Behind the Hit: John Mellencamp – “Jack and Diane” (1982)

2 minutes | Thursday, October 9, 2025

In 1982, John Mellencamp — then known as John Cougar — released “Jack and Diane,” a coming-of-age anthem that captured the spirit of small-town America. The song tells the story of two kids growing up in the heartland, dreaming big but facing the realities of adulthood.

Despite record label doubts and multiple reworks, “Jack and Diane” became Mellencamp’s biggest hit, spending four weeks at No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100. With its memorable claps, simple acoustic riff, and nostalgic lyrics about “life going on long after the thrill of living is gone,” the song remains one of the most enduring rock tracks of the 1980s.