LOVED IT!| FIRST TIME HEARING John Cougar Mellencamp - Small Town REACTION

LOVED IT!| FIRST TIME HEARING John Cougar Mellencamp - Small Town REACTION
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Welcome to Rob Squad Reactions This is a music reaction channel. My passion is being a content creator, and providing my audience with unique, funny, and never before seen reaction videos. I have come to grow a love for all types of music from my beloved rap to heavy metal and I want to share that love with all of you. Being a content creator is my passion and it brings me so much joy and being able to share my passion and joy with all of you and grow as a community is an amazing feeling. In addition to reacting to all different types of music, I am also a a husband to my amazing wife Amber and a dad to 3 amazing kids Bria, Kiya and Luca.We here to try and make a change in this world starting with something that brings us all together MUSIC!!
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[@theresatrapp4532]

This album , "Scarecrow" is a masterpiece. A story telling masterpiece that I still listen to this day, almost 40 years later. I swear I still cry at almost every song. And think!!! Start with "Rain on the Scarecrow"....you will cry.

[@davidabbett7011]

Indeed, a true masterpiece

[@TheirFinestHour]

It’s an absolute classic. No bad songs

[@MrBarberGuy]

100% agree.

[@athos1974]

@Wilt Chamberlain is the GOAT 💯 👍

[@alexandervasel6845]

They will love Rain on the scarecrow!!!!

[@randytorres8211]

Per Songfacts Mellencamp wrote this song about his experiences growing up in the small town of Seymour, Indiana. Many entertainers from rural America settle in big cities where the action is. Mellencamp tried that, moving to New York City after he got a record deal, but it didn't take: he felt overwhelmed and creatively bereft. He moved back to Indiana and stayed there the rest of his life, setting up his own recording studio, Belmont Mall, near the tiny town of Nashville, Indiana, so he wouldn't have to go into a city to work.

[@darrinlindsey]

He didn't "stay there for the rest of his life". He still has life left to live! He's not dead.

[@mikepaulus4766]

He also fills out his band from local musicians.

[@reneegrenier]

Welland ontario

[@governmentdivides7063]

I’ll be in Seymour next week 😁

[@2AOnlyWay]

About 30 miles from me.. he played in local bars around here

[@bigbluelou1562]

Lived in Seymour, IN for 8 years. Raised two small children there during that time. Worked with John's second cousin (won't say his first name but began with an M. and had the same last name). John's sister worked for the post office and was my letter carrier, and Diane (from Jack & Diane) was our Jr High School girl's PE teacher (late 70's at the time). Yes, her name was Diane (won't give her last name for privacy reasons) and they dated for a long time. She used to tell stories about her and "Johnnie".

[@john81473]

I am from a small town and I can tell you there is love in small towns. I was hit by a car in my neighborhood and helicoptered to the hospital. I was in a coma for a month. Everyone in our town sent condolences to my parents. My class in school made a tape for me. All my friends wished me the best and sang songs that I use to sing . It was very heartwarming to hear all of them. #LoveSmallTowns

[@micaharlon9998]

LYRICS of "RICH MEN NORTH OF RICHMOND" by Oliver Anthony [Verse 1] I've been sellin' my soul, workin' all day Overtime hours for bullshit pay So I can sit out here and waste my life away Drag back home and drown my troubles away [Pre-Chorus] It's a damn shame what the world's gotten to For people like me and people like you Wish I could just wake up and it not be true But it is, oh, it is [Chorus] Livin' in the new world With an old soul These rich men north of Richmond Lord knows they all just wanna have total control Wanna know what you think, wanna know what you do And they don't think you know, but I know that you do 'Cause your dollar ain't shit and it's taxed to no end 'Cause of rich men north of Richmond [Verse 2] I wish politicians would look out for miners And not just minors on an island somewhere Lord, we got folks in the street, ain't got nothin' to eat And the obese milkin' welfare Well, God, if you're five-foot-three and you're three-hundred pounds Taxes ought not to pay for your bags of Fudge Rounds Young men are puttin' themselves six feet in the ground 'Cause all this damn country does is keep on kickin' them down [Pre-Chorus] Lord, it's a damn shame what the world's gotten to For people like me and people like you Wish I could just wake up and it not be true But it is, oh, it is [Chorus] Livin' in the new world With an old soul These rich men north of Richmond Lord knows they all just wanna have total control Wanna know what you think, wanna know what you do And they don't think you know, but I know that you do 'Cause your dollar ain't shit and it's taxed to no end 'Cause of rich men north of Richmond [Outro] I've been sellin' my soul, workin' all day Overtime hours for bullshit pay

[@michaelopm1]

​@@micaharlon9998 I speak for many no doubt. We are sorry for the state of things today for all young people struggling in today's world. I am 74, from the class 1968. Many of us fought the changes to come. I myself dropped out of the rat race..I learned trade skills by working for friends, customers of friends & so on. you get the idea..Good luck son!

