Paper in Fire
1987 single by John Cougar Mellencamp
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
"Paper in Fire" is a song by American rock singer John Mellencamp, released on August 15, 1987, as the first single from his ninth studio album The Lonesome Jubilee. The song was a commercial success, reaching number nine on the US Billboard Hot 100 chart and number one on the Billboard Album Rock Tracks chart. It was also successful in Canada, where it topped The Record's singles chart and peaked at number three on the RPM 100 Singles chart.
| "Paper in Fire" | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ||||
| Single by John Cougar Mellencamp | ||||
| from the album The Lonesome Jubilee | ||||
| B-side | "Never Too Old" | |||
| Released | August 15, 1987 | |||
| Studio | Belmont Mall (Indiana, US) | |||
| Genre | ||||
| Length | 3:51 | |||
| Label | Mercury | |||
| Songwriter | John Mellencamp | |||
| Producers |
| |||
| John Cougar Mellencamp singles chronology | ||||
| ||||
Background and composition
Mellencamp biographer David Masciotra called "Paper in Fire" a "ferocious song" that is the "aural equivalent of a wild beast breaking out of its cage." [3] Masciotra describes it as having a libertarian theme.[3] Mellencamp has said that the song is about his uncle Joe Mellencamp, who could be cruel to others and his own worst enemy, saying that "'Paper in Fire' is about Joe, and the family's ingrained anger...It is tragic when families don't grow up."[3]
Critical reception
Track listings
7-inch single
- "Paper in Fire" – 3:53
- "Never Too Old" – 3:45
CDV single
- "Paper in Fire" – 3:48
- "Never Too Old" – 3:43
- "Under the Boardwalk" – 3:51
- "Cold Sweat" – 3:23
- "Paper in Fire" (video) – 3:57
Charts
Weekly charts
|
Year-end charts
|