"Check It Out" - John Cougar Mellencamp

THIS WAS NOT CONCEIVED, PRODUCED, NOR PUBLISHED AS A POLITICAL STATEMENT OF ANY KIND. Thank you. A Dylan and Pretty Boy video.

[@Themanwhocameback2]

In this Narcissistic age where everyone is infatuated with their own image, just look! People didn't want to be photographed, people weren't drunk on themselves, people did not want to be made self conscious . We need to be more like these people.

[@donnamccall8063]

ABSOLUTELY.

[@teejay6063]

Thanks, internet.

[@hankgoresich6836]

Beautiful point. Thank you brother.

[@Doc_Holiday]

I fear it's too late ,it's gonna take a traumatic life altering societal event On second thought maybe we are headed for that.

[@patrickfranklin9840]

Amen

[@vincefigs]

I catch myself watching this video over and over again solely due to the fact that people in this country will never be this pure and humble again. This is the generation that made America great.

[@fdxguy1]

I get this... I think this way every time I watch this video as well. This country is way too self-centered and self-absorbed with themselves.

[@LynyrdSkynyrdFan]

Bravo. Look how happy they were

[@rickyhornbach6650]

I was 19 years old when this song came out and it was a hit in 1987 They just don't make music like this anymore. John Mellencamp was the best. I sure do miss the 80's.

[@johndozois9453]

Rocker Poet

[@kathy6230]

Is still !!!! da best 👌 👍 and if u didn't know justice is a name of daughter justsaying

[@kathy6230]

Nope the dont

[@blown8642]

I'm well into my 50's at this point in my life and this song gets me emotional. Where does the time go? Wish I was young again.

[@sroevukasroevuka]

I just hit 55 on tues i can relate.

[@IlliniJake]

Youth is wasted on the young. Best wishes.

[@steeleaquain]

In twenty years you’ll be wishing you could time back time to where you are now, so enjoy the moment you're in right now…..

[@kathy6230]

​@@sroevukasroevukawell almighty den you happy berday to you! Happy birthday happy birthday to you double digit hbd to u Lol😊🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉 Everyday should be your day He u had a good one

[@kathy6230]

​@@steeleaquainright ✅️

[@drewhunkins7192]

Arguably Mellencamp's best. A tremendous song.

[@novastiqueify]

agreed.

[@shack8110]

is awesome but he's got several amazing songs. I really like ain't even done with the night also.

[@michaelwallbrown3726]

ain't even done with the night his best song

[@drewhunkins7192]

That one is outstanding too, undoubtedly. They're my two favorites by him.

[@saiga1287]

Definitely one of my favorites

[@bryanmachin2152]

When he says "I hope they have a better understanding" I can't help but think that all these years later, we're even farther away from a "better understanding" than we were when he wrote this song. I remember hearing it for the first time at Rosemont Horizon in December 1987, and I really felt that guitar and fiddle combination--that hook--in my gut. I've never forgotten that feeling. We were in the 11th row--frickin' unbelievable!

[@TheJohnny928]

AMEN to a "better understanding"🕊

[@jasonlee4466]

I 100% understand what your saying. I heard this song for the first time and felt that same feeling in my gut. It gets me everytime I hear it. Now here I am almost 50 years old yeah everytime I hear it takes me back to being 12 or 13 again

[@BikerMonkey]

Totally Agree

[@Paulzpc]

That's the sheer definition of good music, it brings you to a complete understanding, the music the feeling it gives you, there are hundreds of 70 and 80 songs that do the same thing, these songs connect us all, home or lost loves, how you felt when she rejected you. l feel your comment, and I felt the same way when I first heard this song, and it brings me back, great comment, and an awesome song.

[@brigidvanparys2062]

The world is going backwards and to hell in a basket 😡😞

[@frankguerrero8450]

I am being honest here ...i am a very emotional man and every time i play this song it brings tears to my eyes wishing i can back in time ...

[@mrrig3414]

Same here !

