The story is about all of us. He is singing about simple universal truths, simple things like being young and holding hands for the first time. Past, present or future generations, we all have the same human feelings. Life is a circle. Peace!
You hit the nail on the head. He speaks to mortality and reflection with being an imperfect human (as we all are) learning life's lessons along the way and striving to do what's right - all with a positive vibe. "17 had turned 35" or "Hold on to 16 as long as you can. Changes come round real soon make us women and men." Walk Tall! 🙏
@@dimedraweriv258 I wouldn't say either of them is the poor man's anything. They're different and similar. They're both champions of the common people and a voice for the kinds of people who wouldn't have a voice otherwise. But Bruce is almost like a mythical figure, and John is the kind of guy you could find hanging out at the local bar and would change your life with some hard-earned wisdom.
At 70, I have had so many days that lasted forever, hours that crept by, while months and years kept going by faster and faster. Sometimes it seems I just got up and had a cup of coffee and spring has turned into summer.
Love this song, takes me back to those days, I would sleep in on the weekend, get up and go to the kitchen, see my mom out in the backyard gardening, the dogs roaming around, the sunlight hits the window, your eyes are sensitive, you feel that warmness coming through the window, hear my dad blaring this song and many others, smelling the grill, family and neighbors coming over, swimming all day, then later everyone is eating, you get a little cold out there at the table with your trunks still damp, then it's dark, the last people are leaving, leftovers being put away, then you are ready to sleep and do it all over on sunday, good times!
John once said he never wanted to be a rock star he wanted to be an artist 🎨 and he is some of his paintings have been his covers for his albums. But I find it funny because I always believed that he was telling a story in his music and if you close your eyes you can see the painting he is singing about,like this song it brings back a feel of dancing in a place that is you and a date in a simple small town and it's all about family cookouts and backyard swimming holes and hanging out with friends. So many memories.
Saw John live at the Spectrum in Philly, November 1987 for my 21st Birthday. Long story short, had Backstage Passes.... had a broken leg.... John grabbed me a Heineken and he and the band signed my cast.... made a planter of the cast of which I still have to this day along with a few flicks with the band from that night! Can't make chit like that up kids.....
Mellencamp is one of my all-time favorites! Saw him in Lexington, Ky a couple of time in the 80s. His band is like a group of friends getting together and jamming out.
Nostalgia In Greek, nostalgia means literally, the pain from an old wound. It’s a twinge in your heart, far more powerful than memory alone. And it takes us to a place where we ache to go again.
"Seventeen has turned thirty five, I'm surprised we're still living". Amen to that brother John! I did so much stupid and dangerous crap when I was young. But now thirty five has turned into seventy three...and I'm still here! Thank you God, and Hallelujah.
So good to see you guys react to John Melloncamp so positively. Although he was appreciated in his day, I’ve never felt that history has given him his dues. Rarely do you hear him mentioned with the greats and he truly should be. Saw him live in Australia about 10 years ago and he was just as great as ever. So much more depth to his words and music than he’s ever given credit for.
A little story for Brad and Lex. When John first hit the main scene a lot of people called him a Springsteen wannabe. Didn't respect him as a musician. Albums later some respect him more than Bruce. His music is still strong today. It's real
That's probably my favorite song of his. Such a good, nostalgia inducing vibe. That instrument is an autoharp. It commonly has 36 strings, with buttons that depress bars which mute all but the strings you want to sound, thus forming chords. Often used in Appalachian folk and other styles. Apparently John didn't actually play it in the song, although he's shown playing it in the video.
Being a proud gal from Indiana, John is our native son! My favorite song of his is Again Tonight but he has so many great songs. Of course I have seen John in concert many many times. Euen when he was the opening act for Heart way back in the day. We are so proud of John and the catalog of great music he has given all of us!
This has to be one of the best songs he has ever made. It expresses what it was like when you were younger and basically the whole feeling. It just really shines a light on the whole young love aspect. That is why I’ll always love John Mellencamp. He expresses his music in so many ways through, thoughts, emotions, & feeling. Everyone through all walks of life could relate to his music. Just one thing i wanna point out, i love how there’s an interracial couple in the music video. It was a very controversial topic back in the 80s, but John did not care. He believed that people should love who they want, despite race. I truly adore that. He always included black voices and expressions through his music and that is what i love about him.
Brad's reaction to this tune amazed me...one of the best I've seen. This is what I've been waiting for. Thank you both. I see by the clock on the wall that it may be time for me to subscribe to your channel.