[@MrScottsearles]

I was hit by a bread truck when I was 11 or 12. I have traumatic brain injury and not many people gave a flying fiddlers f#ck about me! What didn't kill me made me stronger and I have been through some bad $hit in my life.

[@theresamariegoesplaces9688]

My daddy was raised in the city, but when he met my mom and visited her small town for the first time, he vowed that he would live, and raise his kids there some day. Three years later, he did. and he loved every minute that he lived there :) He's buried there in his beloved adopted small town ♥

[@alanonder2955]

John Mellencamp was born and raised in Seymour Indiana. Although he now lives just south of Indianapolis, he still spends a lot of time in Seymour. He is a advocate for the farmers, starting up Farm Aid back in 1985 with Willie Nelson and Neil Young. Other great songs you may enjoy are "Rain on the Scarecrow" ( About the loss of family farms), "Minutes to Memories" ( My personal favorite,) "Check it out", and many more. There is always a great story behind each of his songs.

[@NmDPlm31]

I 100% agree with Rain On The Scarecrow. That song has some power in it.

[@MeIn321]

Been to Seymour many times! It's the only stop between Indy and Clarksville haha

[@ashleydixon4613]

“ Rain on the scarecrow, blood on the plow...”

[@professionaljackass]

@@MeIn321 I've probably passed you on the street and didn't know it. New Albany boy here.

[@yaimavol]

We need a Farm Aid this year bad. Farmers on the ropes

[@rasalghul9331]

I LOVE seeing how Amber got choked up throughout this video. There is something so powerful about childhood memories that just hits the heart as no other memories can. I suppose that is because we are so vulnerable as children yet when you are a child, you probably feel invincible and lack the sense of inhibitions because you do not even fully understand all the heaviness of realities. I loved watching her tear up throughout the video - especially the part when the song says, "...gonna die in a small town, yeah that's probably where they'll bury me..."

[@kennwashi4093]

Seymour, IN, is about 20 minutes from where I live. John is a great person and has dedicated his life to helping the little person and the farming communities. He is very well-grounded and never let his fame go to his head. With the help of Bruce Springsteen, Bob Seger, and Tom Petty (RIP) they collaborated to create "Farm Aid" to help farmers fight money-hungry politicians and overcome the struggles to survive and keep their farms. John Mellencamp is anti-establishment and all about the small town. Love ya, John, keep Rockin'.

[@davidmecusker8050]

Rain on the Scarecrow is such a good song and so relatable to all from the mid-west. He sang this as sort of an anthem to the family Farmers who were losing their land and lives to big corporations, who had all the money. Really good song and SO meaningful.

[@btgiv6009]

"Minutes to Memories" is one of my favorites. Great story, great music.

[@alanfriesen9837]

Love Mellencamp, and I love the Scarecrow album, and I hate when I see people do what I'm about to do here because I don't want to take anything away from John. But if you want another great song about the life and tribulation of small town existence then along with this album you should also listen to Don Henley's "A Month of Sundays" off of his Building the Better Beast album. It's the same album with "Boys of Summer", "Sunset Grill", and "All She Wants to Do Is Dance".

[@martinmosteller5813]

You’re right David. And not just the Midwest-here in the Deep South, the memory of the “sharecroppers” hard life fits in with the song.

[@MayfaireOquinn1210]

Amber, I love how emotionally available you are when listening to all of these songs that I love, and that you aren't afraid to share it with us. I am a softy too, and often tearing up with you. Never change, you're a gem and a sweetheart! 😁

[@andyrunton]

Seconded! Love to see those real emotions! Go Amber! ❤️

[@ocogorecki]

100% agree; it's one of things that keep me watching.

[@jamesplouffe9183]

You summed Amber up so well. Love you both 😍

[@ryan23791]

And Jay pauses the song right as Amber is either getting into the song or getting emotional..lol

[@Guiltless765]

John Cougar Mellencamp has SO many great songs.. He's our local boy and us Hoosiers love him.

[@ryanfeit1420]

Two of my favorite songs from him are "Little Pink Houses" and "Rock In The USA" which is a shout out and loving tribute to the songs from the 50's and 60's and simpler times. I think they would especially enjoy Rock in the USA. It's just such a fun and danceable song with a great video. Another great artist like Mellencamp is the great Bruce Springsteen. I don't know if they reacted to any of his song's yet but he always sings about the common man. Bruce sang a song called "My Hometown" which is a loving tribute to where he grew up (sort of the same vibe as "Small Town"). Another great one of Bruce's which is really fun and catchy is "Glory Days". That one would be a great one for them to react to and I think they would like it.