[@SuperGaleford]

“...can’t tell your best buddy that you loved him.” Best line in any song ever. So true and it makes me teary-eyed cuz it’s true

[@anthonydegeorge711]

Maybe it has personal meaning to him

[@822508]

I’ve thought about this line a lot recentl and yesterday I lost a dear childhood friend. I hadn’t seen him for for some 25 years, but he was so often in my head. In my mind it was only a few weeks ago that we seemed inseparable. I wish I had told him I loved him. I loved him.

[@pauljordan4452]

Love him. It's in the present tense.

[@scotth.9295]

This line has always stood out to me.

[@x-b52navcpa17]

John said in one line what Louis Armstrong said in 5 I see friends shaking hands Saying, "How do you do?" They're really saying "I love you"

[@itsmyneallmyne]

This is the era I wish I was born in. I've always said I was born at least 20 years late. I hate this modern world and long for the time when things seemed to be simpler and not so rushed. Long live the true songwriters that were able to capture the time and feel of what we're missing out on now.

[@JimmyMins]

Back when everyone was happy and proud to be an American.

[@1MegArbo]

I've always loved this song. Now, in my 40s, the lyrics are rather haunting.

[@veras7thenstan]

I agree, the adults in this video are gone and those kids are in their golden years. Should we have a better understanding of happiness? It's a bittersweet sentiment especially w/the video.

[@shawnbartlett9359]

So true I'm 48 and it hits home

[@Cincinnatus1869]

I couldn't agree more.

[@vnewmansr]

Nice reminder!

[@painman35]

It’s tough for me to watch knowing my girls will never experience this life. It wasn’t perfect and either were we but our values were solid.

[@briandressler969]

One of my favorite songs. Takes me back to the good old days when things where simple and didn't seem to pass by so fast.

[@SuperGaleford]

I can’t help but watch this an wonder who of these strong and beautiful people are still with us.

[@halfocutz]

One of the great songs of the 80's by one of America's best talents.

[@warrengrunwald8537]

"Sleeping with your back, to your loved one...this is all that we've learned about happiness" One of the most beautiful lines I've ever heard in any song. With the exception of Tom Petty, Bob Dylan, Bruce Springsteen and Bob Seger, few artists seem to echo the voice of working-class America the way John Mellencamp does. It's sad to witness how middle-class America is being slowly squeezed just so that Wall Street high-rolling "investors" can gamble away the nation's wealth and prosperity.

[@matthewgoodwin8093]

Not just America

[@matthewzarris9177]

When America was great...never was perfect by any means, but there was something special about those times. So much is taken for granted these days. Not sure it is able to be replicated, seeing as how spoiled we are now. I think it starts in each of our homes, and how we choose to raise our children.

[@robertferguson533]

Matthew Zarris People back then were much more connected to the land. Today, we are detached from the land

[@ashleyunderwood1574]

@@robertferguson533 Yesssssss. Also we are over run by technology 24/7 .

[@cassconner6023]

Indeed Sir.

[@rodneyc1dude]

So many people had no rights at the time of this video (not the song). It was before the Civil Rights Act. There was segregation. So no, America was not great then.

[@garywheadon]

mr john mellencamp thank you-- i grew up listing to you and you made ever one listin to whats going on here in indiana and all across the the country, thank you mr mellencamp, i am from fairmount indiana and i never forgot my roots , i lived in florida for years and moved back to be close to family, A BIG THANK YOU MR MELLENCAMP

[@rodneylockwood1362]

Whenever I am missing my dad, I come to visit this video. I miss him dearly. I am ever so grateful to have been brought up by my parents who were a product of the 1930's and 40's small town Iowa. Thank you mom and dad for giving me a part of your generation for me to carry on with.

[@SuperGaleford]

Rodney Lockwood lived in a small Illinois town near Peoria and went to undergrad in a small Iowa town (Pella). I know what you mean.

[@jasonburk9067]

Rodney Lockwood I was raised by my grandparents and stories I remember come alive watching this.

[@brettwest4949]

Rodney Lockwood this song reminds me of my Mom.she passed a year and a half ago.She taught me how to live simple.She taught me to swim at a beach.I miss her so much.Its the simple things that count.I am from Iowa as well.It has been hard for me to get over my moms death.I hear a song like this and it reminds me.Great memories is what im left with.

