🎵 John Mellencamp - Cherry Bomb REACTION

[@GR65330]

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.

[@frankmerris8821]

then i hear Bob Seger singing 20 years where they go 20 years i dont know

[@GR65330]

@@frankmerris8821 Yes, indeed.

[@armadillotoe]

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.

[@GR65330]

@@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".

[@alanfriesen9837]

@@frankmerris8821 Come along, Baby, Rock 'n' Roll never forgets.

[@arizrich]

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!

[@michaelmckinney1409]

Well said.

[@mage1439]

That's one of the best things about his music. It's welcoming, and you get the sense it understands you.

[@ronaldgines171]

your 100% right.

[@erick7777]

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! 🙏

[@roydivo6189]

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.

[@mage1439]

@Coopiedoo0 He has made some of the best road music ever. I think Peaceful World might be THE best ever.

[@dimedraweriv258]

I've heard him called the poor mans Bruce Springsteen. I'll take Mellencamp thank you. No offense to Springsteen.

[@mage1439]

@@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.

[@KOSMICKEN09]

Mellencamp no O in his name 😂

[@lindseyholl8821]

Reminds me of my youth growing up in small town America

[@bridgetmccracken1381]

There is no way anyone can be in a bad mood when listening to this song, it simply makes you feel happy 😊

[@TheScaramongus]

Or a bit sad

[@juangabrielporraszuluaga9740]

Bety happy

[@neilmartin99]

"Holding hands meant so much, baby. " So true. That line gets me every time I hear it.

[@surlechapeau]

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.

[@davidteller7681]

Gotta be the long version of "I Need a Lover" with the guitar intro!! 👍

[@ivorb8835]

@@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. kzbin.info/www/bejne/qmeopoyMd79gfbM. 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 . kzbin.info/www/bejne/hKiQdoN4Z5yLhLM 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.kzbin.info/www/bejne/d5ytZoWNj8mHa5Y

[@LordLaroyalty]

I Need A Lover is definately his best song by far! It is just so different from the others.

[@aleinstein3223]

"Ain't even done with the night" just a great song.

[@rhondamcbath6279]

Authority Song, Rain on the Scarecrow Little Pink Houses, all of these are fire, some of the best music from John Melloncamp... 🔥🔥🔥🔥

[@maluorno]

might i suggest Love & Happiness and Again Tonight?..... :^V

[@craigplatel813]

Jack and Diane, hurts so good

[@briansmith8405]

Rain on the scarecrow is 🔥. The untold stories of family farms

[@maya_coqsalonga]

Jack and Diane definitely takes you back to your teens and young love.

[@dranderson6071]

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

[@marcmarc1967]

Bruce depresses me, John's music brings me up. That's what it is to me. Can't quite put my finger on it.

[@neillenet291]

He's so much better than Bruce Springsteen.

[@custardflan]

Robert Hilburn, the music critic for the LA Times, was a Sprinsteen STAN and called Mellencamp the poor man's Springsteen.

[@neillenet291]

@@custardflan great example of why most people don't pay attention to critics. music critics also never liked Queen, Black Sabbath or Led Zeppelin.

[@lisashorter1950]

He’s a lot better than Bruce

[@mcmlxv9827]

That's an autoharp. My elementary music teacher had one that he always played.

[@christikirk7265]

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!

[@Diggerdog2nd]

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.

[@angelagoodwin5758]

"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!

[@t.r.1708]

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!

[@bobbyscarfo2544]

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.....

[@matthewteague623]

"Check it Out" will always be my favorite Mellencamp song, but Cherry Bomb is awesome, and he's got quite a library of gold.

[@darrenchapman7500]

Check it Out and Cherry Bomb still put them on every playlist!!

[@Rob-eo5ql]

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.

[@troyhodges9810]

Cherry Bomb is a bar/nightclub he used to hang out at…

[@jeremygray1331]

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.

[@Sometimes-even-lyrical]

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]

Originally, he was John Cougar. He added his last name AFTER he became famous.

[@wgdavis5353]

Hi, Not a Springsteen fan.. ♠W.G.

[@Sometimes-even-lyrical]

@@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.

[@Ou81gi812]

@@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.”

[@SteveInTheOC]

“A triangle machine thing” 🤣 Lex your so adorable. Love you guys. ❤️

[@ronp1903]

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! 🤘👍

[@Noclaf555]

2 of the best albums of the time, just brilliant

[@donstuard2546]

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.

