John Mellencamp - Walk Tall Lyrics






[Note lyrics with an (1) at the end appear on the album version. Lines with (2) at the end appear on the single version]

The simple minded
And the uninformed
Can be easily led astray
And those that cannot connect the dots
Hey look the other way
People believe what they want to believe
When it makes no sense at all
So be careful of those killing in Jesus's name (1)
He don't believe in killing at all (1)

And I wish you a long sight line (2)
And the strength to walk tall (2)
Walk tall
Yeah walk on
Through this world
Walk tall
Somewhere out in the distance
Is the death of you and me
Even though we don't think of it much
It's still out there for us to see
If you treat life like a bar room fight
You'll die stinking of gin
No drunkards are allowed in heaven
No sinners will get in
Walk tall
Yeah, walk on
Walk tall
Through this world
Walk tall
So be careful in what you believe in
There's plenty to get you confused
And in this land called paradise
You must walk in many men's shoes
Bigotry and hatred are enemies to us all
Grace, mercy and forgiveness
Will help a man walk tall
So walk tall
Yeah, walk on
Walk tall
Through this world
Through this world
Yeah, walk tall
Then walk on
Walk tall
Then walk on
Through this world
Through this world
Through this world
Through this world
Walk tall
Walk tall
Then walk on
Walk tall





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John Mellencamp Walk Tall Comments
  1. R.... A....

    At first I was very disappointed in this video. There was no Joe Don Baker, no Dwyane "The Rock" Johnson,... not even Kevin Sorbo!!! Then I realized this video was "Walk" and not "Walking" Tall. The action in the end and the soundtrack by Johnny Cougar Mellencamp made up for it in the end and besides, the cool guy rides off into the sunset with the pretty gal, so I give it 2 thumbs up! 👍👍🤡

  2. B.... K....

    Don't really dig the edited lyrics in the video. I much prefer the original lyrics on the album at the end of the first verse:

    "So be careful of people who kill in Jesus's name, who don't believe in killing at all". Much more powerful to me.

  3. Z.... W....

    John Mellencamp is the ultimate song writer.
    Music for your soul this tune gives me chills.😑😍

  4. W.... P....

    Wow John always knows how to put people in their place powerful lyrics

  5. M.... P....

    I only remembered the video not the song that went with it, I'm happy I've found it!

  6. P.... G....

    This is sweet! 💕

  7. A.... 1....

    Hey the dwarf does porn. No wonder the dad didn’t want her going off with him. The pornographer.

  8. T.... C....

    That verbal irony, though.

  9. T.... B....

    The couple looks like Peter Dinklage and Katie Holmes.

  10. A.... W....

    Wow, 2019 and this is my first time to see this video. Great job John Mellencamp.

  11. M.... N....

    Love how the Bigger man wins in the end....
    Walk Tall my friends..

  12. A.... 1....

    You know your in trouble if a 1950’s pick up truck is coming fast towards your house.

  13. S.... D....

    I used to think that this was Peter Dinklage in this video.

  14. J.... ....

    What a song writer. An American icon. Very humble man that deserves the very best in life. I wish you nothing but love John. Love brother!

  15. S.... P....

    One of America's Greatest written Songs.

  16. j.... ....

    I wasn't expecting to tear-up while seeing this video!

  17. H.... D....

    Great Song, Gets My Spirit Tingling.
    God Bless You Always And Forever.

  18. J.... C....

    only way to forgive for real is through Jesus christ , by his stripes you are healed jesus paid the price so you can walk tall

  19. b.... ....

    To people who keep asking: no it’s not Peter Dinklage. He doesn’t even look like him.

  20. l.... a....

    Bigotry and hatred are enemies to us all
    Grace, mercy and forgiveness
    Will help a man walk tall

  21. a.... h....

    100% need to listen to this NOW IN 2019.....love you Johnny you stole my lyrics but still luv ya....ANNIELEE

  22. L.... A....

    wtf? dinky pickleridge?

  23. h.... b....

    This song certainly will help me to walk tall.

  24. K.... M....

    Where can I find the unedited version of this song.

