John Mellencamp recently posted on his Facebook page his cover of a Vigilantes of Love song “Welcome to Struggleville.” The singer-songwriter offered a brief explanation: “John played this song because he thought it was fitting for these times.”
Through the 1990s into the early 2000s, Vigilantes of Love was fronted by Bill Mallonee. Although Mallonee never received the fame he deserved, it is cool that Mellencamp recognizes the talent.
And Mellencamp is also correct about how the song fits our times. Although the Vigilantes of Love version of “Welcome to Struggleville” is a rock song, Mellencamp slows things down, making it into a folk song that is almost a dirge. The song paints haunting images, including Biblical characters. And it ends with a dark warning.
They are building a new gallows
For when you show up on the street.
Polishing the electric chair,
They’re gonna give you a front row seat.
Heard a sneer outside the garden;
Salutation so well-heeled: . . . .
‘Welcome all you suckers to Struggleville. ‘
Check out John Mellencamp’s version of “Welcome to Struggleville.”
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