He is one of the most underrated artists and songwriters of his generation. He originally went by John Cougar Mellencamp and was viewed by many as a trifling pop artist - especially in comparison to the critically beloved Springsteen (I’m not dissing Bruce). This wrong footed start to his career has left a lasting effect of him not getting near the veneration he deserves.
Don't think he cared other than he wanted to do music his way, chafing under industry attempts to shape his image (the "Cougar" appellation the record company put on him without his approval on record releases... he dumped as soon as he could). Mellencamp still is doing things his way, including paintings (he's a fine artist as well as a singer/songwriter, and a good friend of Springsteen...with whom he communicates regularly and shares creative interests).
@@Ou81gi812 He didn't name himself Cougar. It was an early decision made between his manager and the record company, without John's input. He hated it. And as soon as he got more control, he transitioned from Johnny Cougar to John Cougar Mellencamp, and at last, happily, to John Mellencamp.
@@Sometimes-even-lyrical Back in the day, NOBODY knew any of this…except for John and the record company. I bought his self-titled album, “John Cougar,” because of the long intro of, “I Need a Lover (who won’t drive me crazy) back in ‘79, and because “Cougar” sounded cool. So, as far as I’m concerned, John Cougar will always be John Cougar. I always hated the fact that he felt…”compelled” to add “Mellencamp” to the name after he became famous. There are other examples of people “recreating” themselves after becoming successful like, The Rock wants to be Dwayne Johnson, now. Back in ‘79, flipping through albums, I might buy a record because the album cover was cool, or the name of the group was unique (Lynyrd Skynyrd). If I stumbled across an album titled, “John Mellencamp,” I’d probably keep flipping. So John owes a great deal of gratitude to the record executives who KNEW “Cougar” could sell more albums than “Mellencamp” could…and the movie studio executives that thought “John Wayne” could sell more tickets than “Marion Morrison,” could. Everything you said is true (J.C. even wrote a song about those record executives) but, hindsight is 20/20, and at that moment in time, I chose to give my money to…”Cougar.”
This was always my favorite song of his. The instrument he's strumming on the beach is called an Autoharp. Think I spelled that right. I think this came out in 87 when I was 21/22 so that's the days I look back on & a little before now with my old friends. Ironic.
@@davidteller7681 Johnny Cougar another International artist that got his "Big Break- First Hit" from the Australian music show "Countdown" . I Need A Lover was Number 1 in Australia back in 1978. Here he is performing on Countdown. th-cam.com/video/t6EuYVBZ-GQ/w-d-xo.html. Even early in his career John certainly had star quality. Blondie was another International artist that got their "Big Break-First Hit" via Countdown with In The Flesh, reached Number 2 in November 1977 . th-cam.com/video/Nw-EPB27XNQ/w-d-xo.html And the song that gave Countdown, it's reputation as a music show that could break a song/artist internationally was ABBA and Mamma Mia in 1975.th-cam.com/video/AkJ5RWZdT54/w-d-xo.html
John Cougar Mellencamp, the pride of Indiana! Love all of his music ! He is a good one to react to! Try listening to Paper and Fire, Small Town , and one of my personal favorites " Minutes to Memories" . Great job guys , you really have chemistry!
I saw him 3 times and he is phenomenal live. The whole band was. And who ever that woman who played the fiddle at the time was incredible! I'm glad you like him. He has done so much for the American farmer. I saw you first is another great song. ✌️❤️
This song relates to me as in the time of being a teenager in the 70s. He was before I was a teenager. This is one of my favorite songs by him. The instrument he is playing is called a Autoharp. It has strimgs Nd keys to play chords. You strum itime a guitar. It is common in Bluegrass and Smokie Mountain music It is a beautiful instrument in the hands of someone who can play it well. Good song.
Wow, Brad is smiling and enjoying the music😄. I like that he mentioned Mellencamp dance moves, that he is feeling the music, always love that about him. Regarding the couple dancing in video, the song Jack and Diane was originally about an interracial couple, but he had to change it in order to make the record. John Mellencamp is a pretty progressive dude. Anyways, always loved this song and video ❤️. Great reactions.
I saw him in concert nearly 40 years ago at the LA Sports Arena. Fantastic show. He did Cherry Bomb for his encore. They turned the lights on and it was so incredible to see the entire arena going crazy during this song. It was the perfect ending to a great show. This song really does make you smile and appreciate the simpler things in life. So glad you two enjoyed this song.
John Mellencamp & Tom Petty are 2 acts that I wish I would have seen a Live performance. RIP - Tom Petty. I've been to a lot of concerts but some acts sadly I missed. You rock John and Rock on Brad & Lex.
