“Case 795 (The Family)” uses a tragic Texas murder as evidence that our culture is suffering from deteriorating relationships in the home (“It’s easy . . . to pretend that everything’s all right with the family . . . the ruin of a nation lies at our feet”). Other songs explore the fleeting nature of possessions and the fallacy of valuing a man based on his clothing, appearance or acquaintances.
John mocks salvation, self-control and pure living, choosing debauchery on “When Jesus Left Birmingham.” Other songs (“To the River” and “Junior”) shed additional light on his misguided theology. Also, his MTV video for the title track combines deviant sexuality with an all-American picnic scene.
With the release of Human Wheels, the cat’s out of the bag-and the name. Formerly John “Cougar” Mellencamp, this artist continues to speak to the blue collar crowd. Unfortunately, some positive themes are clouded by an anti-Christian worldview.
