This is Fresh Air. I'm David B. and Cooley. John Mellon Camp has been performing and writing songs

for four and a half decades. His hits in the 80s include Jack and Diane and Small Town.

At Obama's inaugural celebration at the Lincoln Memorial, Mellon Camp sang his song,

Pink Houses, the one with a refrain, Ain't That America For You and Me. His song,

This Is Our Country, first became famous when it was used in a Chevrolet ad.

John Mellon Camp is a member of the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, a Grammy winner,

and a member of the songwriter's Hall of Fame. His new album, His 25th, is called Orphiast

Descending, and it reflects on many of the issues facing Americans today, like massive social inequality

and gun violence in the song, Hey God.

The

Waffles and guns, are they really my rights? Laws written along, time alone.

No one could imagine the sight of so many dead on the floor.

Terry spoke with John Mellon Camp in 2009 when his album called Life, Death, Love, and Freedom

was released. Here's the opening track from that album, a song called Longest Day.

Seems like once upon a time ago, I was way as opposed to be.

My vision was true and my heart was still. There was no end to what I could dream.

I walked like a hero until the setting sun. Everyone called out my name.

My death to me was just a mystery. I asked you who was he raised when I came.

But nothing lasts forever. The best efforts don't always pay.

So jobs get sick and you don't get better. That's what life is sure.

Even in a slow, long days day.

John Mellon Camp, welcome to Fresh Air. I have to say, you know, I just wasn't prepared

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