[@SqeakyToy]

Yep, those schoolboys in overalls look just like a picture I have of my dad at that age.

[@caveman3096]

I hear you brother. I’m from Michigan. My mom and dad did me right and I try and do the same for my youngsters I hope they have a better understanding!

[@garyrossetti2443]

This song is very underrated to me one of John Mellencamp's better songs.

[@norfolksouthernrailfan2006]

Song did pretty good though, hitting #14 on the Billboard hot 100 in 1988.

[@greggorywolf9141]

You were right dad. These lyrics are important enough to stop and listen. I miss you and I'll love you forever

[@hunterlorenz9125]

Long story short my little brother committed suicide and I stumbled on this song watching “the bear” and I can’t explain how subtly powerful the lyrics are..thanks cougar

[@jacoberoma7947]

Look how shy, humble, and hardworking our fathers and mothers were! So amazing. A beautiful generation. Our country was still so young then, huh? Right? Is it really any better today? I ponder question if it is despite all the advancements.

[@montec101]

People interacted with one another in the old days. Especially in small towns. I worry about technology taking over.

[@robertferguson533]

Jacob Eroma I ponder the same thing myself

[@dsm1983A]

I was thinking the same thing.

[@brucedonnellan5564]

I was in my early 20's when I 1st heard this. I really did, and still do, like Mellencamps songs. Im now 56 and I still hope the future generations have a better understanding.

[@donpowlen]

I just turned 58, and I hope so too.

[@Reed___]

I’m 20, and I heard this song for the first time of the radio a few months ago. John is a terrific songwriter.

[@rodneylockwood1362]

One of the phrases of 1930's and 40's America was "tomorrow will be a better day". With a major drought, depression, and war, America still had the optimism and courage to carry on with such adversities. "Future generations ridin' on highways that we built" sends me a message that those highways are never forgetting the past, forging a healthy future, focusing on solutions rather than problems, and those of progression to further love and understand one another.

[@themessenger5868]

Gods speed to you Rodney Lockwood. Fantastic comment. Blessings from Australia...

[@supersabrejet]

This video gave me a constant smile for 4 minutes 21 seconds!!!!!!! Thanks God for the 80's....I was there!

[@loveandlight1953]

The best of times!

[@1waremblem]

Is it just me, or does this song put you in a good mood whenever u listen to it? A lot of John's song have that affect on me, Just a very positive vibe coming from them.

[@RorysStrat]

1waremblem If this is not one of the top five songs and videos of all time then I say there is something wrong!

[@maniswil2]

Always, and forever.

[@mikefox3939]

Yes, and just a hint of melancholy to make it hit the feels

[@johnkoundouzis8677]

That's why I listen to John Mellencamp. His song are uplifting and beautiful.

[@nathannewman799]

Listen to this song and come together America. In the end we ARE all the same.

[@latvians13]

Priceless precious memories. One of the best songs ever! Here's to Indiana and Michigan, some of the best days of my life. Love and light to you! ❤❤❤

[@RorysStrat]

This has to be one of the top five videos to a song that I have ever seen. A real homerun! America at it's best in my opinion! I know JM would not agree but I think I would rather be in this time than the one we are living in now. John is a genius songwriter and singer and I love his music. We can disagree politically and I can still love him and his music. Keep rockin' JCM. I met him as John Cougar and he will always be that to me and I mean no disrespect by that at all. He has his principles and so do I. I love his music. God Bless JCM and the USA!

[@2war2bray]

I totally agree about the video. I never tire looking at it.

[@colesellars5640]

Can’t believe this song was on The Bear Hulu so freaking cool..but really any of JCM makes me so freaking sad/ angry.. lost my dad on May 10th 21 to suicide he loved John cougar. I was raised and brought up in Bloomington IN born in Indianapolis. This song hits right at home for real

[@BurningCityStudios]

I'm voting for this to be the official video for this song. Hey! John Mellencamp! Use this video!

[@chrisgoffe5048]

..great song great video ..life looks peaceful back then !! ..r.i.p to those in the video !!