  25. T.... B....

    I love john melcamp this song as slot of meaning to it

  26. A.... H....

    I want to see this in concert please

  27. F.... B....

    Awesome song John Mellencamp

  28. A.... H....

    I absolutely love this song and video, even until this day!

  29. b.... o....

    Poeticly poignant as he's always been》love his progression through the yrs...new stuff just as spot-on as the early releases

  30. u.... ....

    I treat others as I would wish to be treated. My two dad's taught me that you can call me what you want but I am what I am.

  31. Z.... W....

    Happy birthday John!!🌷❤🎶🎶🎶🎉🎉🎈🎈❤

  32. K.... ....

    Is that Peter?

  33. M.... F....

    Paulo nutini

  34. A.... H....

    2018 baby R. I. P in peace

  35. S.... S....

    @1:15 "No drunker is allowed in heaven, No sinners will get in.... Has to be before Trump's era. But then that's to Mr. President to have bring it all back as shown here and made us "Great Again"!

  36. D.... R....

    Why does JM always give me chills with his sometimes controversial videos. I wonder how much input he has in the directing of them. ❤️❤️

  37. r.... p....

    love it love it lpve it

  38. L.... C....

    The milk being thrown in slow motion because so it would have a stronger impact (same thing with the Molotov cocktail)

  39. A.... M....

    Ive been looking for this song for such a long time

  40. a.... i....

    trump voters

  41. N.... ....

    I go back to this video for a reminder don't let any obstacle get in your way. Especially when white supremacy made a visit to my hometown over the Halloween weekend in Murfreesboro, TN. Love conquers all.

  42. G.... T....

    Aē. Kia ora for a meinga song John.

  43. 1.... ....

    great song

  44. J.... H....

    Walk tog

  45. J.... ....

    100% of people need to listen to this song in 2017.

    J.... ....

    I thought the same thing in 2019.

  46. R.... -....

    Anyone know who the short actor is? And please don't say Peter Dinklage, they have similar hair but that's not him.

  47. J.... S....

    a good jam not over played a gem.

  48. S.... K....

    To me, the short man looks a LOT like John Mellencamp. Are they related?

  49. W.... B....

    Will racism ever end ...................sadly NO

  50. T.... M....

    Great talent!

  51. S.... A....

    FANTASTICO MELLENCAMP !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! LOVE LOVE LOVE LOVE !

  52. k.... c....

    3:47 ... The Sun Shines When She Sees Her Hero .

  53. D.... H....

    I can't begin to explain how many times this song was played on VH1 right before i went to school from 04 to 06 and the strength it gave me to face it and make it threw the day. I have a feeling if it wasn't for this song i probably wouldn't be here right now

    D.... H....

    Heroduothecomedian OMG me too!! I was 16 and VH1 played this video a lot too. The song is so uplifting and honest. I became a John fan for life. I love his classic hits and the 21st Century tunes like this one. Reminds us to be better people everyday.

    D.... H....

    I'm glad to hear that this song didn't just help me threw life as well

    D.... H....

    late Aug /Sept of 2004 great song.

  54. T.... V....

    what a powerful message

  55. v.... ....

    Great Song ... Love the vid... The BIGGER Man Wins ( Walk TALL ppl :)

  56. B.... H....

    This video was shot in Hanford, CA...I used to live there

    B.... H....

    Ben Herrera come back dumbass

    B.... H....

    who is this?

    B.... H....

    @Ben Herrera exactly

    B.... H....

    That makes no sense...lol

  57. N.... N....

    Love this no matter what love overcame utter bs

  58. T.... T....

    She should have flipped her dad the bird as they rode off.

  59. k.... f....

    a awsome song

  60. b.... ....

    the ending is the best part of the video !!! walk tall all !!! and walk on!!!

  61. T.... f....

    Anyone know the names of the main protagonists (actor and actress)?

  62. G.... ....

    This is an absolutely brilliant video. And an absolutely brilliant song. Long live John Mellencamp.

    G.... ....

    scottyrocks9 I agree!

  63. c.... c....

    I don´t think Trump is the main problem, something to do with the culture all over the world mainly coming from the greatest state of something?

  64. C.... J....

    So John Mellencamp so obviously wanted to write a song that was ANTI-BUSHWAR. But he had a clever way to get it played--produce a video that is an anti-war, anti-violence fable (not the kind with talking animals). Brilliant.