Was lucky enough to see both of them several times. Also Springsteen the stones the police The who, U2, Paul McCartney and the Ramones to name of the few of the big ones I guess I've been very lucky. The one group I always wish I could have seen live is definitely The clash
@@Tbass-yy8uc yes indeed sir. I have always said "it's easier to say which I did not see live" I like going to concerts. Enjoy the rest of your day and thanks for your response.
A FEEL GOOOOOD jam; growing up and looking back with a big, BIG smile... So simple back then, cruisin' around was safe then, being friends with everybody.... That instrument is called a HARPSICHORD... Glad you guys were able to just jump back into that time and feel that kind of freedom to laugh, love and JAM!!
Glad you guys did this one, it's right up your alley. You could really listen to any of his 1980's stuff and it will tell the story of growing up in "fly over" country. Just classic Americana there.
The moment this song came out way back in 1987 I was very young when I heard the Accordion and the Violins Drums Bass I was like wow who is this immediately this song became my favorite the way his voice sounded with all the instruments combined it was pure perfection. Every time it comes on the radio it takes me back to my Junior High School years back in 1987 can't believe it's been this long it still feels like it was yesterday. Paper in Fire and Check it Out are two more awesome songs that sound similar to Cherry Bomb. Genius!
This is my favorite JCM song, it’s so sweet! Nothing like a song about reminiscing to reminisce to! Always bringing back great memories! Love you guys!! Thanks for all the good feelings!
Lex and Brad, if you want to enjoy albums from JCM, I suggest "Scarecrow" & "The Lonesome Jubilee". Two albums, in my opinion, that will Rock your socks off! Rock On! 🤘👍
Seen John a couple times in concert back in the day, late 70’s early 80’s, soundtrack for many of us in our youthful teenage days back in the 70’s and 80’s
Never took to Mellencamp until I heard this tune in the late 80s (early 90s?) and you're right, it did make me feel nostalgic even though I was only in my twenties.
He currently has an exhibit at my local art museum (paintings and assemblages) and some of it is pretty dark and heavy. I work at a historic site and John's father came in for a tour a couple of weeks ago. Mellencamp's music is so gritty and honest. Paper and Fire and Pop Singer are a couple of my favorites.
I have seen this man in concert more times then I can remember. I lived in Central Indiana at the time. He also lives there. He did many concerts. Always a treat.
My favorite of his too. The nostalgic vibe is so strong and it's not some fabricated nostalgia. Like Brad says, John is feeling it and so he makes us feel it too. We just had the best music in the 80's, so many classics from that era.
"Nostalgic at any point in time" Perfect because it's true. Everyone has lived a life in the past and many of these things are universal to some extent in every generation.
Can't go wrong with American Song Writers like Mellencamp, Tom Petty, Bob Seger, Don Henley and Jackson Brown filled the airwaves with great music through the 70s, 80s & even the 90s.
I think this song represents that beautiful time before we all eventually turn cynical, before life and work begins to drag us down, when life still held so much promise. It’s one of the definitive anthems for those of us who grew up in middle America.
Mellencamp has so many catchy, but well written songs. I wasn't a big fan when he first came out, but the Paper in Fire album blew me away. Had to go back and give his earlier stuff another listen. Love his band also. First rate musicians.
This song made be do a complete 180 when it came to Mellencamp. It also caused me to start my "Lifetime Passes" -- he need do nothing else ever. "We were young and we were improving" "17 has turned 35. I'm surprised that we're still living. If we've done any wrong, I hope that we're forgiven" These lyrics cut straight to my heart. 💥💥 🔥🔥🔥🔥
The great thing about this song is the squeezebox (accordion) and fiddle (viola) in the background. It is so Creole/Cajun sounding. You can tell Cherry Bomb is probably eating some craw-fish boil and Boudin sausage!
The instrument is an auto-harp. They were more common in early American music. The Carter Family is an early group that used one often. It has a group of buttons on the bottom that deaden certain strings so the live strings form chords.
Y'all need to watch the PBS special Folkways: A Vision Shared It's a tribute to Woody Guthrie and Leadbelly, with an all star cast performing their songs. John Cougar Mellencamp, Bob Dylan, U2, Arlo Guthrie, Little Richard, Willie Nelson, Fishbone, Taj Mahal, and more. Really great music and performances!
Minutes to Memories needs to be high on your list of Mellencamp songs to listen to and react. great story within the song and a great message within the song that should never get old.
JCM is a self described country rocker. Always a great sound. Bittersweet for me, was coming home from a great JCM concert when I got hit by a drunk driver in 86
He avoided a lot of the usual 80's production junk. Such a great idea now, making it so much more listenable that so much other music from then. Helps with the timelessness.