[@TheJohnny928]

MUCH LOVE to my neighbors everywhere ❤🇺🇸 2022😷

[@MrKeithwelsh]

I was 28 when I heard this song and I thought I had listen to enough music that had touched me, I was wrong, check it outis a song I cant get enough of, thanks john and your small town attitude,

[@excarman]

I love this video it reminds people of how life was in small towns across the U.S during the 30's and 40's

[@lifeisgood6074]

This is an amazing video to an amazing song. So bittersweet. Brought tears to my eyes. “Where does our time go?...”. I’ve been thinking that so much lately. 2 sons and the first is moved out last week, second is soon to follow. I think back to all the years caring for them and raising them, diapers to toddler to school-age and homework. Then they’re teenagers and want to be with their friends, then suddenly they’re moving out. Best years of my life raising them, but it just goes by so fast. Then they leave and you’re stuck thinking, now what??? I lived with this person I created every day of my life for the past 18+ years, and now they leave, and you miss seeing them every day, asking what’s for supper, doing their laundry, talking to them about girls or concerns they have. Then they’re just... gone. You still see them of course, but it’s not the same. Leaves such a huge hole in your heart. The glory days of life, raising your children. Young and happy. The years, they just fly by. Where does the time go?.....

[@michaelmastapeter6982]

I was 17 went this song came out. Bought cassette immediately, new it was a instant classic Thought life was so far ahead of me. Now mid 50s,lost friends and family along the way. Emotional song,glad mr.mellancamp gave it to us👌

[@stephenpalermo8681]

This song is great & the video gives me chills when I think that everyone in it is gone now...

[@Cincinnatus1869]

I liked this song as a 25 yr old but hearing it now a couple decades later it is a very meaningful song. John really is one of the best songwriters America ever produced. And his bands are always outstanding.

[@MrsMellyB]

This choked me up big time. Well done indeed. Dog squabble during the guitar solo---brilliant.

[@SuperGaleford]

MrsMellyB the part that gets me is “...you can’t tell your best buddy that you love him.”

[@TheKrazykraker14]

small town living is alive an well here in Indiana! God Bless America! Remember our men an women fighting over seas for our freedoms!

[@despiteallmyrage6813]

Angela USA It's always good to see someone who respects what we did and the sacrifices that we made. Thanks!

[@cassconner6023]

Grew up in a small Kentucky town. Rural Kentucky and Indiana pretty much the same!

[@americanoutdoorsman_1133]

Remember listening to this song on the radio growing up always thought it was an awesome song. When I joined the local VFW after serving my country and on Veterans Day every year this song is played by the Dee Jay and it brings tears to my eyes as I stand with fellow veterans . This song gives a sense of pride

[@raymondmalcuit8361]

This Song Went To Number 14 On The Billboard Hot-100 Chart In 1988.

[@apachie3895]

LOVE THIS SONG, Life back then was so simple. I'm 65 and i thought back in my life was simple. John and his music make you think of your life and think of the pass. Well ! you are checking it, and wonder where have the time gone and what the hell this world is becoming

[@madmanmechanic8847]

I am 65 too and you are right about the time it is flying by way too fast I gotta do something with my life

[@normcooprjr]

For me John is a bridge linking 60s folk music to the 80s. Love both those periods of music.

[@shiftyshellshock4532]

This song is so humbling, I'm not from america but I fully would rather have lived in this era, as everybody knows the society we currently live in is borderline deficient. Back in this era we should have all been so fortunate

[@markterry1855]

i remember when i used to work in trailer factories in indiana and this song came on the radio, i wanted to just drop my tools and stand there until everyone was looking at me and ask that question, this is all that we`ve learned about living ? but i think i was the only one who really even heard the song

[@mikefox3939]

You might be suprised...

[@americanmanhood]

@@petersonlafollette3521 The world was only just beginning to recover from the Great Depression. The Nazis had just come to power in Germany. The world was on the brink of World War II. It was a terrible time for women and minorities. It was neither a prosperous time nor optimistic.

