Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴

Well I been up to the mountain
Seen the ashes down below
I had breakfast with the wise man
He told me what he thought I should know
And I've been to bed with Jezebel
And I found the well as deep
And I'd trade in my ambitions
For a warmer place to sleep

Well I've seen the heart of darkness
Read the writing on the wall
And the voice out in the desert
Was the voice out in the hall
And once he called me Abel
And once he called me Cain
And for forty days and for forty nights
I slept out in the rain

Girl can you share your warm bed tonight
I need to find a safe retreat
Someplace where they can't see my eyes
I need to find a warmer place to sleep

Well I rested in the devils arms
I've chased the hounds of hell
I played truth or dare with the angels
And as I fall as I can tell
That a heart of gold ain't no better
Than a heart torn from the street
And I'd trade in my heart of stone
For a warmer place to sleep

Girl can you share your warm bed tonight
I need to find a safe retreat

Someplace where they can't see my eyes
I need to find a warmer place to sleep

Overall Meaning

"Warmer Place To Sleep" by John Mellencamp is a song that paints a picture of a man who has lived a life of excess and ventured down dark paths in his past. He has seen both the good and the bad in the world and has been misled along the way.

The verses of the song describe the man's varied experiences. He has seen destruction and ruins on a mountain top, but has also spoken with a wise man. He has slept with Jezebel, a symbol of the Biblical temptress, and has found a deep well. The lyrics suggest that these experiences have left him feeling unfulfilled, and that he would give up his life goals for a peaceful night's rest.

The chorus contains the repeated refrain of "girl can you share your warm bed tonight," showing that the man is still seeking comfort and safety from someone else. He wants to escape the outside world and find solace in the embrace of another person. The use of the word "warmer" suggests both that he seeks physical warmth and a sense of emotional belonging.

Line by Line Meaning

Well I been up to the mountain
I've had experiences and gained wisdom.

Seen the ashes down below
I've witnessed destruction and chaos.

I had breakfast with the wise man
I've received advice from someone who is knowledgeable and respected.

He told me what he thought I should know
He shared his wisdom with me to help guide me through life.

And I've been to bed with Jezebel
I've had experiences with temptation and sin.

And I found the well as deep
I've discovered that some things are more complex than they seem.

And I'd trade in my ambitions
I would give up my goals and aspirations.

For a warmer place to sleep
In exchange for a more comfortable and secure life.

Well I've seen the heart of darkness
I've witnessed the evil that can exist in people and the world.

Read the writing on the wall
I've understood the warning signs and messages that are being conveyed.

And the voice out in the desert
I've heard the voice of truth and guidance in a desolate and isolated place.

Was the voice out in the hall
I've encountered similar knowledge and wisdom in more common and everyday places.

And once he called me Abel
I've been seen as innocent and righteous by some.

And once he called me Cain
I've been seen as guilty and sinful by others.

And for forty days and for forty nights
I've endured a significant and challenging period of time, perhaps symbolically representing religious or spiritual struggle.

I slept out in the rain
I endured difficult and uncomfortable circumstances.

Girl can you share your warm bed tonight
I'm asking for comfort and companionship.

I need to find a safe retreat
I'm looking for a place of safety and comfort.

Someplace where they can't see my eyes
I need a place where I can hide my emotions and vulnerabilities.

I need to find a warmer place to sleep
I need to find a more comfortable and secure life.

Well I rested in the devils arms
I've been tempted and fallen into darkness.

I've chased the hounds of hell
I've attempted to confront and overcome my demons and struggles.

I played truth or dare with the angels
I've engaged with higher forces and spiritual guidance.

And as I fall as I can tell
As I struggle and confront my challenges,

That a heart of gold ain't no better
Having a pure and good heart is not always enough.

Than a heart torn from the street
Experiencing and overcoming struggles can also shape and strengthen a person.

And I'd trade in my heart of stone
I would give up my emotional barriers and hardness.