The Recording Session For “Pink Houses” Where The Power Went Out — And Mellencamp Played By Candlelight

April 1, 2025

The dimly lit studio buzzed with excitement as John Mellencamp prepared to lay down the tracks for his new song, “Pink Houses.” It was the summer of 1983, a time when rock and roll pulsed through the air like electricity. Mellencamp, with his scruffy hair and worn jeans, was ready to capture the spirit of small-town life in America, a message he believed needed to be heard. Little did he know, that night would take a surprising turn.

As the recording session started, the music flowed and the band was in sync, creating an energy that felt almost magical. Suddenly, amidst the strumming of guitars and the beat of the drums, everything went dark. The power had gone out. For a brief moment, the silence felt heavy, like a thick fog that enveloped the studio. But Mellencamp, driven by his passion for music, refused to let the moment slip away. He remembered the warmth of candlelight, how it flickered and danced, casting shadows on the walls. “Let’s play by candlelight,” he suggested, his voice steady, yet charged with determination.

The band members exchanged glances but quickly nodded in agreement. They gathered around a few candles that had been found in the back of the studio, their flames illuminating their faces. As Mellencamp struck the first chord on his guitar, the sound seemed to resonate deeper than before. The music became raw and intimate, as if they were sharing a secret with the shadows around them. Each strum and every heartfelt lyric carried a weight that was even more profound in the soft glow of the candles. In that moment, they were no longer just a band recording a song; they were a part of something bigger—a story about resilience, hope, and the enduring power of music.

As they played, a sense of unity filled the room. Each member poured their soul into the performance, and the fear of the dark was replaced with the warmth of creativity. The flickering light became a symbol of their persistence, reminding them that even in challenging times, they could create something beautiful. Mellencamp’s voice rose above the strumming, telling the tale of small-town dreams and the struggles of everyday life, transforming their setback into a moment of pure inspiration.

When the power finally returned, the band finished recording “Pink Houses” with a newfound energy and sense of accomplishment. The experience of playing by candlelight had not only strengthened their bond but also enriched the song itself. “Pink Houses” would later become one of Mellencamp’s most iconic hits, resonating with audiences across the nation. It served as a reminder that even when the lights go out, creativity and passion can light the way.

Reflecting on that night years later, Mellencamp knew it was a defining moment in his career. The power outage hadn’t just interrupted their session; it had ignited a spark within them all. It taught him that music could thrive even in the darkest of moments. From that day forward, he carried the lessons of resilience and adaptability, reminding himself that true artists find a way to shine, even when the world grows dim. With every chord he played, Mellencamp embraced the spirit of that candlelit session, forever committed to telling the stories that mattered most.