[@festival5920]

But I don't really hear the autoharp . I could have bad ears

[@djl9919]

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.

[@Tbass-yy8uc]

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

[@djl9919]

@@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.

[@KOSMICKEN09]

I saw both frankly John is much better live a lot more stage presence

[@djl9919]

@@KOSMICKEN09 thank you, now I'm jealous. lol. Enjoy your summer sir

[@KOSMICKEN09]

@@djl9919 well John is still here you can see him - and cheap trick one of the greatest live bands ever 🤘

[@glennsmith8390]

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.

[@jasonfrost3693]

John is the Man! He pushed the envelope and raised the bar with every hit!

[@dennybrown3010]

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!

[@danw3735]

Wholesome song, must've heard it on the radio about a million times, never gets old

[@guidosarducci]

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.

[@charlesburris6314]

A little country, a little pop, a little zydeco, a lot of John's style. Classic and good! Have a great day!

[@sandydenton6076]

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.

[@ginalolajupiter2942]

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.

[@lextek.]

"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.

[@Snowchris1]

LOL Chills go down my back on some of the things I got away with. That line always gets me too

[@msmrsro]

I went through a big John Mellencamp phase in college, mid-80s. Got to see him in concert on tour for this album.

[@GildedShame]

"don't misunderstand me" is yet another good one!

[@raymondreid4987]

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.

[@jackgilchrist]

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.

[@myysupenguins]

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!

[@jimmcevers9443]

This song pairs really well with "Jack and Diane". He dances like no one's watching... as it should be!!!

[@teensymom1420]

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!

[@charlessarver8350]

"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.

[@MiguelLopez-is9te]

Loved your reactions. John was playing an autoharp. Paper In Fire is another great song & video from John.❤❤❤

[@jamesmorgan4121]

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.

[@colleensharris]

His "Authority Song" is awesome, and his rendition of "paper in fire" with Me'Shell Ndegeocello is incredible.

[@hog7203]

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.

[@michaelakkerman407]

The song "CHECK IT OUT" by him is and will always be my favorite. The lyrics hit just right.

[@mattjumper4343]

Great song writer. The heartland vibe. More innocent days. From Bloomingtin Indiana.

[@jackndew2]

The instrument John is playing is called an Autoharp, it's a newer version of the Zither. Popular in euro and American folk music

[@myownchannel247]

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

[@thadelmore4535]

This is not a cover of the Runaways Cherry Bomb.

[@KOSMICKEN09]

No it isn't 🤣 at all it's just the same song title

[@lisahaverluk4037]

So much more his style...but I love his style. Saw him in concert at Red Rocks and was buzzed and tripped over a cord and landed on his ass. Got up..laughed and kept singing !!!!

[@mirasolbalaga5616]

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.

[@lantose]

What a great song!

[@julietate7806]

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.

[@donnagonatas3155]

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. ✌️❤️

[@darrenchapman7500]

Lisa Germano……fiddle player

[@maluorno]

as of a few years ago she was still in the band

[@Littlebigbot]

My favorite song from the Lonesome Jubilee album is "Check it Out".

[@eej9273]

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!

[@donaldallison7202]

He has a great song called Check it out, you should listen to it

[@darrenchapman7500]

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!!

[@cynthiafox2541]

Human Wheels was my favorite John Mellencamp album. I used to walk daily listening to it.

[@robertreichle1]

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.

[@andyleininger4822]

Gots to do “Check it out” by Mellancamp too. Similar in nostalgia.

[@ernestTbass23]

Thank you guys so much! I grew up listening to him just loved him had every album, yes I said album LOL

[@dggydddy59]

One of his very best songs that came out around this time was called "Check It Out" and it has so much heart. You would definitely want to check it out.

[@JAMESMOORE-gq4vv]

BETWEEN A LAUGH AND A TEAR.

[@joelramsey9639]

Glad to see Brad enjoyed the song

[@lindseyholl8821]

This song will always make me smile

[@stevecarch4217]

He is playing an autoharp. We began learning to play them in the 5th grade 1963.

[@kimberly3131]

Love this song and your reactions to it. Watching made me happy and nostalgic. You came up with such a perfect analysis of the song by combining your two unique perspectives.

[@bobbierobinson6269]

"Ain't Even Done With the Night " is my favorite song by him, but he has many great ones.

[@michellemills9529]

The instrument is an autoharp. You can also hear the dobro, banjo, accordion and violin.

