John Mellencamp – Jack & Diane (Official Music Video)
Inspiration Behind Jack and Diane:
John Mellencamp’ blended personal experiences with a combination of creative changes and cultural observations to craft the lyrics of Jack and Diane. Mellencamp was influenced by the number of blended couples that enjoyed his concerts together. Meanwhile, the idea for this song came after watching Tennessee Williams’ 1962 play Sweet Bird of Youth. When you put everything together, Jack and Diane have become a classic summer song.
Biblical Application:
On the Sabbath we went outside the city gate to the river, where we expected to find a place of prayer. We sat down and began to speak to the women who had gathered there. 14 One of those listening was a woman from the city of Thyatira named Lydia, a dealer in purple cloth. She was a worshiper of God. The Lord opened her heart to respond to Paul’s message. 15 When she and the members of her household were baptized, she invited us to her home. “If you consider me a believer in the Lord,” she said, “come and stay at my house.” And she persuaded us. Acts 16:13-15.
Exegesis of Jack and Diane:
Little ditty about Jack and Diane
Two American kids growin’ up in the heartland
Jacky’s gonna be a football star
Diane debutante backseat of Jacky’s car
An embellished tale of 2 teenagers growing up in the middle of America.
Suckin’ on a chili dog outside the Tastee Freeze
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
Let me do what I please.
And Jacky say
This couple is enjoying the summer together at their local hangout. Jack wants to run away together and get married to avoid all the cultural tension of their relationship.
Oh yeah life goes on
Long after the thrill of livin’ is gone
Oh yeah say life goes on
Long after the thrill of livin’ is gone, they walk on
Jack doesn’t want to lose the passion that he has for Diane. Unfortunately, time has a way of changing human beings.
Jacky sits back collects his thoughts for the moment
Scratches his head and does his best James Dean.
Well then there Diane, we oughtta run of the city
Diane says “Baby, you ain’t missing’ no-thing”
Jacky say a
Jack is trying to impersonate his favorite actor, trying to convince Diane to run off with him.
Oh yeah life goes on
Long after the thrill of livin’ is gone
Oh yeah say life goes on
Long after the thrill of livin’ is gone,
The emotions that Jack is feeling will eventually wear off.
Gonna let it rock
Let it roll
Let the Bible belt come down
And save my soul
Hold on to sixteen as long as you can
Changes come around real soon
Make us women and men
Jack and Diane are going against what local churches believed at the time this song was written. Subsequently, they asked God for forgiveness. As teenagers, both are seeking to seize these moments together.
Oh yeah life goes on
Long after the thrill of livin’ is gone
Oh yeah say life goes on
Long after the thrill of livin’ is gone,
Little ditty about Jack and Diane
Two American kids doing the best they can
This is a quick story about 2 teenagers trying to do the best that they can. As time goes by, emotions and feelings change.
Final Thoughts:
Most teenagers have a special person that they grew up with. This could be a neighbor, a friend or someone that you dated. While Diana was my high school sweetheart, Jeanette was a lifelong friend, the younger sister that I never had. Growing up with these special people leave fond memories expressed in Jack and Diane. These are the moments, the Glory Days that make you feel young again. This is the impact that Jack and Diane has had on my life.
by Jay Mankus
ExpressYourself4Him 