[@kittyclubhouse]

"Cherry Bomb" is my all-time favorite Mellencamp song. Love you guys!

[@Alan-lv9rw]

This song was huge in 1985. It still gets a lot of air play on radio today.

[@todd8414]

The year I graduated High School! Great memories!

[@suzanneprock7286]

Another great voice from Indiana! He has alot of great songs, "Wild Nights" "Pink Houses" "Aint Even Done With The Night" Authority Song, etc...

[@brianfauquher]

just discovered you guys and love it. Grew up in Newburgh Indiana until I was 17yrs old. The best times of my life. 53yrs old now and dream about retiring back home in Newburgh. Hope someday it happends.

[@ItsHammer]

As others have said, John grew up in Seymour, IN. Since he started his career in music, he has made his home in my hometown of Bloomington, IN. Many people in town around his age including my aunts & uncles tell stories of how down to earth he was and is and drinking at the local bars with him in the 70’s & 80’s. They say he never came across as too good or big time, just a good guy who made it big. Fun fact, his longtime guitarist Mike Wanchic has been my neighbor for 20+ years. Another guy who is down to earth and easy going.

[@dathorndike4908]

Cool! Loved Mike's work with John. He had an amazing band back in the 80's and early 90's

[@caseymoe816]

Being from the “small town” of Los Angeles, California, you would think this song wouldn’t resonate with suburban kids, but you’d be wrong. We had our neighborhood. We had friends and families that grew up together, laughed, partied, played, went through school together. We built friendships that have lasted decades. This song brings back those memories and John Mellencamp brought it with genuine love of community in this song. Simple times. Simple song. Absolutely brilliant all around.

[@marygoodson4920]

Same here! Grew up in L.A., Hancock Park. Rode our bikes around the neighborhood, walked to Carnation on Wilshire for ice cream sundaes, played handball behind our house on the back wall of the house behind us, played ping pong with my dad after dinner on the table in the garage, would bike over to my grandmother's house to visit her, went to the movies and had slumber parties with my friends. We didn't have to lock our front door. Lovely memories.

[@caraann1969]

This song did resonates with kids who actually lived in small towns. Not sure how this song would resonate with kids from the city of Los Angeles. He's singing about towns with a Dairy Queen and McDonalds that's it.

[@CrayzMark]

@@caraann1969 believe he's referring to his neighborhood being like a "small town"

[@timothygarrett2785]

John’s songs tend to touch something in your soul, and make you long for something nostalgic

[@micaharlon9998]

LYRICS of "RICH MEN NORTH OF RICHMOND" by Oliver Anthony [Verse 1] I've been sellin' my soul, workin' all day Overtime hours for bullshit pay So I can sit out here and waste my life away Drag back home and drown my troubles away [Pre-Chorus] It's a damn shame what the world's gotten to For people like me and people like you Wish I could just wake up and it not be true But it is, oh, it is [Chorus] Livin' in the new world With an old soul These rich men north of Richmond Lord knows they all just wanna have total control Wanna know what you think, wanna know what you do And they don't think you know, but I know that you do 'Cause your dollar ain't shit and it's taxed to no end 'Cause of rich men north of Richmond [Verse 2] I wish politicians would look out for miners And not just minors on an island somewhere Lord, we got folks in the street, ain't got nothin' to eat And the obese milkin' welfare Well, God, if you're five-foot-three and you're three-hundred pounds Taxes ought not to pay for your bags of Fudge Rounds Young men are puttin' themselves six feet in the ground 'Cause all this damn country does is keep on kickin' them down [Pre-Chorus] Lord, it's a damn shame what the world's gotten to For people like me and people like you Wish I could just wake up and it not be true But it is, oh, it is [Chorus] Livin' in the new world With an old soul These rich men north of Richmond Lord knows they all just wanna have total control Wanna know what you think, wanna know what you do And they don't think you know, but I know that you do 'Cause your dollar ain't shit and it's taxed to no end 'Cause of rich men north of Richmond [Outro] I've been sellin' my soul, workin' all day Overtime hours for bullshit pay

[@rbb9753]

I was brought up in his home town, Seymour Indiana. I used to joke that I came from a one horse town and there were two butchers fighting over him.