My All Time favorite Mellencamp song!!! Finally you listened to it. Same Album The Londone Jubilee song “Check it Out”! You two will love it. Same vibe as Cherry Bomb!!
Saw him at the Marcus Ampitheater in Milwaukee at Summerfest- 1988 I think, we had to wait 1.5 hours, (beer sign covering we were told) but it was the loudest harmonicas and accordions I've ever heard! Heat and the BoDeans opened for him- great concert.
I’ve been watching your channel long enough to know you’d be smiling as soon as the song started! His songs are very relatable. And yeh he always looks like he’s having a great time and so do you Brad and Lex! So great to see you enjoying the music as much as we do! 🇨🇦🎶❤️
Cherry Bomb to us was a little fire cracker thing that someone’s big brother would sneak back from Tijuana. Later it became a type of muffler but I always used “packs” (glass packs) and blow them out hollow so they would “back rap” on the old 6 cylinder Chevy when you down shifted. He came out much later with this song. The musical instrument he is playing is an autoharp
The story is about all of us. He is singing about simple universal truths, simple things like being young and holding hands for the first time. Past, present or future generations, we all have the same human feelings. Life is a circle. Peace!
Well said.
That's one of the best things about his music. It's welcoming, and you get the sense it understands you.
your 100% right.
You hit the nail on the head. He speaks to mortality and reflection with being an imperfect human (as we all are) learning life's lessons along the way and striving to do what's right - all with a positive vibe.
"17 had turned 35" or "Hold on to 16 as long as you can. Changes come round real soon make us women and men."
Walk Tall! 🙏
Well put
John Mellencamp has some of the most deep rooted fun music. Summer cookouts with a beer in hand and his songs playing on the radio.
@Coopiedoo0 He has made some of the best road music ever. I think Peaceful World might be THE best ever.
I've heard him called the poor mans Bruce Springsteen. I'll take Mellencamp thank you. No offense to Springsteen.
@@dimedraweriv258 I wouldn't say either of them is the poor man's anything. They're different and similar. They're both champions of the common people and a voice for the kinds of people who wouldn't have a voice otherwise. But Bruce is almost like a mythical figure, and John is the kind of guy you could find hanging out at the local bar and would change your life with some hard-earned wisdom.
Mellencamp no O in his name 😂
Reminds me of my youth growing up in small town America
There is no way anyone can be in a bad mood when listening to this song, it simply makes you feel happy 😊
Or a bit sad
Bety happy
"Holding hands meant so much, baby. "
So true.
That line gets me every time I hear it.
When I first heard this song I was 34 years old and I could relate to the verse "17 has turned 35". Now, I'm at the 17 has turned 65.
then i hear Bob Seger singing 20 years where they go 20 years i dont know
@@frankmerris8821 Yes, indeed.
At 70, I have had so many days that lasted forever, hours that crept by, while months and years kept going by faster and faster. Sometimes it seems I just got up and had a cup of coffee and spring has turned into summer.
@@armadillotoe Isn't that the truth. As Kenny Chesney said in his song "Young": "I don't know where the time goes but it sure goes fast".
@@frankmerris8821 Come along, Baby, Rock 'n' Roll never forgets.
"Ain't even done with the night" just a great song.
Love this song, takes me back to those days, I would sleep in on the weekend, get up and go to the kitchen, see my mom out in the backyard gardening, the dogs roaming around, the sunlight hits the window, your eyes are sensitive, you feel that warmness coming through the window, hear my dad blaring this song and many others, smelling the grill, family and neighbors coming over, swimming all day, then later everyone is eating, you get a little cold out there at the table with your trunks still damp, then it's dark, the last people are leaving, leftovers being put away, then you are ready to sleep and do it all over on sunday, good times!
John once said he never wanted to be a rock star he wanted to be an artist 🎨 and he is some of his paintings have been his covers for his albums. But I find it funny because I always believed that he was telling a story in his music and if you close your eyes you can see the painting he is singing about,like this song it brings back a feel of dancing in a place that is you and a date in a simple small town and it's all about family cookouts and backyard swimming holes and hanging out with friends. So many memories.
Saw John live at the Spectrum in Philly, November 1987 for my 21st Birthday. Long story short, had Backstage Passes.... had a broken leg.... John grabbed me a Heineken and he and the band signed my cast.... made a planter of the cast of which I still have to this day along with a few flicks with the band from that night! Can't make chit like that up kids.....
Mellencamp is one of my all-time favorites! Saw him in Lexington, Ky a couple of time in the 80s. His band is like a group of friends getting together and jamming out.
Nostalgia
In Greek, nostalgia means literally, the pain from an old wound. It’s a twinge in your heart, far more powerful than memory alone. And it takes us to a place where we ache to go again.
