John Mellencamp - Pink Houses Lyrics

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What inspired John Mellencamp to write 'Pink Houses'?

   The inspiration came when Mellencamp was driving on Interstate 65 in Indianapolis and saw a black man sitting outside his pink shotgun house with a cat in his arms. This image stuck with him and led to the creation of 'Pink Houses'.

2. Why is John Mellencamp unhappy with the final verse of 'Pink Houses'?

   Mellencamp has expressed dissatisfaction with the song's final verse, stating that if he had written it today, it would have more meaning. He feels that the last verse could have better conveyed the song's intended message about race, class, and survival in America.

3. How has 'Pink Houses' been used politically?

   'Pink Houses' has been used in various political advertisements and campaign rallies, often by conservatives. Notably, it was played at events for Senator John Edwards' presidential campaigns in 2004 and 2008, as well as Senator John McCain's 2008 campaign. Mellencamp requested McCain stop using his music due to differing political views.

4. What was ironic about the MTV contest related to 'Pink Houses'?

   MTV ran a contest giving away a pink house in Indiana based on the song. However, they initially bought a house near a toxic waste dump. After Rolling Stone pointed this out, MTV purchased another house for the giveaway.

5. Did John Mellencamp always use his real name professionally?

   No, Mellencamp initially performed under names given by his manager: Johnny Cougar and later John Cougar. It wasn't until his seventh album 'Uh-Huh' that he used John Cougar Mellencamp. By 1990, he recorded simply as John Mellencamp.

6. 'Pink Houses' is sometimes seen as patriotic. Is this accurate?

   'Pink Houses' is often misinterpreted as a patriotic anthem. However, Mellencamp intended it to be an anti-American song highlighting the challenges of living in America and critiquing aspects like unfulfilled dreams and socioeconomic issues.