  65. m.... 6....

    piece of shit jk just kidding I love this song

    m.... 6....

    You need a troll that won't drive you crazy.

    m.... 6....

    Haha good one lol

  66. r.... s....

    amazing world,where pple jump to shit.problem here is the shit you guys jump in bothers the rest of the world.you guys there in USA should really go apart;its not divide to conquer,its more like smal countries actually have more chances to adress theyre population problems.not a solution,just another way

  67. c.... ....

    Tyrion Lannister !!

  68. D.... G....

    Hey Big Jim is played by Reggie Miller

  69. J.... W....

    Profound song and video !!!

  70. g.... ....

    I love this song! I could listen to it all day!!!

  71. D.... G....

    One of the greatest songwriters of all time....from tiny Seymour,Indiana!

  72. M.... ....

    thought it was the guy from game of thrones

    M.... ....

    it is peter dinklage from games of throne

    M.... ....

    +MayneH It's Pancho moler.

    M.... ....

    jamie soden He's Cute

  73. J.... C....

    I live in the town that this video was filmed in.

    J.... C....

    +James Crites Met any tiny people recently?

    J.... C....

    James Crites So?

  74. K.... ....

    Love Conquers ALL

  75. L.... B....

    So did the dad ever realize he was stupid and try to apologize or did he like not care that his daughter left him

  76. J.... .....

    50 Years old now, but all my life I have walked TALL ..... something my dad instilled in me when I was a young boy. He would say son we maybe poor but you dont ever have to look it and damn sure dont walk like it !!!

  77. g.... g....

    so true..

  78. a.... ....

    The simple minded and the ill informed think this is Peter Dinklage... yeah, cos all shorts look the same, huh guys? Incredibly powerful video and song nonetheless.

    a.... ....

    I don't get your point, so I guess I'm simple minded. That is Peter Dinklage

    a.... ....

    It isn't. Very similar looking, sure, but definitely not him. Look it up.

  79. A.... T....

    My all time favorite from John!!!

  80. N.... R....

    The best music videos are ones that tell stories. And when a music video such as this one tells such a wonderful story, that only makes it better. Combine it with the wonderful Words and Music (Get it?) Of John Mellencamp, and you have one of the best music videos of the 21st century so far.

  81. B.... T....

    I'm in a wheelchair and people do look down on you. So don't judge.

    B.... T....

    Well of course they have to look down you're in a wheelchair.

  82. R.... R....

    Only a genius could write a song like this! GREAT job Mellencamp! I LOVE the video work, too! Such deep meaning behind this! Excellent!

  83. S.... O....

    The simple minded
    And the uninformed
    Can be easily led astray
    And those that cannot connect the dots
    Hey look the other way
    People believe what they want to believe
    When it makes no sense at all
    So be careful of those killing in Jesus's name (1)
    He don't believe in killing at all (1)

    And I wish you a long sight line (2)
    And the strength to walk tall (2)
    Walk tall
    Yeah walk on
    Through this world
    Walk tall
    Somewhere out in the distance
    Is the death of you and me
    Even though we don't think of it much
    It's still out there for us to see
    If you treat life like a bar room fight
    You'll die stinking of gin
    No drunkards are allowed in heaven
    No sinners will get in
    Walk tall
    Yeah, walk on
    Walk tall
    Through this world
    Walk tall
    So be careful in what you believe in
    There's plenty to get you confused
    And in this land called paradise
    You must walk in many men's shoes
    Bigotry and hatred are enemies to us all
    Grace, mercy and forgiveness
    Will help a man walk tall
    So walk tall
    Yeah, walk on
    Walk tall
    Through this world
    Through this world
    Yeah, walk tall
    Then walk on
    Walk tall
    Then walk on
    Through this world
    Through this world
    Through this world
    Through this world
    Walk tall
    Walk tall
    Then walk on
    Walk tall

    S.... O....

    @Sam Ogilvie (nitpicking) *ill informed

    S.... O....

