John Mellencamp Songs List For Your Wedding Playlist
Last Updated: July 27, 2023 | Written by Matthew Campbell (Editor of My Wedding Songs and wedding DJ)
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.
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.
Spotify John Mellencamp Wedding Playlist
John Mellencamp Wedding Hits
#1 Jack & Diane
Released In 1982 on the album American Fool
Jack & Diane was based on the 1962 Tennessee Williams film Sweet Bird of Youth.
Most Meaningful Lyrics:
A little ditty ’bout Jack & Diane
Two American kids growing up in the heart land
#2 Hurts So Good
Released In 1982 on the 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.
Most Meaningful Lyrics:
Come on baby, make it hurt so good
Sometimes love don’t feel like it should
You make it hurt so good
Next, read a Bruce Springsteen wedding playlist.
#3 Small Town
Released In 1985 on the album Scarecrow
The song is about John’s experiences growing up in a small town in Indiana.
Most Meaningful Lyrics:
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
#4 Pink Houses
Released In 1983 on the album Uh-Huh
The song originated from John driving down the road and seeing an old black man sitting outside his little pink house with his cat in his arms.
Most Meaningful Lyrics:
Ain’t that America, home of the free, yeah
Little pink houses for you and me, oh for you and me
#5 R.O.C.K. In the U.S.A.
Released In 1986 on the album Scarecrow
The song is another example of being one spot short of going number one on the Billboard Hot 100.
Most Meaningful Lyrics:
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.
Check out Bob Seger greatest tracks.
#6 Authority Song
Released In 1983 on the album Uh-Huh
As the song theme can be found in the chorus” “I fight authority, Authority always wins”.
Most Meaningful Lyrics:
I’ve been doing it since I was a young kid
And I come out grinnin’
Well, I fight authority, authority always wins
#7 Wild Night
Released In 1994 on the album Dance Naked
The song also features Me’shell Ndegeocello.
Most Meaningful Lyrics:
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.
#8 I Need a Lover
Released In 1979 on the album John Cougar
The song also became a radio hit for rocker Pat Benatar.
Most Meaningful Lyrics:
I need a lover that won’t drive me crazy
Some girl that knows the meaning of, ah-
Hey hit the highway!
#9 Crumblin’ Down
Released In 1983 on the album Uh-Huh
The song’s theme is about what to do when success is gone and the walls come crumblin’ down.
Most Meaningful Lyrics:
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
Listen to a Van Morrison wedding playlist for the ceremony and reception.
#10 Rain On The Scarecrow
Released In 1985 on the album Scarecrow
Most Meaningful Lyrics:
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
Have a favorite John Mellencamp song, not on our list? Please share it below so that we can add the song to our list!
Fan Favorites
Ain’t Even Done With The Night
Released in 1980 on the album Nothin’ Matters and What If It Did
Most Meaningful Lyrics:
We could stay out all day, or we could run around all night
Well all night, all night
Well, it’s time to go home
And I ain’t even done with the night
John Mellencamp Highest-Ranking Tracks – U.S.
- #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, 1980
- #19 Hand to Hold on To, 1982
- #21 Rain on the Scarecrow, 1986
- #27 This Time, 1980
- #28 Rumbleseat, 1986
About
DJ, Editor, Music Lover
Matthew (Matt) Campbell is the founder/editor of My Wedding Songs from his experience as a wedding DJ. He is the author of two wedding planners: ‘Wedding Songs Planner’ and ‘The Wedding Music Toolkit’. Matt is the host of the ‘Wedding Songs Podcast’. He shares music inspiration in his weekly newsletter the ‘Wedding MusicLetter’. His articles have been published on Rolling Stone, DJ Life Magazine, and DJ Times. Matt resides in the wedding capital of the world – Las Vegas.
I like “Ain’t Even Done With the Night”
Thanks Mary, it is added to the list.