[@petersonlafollette3521]

americanmanhood...was commenting on hope of prosperity,promise,freedom captured here- nowadays with lingering problems of race relations, low minimum wage- the more things change the more they stay the same "is all that we've learned about living."

[@garysavage9065]

I watch this at least once a week. We all have our vision of America, and each is based on the individual and their own beliefs. But for me, this makes think of a time long gone.

[@chronicstitcher7933]

THIS was when America was great.

[@Extemporaneous9]

Best video ever. The young man limping makes me tear up. This encapsulates my love for our good ol’ USA.

[@jeffcook1626]

Fantastic video. I had completely forgotten this song until it was played on this little obscure radio station in town.

[@flintironstag2381]

I was never a huge John cougar mellencamp fan but I always loved this one and paper and fire. God, they take me back over 20 years...

[@ugafangpulliam]

I want to live in this town ... in this era .... with these people ... with this song playing on the local radio every hour of every day.

[@mgildersleeve]

I don’t know a better video. Perfection.

[@GoldenLadle]

This should be the only video for this song. What a beautiful video for a beautiful song. Great job!

[@Brandon-rq3ys]

It comforts me to listen to this video. Back when America was, well America. Unfortunately, now this country is so divided that we are on the brink of another civil war.

[@fstchevy454260]

This will forever remind me of when I used to put on music on Saturday mornings and my kids and I would listen to music while relaxing and cleaning. I hope they think of me when they hear this song after I'm gone. Maybe they'll have a better understanding.

[@paulbuchanan4770]

Springsteen and Mellencamp. National treasures for sure.

[@dennisokrey7248]

This song makes me tear up

[@Joe_P726]

This song reminds me of growing up with my three older siblings making noise, fighting, arguing, and making commotion while Mom got upset cause and Dad scared the shit out of us just by pulling out the belt and cracking it real loud. Miss those days!!!

[@Boyd2Six]

The political undertones is America is the best country in the world and John Mellencamp supports that and is proud of where he is from. Anyone who lives in the US should be proud

[@brazilianplains]

2020 and this is such a great song. The lyrics and the music, i can't turn it up loud enough.

[@cmac9able]

What a beautiful video of my favorite Mellancamp song. Thank you.

[@shanesantana54]

I heard this song today and it hit me like a ton of bricks. WOW did he nail it. It was on the loudspeaker walking out of Walmart of all places. This is America.

[@damodakota]

Oh man, Such a brilliant tune. Loved it when first released, but, it really it's a nerve now, more then ever! Just an incredibly soothing & Humble Song.

[@Wisdomdesign]

great song, wonderful working years back then.

[@jacktriolo5419]

Today I was in the gym and the song hit my like I almost started crying.

[@TheTinyAutistsGuideToTheGalaxy]

I was playing with my son this morning and it hit me like a brick. Had not heard it in 20 years.

[@40ounce58]

Great video for this song. I love it! Reminds me of my days from long ago.

[@captainal59]

What a beautiful song.

[@JoeFLash41]

The Violin really brings out the sound in this wonderful classic

[@hoopssvengali]

Great video. Back when America was a wonderful place and the envy of the world.

[@miserj1]

i have always like this song since the 80s. this song in my opinion is about future generations learning to break traditional molds of happiness and find their own true happiness. i don't believe the song is about going back to more innocent times for certain parts of america, but rather individuals finding their own ways to happiness and meaning of living.

[@GaryCorriston]

You couldn't have given this song anymore justice. Well done!

[@carriagecrestkid5626]

Hands down the best Cougar song, seen him in concert Staples center in 2002 , saved this for his last song, it’s like he knew I was waiting for it, and was not going to disappoint!!

[@dominicvolkert543]

I never would have believed that this incredible song could be improved upon, but this video definitely did so. It feels like watching home movies of my Dad's (bless his soul, HS Class of '47) tiny home town, had anyone in town been able to afford anything as "extravagant" as a movie camera. Priceless! Thank you for the outstanding work!

[@americanmanhood]

Thank you very much, and to everyone who has commented recently. I can't respond to every single one but they all mean a lot to me. :)

[@Dominic-qz5uh]

Great song even greater video in some of the greatest times. 60s 70s and the best 80s! 90s the last great decade.

