John Mellencamp (born 7 October 1951 in Seymour, Indiana) is an American singer and a songwriter, known for a long and successful recording and performing career highlighted by a series of 1980s hits, including "Jack & Diane", and by his role in the Farm Aid charity event. Mellencamp currently lives in Bloomington, Indiana.
John's first record released was under the stage name "Johnny Cougar" at the behest of Tony DeFries, his first manager. Mellencamp claims it was against his knowledge and will, and he hated the name.
Four years of hard work!This month of May we celebrated four years on the air. We continue working on the dissemination of this wonderful instrument, thank you for participating in our story!
#----------------------------------PLEASE NOTE---------------------------------# #This file is the author's own work and represents their interpretation of the # #song. You may only use this file for private study, scholarship, or research. # #------------------------------------------------------------------------------## #
Date: Tue, 18 Feb 1997 23:45:54 -0600 From: "Hi, I'm Matt McClain"
"Key West Intermezzo (I Saw You First)" By John Mellencamp Transcribed by Matt McClain (Divine Inspiration by Tiffany Waggoner)
This song is played in "G" but you tune down 1/2 step, so it is really in Gb. I guess John thinks he's in Alice In Chains or something. I have typed this in by memory, so this may not be 100% accurate, but it is fun to play. I like to slow this song down and play it on my friend's 12 string. Enjoy.
[Alternate between G and D chords]
[Main Riff] (in Gb major scale- very easy to pick up)
Eb:-7----10-7---| Then you can play anything in the Gb Bb:---10------8-| major scale to connect this riff Gb:-------------| when it repeats at various intervals Db:-------------| in the song. Ab--------------| Eb--------------|
[Alternate B/w G and D chords]
In a hand painted night, me and Gypsy Scotty are partners At the hotel Flamingo wearing black market shoes
Am [Alternate B/w G&D] This loud Cuban band is crucifying John Lennon Am No one wants to be lonely Am [Alternate B/w G and D] No one wants to sing the blues
She's perched like a parrot on his tuxedo shoulder Christ, whatcha doing with him When you could be dancing with me She stirs the ice with her elegant finger I want to be what she's drinking Yeah, I just want to be
CHORUS: CG I saw you first DG I'm the first one tonight CG I saw you first DG Don't that give me the right CG To move around in your heart D Everyone was looking
But I saw you first
[Alternate between G & D]
On a moon spattered road in her parrot rebozo Gypsy Scotty is driving his big long yellow car She flies like a bird over her shoulder She whispers in his ear, boy, you are my star
CHORUS
In the bone colored dawn Me and Gypsy Scotty are singin' The radio is playing She left her shoes out in the back He tells me a story about some girl he knows in Kentucky He just made that story up; there ain't no girl like that
CHORUS and fade
NOTE: You can try changing from Am to Am7 in the verses to give the song more jangle.
This posting is for Tiffany. I love her very very very very much. She is the reason that I write and play music, and why I asked her to marry me. (SHE SAID YES!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!) I welcome any corrections and additions. Please E-mail me the correct lyrics if you got 'em.
Corrected lyrics have been given to me by at least 3 cool people: MENDE JOVESKI in Australia "Allan Phinney" at: and some other cool person who doesn't come to mind (Sorry, dude.)