Authority Song, Rain on the Scarecrow Little Pink Houses, all of these are fire, some of the best music from John Melloncamp... 🔥🔥🔥🔥
might i suggest Love & Happiness and Again Tonight?..... :^V
Jack and Diane, hurts so good
Rain on the scarecrow is 🔥. The untold stories of family farms
Jack and Diane definitely takes you back to your teens and young love.
"A song from back in the day that talks about back the time back in his day". Nostalgia inspired many a pop song. Great reaction!
"Seventeen has turned thirty five, I'm surprised we're still living". Amen to that brother John! I did so much stupid and dangerous crap when I was young. But now thirty five has turned into seventy three...and I'm still here! Thank you God, and Hallelujah.
LOL Chills go down my back on some of the things I got away with. That line always gets me too
"Check it Out" will always be my favorite Mellencamp song, but Cherry Bomb is awesome, and he's got quite a library of gold.
Check it Out and Cherry Bomb still put them on every playlist!!
So good to see you guys react to John Melloncamp so positively. Although he was appreciated in his day, I’ve never felt that history has given him his dues. Rarely do you hear him mentioned with the greats and he truly should be. Saw him live in Australia about 10 years ago and he was just as great as ever. So much more depth to his words and music than he’s ever given credit for.
John is the Man! He pushed the envelope and raised the bar with every hit!
A little story for Brad and Lex. When John first hit the main scene a lot of people called him a Springsteen wannabe. Didn't respect him as a musician. Albums later some respect him more than Bruce. His music is still strong today. It's real
Bruce depresses me, John's music brings me up. That's what it is to me. Can't quite put my finger on it.
He's so much better than Bruce Springsteen.
Robert Hilburn, the music critic for the LA Times, was a Sprinsteen STAN and called Mellencamp the poor man's Springsteen.
@@custardflan great example of why most people don't pay attention to critics. music critics also never liked Queen, Black Sabbath or Led Zeppelin.
He’s a lot better than Bruce
That's probably my favorite song of his. Such a good, nostalgia inducing vibe.
That instrument is an autoharp. It commonly has 36 strings, with buttons that depress bars which mute all but the strings you want to sound, thus forming chords. Often used in Appalachian folk and other styles.
Apparently John didn't actually play it in the song, although he's shown playing it in the video.
Being a proud gal from Indiana, John is our native son! My favorite song of his is Again Tonight but he has so many great songs. Of course I have seen John in concert many many times. Euen when he was the opening act for Heart way back in the day. We are so proud of John and the catalog of great music he has given all of us!
This has to be one of the best songs he has ever made. It expresses what it was like when you were younger and basically the whole feeling. It just really shines a light on the whole young love aspect. That is why I’ll always love John Mellencamp. He expresses his music in so many ways through, thoughts, emotions, & feeling. Everyone through all walks of life could relate to his music.
Just one thing i wanna point out, i love how there’s an interracial couple in the music video. It was a very controversial topic back in the 80s, but John did not care. He believed that people should love who they want, despite race. I truly adore that. He always included black voices and expressions through his music and that is what i love about him.
Brad's reaction to this tune amazed me...one of the best I've seen. This is what I've been waiting for. Thank you both. I see by the clock on the wall that it may be time for me to subscribe to your channel.
He is one of the most underrated artists and songwriters of his generation. He originally went by John Cougar Mellencamp and was viewed by many as a trifling pop artist - especially in comparison to the critically beloved Springsteen (I’m not dissing Bruce). This wrong footed start to his career has left a lasting effect of him not getting near the veneration he deserves.
Don't think he cared other than he wanted to do music his way, chafing under industry attempts to shape his image (the "Cougar" appellation the record company put on him without his approval on record releases... he dumped as soon as he could).
Mellencamp still is doing things his way, including paintings (he's a fine artist as well as a singer/songwriter, and a good friend of Springsteen...with whom he communicates regularly and shares creative interests).
Originally, he was John Cougar. He added his last name AFTER he became famous.
Hi, Not a Springsteen fan.. ♠W.G.
@@Ou81gi812 He didn't name himself Cougar. It was an early decision made between his manager and the record company, without John's input. He hated it. And as soon as he got more control, he transitioned from Johnny Cougar to John Cougar Mellencamp, and at last, happily, to John Mellencamp.