    Walk Tall
    John Mellencamp
    The simple minded
    And the ill informed
    Can be easily led astray
    And those that cannot connect the dots
    Hey look the other way
    People believe what they want to believe
    When it makes no sense at all
    And I wish you all along the sideline
    The strength to
    Walk tall
    Yeah walk on
    Through this world
    Walk tall
    Somewhere out in the distance
    Is the death of you and me
    Even though we don't think of it much
    It's still out there for us to see
    If you treat life like a bar room fight
    You'll die stinking of gin
    No drunkards are allowed in heaven
    No sinners will get in
    Walk tall
    Yeah, walk on
    Walk tall
    Through this world
    Walk tall
    So be careful in what you believe in
    There's plenty to get you confused
    And in this land called paradise
    You must walk in many men's shoes
    Bigotry and hatred are enemies to us all
    Grace, mercy and forgiveness
    Will help a man walk tall
    So walk tall
    Yeah, walk on
    Walk tall
    Through this world
    Through this world
    Yeah, walk tall
    Then walk on
    Walk tall
    Then walk on
    Through this world
    Through this world
    Through this world
    Through this world
    Walk tall
    Walk tall
    Then walk on
    Walk tall
    Songwriters: John Mellencamp
    Walk Tall lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC

  84. S.... L....

    Perfect song with lots of lyrics I can relate to in many different seasons of my life.
    May you always have the strength when needed, "to walk tall and walk on."

  85. a.... ....

    3.28 - 'Take me away' - brilliant

    a.... ....

    alanrockunited I Thought It Was 3:59

  86. T.... B....

    Great song, but what disappoints me is that they made him change the best line of the song: "So, be careful of those who kill in Jesus's name, who don't believe in killing at all."

    Were they afraid of offending someone? Well, I say suck it up. One of the worst perversions of faith is how people have killed in Jesus's name and hated and felt prejudice in His name. I think it's unfortunate he agreed to change the line.

    T.... B....

    A Penandroll “For there is not a just man upon earth, that doeth good, and sinneth not.”
    —Ecclesiastes 7:20 KJB

    “Let no man say when he is tempted, I am tempted of God: for God cannot be tempted with evil, neither tempteth he any man: But every man is tempted, when he is drawn away of his own lust, and enticed. Then when lust hath conceived, it bringeth forth sin: and sin, when it is finished, bringeth forth death.”
    —James 1:13-16 KJB

    “For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.”
    —Romans 6:23 KJB

    “For I delivered unto you first of all that which I also received, how that Christ died for our sins according to the scriptures; And that he was buried, and that he rose again the third day according to the scriptures:”
    —1 Corinthians 15:3-4 KJB

    “For he hath made him to be sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in him.”
    —2 Corinthians 5:21 KJB

    “But we see Jesus, who was made a little lower than the angels for the suffering of death, crowned with glory and honour; that he by the grace of God should taste death for every man.”
    —Hebrews 2:9 KJB

    “Heaven is my throne, and earth is my footstool: what house will ye build me? saith the Lord: or what is the place of my rest? Hath not my hand made all these things? Ye stiffnecked and uncircumcised in heart and ears, ye do always resist the Holy Ghost: as your fathers did, so do ye.”
    —Acts 7:48-51 KJB

    “He, that being often reproved hardeneth his neck, shall suddenly be destroyed, and that without remedy.”
    —Proverbs 29:1 KJB

    Jesus said: “I am come a light into the world, that whosoever believeth on me should not abide in darkness. And if any man hear my words, and believe not, I judge him not: for I came not to judge the world, but to save the world. He that rejecteth me, and receiveth not my words, hath one that judgeth him: the word that I have spoken, the same shall judge him in the last day.”
    —John 12:46-48 KJB

    “But these are written, that ye might believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God; and that believing ye might have life through his name.”
    —John 20:31 KJB

    “He that believeth on the Son hath everlasting life: and he that believeth not the Son shall not see life; but the wrath of God abideth on him.”
    —John 3:36 KJB

    “But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name: Which were born, not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God.”
    —John 1:12-13 KJB

    “A man's pride shall bring him low: but honour shall uphold the
    humble in spirit.”
    —Proverbs 29:1 KJB

    The fear of man bringeth
    a snare: but whoso putteth his trust in the LORD shall be safe.”
    —Proverbs 29:23 KJB

    T.... B....

