John Mellencamp

Lyrics

[Verse 1]
Little ditty about Jack and Diane
Two American kids growin' up in the heartland
Jack, he's gonna be a football star
Diane's debutante backseat of Jacky's car

[Verse 2]
Suckin' on a chili dog outside the Tastee Freez
Diane's sittin' on Jacky's lap, he's got his hand between her knees
Jacky say, "Hey Diane, lets run off behind a shady tree
Dribble off those Bobby Brooks slacks, now do what I please"
Say a....

[Chorus]
Oh yeah, life goes on
Long after the thrill of livin' is gone
I say, oh yeah say life goes on
Long after the thrill of livin' is gone
Now walk on

[Verse 3]
Jacky sits back, collects his thoughts for the moment
Scratches his head and does his best James Dean
"Well then, there Diane, we ought to run off to the city"
Diane says, "Baby, you ain't missin' nothing"
But Jacky say a...
[Chorus]
Oh yeah, life goes on
Long after the thrill of livin' is gone
Oh yeah I say life goes on
Long after the thrill of livin' is gone

[Bridge]
Gonna let it rock, let it roll
Let the Bible Belt come and save my soul
Holdin on to sixteen as long as you can
Changes come around real soon
Make us women and men

[Chorus]
Oh yeah, life goes on
Long after the thrill of livin' is gone
Oh yeah they say life goes on
Long after the thrill of livin' is gone

[Outro]
A little ditty about Jack and Diane
Two American kids doing the best they can

If you were alive in 1982, there's a chance you might remember John Mellencamp's classic tune, "Jack & Diane". The song holds a special place in the hearts of many who grew up in the 80s. It was a #1 hit in the US during the fall of that year and was the only chart-topper in Mellencamp's sizeable record collection. Not to mention, it ranked as the #7 song of the year for 1982, according to Billboard. Mellencamp, a true rock star with over 20 years of experience, knows how to write a tune that resonates with generations.

...

About Jack & Diane

The story behind "Jack & Diane" is just as captivating as the song itself. At first, Mellencamp based the song on a 1966 Tennessee Williams film called "Sweet Bird of Youth". But executives were hesitant to make a song about interracial love a chart-topper, so Mellencamp decided to make the song about two typical midwestern teenagers coming of age instead.

Even so, Mellencamp's record label was hesitant to release "Jack & Diane" as a single, so Mellencamp secretly had a music video made for the song. The video was created by the same company that was already making videos for two other singles. This decision was a smart move. When he started playing the tune live, audiences couldn't get enough of it. They sang along more than with his previously released singles. The record company took notice and, eventually, released "Jack & Diane" ahead of the previous single "Hand to Hold Onto".

"Jack & Diane" is a perfect anthem for young love. It tells the story of two teenagers, Jack and Diane, who are growing up in the heartland of America. The lyrics paint a picture of small-town life - sharing a cigarette behind the Tastee Freez, holding hands under the cherry tree, and driving around in Jack's Chevy. Mellencamp's voice matches the lyrics, lending a youthful energy to the song that speaks to the heart of every young person who has ever felt the rush of first love.

The simple but catchy structure of the song adds to its appeal. The opening chords immediately grab your attention, and the drum beat builds up to a feel-good chorus that's easy to sing along to. Mellencamp sings about the ups and downs of young love, and the song's bittersweet romanticism makes it relatable to anyone who has ever been in love.

Despite being released in 1982, "Jack & Diane" is still very much a part of pop culture. It's been featured in movies, TV shows, and commercials. The song has a timeless quality that appeals to people of all ages and backgrounds. And Mellencamp's unique blend of rock, Americana, and occasional folk elements ensure that the song continues to stand the test of time.

In the end, there's no denying the impact of "Jack & Diane" on American music. It speaks to the heart of what it means to be young, in love, and just starting out in life. Mellencamp's ability to capture that feeling is what makes the song endure. It's a classic, and it deserves to be remembered for generations to come.

• Release Date: July 1982
• Artist: John Mellencamp