Jackie Brown

John Mellencamp · Words & Music [2004]

Is this your life, Jackie Brown?

Poorly educated and forced to live on the poor side of town.

Is this your daughter, Jackie Brown?

This pretty little girl

In the worn out clothes

That have been hand-me down.

Is this your wife, Jackie Brown?

With sad blue eyes, walking on eggshells so you don't see her frown.

Is this your family, Jackie Brown?



Dream of vacationing on a mountain stream

And giving the world more than it gave you.

What ugly truths freedom brings

And it hasn't been very kind to you.

Is this your life, Jackie Brown?



Is this your meal, Jackie Brown?

Barely enough, I've seen people throw away more than this out.

Is this your home, Jackie Brown?

This three room shack

With no running water

And the bathroom out back.

Is this your grave, Jackie Brown?

This little piece of limestone that says another desperate man took himself out.

Is this your dream, Jackie Brown?



Going nowhere and nowhere fast

We shame ourselves to watch people like this live.

But who gives a damn about Jackie Brown?

Just another lazy man who couldn't take what was his.

One helluva life Jackie Brown.

Forevermore, Jackie Brown

Amen and amen - Jackie Brown?

Jackie Brown

John Mellencamp's 'Jackie Brown' appears on his 2004 album Words & Music, a collection that reflects his enduring commitment to American roots music. Throughout his extensive career, Mellencamp has consistently explored themes of heartland life, social observation, and personal resilience. This track continues that tradition, showcasing his signature blend of rock and folk sensibilities. The recording fits within a broader discography that spans decades, from his early work in the 1970s to his later explorations of acoustic textures. While the song shares its title with a famous character from cinema, Mellencamp's version stands as a distinct musical statement within his own catalogue. It represents another chapter in his ongoing exploration of storytelling through song, maintaining the grounded, authentic sound that has defined his body of work for generations.