[@mikekling]

Love this song, takes me back to simpler days. Please check out his songs Ain't Even Done with the Night, R.O.C.K. in the U.S.A., Paper in Fire, Crumblin' Down, Hurts so Good, and his duet with Me'Shell Ndegeocello "Wild Night" which is a Van Morrison song. Keep smiling!! 🎶😁🎶

[@denroy3]

'Paper and Fire' has a very entertaining video...good song.

[@blkrhino7961]

Oh, man. Now I gotta listen to Wild Night again.

[@scottNNJ]

I love their version of Wild Night. It's one of those songs that you wish didn't end so soon...

[@beckybexx01977]

Love this song too! It played at my graduation as we walked out with a slide show going on. I also can relate to it taking me back to simpler days. Miss those days sometimes. Still live in my small town of Ephrata in Washington State. 👋🏼👍🏼😉😊

[@mikekling]

@@beckybexx01977 I'm in WA as well!! It's so awesome being able to connect with others in this amazing RSR Family!! 🎶💜🎶💜🎶

[@CPny65]

John Mellencamp is true to his word. He is small town. Check out Rain on the Scarecrow, it's a very powerful song about small farmers being foreclosed on, and how the banks would auction off all they owned and the property. Something that was very prominent in the news at the time. Great Choice. Thanks for the Smile.

[@LiberalsArePoop]

Scarecrow is an amazing album from start to finish. I saw John on that tour and it was a great show!

[@JAMESMOORE-gq4vv]

BETWEEN A LAUGH AND A TEAR.

[@Darrellv99]

Hey Rob Squad, I am from that small town. The one John Mellencamp is from. I grew up there and at the age of 25 I moved to Phoenix AZ. I had been in Phoenix a few years when this song came out and when I saw the video, it made me SSSSSSOOOOO home sick. The first time I watched it, I cried. John really pulls emotions out in me, I guess because of the roots. The video is of Seymour Indiana and even now I have moved back home to the Seymour area, I still love it just as much as the first time it pulled me back to good ole Seymour. Thanks for your reaction to MY small town. Darrell

[@jenniferrafferty5905]

Rain on the scarecrow is a must from him.

[@MacSvensson]

Oh my! That's such a good suggestion! Been ages since I listened to that one.

[@TheStrangetoons]

John Cougar!! I also like "Rain on the Scarecrow" among the songs on the album that includes "Small town".

[@johnseverance1947]

John Mellencamp is one of the great American songwriters. Honest and unapologetic. If you ever get the chance see him live. Worth every penny. I've never seen him play less than 3+ hours. Great reaction again. You guys are so consistent and entertaining. Love ya from KC.

[@johnw8578]

A great song by John is THE AUTHORITY SONG -- I highly recommend it AND the video.

[@susankeeton4056]

I'm from a very small town in West plains Missouri! It was the best place in the world in the 70's. 🤟🎸 love John Mellencamps. Music. Keep doing what you guys are doing. It does bring a smile to my face everytime

[@surlechapeau]

Jay & Amber, you'll love his "I Need A Lover" and "Authority Song"!!!

[@TeflonBilly73]

"Authority Song" might be my favorite song of his, and there are so many to choose from.

[@davidogg5269]

"I Need a Lover" with the extended intro, and also "Pink Houses"

[@surlechapeau]

@@davidogg5269 I agree on extended intro. they reacted to Pink Houses May 18, 2022

[@alexandervasel6845]

Rain on the scarecrow is such a meaningful song. It will choke you up for sure!

[@timhood1229]

INDIANA, John Mellencamp is a great singer and give one of the best concerts I've been tooin Nashville, Tenn. In 1993

[@itsmedino]

"Who tell on you, BUT they love you" I can relate so much

[@istari0]

Some other great Mellencamp songs include "Rain on the Scarecrow," "Human Wheels," "Jackie Brown," "I Need a Lover," "Paper and Fire." "Check It Out," "Rumble Seat," and "Your Life Is Now."

[@yelnek4548]

Love the intro to 'I Need A Lover'.

[@wadsworthaaron]

"Authority Song" also rocks, from the album before "Scarecrow" (called "Uh-Huh")

[@shadsullivan7817]

I am from a small town in south western Michigan, now my family and I live in a tiny town in south eastern Wisconsin. We raised our girls here, and we have a couple of gas stations, a grocery store, a school, a few restaurants, a couple of bars, and like five churches. I love it here!!! God's country, mostly farm land. We still have folks who put produce out in crates so you can take, and pay based on the honor system, now that is how we shop for produce and Halloween pumpkins! I will die here my friends! Thanks!