@@Sometimes-even-lyrical Back in the day, NOBODY knew any of this…except for John and the record company. I bought his self-titled album, “John Cougar,” because of the long intro of, “I Need a Lover (who won’t drive me crazy) back in ‘79, and because “Cougar” sounded cool. So, as far as I’m concerned, John Cougar will always be John Cougar. I always hated the fact that he felt…”compelled” to add “Mellencamp” to the name after he became famous. There are other examples of people “recreating” themselves after becoming successful like, The Rock wants to be Dwayne Johnson, now. Back in ‘79, flipping through albums, I might buy a record because the album cover was cool, or the name of the group was unique (Lynyrd Skynyrd). If I stumbled across an album titled, “John Mellencamp,” I’d probably keep flipping. So John owes a great deal of gratitude to the record executives who KNEW “Cougar” could sell more albums than “Mellencamp” could…and the movie studio executives that thought “John Wayne” could sell more tickets than “Marion Morrison,” could.
Everything you said is true (J.C. even wrote a song about those record executives) but, hindsight is 20/20, and at that moment in time, I chose to give my money to…”Cougar.”
This was always my favorite song of his. The instrument he's strumming on the beach is called an Autoharp. Think I spelled that right. I think this came out in 87 when I was 21/22 so that's the days I look back on & a little before now with my old friends. Ironic.
Brad & Lex, you'll love his "I Need A Lover" and "Small Town" !!! edit- "I Need A Lover" was when he went by John Cougar.
Gotta be the long version of "I Need a Lover" with the guitar intro!! 👍
@@davidteller7681 Johnny Cougar another International artist that got his "Big Break- First Hit" from the Australian music show "Countdown" . I Need A Lover was Number 1 in Australia back in 1978.
Here he is performing on Countdown. th-cam.com/video/t6EuYVBZ-GQ/w-d-xo.html.
Even early in his career John certainly had star quality.
Blondie was another International artist that got their "Big Break-First Hit" via Countdown with
In The Flesh, reached Number 2 in November 1977 . th-cam.com/video/Nw-EPB27XNQ/w-d-xo.html
And the song that gave Countdown, it's reputation as a music show that could break a song/artist internationally was ABBA and Mamma Mia in 1975.th-cam.com/video/AkJ5RWZdT54/w-d-xo.html
I Need A Lover is definately his best song by far! It is just so different from the others.
John Cougar Mellencamp, the pride of Indiana! Love all of his music ! He is a good one to react to! Try listening to Paper and Fire, Small Town , and one of my personal favorites " Minutes to Memories" . Great job guys , you really have chemistry!
I saw him 3 times and he is phenomenal live. The whole band was. And who ever that woman who played the fiddle at the time was incredible! I'm glad you like him. He has done so much for the American farmer. I saw you first is another great song. ✌️❤️
Lisa Germano……fiddle player
as of a few years ago she was still in the band
This song relates to me as in the time of being a teenager in the 70s. He was before I was a teenager. This is one of my favorite songs by him. The instrument he is playing is called a Autoharp. It has strimgs Nd keys to play chords. You strum itime a guitar. It is common in Bluegrass and Smokie Mountain music
It is a beautiful instrument in the hands of someone who can play it well. Good song.
But I don't really hear the autoharp . I could have bad ears
John mellencamp was an active advocate for the family farmer, he's always been a big part of Farm aid and it's made it a part of his music.
The song "CHECK IT OUT" by him is and will always be my favorite. The lyrics hit just right.
Wow, Brad is smiling and enjoying the music😄. I like that he mentioned Mellencamp dance moves, that he is feeling the music, always love that about him. Regarding the couple dancing in video, the song Jack and Diane was originally about an interracial couple, but he had to change it in order to make the record. John Mellencamp is a pretty progressive dude. Anyways, always loved this song and video ❤️. Great reactions.
I saw him in concert nearly 40 years ago at the LA Sports Arena. Fantastic show. He did Cherry Bomb for his encore. They turned the lights on and it was so incredible to see the entire arena going crazy during this song. It was the perfect ending to a great show. This song really does make you smile and appreciate the simpler things in life. So glad you two enjoyed this song.
John Mellencamp & Tom Petty are 2 acts that I wish I would have seen a Live performance. RIP - Tom Petty. I've been to a lot of concerts but some acts sadly I missed. You rock John and Rock on Brad & Lex.
Was lucky enough to see both of them several times. Also Springsteen the stones the police The who, U2, Paul McCartney and the Ramones to name of the few of the big ones I guess I've been very lucky. The one group I always wish I could have seen live is definitely The clash
@@Tbass-yy8uc yes indeed sir. I have always said "it's easier to say which I did not see live" I like going to concerts. Enjoy the rest of your day and thanks for your response.
