About the Song

Track: Wasted Days

Length: 4:31

Album: Strictly a One-Eyed Jack (2022)

Artist: John Mellencamp ft. Bruce Springsteen

Songwriters: John Mellencamp

Favorite part:

“How much sorrow is there left to climb?

How many promises are worth the time?

And who on Earth is worth our time?

Is there a heart here that I can call mine?”

Here’s Why I Love It

Two legends, one song. Now, what’s better than that?

It’s officially a John Mellencamp song, though. He’s an interesting guy; probably one of the most misunderstood rock artists of our time. In a way, I feel like most of Mellencamp’s career has been a fight in trying to live down an early version of himself. Or maybe I should say who he was marketed as—Johnny Cougar. Musicians like this always fascinate me because the early Mellencamp provides the freedom for the mid- to later Mellencamp. I’m pretty sure he would hate this level of analysis of his career. (Sorry, John.) He’s a real artist’s artist, though. Not stuffy. Not pretentious. Just down to earth and real. Maybe too real. I once heard him say in a chat with John Prine, “I wish for once someone would just read the lyrics.”

With that being said, this song is so good. And I’m so happy it exists. Plus, it’s got a cool music video. Sure, there’s a double entendre of the word wasted (as in young, dumb, and drunk) but clearly, the song is about a guy looking back on life considering all the “wasted days” (as in time). Going as far to consider what else is left to prove? Or do? Or better yet, what should an aging man do with the time he’s got left? The questions that ring out as verses really make this song hurt. And of course, the edition of another aging rock legend, Bruce Springsteen, only adds to the gravitas of the song. The weight of this song is tremendous, but it still somehow finds a way to uplift. Maybe the truest testament to the artistry of Mellencamp.

Read the Lyrics

Listen to the SONG

*This article is part of the ongoing Lyrics I Love series: short interpretations of the meaning and story behind one song with lyrics that move me.