[@cherry363]

Wells, Minnesota….. I grew up in this lovely small town of 2,777 people. My graduating class, the class of 1990 from Wells-Easton HS had 44 graduates, and I wouldn’t have had it any other way❤️

[@dudeusmaximus6793]

Mellencamp and REO Speedwagon in particular, are one of the few groups that have a true Midwestern sound to their music. Respect for that.

[@1621billw]

If you like the midwest sound give a listen to The Michael Stanley Band

[@bettypogue7021]

I live on Flintville Rd in Flintville Tn. There is one school and one store and one little restaurant. No street lights and about has many churches as people. We lost our Daughter at 29 and this little county showed us so much love and support. I love our little country county. The people here pull together and are strong whenever they need to be. I will always live here

[@kathybwell]

Nothing like the support you get when living in a small town. Much sympathy to you and your family for the tragic loss of your daughter 💝

[@bettypogue7021]

@@kathybwell thank you so much. She was the sweetest little nurse. These little small get some bad rep but you know what I live in one and love it so

[@bolo5584]

I saw John Mellencamp in Vancouver 30 years ago and was the best concert I ever went to.

[@laurabrevitz3944]

Y'all achieved your goal. You made me smile. 🙂 Love Mellencamp, a genuine person through and through. Thanks for the reaction, and shoutout to all the many folks from small towns.

[@karendavis2668]

My small town is Myrtle, Missouri! No stoplights, and no actual population 🤣 My father was a pastor, volunteer firefighter, and educator. When we lost him to a car accident in 1992, the community really supported our family. I was 11 and my sister was 6. It really helped. It was a great place to grow up, but I've come to love the city life.

[@dagmar.6954]

John's style of singing or genre is called heartland rock as he sang a lot about blue-collar, farmers & truckers themes. He has had so many hits especially in the 80's such as "Hurts So Good", "Jack & Diane", "Crumblin' Down", "Pink Houses", "Lonely Ol' Night", "R.O.C.K. In The U.S.A.", "Paper In Fire", "Cherry Bomb" etc.

[@danieltrickey9285]

On the air it's also called "Americana".

[@robinmcpherson7981]

He puts on the best concerts. All of his songs are great. You can't sit still entire time.

[@gregleighton6172]

Love Mellencamp. Seen him in concert 1 time. It was a great show. Did every hit except Cherry Bomb. I'm from the small town of Kearney, MO. Our claim to fame is we are the home of the infamous outlaw Jesse James. Had a population of between 1,600 and 1,700 people when I was a kid. Population is around 10,000 now. I do miss the small town feel we had. Everyone knew each other. The parades, the fireworks shows, the Jesse James festival every year, little league games where you played against all your friends. Fireflies and cicadas everywhere. At dusk when when they came out and you could run around everywhere and feel safe. I take it for granted now but really was a great way to grow up.

[@violettompkins206]

Oh yeah! He will always be John Cougar to me.. love his music.. ✌❤🎶 Do his (Ain't even done with the night) I'm from a Small Town too Amber. Arab Alabama.. Roll Tide!! 🐘 🏈

[@andreasoice5905]

Next check out his deep songs like Blood on the Scarecrow. He carries small town appreciation in his heart and was truly moved by the plight is small town farmers in the 80s losing their farms. He became a voice for the people. He doesn't just put out good music. It is meaningful and moving.

[@corinalopez9314]

I'm from a small town called Bernalillo 15min north of Albuquerque, New Mexico. I've lived here for 57years and wouldn't change it for the world . Love your channel keep the good music coming God bless you and your family 💕💕🥰🎶🎶🎶🎶🎶

[@janhofschulte6229]

I’m from a small town of less than 200 people in Minnesota called Hammond. I loved growing up in a small town- no stop lights, one bank, 2 bars and 3 churches! I was a paper girl so I knew everyone and they all knew me! ❤️ I now live in a town of 3500 people and it seems big! I love both all the small town people!!

[@Cindrbell]

No one can ever go wrong with John... Ever!!! Any song, any hit, any performance.... Master.

[@trjbrew]

James McMurtry's "Talking at the Texaco" is a really cool song about a small southern town.

[@MrsSoto-yo5nd]

From Roby, TX. We don't even have a stop light. Just a 4-way stop. Shoutout to small towns.❤

[@lantose]

I’m from Tulsa and have been a landman in the oil & gas business since 1979 and have certainly been to Love County (Marietta), and almost every small town from there to southern and western Oklahoma. I’ve had so may wonderful experiences with hundreds, maybe a thousand, with rural farmers and small town folks acquiring oil and gas leases. No cell phones or computers, just a typewriter with carbon paper so they would get a copy of their lease. That always to a bit, but it was inevitable that I was offered coffee and pie, or cake. Such a wholesome experience of some of the finest people you will ever meet in Oklahoma! Wouldn’t have traded that job for anything and still doing it!

