"Serious Business" is a song by John Cougar Mellencamp, released in 1980 on his album "Nothin' Matters and What If It Did." The lyrics depict a scene where the protagonist is at a pool with friends, surrounded by girls and boys. The atmosphere is filled with whimsical fun and excitement. However, the song also hints at a darker side beneath the surface. The line "This is serious business, sex and violence and rock and roll" suggests that the party atmosphere masks deeper and more intense emotions and experiences. It portrays a world where pleasure and danger coexist. The protagonist's unease becomes apparent as he mentions his sweating head and inability to dance or relax. He feels a sense of threat and the fear of going back to his previous state. The mention of a French telephone and Donna Donna implies the character's longing for connection and someone to educate or guide him. The chorus of the song emphasizes the gravity of the situation. It highlights the intertwining themes of sex, violence, and rock and roll as a serious and significant part of life. The lyrics suggest a desire for a transformative experience, symbolized by phrases like "Take my life, take my soul" and "Put me on the cross for all to see." Overall, "Serious Business" presents a complex exploration of the juxtaposition between pleasure and darkness, and the desire for deeper meaning in the midst of a wild and seemingly carefree lifestyle. The song invites listeners to reflect on the deeper layers of life, beyond the superficialities of sex, violence, and rock and roll.