I saw both frankly John is much better live a lot more stage presence
@@KOSMICKEN09 thank you, now I'm jealous. lol. Enjoy your summer sir
@@djl9919 well John is still here you can see him - and cheap trick one of the greatest live bands ever 🤘
Loved your reactions. John was playing an autoharp. Paper In Fire is another great song & video from John.❤❤❤
A FEEL GOOOOOD jam; growing up and looking back with a big, BIG smile... So simple back then, cruisin' around was safe then, being friends with everybody.... That instrument is called a HARPSICHORD... Glad you guys were able to just jump back into that time and feel that kind of freedom to laugh, love and JAM!!
Glad you guys did this one, it's right up your alley. You could really listen to any of his 1980's stuff and it will tell the story of growing up in "fly over" country. Just classic Americana there.
I was growing up in the midwest at that time, and it absolutely has that heartland, Americana feel.
John has a bushel basket full of hits. You can't go wrong with him. Sings real down to earth songs with great music and beats.
Mellencamp brings me back to my small town growing up like nothing else. He really does hit home with people that way. Great vibe.
The moment this song came out way back in 1987 I was very young when I heard the Accordion and the Violins Drums Bass I was like wow who is this immediately this song became my favorite the way his voice sounded with all the instruments combined it was pure perfection. Every time it comes on the radio it takes me back to my Junior High School years back in 1987 can't believe it's been this long it still feels like it was yesterday. Paper in Fire and Check it Out are two more awesome songs that sound similar to Cherry Bomb. Genius!
This is my favorite JCM song, it’s so sweet! Nothing like a song about reminiscing to reminisce to! Always bringing back great memories! Love you guys!! Thanks for all the good feelings!
Lex and Brad, if you want to enjoy albums from JCM, I suggest "Scarecrow" & "The Lonesome Jubilee". Two albums, in my opinion, that will Rock your socks off! Rock On! 🤘👍
2 of the best albums of the time, just brilliant
Hi y’all! The instrument was an autoharp. Teachers used them in grade school! Push-buttons for chords! Easy peasy! And fun! Get ye one! Okay!
Seen John a couple times in concert back in the day, late 70’s early 80’s, soundtrack for many of us in our youthful teenage days back in the 70’s and 80’s
That's an autoharp. My elementary music teacher had one that he always played.
Hurt so Good was my favorite. All are good though! Good small town roots
From all I have ever heard, he is a great guy ass well!
Never took to Mellencamp until I heard this tune in the late 80s (early 90s?) and you're right, it did make me feel nostalgic even though I was only in my twenties.
He currently has an exhibit at my local art museum (paintings and assemblages) and some of it is pretty dark and heavy. I work at a historic site and John's father came in for a tour a couple of weeks ago. Mellencamp's music is so gritty and honest. Paper and Fire and Pop Singer are a couple of my favorites.
I have seen this man in concert more times then I can remember. I lived in Central Indiana at the time. He also lives there. He did many concerts. Always a treat.
Cherry Bomb is a bar/nightclub he used to hang out at…
"Ain't Even Done With the Night " is my favorite song by him, but he has many great ones.
Probably my favorite song by John. When he was putting out his music, I knew it was great, but I had no idea how timeless it really was.
My favorite of his too. The nostalgic vibe is so strong and it's not some fabricated nostalgia. Like Brad says, John is feeling it and so he makes us feel it too. We just had the best music in the 80's, so many classics from that era.
This song is just so reflective of life in general loved it.
A little country, a little pop, a little zydeco, a lot of John's style. Classic and good!
Have a great day!
I have always loved this song. Clean lyrics and great voices with a smooth upbeat sound.
I still want to get up and dance ❤❤❤❤❤❤❤
This song is special to me in 1968 he was 17 and it was how we danced. One of the coolest years.
"Nostalgic at any point in time" Perfect because it's true. Everyone has lived a life in the past and many of these things are universal to some extent in every generation.
I went through a big John Mellencamp phase in college, mid-80s. Got to see him in concert on tour for this album.
this whole album, "The Lonesome Jubilee," is excellent! One of my faves.
Can't go wrong with American Song Writers like Mellencamp, Tom Petty, Bob Seger, Don Henley and Jackson Brown filled the airwaves with great music through the 70s, 80s & even the 90s.
John couger just hits home literally every time i hear him i feel like im back at my old home in crowders mountain
I think this song represents that beautiful time before we all eventually turn cynical, before life and work begins to drag us down, when life still held so much promise. It’s one of the definitive anthems for those of us who grew up in middle America.
My favorite Mellencamp song, brings back a lot of memories for me. I really love the "zydeco feel" of the instrumentation.
Mellencamp has so many catchy, but well written songs. I wasn't a big fan when he first came out, but the Paper in Fire album blew me away. Had to go back and give his earlier stuff another listen.