[@Boodieman72]

He came from Seymour, IN which is indeed a small town. This song seems to be about when he went to LA / Hollywood he was known as a big deal because of his music but when he went home he's just the same John that he was before fame. Now John Mellencamp opened his record studio in Seymour, IN.

[@edwardforster8905]

Great stuff ... and to me, almost nothing beats JCM songs around the 4th of July!! I always feel patriotic listening to his tunes!! 😀 @RobSquadReactions

[@brianmarshall894]

I grew up 1 hr from John's hometown of Seymour indiana and my town was even smaller 300 people tops in my home town john still lives in Seymour today and attends all indiana Hoosier basketball games.

[@rhondacooney2335]

Small town of a little over 100 people in Nebraska.....love it!!!

[@lynnhoffman247]

Love John Mellencamp! I live in a one red light town. Heard a song of his on a 4 hour drive today & now I can’t remember which one it was 🤣🤦🏼‍♀️ PS - It was “I Need a Lover” 👍🏼

[@robrobertson4619]

As mentioned below, “Check It Out”, a song you two could relate to. Also “Rain On The Scarecrow”, a song about the plight of the American Farmer. He has a lot of songs about social justice and specific society issues. “Jackie Brown” is one of his heartfelt songs I listen to over and over!

[@garysoutham8746]

I am from a small town up here in Ontario , Canada. Population 5,500. Small town by Melloncamp is a amazing song. Reminds me of my high school days. Great song.

[@barbaracollins385]

Small towns are absolutely the best places to live. I've been in the same small town my entire life. I'm now 67 and when you go up town now we are the people our parents used to be. Everybody knows each other black and white, rich and poor an in between. When a family needs help, everyone shows up. Sports were great, schools were great, and we made our own fun. I couldn't live anywhere else.

[@toddmichelfelder3417]

Met John a few times, seen him in concert numerous times, and live about 40 minutes from where he grew up… Love my “Small Town” Franklin, Indiana!! You guys need to react to “Check it Out” the live version. He recorded it in Indianapolis. I was there and like all of his shows the crowd was electric!! Keep the great reactions coming!!!👏👏

[@teensymom1420]

Seymour is a small town in southern Indiana. I am a proud Hoosier who has seen John many, many times. First time I saw him he was the opening act for Heart...long, long time ago. John is our native son and we are all proud of him. He has so many great songs. Minutes to Memories, Rain on the Scarecrow, R.O.C.K in the USA, Authority Song, Pop Singer, so, so many!

[@clintjo2377]

This song Is millions of us here In USA ! 😁 Me to !

[@lindawhite5006]

I'm from Des Arc, Arkansas. I loved growing up in a small town. All my family lived there, both sets of grandparents, aunts, uncles and cousins. Everything was there except jobs!!! My parents moved us to a much larger city and I hated every minute of it. I never moved back because of work, but I visited every chance I got. My 3 daughters loved to go and visit the family. Now, my family has all moved away or died. I no longer visit and I miss it.

[@rwfrench66GenX]

Great reaction! When he first started he was John Cougar, then he was John Cougar Mellencamp, then he dropped the Cougar and was just John Mellencamp which is his given last name. His catalog is a deep rabbit hole, especially when he started doing "Rain On The Scarecrow" that got him involved in doing Farm Aid concerts with other bands to help farmers. Bob Seger is another artist to explore. In the song "Fire Lake" by Bob he had most of The Eagles singing back up and it was recorded in the Muscles Shoals, Alabama recording studio where Lynyrd Skynyrd recorded most of their magic. Glenn Frey actually started singing back up for Bob back in Detroit before he joined The Eagles, but still, you have to do research on the bands because the trivia will blow you away! For example, Billy Joel was married to Christie Brinkley for a while and then they divorced and she started dating John Mellancamp so evidently she's into short musicians! I mean, she's tall so she doesn't have much choice on dating short people but man, you'd think she'd want a big guy!

[@vincentp149]

After graduation a buddy and I drove from CA to KY and back again. This tape was in the cassette player. It was 1985 and it was the soundtrack our drive (along with Rush's Signals). We went through a lot of small towns. Good memories. Strength and support to our Eastern Kentucky "family" in their time of need.

[@stevemadrid6522]

Moved from San Jose, CA. to Fabens, Texas. It was a shock, but I wouldn't trade the experience of growing up in a small town among family and friends for anything. My wife grew up in a small town about 9 miles away. We married young, moved to the West Coast, but moved back after many years to be closer to our aging parents. Eventually we had a daughter and while we're not in a small town anymore, per se, we still have our small town values. You can't go home again, but you will always have memories of home.

