![]() ![]() It is unsettling because it simultaneously suggests that perhaps hard work doesn’t lead to wealth and happiness while showing us that contentment can be had without the wealth. From that perspective, Mellencamp’s view of American (as presented in “Pink Houses”) unsettles us. The American Dream says that s/he who works hard can gain wealth and happiness. So what does this say about America? That the country is broken down? Or that the country is content living in the less-than-ideal? So who is right? The listeners who want more for the man, or the man who is happy in a less-than-ideal situation? Mellencamp claims this scene is “America”. But what is clear to us as listeners of the story is not recognized by the man in the story–he thinks he’s got it pretty darn good, with his porch and his pink house and his pretty-wife memories. That’s broken down imagery: an old woman cleaning up slop while a man watches traffic whiz by. ![]() It seemed a less than inspiring prize.Įven the song paints little pink houses in a not-so-glamorous shade: It’s hard to imagine, however, some young cat from the coast giving up life there for a random spot in middle America without promise of work or reward (the actual winner came from Seattle… and never occupied the house, surprise, surprise). Here’s the story: In honor of John (Cougar) Mellencamp’s release of “Pink Houses” back in 1984, MTV gave away a house in Bloomington, Indiana. Giving full consideration to the dream of home ownership, I am convinced that we should not lose that dream, but I am equally convinced that we should approach that dream with other notable tenants of the American dream that relate to wise use of the land, wise use of our natural resources, conservation and stewardship, and American craftsmanship.This happened. While the “American dream” of home ownership has not diminished the “dream home is fast becoming a “pipe dream”. Losing out on the opportunity to build your dream home because of the current financial crises, coupled with the rising cost of energy, health concerns related to certain building materials, and the challenge of balancing cost, comfort, and constructability is equally despairing. Losing part of your home to progress in cases where a new highway is planned or a public project is proposed would certainly be cause for “despair”. Apparently Mellencamp was so struck by the “utter despair” of the man that he wrote the song in tribute. He’s got an interstate running through his front yard“. The inspiration for this song, as I understand it, was a tribute to a black man who owned a pink house and lost part of his front yard when Interstate 465 around Indianapolis was built”…. The meaning of these words has been the subject of much debate, but for me the words suggest a reflection, a lament, and a cautionary note that our dream of a little house to call our own may be negatively impacted by progress. It contains the chorus…” Oh but ain’t that America for you and me, Ain’t that America we’re something to see baby, Ain’t that America, home of the free, Little pink houses for you and me”. One of my favorite Mellencamp songs is Pink Houses-Ain’t that America. He writes about the “American experience” and his lyrics describe the everyday kind of challenges of living in America and being part of the “American fabric”. John Cougar Mellencamp is one of my favorite singer/songwriters. ![]()
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