About the song
“Hurts So Good,” performed by the iconic American rock musician John Mellencamp, is a quintessential hit that captures the spirit of early 1980s rock and roll. Released in 1982, the song was co-written by Mellencamp and George Green, a long-time collaborator, and it appears on Mellencamp’s album “American Fool.”
Mellencamp, who initially gained fame under the stage name John Cougar, brought a raw and energetic sound to “Hurts So Good,” blending rock with a touch of heartland charm. The song’s infectious riff, spirited vocals, and relatable lyrics made it an instant classic. It speaks to the bittersweet nature of love and desire, encapsulating the paradoxical pleasure and pain that often accompany romantic relationships.
“Hurts So Good” achieved remarkable commercial success, reaching number 2 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart, just behind “Eye of the Tiger” by Survivor. It also earned Mellencamp a Grammy Award for Best Male Rock Vocal Performance in 1983. This track, alongside “Jack & Diane,” helped “American Fool” become Mellencamp’s breakthrough album, firmly establishing him as a major force in the rock music scene.
The song’s enduring appeal lies in its straightforward, relatable message and the spirited way Mellencamp delivers it. His gritty vocal style, combined with the song’s upbeat tempo and catchy guitar riffs, creates an anthemic quality that resonates with listeners of all ages. The refrain “Hurts so good / Come on baby, make it hurt so good” has become one of rock music’s most memorable lines, embodying the emotional complexity of love with a playful twist.
“Hurts So Good” remains a staple on classic rock radio and continues to be a highlight of Mellencamp’s live performances. Its timeless quality and universal theme of love’s mixed emotions ensure that it will be enjoyed by generations to come.
For long-time fans and new listeners alike, “Hurts So Good” is a vivid reminder of Mellencamp’s talent for crafting songs that are both deeply personal and widely relatable. It’s a track that celebrates the joy and pain of love, all wrapped up in the irresistible package of rock and roll.
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Lyrics
When I was a young boy
Said put away those young boy ways
Now that I’m gettin’ older, so much older
I long for those young boy days
With a girl like you
With a girl like you
Lord knows there are things we can do, baby
Just me and you
Come on and make it, uh
Hurts so good
Come on baby, make it hurt so good
Sometimes love don’t feel like it should
You make it hurt so good
Don’t have to be so exciting
Just tryin’ to give myself a little bit of fun, yeah
You always look so invitin’
You ain’t as green as you are young
Hey baby, it’s you
Come on, girl, now, it’s you
Sink your teeth right through my bones, baby
Let’s see what we can do
Come on and make it, uh
Hurts so good
Come on baby, make it hurt so good
Sometimes love don’t feel like it should
You make it hurt so good
I ain’t talkin’ no big deals
I ain’t made no plans myself
I ain’t talkin’ no high heels
Maybe we could walk around all day long
Walk around all day long, uh
Hurts so good
Come on baby, make it hurt so good
Sometimes love don’t feel like it should
You make it hurt so good
Hurts so good, c’mon baby now
Come on baby, make it hurt so good
Sometimes love don’t feel like it should
You make it hurt so good
Hey, hey