Best John Mellencamp Songs Top 10 All-Time
John Mellencamp (aka John Cougar and John Cougar Mellencamp) is an American rock singer-songwriter. John has amassed 22 U.S. Top 40 hits and 13 Grammy Awards. John Mellencamp was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2008.
Other music artists’ song lists to read:
John “Cougar” Mellencamp released his first studio in 1979 titled Chestnut Street Incident. Mellencamp is still producing albums today. To his credit, John is one of the founding members of Farm Aid to raise awareness about the loss of family farms and to raise funds to keep farm families on their land. He also acted in four featured films including Falling From Grace in 2001.
Best John Mellencamp Songs List
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John Mellencamp song list curated by Matthew Campbell
10. Rain On The Scarecrow
Released In 1985
On Album Scarecrow
Well there’s ninety-seven crosses planted in the courthouse yard
Ninety-seven families who lost ninety-seven farms
I think about my grandpa and my neighbors and my name and some nights
I feel like dying like that scarecrow in the rain
9. Crumblin’ Down
Released In 1983
On Album Uh-Huh
The song’s theme is about what to do when success is gone and the walls come crumblin’ down.
Some people say I’m obnoxious and lazy
That I’m uneducated and my opinion means nothin’
But I know I’m a real good dancer
8. I Need a Lover
Released In 1979
On Album John Cougar
The song also became a radio hit for rocker Pat Benatar.
I need a lover that won’t drive me crazy
Some girl that knows the meaning of, ah-
Hey hit the highway!
7. Wild Night
Released In 1994
On Album Dance Naked
The song also features Me’shell Ndegeocello.
Come on out and make romance
Come on out and dance
Come on out and dance
Come on out and make romance
The song was originally released by Van Morrison in 1971.
6. Authority Song
Released In 1983
On Album Uh-Huh
As the song theme can be found in the chorus” “I fight authority, Authority always wins”.
I’ve been doing it since I was a young kid
And I come out grinnin’
Well, I fight authority, authority always wins
5. R.O.C.K. In the U.S.A.
Released In 1986
On Album Scarecrow
The song is another example of being one spot short from going number one on the Billboard Hot 100.
Some are black and some are white
They ain’t too proud to sleep on the floor tonight
With the blind faith of Jesus you know that they just might
Be rockin’ in the U.S.A.
4. Pink Houses
Released In 1983
On Album Uh-Huh
The song originated from John driving down the road seeing an old black man sitting outside his little pink house with his cat in his arms.
Ain’t that America, home of the free, yeah
Little pink houses for you and me, oh for you and me
3. Small Town
Released In 1985
On Album Scarecrow
The song is about John’s experiences growing up in a small town in Indiana.
But I’ve seen it all in a small town
Had myself a ball in a small town
Married an L.A. doll and brought her to this small town
Now she’s small town just like me
2. Hurts So Good
Released In 1982
On Album American Fool
John was awarded one Grammy in his career. The Grammy was for Hurt So Good. The song was one spot short of being atop the Billboard Hot 100.
Come on baby, make it hurt so good
Sometimes love don’t feel like it should
You make it hurt so good
1. Jack & Diane
Released In 1982
On Album American Fool
Jack & Diane was based on the 1962 Tennessee Williams film Sweet Bird of Youth.
A little ditty ’bout Jack & Diane
Two American kids growing up in the heart land
Have a favorite John Mellencamp song, not on our list? Please share it below so that we can add the song to our list!
John Mellencamp Highest-Ranking Songs – US
- #1 Jack & Diane, 1982
- #2 Hurts So Good, 1982
- #2 R.O.C.K. in the U.S.A., 1986
- #3 Wild Night (featuring Me’Shell Ndegéocello), 1994
- #6 Lonely Ol’ Night, 1985
- #6 Small Town, 1985
- #8 Pink Houses, 1983
- #8 Cherry Bomb, 1987
- #9 Crumblin’ Down, 1983
- #9 Paper in Fire, 1987
- #14 Check It Out, 1988
- #14 Get a Leg Up, 1991
- #14 Key West Intermezzo (I Saw You First), 1996
- #15 Authority Song, 1984
- #15 Pop Singer, 1989
- #17 Ain’t Even Done with the Night, 1981
- #19 Hand to Hold on To, 1982
- #21 Rain on the Scarecrow, 1986
- #27 This Time, 1980
- #28 Rumbleseat, 1986
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