Love his band also. First rate musicians.
Wholesome song, must've heard it on the radio about a million times, never gets old
“A triangle machine thing” 🤣 Lex your so adorable. Love you guys. ❤️
He never disappoints. I seriously can't think of one song of his I dislike, and I've listened to his albums completely, never skipping a song!
Love John Mellencamp, music always feels good no matter how many times you heard it. The thing he is playing is an autoharp.
This is the one I've been waiting for. "Mellencamp is just a vibe" summed it up.
I ADORE this track!!!! It’s such happy sentimentality.
This song made be do a complete 180 when it came to Mellencamp. It also caused me to start my "Lifetime Passes" -- he need do nothing else ever. "We were young and we were improving"
"17 has turned 35. I'm surprised that we're still living. If we've done any wrong, I hope that we're forgiven" These lyrics cut straight to my heart. 💥💥 🔥🔥🔥🔥
The great thing about this song is the squeezebox (accordion) and fiddle (viola) in the background. It is so Creole/Cajun sounding. You can tell Cherry Bomb is probably eating some craw-fish boil and Boudin sausage!
The instrument is an auto-harp. They were more common in early American music. The Carter Family is an early group that used one often. It has a group of buttons on the bottom that deaden certain strings so the live strings form chords.
10 points for the best use of an autoharp in a rock song. Mother Maybelle Carter could play the heck out of one.
This song is a cover of the original by The Runaways from 1976, so it takes you back ever further, Joan Jett gets partial credit for writing this one
This is not a cover of the Runaways Cherry Bomb.
No it isn't 🤣 at all it's just the same song title
His "Authority Song" is awesome, and his rendition of "paper in fire" with Me'Shell Ndegeocello is incredible.
What a great song!
This song pairs really well with "Jack and Diane". He dances like no one's watching... as it should be!!!
Love Mellencamp. Saw him live years ago. Never disappoints
I love how you believe every song is about the singers personal life. Sometimes a song is just a song. Enjoy!
My favorite song from the Lonesome Jubilee album is "Check it Out".
That instrument is an autoharp. Mellencamp is one of the best live performers I've ever seen... and I've seen many in my 62 years.
Y'all need to watch the PBS special Folkways: A Vision Shared
It's a tribute to Woody Guthrie and Leadbelly, with an all star cast performing their songs. John Cougar Mellencamp, Bob Dylan, U2, Arlo Guthrie, Little Richard, Willie Nelson, Fishbone, Taj Mahal, and more. Really great music and performances!
His album “American fool” was really great! Worth listening to the whole album.
"don't misunderstand me" is yet another good one!
All his songs are good. He puts on a great concert. Everybody dancing.
You guys are the BEST music commentators and provide wonderful interpretations.
Minutes to Memories needs to be high on your list of Mellencamp songs to listen to and react. great story within the song and a great message within the song that should never get old.
JCM is a self described country rocker. Always a great sound. Bittersweet for me, was coming home from a great JCM concert when I got hit by a drunk driver in 86
Paper in Fire and Crumbing Down the absolute best
His version of Under the boardwalk is simply amazing.
He avoided a lot of the usual 80's production junk. Such a great idea now, making it so much more listenable that so much other music from then. Helps with the timelessness.
Another great tune the violin player the singers great video wow
Can't go wrong Mellemcamp. Always quality tunes.
My All Time favorite Mellencamp song!!! Finally you listened to it. Same Album The Londone Jubilee song “Check it Out”! You two will love it. Same vibe as Cherry Bomb!!
I come back to your channel to listen to this song just to see Lex's smile and the way she bops to the music!
Great song writer. The heartland vibe. More innocent days. From Bloomingtin Indiana.
His songs take you back to family barbeques and summer time parties.
Saw him at the Marcus Ampitheater in Milwaukee at Summerfest- 1988 I think, we had to wait 1.5 hours, (beer sign covering we were told) but it was the loudest harmonicas and accordions I've ever heard! Heat and the BoDeans opened for him- great concert.
I’ve been watching your channel long enough to know you’d be smiling as soon as the song started! His songs are very relatable. And yeh he always looks like he’s having a great time and so do you Brad and Lex! So great to see you enjoying the music as much as we do! 🇨🇦🎶❤️
Cherry Bomb to us was a little fire cracker thing that someone’s big brother would sneak back from Tijuana. Later it became a type of muffler but I always used “packs” (glass packs) and blow them out hollow so they would “back rap” on the old 6 cylinder Chevy when you down shifted. He came out much later with this song.
The musical instrument he is playing is an autoharp
Mellencamp was the music king of the midwest. I've always loved his music. ♥