This week, Jake Owen released his official music video for “I Was Jack (You Were Diane).” The creative clip switches off and on from the song to a discussion between a high school couple. In the music video, the country singer plays the role of a server in an old family diner. If the song’s title sounds familiar, you aren’t crazy. “I Was Jack (You Were Diane)” is a remake of John Mellencamp’s 1982 hit tune, “Jack and Diane.”
“When I heard the song, I though to myself, ‘I’m glad I didn’t write this,’ because the legalities behind using a song that is that iconic,” Jake Owen told American Country Countdown. “[The songwriters] sent it to [Mellencamp] and his manager, and they actually got back to us saying that as many times as they’ve heard people try to take that song and do something with it, John’s never been for it. Ever. And, they said that. He gave us his blessing to use it. And, they actually licensed us some of his content to use for our video that we’re making, so it feels good to know that he kind of gave his stamp of approval. I mean, that was a big kind of chance for me — thinking about doing this song — because of the folks out there that are gonna be like, ‘How are you gonna take a classic song like this and redo something that’s already great?’ You know? And, really for us, it was more about paying homage to that song while still making it relevant in today’s world.”
Watch the “I Was Jack (You Were Diane)” music video below!
“I Was Jack (You Were Diane)” Lyrics
It was yesterday
It was years ago
We were singing every word on the radio
Kinda like them songs that saved our souls
Somehow, someway
We was falling fast
We was jumping in
Blue jean halo hanging off the limb
Two American kids just like them
Every time they played
And it blew us away
Do you turn it up
Do you sing along
Every time you hear that song
Like we did then
Like we did when
Do you close your eyes
Does it make you laugh
Do the memories take you back
Six pack and a Chevy Cheyenne
Way back
When I was Jack and you were Diane
Yeah we remember growing up and growing old
Breaking up or letting ago
Girls just like Rock n Roll
Where has it gone
But I hope like hell every now and again
I blow across your mind like that summer wind
And you’re holding on to sixteen as long as you can
Every time that it comes on
Do you turn it up
Do you sing along
Every time you hear that song
Like we did then
Like we did when
Do you close your eyes
Does it make you laugh
Do the memories take you back
Six pack and a Chevy Cheyenne
Way back
When I was Jack and you were Diane
Do you turn in tup
Do you sing along
Every time you hear that song
Does it still groove you
Baby hallelujah
Do you close your eyes
Does it make you laugh
Do the memories take you back
Six packs and a Chevy Cheyenne
Way back
When I was Jack and you were Diane
Yeah way back
Way on back
When I was Jack and you were Diane
Yeah do you close your eyes
Does it make you laugh
When I was Jack and you were Diane
Yeah let the memories take you back
Take you back
Take you back
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