[@PsalmS-vi8zl]

LOVE this song!!🙂🙂🙂👍👍👍Check out his song "Rain On The Scarecrow"

[@theern2324]

John cougars probably in one of my top five as as my favorite singers and song writer's

[@enorbet2]

Just FTR the instrument is called an Autoharp. It comes from the Zither family and has bars across the many strings with touchpads on the underside so that pressing the button plays only the many strings that make up various chords. That way a player doesn't have to learn how to shape chords or have 15 fingers.

[@richardk.46]

The instrument you mentioned is called an Auto harp. It's common in older country and blue grass music.

[@TheScaramongus]

This song gives me the feels.

[@dr.burtgummerfan439]

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!

[@postems]

this whole album, "The Lonesome Jubilee," is excellent! One of my faves.

[@paulhoogenboom5361]

Midwest Rock. Indiana's answer to New Jerseys Bruce Springsteen. When Ft.Wayne Indiana flooded back in the 80s, he came and did a free concert for kids who took off school to sandbag throughout the city. Even President Reagan flew in to toss a couple of sandbags. Very much a Hoosier heard throughout Midwest radio stations late 70's to early 90's

[@danieltrickey9285]

I'm such a sucker for accordion in rock and soul music.

[@bowtangey6830]

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. 💥💥 🔥🔥🔥🔥

[@Peetie_Wheatstraw]

That instrument John Mellencamp is playing is called autoharp.

[@julieheath9507]

His album “American fool” was really great! Worth listening to the whole album.

[@greglavers]

I'm not a actual fan of John "Cougar" Mellencamp's music but I must admit i absolutely loved this song. It would be in my top 25.

[@richardfeldkamp1707]

If you go back to the Lovin' Spoonful videos, you will see John Sebastian playing the autoharp

[@liftme225]

Glad you watched him singing as well as listening. Sometimes just hearing a song doesnt give a total feel of who the performer is.

[@wesrincker9624]

Lonesome Jubilee is a great album. A must have. Listen from the beginning to the end for the flow

[@EgbertWilliams]

Having the mixed couple in the video seems to give balance to what the song's saying. There were so many wonderful things we can remember from that time, but some things are better now. The two ideas can both exist - because they do.

[@erinhansen2110]

This is a great song and video. John got death threats over this as interracial couples were an item still not seen much on TV. Kudos to John for breaking down barriers.

[@shellzmoe8966]

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!

[@maya_coqsalonga]

In a sneaky way it was a warning of what America would become if we didn't hold on to our roots. That America was losing its soul. At the time of the song America was caught up in the pursuit of wealth and we were losing our country to greed. You do have to listen to the album. He and Bruce Springsteen's Born in the USA album captured this sentiment. I think the experience was much different for people of color than white's in rural areas and suburbia.

[@TheMikelleh]

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

[@dennisjurkovic3636]

i just watch these videos to see the awesome adorable ever ssoooo wwwooowww looking girl on the couch omg im in love........

[@j1974f]

Great reaction to a great song! I'm happy now! By the way I think that instrument is called an autoharp.

[@kevinohagan180]

Have you done "The Authority Song!" Yet? A really great song

[@richb313]

This song is just so reflective of life in general loved it.

[@guyturbide6348]

🇨🇦🇨🇦🇨🇦🇨🇦 🤣❤❤❤❤ Love your reaction my friend Like to see your reaction to " The Zac Brown Band" Live from Austin City Limits Song is 🎵FREE/INTO THE MYSTIC 🎵🎵🎵 Keep the good work guys ✌

[@Alsatiagent]

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.

[@dragon-lu3mk]

he's playing an autoharp or zither ... 1st instrument i learned to play back in 2nd grade ... yes, music was one of the required classes back then ....

[@Noclaf555]

John is a hell of a painter, a few years ago Sammy Hagar had him on his interview show, turn out John never really like doing concerts. He did them but did not enjoy them as much as you might think. Very interesting man and fascinating to listen to

[@aileenturrietta7553]

I'm so excited that you finally got to this song. I knew you would love it. The instrument he is playing is called a dulcimer I believe but there are many types. Rock on with Mellancamp, there's so much more.🤗🤗🤗🎼🎶🎵

[@adamfindlay7091]

A nice vibe, I hope you catch it, people. cougars a freak. I'm sure John got in some trooooooble y'all. Violin reminds me of a soundtrack: Leaving Normal hmm.

[@jackjohnson7714]

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.