If I Die Sudden

Album: Life, Death, Love and Freedom (2008)
Play Video

Songfacts®:

  • Mellencamp told Mojo magazine December 2008 that this song, "goes back 20 years to an uncle of mine who died of cancer at 58 from smoking." He added: "On his death bed he said, 'I'm an atheist. Do not have a preacher come here and say what a great Christian life I've led. I didn't.' For me that was like, Wow! You gotta be pretty damn sure of yourself or pretty damn stupid to say that. I couldn't figure out which one it was."
  • In addition to his uncle, Mellencamp lost some other close friends around this time, which prompted him to write the song. Among them were Billboard magazine editor Tim White, and George Green, who co-wrote many of Mellencamp's songs, including "Hurts So Good" and "Rain On The Scarecrow."

Comments

Be the first to comment...

Editor's Picks

Edie Brickell

Edie BrickellSongwriter Interviews

Edie Brickell on her collaborations with Paul Simon, Steve Martin and Willie Nelson, and her 2021 album with the New Bohemians.

Hawksley Workman

Hawksley WorkmanSongwriter Interviews

One of Canada's most popular and eclectic performers, Hawksley tells stories about his oldest songs, his plentiful side projects, and the ways that he keeps his songwriting fresh.

Into The Great Wide Open: Made-up Musicians

Into The Great Wide Open: Made-up MusiciansSong Writing

Eddie (played by Johnny Depp in the video) found fame fleeting, but Chuck Berry's made-up musician fared better.

Best Band Logos

Best Band LogosSong Writing

Queen, Phish and The Stones are among our picks for the best band logos. Here are their histories and a design analysis from an expert.

Charlie Daniels

Charlie DanielsSongwriter Interviews

Charlie discusses the songs that made him a Southern Rock icon, and settles the Devil vs. Johnny argument once and for all.

Supertramp founder Roger Hodgson

Supertramp founder Roger HodgsonSongwriter Interviews

Roger tells the stories behind some of his biggest hits, including "Give a Little Bit," "Take the Long Way Home" and "The Logical Song."