A Fleeting Youth and Young Love

Jake Bohrer

Mrs. Joanne Krajeck Elements of English 120-11:30 15 October 2013

Bohrer 1 Blink and it is gone. Life moves at a consistently faster pace and more often than not, youth in todays society are forced to grow up at an ever-changing pace. The relentless forward motion of growing up is a fact of lifeone that is often sudden and drastic. Youth is frail and fleeting with every tick of a clock and each passing moment. It is a gift that only is at its purest state for a short time. An example of the momentum of life is illustrated in John Mellencamps (formerly known as John Cougar) music video for his song Jack and Diane. The song depicts a story of a typical American couple who have developed a relationship that lead to the necessity of growing up sooner than what is typical. The song portrays a love story involving a teenage couple. Mellencamps song and music video resonates with my personal story in a way that is in contrast to the songs typical meaning. As a young boy I thought it would be best if I chose not to date until I was a mature young adult. I am now nineteen years old and I still have not begun dating. I am happy with my choice not to date until I am further along in my college career. Being a Christian helps me focus on what God has planned for my life instead of simply jumping into the foolishness of my youth. This concept of waiting to date is conflicting with that of Mellencamps song. The nostalgic hit, Jack and Diane first debuted in the year 1982. The writer and singer John Mellencamp was Born October 7, 1951 in Seymour, Indiana. (par. 1) Additionally, Jack is a common nickname for John. This information reveals the idea of John possibly writing about his personal experiences, being that he was growing up during the 60s.

Bohrer 2 In opening, the song starts out illustrating a young boy and girl (about sixteen years old) growing up with big dreams and aspirations, such as being a football star which illustrates in some ways, their initial potential and desire for success before any of lifes choices are made. They had a typical optimistic start on life in the heartland of America, but the song quickly portrays them making choices in their teenage years. This part takes place in the back of a car. This alludes to the concept popular during the songs era, a concept that revolved around freedom; Born out of the free-spirited lifestyle of the 70s and the prominent ideal of a young man having his first car. A first car was thought of as a ticket to freedom, which then led to the increased opportunity to dateultimately leading to young men making sexual choices, often taking place in their car. Furthermore, the song depicts physical interaction between Jack and Diane as simply as Diane sitting on Jacks lap. The innocent act of sitting on ones lap quickly turns into fooling around. The lyrics used in the song are, let's run off behind the shady trees, indicating the couple engaging in intercourse. This idea is confirmed in the following line of the song Dribble off those Bobby Brooks, portrays the act of removing clothing. Bobby Brooks was a popular clothing brand during the time this song was written. Keep in mind the concept that Jackie is a variant of John, possibly indicating John fondly looking back on a youthful experience with a past crush. Moving on, the next section is the famous part of the song, Oh yeah, life goes on. My personal interpretation and analysis on this section of the song indicates the idea of a consequence for their youthful and possibly foolish actions. In quote from a 1982 interview with
The L.A. Herald Examiner, Mellencamp Explained: Failures a part of what youre all about

Bohrer 3 anyway. (Jack & Diane) This consequence is likely that Jackie got Diane pregnant. This

concept is a real possibility considering the lyrics. The

words that follow indicate that you may be forced to live with the consequences of your decisions. Long after the thrill of livin is gone, illustrates the possible ramifications of the decisions we make. In elaboration of the concept of Diane getting pregnant, you realize that the lyrics Life goes on is both figuratively and literally conceptualized when considering raising an infant. Life literally goes on for the child born out of their seemingly harmless Thrill. In a deeper level, the lyrics develop a possible sub-story Johns lyrics include mention of The Bible Belt indicating an understanding of falling short and possibly sin as well. This concept indicated his understanding and realization of his mistakes. He realized that he cannot handle all of lifes challenges on his own, and therefore needs salvation. He expects The Bible belt to come and save him, as opposed to intensely studying the Bible for himself in order to develop a true and personal faith and understanding. This indicates his immaturity both in faith and independence. Additionally, his one weak and almost nonexistent words of wisdom are to Hold onto sixteen as long as you can again, indicating a problem rooted in immaturity. Sixteen is a vital age and sensibly adequate for this song because shortly after the age 16 life begins no matter if you are ready or not. In a sense, by that time you are out of options. In elaboration on this topic, Mellencamp has a blurred view on what becoming a man or woman truly means and requires. One of Mellencamps shortfalls in his interpretation of maturity comes as a result of his strong

Bohrer 4 statement in relation to age. He says we should hold onto sixteen as long as we can however, being a man or a woman has little to do with maturity. Towards the end of the song, the idea of becoming less innocent as adults by realizing how bad the world is seems to be portrayed. In reality the whole world is not terribly bad, but It is America that is in some ways tainted in greater ways; pointing back to the odds of success being stacked against them, due to the fact that they were born in the Heartland of America. Moving on, analysis on the music video itself is vital as well. The video begins nostalgically, filling the screen with multiple small photos and video clips of Jack and Diane growing up. This depiction is similar to that of a scrapbook. During this time, Mellencamp is featured in some of the video clips singing the song. After the images of childhood, the couple is depicted walking down the street and going to get chili dogs possibly indicating a first date. This is tied into the theme of major milestones often featured in a typical scrapbook. Two sets of clapping hands appear in the video after the couple lie under the shade tree, possibly indicating the couple being in togetherness. The hands are then joined by additional scenes of walking, holding hands, and what is thought of as a typical date. During the moment portraying the Bible Belt, Mellencamp raises his hands toward heaven, possibly indicating his dependence on God. At some points the pictures seem to shrink on screen indicating the fleeting of life. Nearing the end of the video, Mellencamp makes a punching action toward the camera, possibly indicating some frustration and regret, as a result of his foolish and youthful decisions. The tonal variety of the music played a role in emphasizing the experience as you watch the video and listen to the song.

Bohrer 5 Ultimately, the biggest lesson to take from this song and music video is even though you may get caught up in moments; try not to forget about your future. The decisions we make now have a powerful impact on our future.

Bohrer 6 Works Cited

"Jack & Diane." By John Mellencamp Songfacts. N.p., 13 July 2010. Web. 14 Oct. 2013. "John Mellencamp - Official Website :: About." John Mellencamp - Official Website :: About. N.p., 4 Dec. 2012. Web. 12 Oct. 2013.