[@lindamosley922]

I love John Mellencamp, Saw him in 86, Scarecrow Tour. Amazing, I was born and still live in Elizabethton, TN.

[@BillGraper]

Another song for Amber along these lines: "My Hometown" by Bruce Springsteen. Talk about nostalgia! The feel to that song alone will have you longing for your home town!!!

[@athos1974]

"Rain on the Scarecrow" is my favorite Mellencamp song. The drums on that song are 🔥.

[@combatveteranusnavy2012]

Saw Mellencamp in 1986 at Madison Square Garden. FANTASIC!!!!

[@bakilacat1]

I can’t think of one bad John cougar Mellencamp song. “Authority song”is awesome as well as “paper and fire”, “rain on the scarecrow”… He is himself!

[@marybaillie8907]

Such a great song. John Cougar Mellencamp's songs are always 🔥. Good rockin time. Always a great story thats so relatable to all. I grew up in a small town in Northern Ontario. I could walk to my friend's dairy cow farm in ten minutes. Best of both worlds. Loved your reaction. Buckets of Maple Syrup love from Canada ❤️❤️ 🇨🇦 🇨🇦

[@josephscally6270]

Great song. I am from what is not technically a small town, but in the 1960's we all went to the same school, went to the same church and the town itself was just small buildings and stores. Sadly because of its proximity to NYC, the town has, over the subsequent decades become a town of high rises, glass and steel. So much of the unique architecture has been demolished to make room for businesses and over priced housing. It breaks my heart as despite living many places, I returned here some years ago to witness some of this transformation.

[@brandoneldridge7931]

A lot of us from small towns are proud to be from small towns. I grew up in a small town about 35 minutes north of John Mellencamp’s small town. He’s a big deal here in Indiana, and most of us are proud to be from small towns scattered throughout the Hoosier state!

[@daveballou90]

Iberia Ohio!! "City" limit sign was painted on both sides!! Lol Airline pilot for 40 years and been EVERYWHERE but what a great place to grow up!! Thank you mom n dad !!

[@paulcwalina7910]

YES! There it is. This has been my favorite song since I first heard it in 1985. His album 'Scarecrow' was released in 1985, the year I graduated college. Most of my friends were high-tailing out of our small towns for bigger cities but I couldn't leave. I loved, and still do, my hometown (Swoyersville, Pennsylvania) and stayed. This song hit me at the exact right time and said just about everything I wanted to say to my friends, myself, and everyone else. Absolutely loved your emotional reaction, Amber. I know how you're feeling. If you want some more 'deep' Mellencamp, his most recent three albums (Plain Spoken, Sad Clowns & Hillbillies, and One-Eyed Jack) have plenty for you. "Blue Charlotte " is about (loosely) his grandmother's death and her husband saying goodbye to her. "The Isolation of Mister" is an introspective examination of his life and social/interpersonal failures. "Grandview" is a good rockin tune about pursuing your dream no matter what. Anyway, there is a treasure trove waiting for you in the Mellencamp catalog. He is one of the greatest songwriters of our time.

[@brucefrancis6222]

Back in the old days the first cassette tape I ever bought was John's "Nothing Matters And What If It Did" I played that cassette all the time as a senior in high school. Went back a few weeks later and bought a 2nd cassette just in case that first tape got damaged. BTW it was the last cassette left on the shelf and when you had to go to a music store to buy music. Wouldn't trade growing up in the 70's-80's for nothing.

[@maureencollins5177]

Seymour, IN is about halfway between Indianapolis and Louisville. As others have said I would recommend "Rain on the Scarecrow", about how hard it's been for families to hold on to their farms the last 30-40 years. Mellencamp was a co-founder of Farm-Aid, an annual benefit concert for farming families, along with Willie Nelson and Neil Young. This year's concert is next month in Raleigh, NC.

[@markschroer5940]

While I didn't grow up in a small town. My dad did. I treasure the memories of my visits to Bowlengreen Indiana.

[@butterflymama0838]

Oh how I love this man's music! I've seen him in concert 4 times. Always entertaining! Great reaction guys!

[@in8hope617]

The sense of security that you get from a small town, the routines of everyone (everyone knows everyone else), make it great for kids. I cried tears too (happy tears) for Boulder City Nev, when I was a kid. I felt like I was 6 feet tall and invincible, when I was just 6 years old, living there. It was an adventure every day.

