Hurts So Good

Yeah, I think we all know this John Cougar Mellencamp song from 1982.  I mean, how could you not have heard this at least a few dozen times?  It's got an excitingly naughty title and... well, is it really what we think?  I'm not so sure.  In fact, when I think about the tune and remember hearing it back in the day, I can't really say that I paid much attention to the lyrics.  As usual, I was distracted by the amazing guitar playing and John's voice.  "When I was a young boy..."  is basically all I hear, and then I stop listening to the lyrics.  His voice is really quite unique and seems to capture the American sound.  Yeah, he pretty much is the voice of America, or at least the "Heartland" as they say.  Anyway, back to the song.  So, I can think back to the chorus and note "sometimes love don't feel like it should." and it still doesn't convince me that this song is about what people might speculate.  In fact, I always thought it was a bit tongue-in-cheek and almost a parody.  I read some background information on the song, and it seems as though the song really was a joke.  It was kind of a dare from a friend -- a joking suggestion to write a tune with that title.  Well, in the end, the song came out quite well.  I always forget that so many of Mellencamp's songs have hand clapping, which really makes it cool.  Makes you want to get up and sing your heart out with him!  I know people have commented that the song is terrific and the video is "awful," but even the video is comical and a bit of a parody in my mind.  I say, "Kudos, Mr. Mellencamp,"  It is awful-ly funny in my opinion.

Jack and Diane

"Little ditty, 'bout Jack and Diane---two American kids growin' up in the heartland."  These words were running through my mind this evening as I thought about John Cougar Mellencamp's "Jack and Diane."  It is such a refreshing song -- just some excellent vocals, lyrics, and guitar (electric and acoustic).  Okay, I know there are drums in there, too.  In fact, I can hear exactly where they are featured.  It's just about the middle of the song where the big drum solo breaks out and Mellencamp is backed by a few additional vocalists: "So let it rock.  Let it ro-oll.  Let the Bible Belt come and save my sooooo -o--oul!  Hold on to 16 as long as you can - changes come around real soon make us women and men."  Everytime I hear the part about the Bible Belt saving my soul, I automatically throw my hands up into the air.  Hadn't realized that was part of the video until just s few moments ago.  The harmonies in that line probably could save my soul.  I had also forgotten about the awesome handclaps in the song, which probably inspired me to become a musician now that I think of it.  Yup, those hand claps were so cool, and the squares in the video were also pretty amazing at the time.  In all honesty, the video is nicely done, and we get a visual idea of the story--although I think Mellencamp's lyrics are very clear and quite poetic.  Paints a picture of life in the heartland with all its simple pleasures.  I would have to agree that we should hold on to our youth as long as we can.  Life does go on long after the thrill of living is gone, but let's try to keep the flame alive by enjoying some well-crafted tunes like this one.  Well done, Mr. Mellencamp--hat's off to you!