[@OPHIOHANNAH]

That was interesting to see all those motion picture images from back in the 1930's and 40's of all those people leading vibrant active lives. We tend to think of times past as being static and lifeless but they lived like we do and wanted the same things out of life that we do in our modern age.

[@davidsimon3782]

Like all John's songs great hope and yes, this is one of my favorites. Listened to this to death in the 80's and still do. Alot of patriotic and positive vibes and messages many people today should live by to honor those who lived by those values like many of us fortunate to have parents who were moral and patriotic and then some. It's for us and future generations not to let these morals and goals of our free society we can never forget and be willing to die for if necessary-not sentimental-just the truth-Keep on lifting us up John!!

[@blainesamuelson450]

A beautiful video to go with a great song..

[@slickwil]

Sad to see this gone, it was a touching and memorable video.

[@douglasstreet7304]

Never been a fan BUT this song is OUTSTANDING ! SO AMERICAN !

[@cookies2304]

This song has more relevance in 2022 then when he wrote it! One of my all time fave tunes

[@wbw1399]

Beautiful words, a reflection of life.

[@jawharahmcclintonstevenson6216]

I certainly hope Mellencamp got a Grammy for this song is simply outstanding tell us the whole story I dedicated it to the children with special needs and the disabled students and young adults

[@mftepera]

I can't stop watching this video. Mesmerizing.

[@muppetrowlf1473]

Great to here these tracks again. Bought The Lonesome Jubilee to get me to College every day in my bright Orange Ford Fiesta. What a brilliant, complete work this is. I just hope the younger types around the globe get to listen in. Some of it resonates with industrial British towns better than you may think.

[@haralda.1112]

Great song and great pictures 💪 Greetings from Germany and peace on earth ❤

[@AngelaHackettSpooky]

one of the best live shows I ever saw....and I have attended many many concerts...thx mom and dad

[@IlliniJake]

This song is a national treasure.

[@ruthbellino7330]

Amazing Video! Amazing Tune! Amazing JM!!!

[@mikeshirley2828]

Ruth Bellino love this song

[@tmc8852]

Just brings back incredible memories of the 80's. JCM was a masterful thoughtful songwriter. This song gets you right in the heart. Such a different world we live in now.

[@neildude58]

WOW! Truly amazing footage. Life seemed so much simpler then. People really enjoying the simple things in life. Thank you for posting this.

[@DavidSmith-uo9je]

John does songs and videos that show how far we have come away from where we have been, and we are not better off

[@DCRUZ547]

The song and video go really well together

[@65ronin-n4y]

Always been one of my favorite tunes!!! Thanks Braddah!!

[@josephkane8176]

Great video. Makes you appreciate life especially accompanied by such a wonderful song.

[@HollyTexasProud]

That was a better video than most of the regular music videos on you tube. I have to say, whoever posted it, you did an outstanding job making this video!!!! Way to go!!! I love it!!!!

[@americanmanhood]

Thank you.

[@SuperGaleford]

mshj74 I was born too late

[@logi7197]

I now have this in my Top100 music videos of all-time. Great music & video seemlessly pair up.

[@lisaengelhart3449]

mshj74 John mellencamp did this video. His father is in this video

[@americanmanhood]

@@lisaengelhart3449 I'm sorry, but you are mistaken. I made this video, and I am not John Mellencamp. If his father were in this video it would be a remarkable case of coincidental occurrence. Best regards.

[@samlbear]

I really liked this.Also this song is hitting home at age 40.

[@nazaholicable]

This music is gorgeous, joyous even, and I only heard it for the first time, a little while ago. It's all good, but special mention to that blistering guitar solo. Wow!

[@arcpuffin]

Very nice! Inspiring song, inspiring footage!

[@kmars21]

great song...that drummer is solid

[@dondrury9957]

I love this song,,,,and the video is perfect! Awesome!!!

[@charles6705]

It takes life experience to understand these lyrics. A beautiful explanation of youth, of middle age and finally passing the torch. We that understand, pass the torch on to those that don't understand. Strange how life works.