    So is it ok when is god the one who orders genocide but not when someone else does it? please

    White noise..just white noise. Words from a slave of this death cult,.

    T.... B....

    Yes. I was very confused about this, as I knew I heard him say this. Then, he doesn't. That's censorship of the saddest kind.
    I do have the album on CD that is 20th anniversary edition and it says the line.
    Hmmm. Record industry sucks, I'm thinking.

    T.... B....

    A Penandroll Read the WHOLE BIBLE, before you go around talking shit. Btw, I hadn't heard your CD yet? Oh, there isn't one?
    So you just talk to hear yourself talk, content to remain blissfully ignorant and uninformed. Lol

    T.... B....

    A Penandroll another clueless atheist who has to ignore scriptural scholarship in order to preach. never heard of exegesis? never heard of the previous 1700 years of history? any idea of how content in the old testament relates to the new testament? any idea of why it's even called the new testament? does jesus preaching to jews against their misunderstandings of God and His laws ring any bells to you? or do you just like to pull conclusions out of your ass?

    your argument might work against a jew, but not a christian. the keyword here is christ. it's laughable that you'd call christianity a death cult when you're using to the objective moral standards it invented for you to argue against it. do you fight fire with sparks as well?

    you'll ignore any queries i've made and any pursuits of research and exegesis because you are a dogmatic slave of your own cult of death and ignorance. gj bro

  87. K.... B....

    We should all walk tall, no matter our race, religion, or anything else that represents us. Be proud of who you are and don't let others tear you down, Dare to be different. Otherwise, you're just one of the sheep. This is a great song, as are all of John Mellencamp's songs.

  88. B.... P....

    Great song and video..

    B.... P....

    VH1 played this video so much when it came out in 2004.

  89. K.... S....

    Tyrion Lannister!

  90. j.... g....

    Love this guy's music.....

  91. R.... C....

    shot in Hanford, Ca - my home town!

    R.... C....

    Steve Perry’s home town too

  92. T.... J....

    NOO Walk tall, walk straight, and look the world right in the eye.

  93. s.... t....

    took several years but I finally found one of my favorite songs

  94. A.... ....

    PARA EL WORLD..  ""NO JUSGUE EN TODAS SUS FORMAS.... DO NOT JUDGE ALL ITS FORMS 

  95. O.... ....

    I kind of think in this song hes addressing bias against homosexuals.  Think about it: What other group still has the black/white segregation that is present in this music vid that is still rather going on today? Blacks? no. Midgets? no.  I really think hes addressing homophobia.

    O.... ....

    OsyenVyeter it's a metaphor regardless of what it is.

  96. J.... W....

    Only thing I don't like about this song is the line "No drunkards allowed in Heaven, no sinners will get in." Well, we're all sinners and Jesus has offered every one of us redemption and forgiveness. And being a drunkard is not even close to beyond Jesus ability to forgive.
    Other than that it's a spectacular song and I love it. It's one of my all time favorites from any artist.

    J.... W....

    Even from a Buddhist standpoint those lyrics are not necessarily true.

    J.... W....

    I think he means drunken by self hate or any from of  hatred   not wine lol  but who really know's ;)

    J.... W....

    Ok, I understand this line, but not the other one he supposedly changed. And I don't think sinners get into heaven...they are supposed to ask to be forgiven first.

    J.... W....

    Joel, I may not be a believer, but I believe what the general concept behind that lyric is that upon being Forgiven that you are no longer a drunkard or a sinner, but washed clean.

    J.... W....

    There is a passage in New Testament, written by the Apostle Paul. He literally has a short list of cats who don't make the cut. It's 1 Corinthians and again, slightly different version, Galatians 5:21. Also, I believe something similar in Revelation 21?
    Point is? No one's perfect. Not me, you or Mr. Mellancamp.
    Suck it up. Penderasshole...lol...

  97. K.... S....

    John, We need your music and much more of it! More John! Bring it on john!

  98. L.... R....

    This song is GREAT...and I have always loved John Mellencamp's music...but today is the first time I have ever heard THIS song...I think it's fantastic..Thanks for all of the music over the years, and thanks for the share!!! :) :)