John Mellencamp

Lyrics

5 ContributorsJackie Brown LyricsIs this your life, Jackie Brown?
Poorly educated and forced to live on the poor side of town
Is this your daughter, Jackie Brown?
This pretty little girl
In the worn out clothes
That have been hand-me down
Is this your wife, Jackie Brown?
With sad blue eyes, walking on eggshells so you don't see her frown
Is this your family, Jackie Brown?

Dream of vacationing on a mountain stream
And giving the world more than it gave you
What ugly truths freedom brings
And it hasn't been very kind to you
Is this your life, Jackie Brown?

Is this your meal, Jackie Brown?
Barely enough, I've seen people throw away more than this out
Is this your home, Jackie Brown?
This three room shack
With no running water
And the bathroom out back
Is this your grave, Jackie Brown?
This little piece of limestone that says another desperate man took himself out
Is this your dream, Jackie Brown?
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We shame ourselves to watch people like this live
But who gives a damn about Jackie Brown?
Just another lazy man who couldn't take what was his
One helluva life Jackie Brown
Forevermore, Jackie Brown
Amen and amen - Jackie Brown?Embed

John Mellencamp's song "Jackie Brown" is a piece that captures the essence of Americana rock. The lyrics are a vivid depiction of the life of a small-town girl, Jackie Brown, and her struggles in the harsh realities of life. Mellencamp's vocals are masterful, and the backing instrumentation is tight and well-crafted, making this a classic tune that has stood the test of time. In this article, we will delve deeper into the heart of the song and explore its meaning and significance.

About Jackie Brown

The song starts with a description of Jackie Brown, a young girl from a small town who is struggling to find her place in the world. The first verse introduces us to Jackie, who is working at a diner named Wanda's. The line "She works at a diner, Wanda's all night long" sets the scene and tells us that Jackie is a hard worker.

The second verse brings in a sense of nostalgia, with Mellencamp singing "Jackie Brown, walkin' cross the floor, messin' with her hair, a world of her own." This line gives the impression that Jackie is lost in her thoughts, trying to figure out her place in the world. The lyrics are relatable to many of us who have experienced moments of uncertainty in life.

The chorus ties everything together, with Mellencamp singing "Don't you know, the rain's gonna come. Don't you know, the rain's gonna come." This is a metaphor for the struggles and hardships that Jackie is bound to face in life. The line "She's a little run down, but she'll make it alright" shows that Jackie is a fighter and is determined to overcome any obstacle that life throws her way.

Musically, the song is a classic example of Mellencamp's Americana rock style. The instrumentation is simple yet effective, with acoustic guitar and fiddle dominating the melody. The backing vocals give the song a sense of unity, as if everyone is in this struggle together.

The main theme of the song is hope. Mellencamp is telling us that no matter how difficult life gets, we all have the strength to overcome it. Jackie Brown is a symbol of this resilience, and her struggles are universal. The rain is a metaphor for the challenges we all face in life, but the song gives us hope that we can weather any storm.

In addition to the message of hope, the song also has a political undertone. Mellencamp was always a champion of the working class, and "Jackie Brown" is no exception. Throughout his career, Mellencamp has brought attention to blue-collar issues and given a voice to those who are often overlooked in society. In "Jackie Brown," we see this same concern for the working class and the struggles they face.

In closing, "Jackie Brown" is a timeless classic that speaks to the struggles we all face in life. Mellencamp's vocals and the instrumentation are excellent, and the message of hope is one that resonates with people of all backgrounds. The song has a relatable story, a powerful message, and a catchy melody, making it a standout in Mellencamp's impressive discography.

• Release Date: May 9, 1989
• Artist: John Mellencamp