John Mellencamp

“Ain't that America, home of the free, little pink houses for you and me.”

“A little ditty 'bout Jack & Diane, two American kids growin' up in the heartland.”

“I was born in a small town, and I can breathe in a small town.”

“The world is not a kind place. You have to be tough.”

“Songwriting is a gift from God. And I'm not a religious man, but I know it's not me.”

“Oh yeah, life goes on, long after the thrill of livin' is gone.”

“Hold on to sixteen as long as you can.”

“It's a beautiful day, don't let it get away.”

“I fight authority, authority always wins.”

“Some days you're the windshield, some days you're the bug.”

“Without the blues, there would be no rock and roll.”

“You've got to stand for something, or you're gonna fall for anything.”

“I'm not a nostalgic person. I don't look back.”

“When I die, this music is not going to die.”

“What I've learned is that it's not the destination, it's the journey.”

“This is my life. It ain't no big deal.”

“You have to be a little bit crazy to do what I do.”

“All I've ever wanted to do is be an artist.”

“Rock and roll is about rebellion.”

“I think that music is a great healer.”