[@genamayhew1961]

I'm from a big military city near Fort Bragg in NC but my mom grew up around Concord, NC & my dad's family was from Mooresville, NC where my relatives built their town near the Big Lake there. Now they've taken the streets & roads that were named after family have been replaced with richer families that claimed history that isn't theirs to claim. God bless everyone & especially the ignorant, they need our pity & blessings to get better. My parents loved growing up in these small towns, they say it really did take a village to raise everyone's children back then. 😳😻😍🙏🚦🛻🚜💚

[@pegatheetoo1437]

Thank you for putting in the 'Cougar' in his name. He was John Cougar when he recorded that song so that name should be forever connected to it. He's a great singer from a great era.

[@chantellecline6945]

Being from Indiana, Mellencamp was who I listened to growing up. The album that this song came from is amazing, the whole album is nothing but great songs. I think my favorite is Scarecrow, but Minutes to Memories is amazing too. I highly recommend listening to this album and what he has to say. This video for me is bringing back so many memories, he shot it in Seymour Indiana but also Bloomington Indiana where I am from. To see some of the places brings a smile to my face.

[@micaharlon9998]

LYRICS of "RICH MEN NORTH OF RICHMOND" by Oliver Anthony [Verse 1] I've been sellin' my soul, workin' all day Overtime hours for bullshit pay So I can sit out here and waste my life away Drag back home and drown my troubles away [Pre-Chorus] It's a damn shame what the world's gotten to For people like me and people like you Wish I could just wake up and it not be true But it is, oh, it is [Chorus] Livin' in the new world With an old soul These rich men north of Richmond Lord knows they all just wanna have total control Wanna know what you think, wanna know what you do And they don't think you know, but I know that you do 'Cause your dollar ain't shit and it's taxed to no end 'Cause of rich men north of Richmond [Verse 2] I wish politicians would look out for miners And not just minors on an island somewhere Lord, we got folks in the street, ain't got nothin' to eat And the obese milkin' welfare Well, God, if you're five-foot-three and you're three-hundred pounds Taxes ought not to pay for your bags of Fudge Rounds Young men are puttin' themselves six feet in the ground 'Cause all this damn country does is keep on kickin' them down [Pre-Chorus] Lord, it's a damn shame what the world's gotten to For people like me and people like you Wish I could just wake up and it not be true But it is, oh, it is [Chorus] Livin' in the new world With an old soul These rich men north of Richmond Lord knows they all just wanna have total control Wanna know what you think, wanna know what you do And they don't think you know, but I know that you do 'Cause your dollar ain't shit and it's taxed to no end 'Cause of rich men north of Richmond [Outro] I've been sellin' my soul, workin' all day Overtime hours for bullshit pay

[@AB2B]

John Cougar Mellencamp is one of those artists who can cross genres without a hitch. Most everyone, regardless of music preferences, know a Mellencamp song, even if they don't know it's John Mellencamp song.

[@Connie_From_AZ]

🌵Buckeye Arizona 85326 kiddos🌵 This town has grown a bit and eventually made its way on the MAP guys and is considered a "city" now to some newbies 😊 The small town i grew up with in the 1970's and 1980's is now The Historic District of Buckeye Arizona ☀️ I love all types of music... From all over the world! So glad i found you youngers, you have me smiling at 3:54 AM these last few weeks when I can't sleep or nothing to do i listen to my favorite jams. Almost every song I want to hear y'all have reacted to it so instead of listening to the actual song I end up watching a few episodes of you kiddos. Con mucho amor from Phoenix AZ 🌵☀️🌵

[@robintackett7039]

Came from a 4 way stop sign town. I am 68 & still have those many friends from Sterling Ohio. Just the best childhood

[@musicloverchiefsfan5410]

Great reaction! I am from a small town in Iowa. They used to say, 'it takes a village to raise a child'. Personally, I wouldn't trade my youth and being raised by the villagers... for any other upbringing! The 'small town' feel of this song reminds me of Alabama's song '40 Hour Week'.

[@matthewcall3961]

I grew up in a number of small towns in southeast and southwest Missouri (and in Illinois til I was 3). This has always been one of my favorite songs since I was a kid (40 now) and nothing beats small town life.

[@yelnek4548]

My father's family lived down in the bootheel, Kennett, Hayti and Steele

[@carlsargent5500]

Being from and growing up in Indiana in the 80's you always has Mellencamp on the radio. My favorites are Authority Song and Man with No Expression.....

[@sandystoner3352]

White Cloud Michigan.. I have lived here 55 years out of my 59. So yeah..this girl is definitely SMALL TOWN!

[@ronstegall2312]

Back in the '80's John Cougar Mellencamp put on an excellent concert! He was such a showman, awesome in concert!!!

[@Dakotaman2003]

An American icon! I was lucky I saw him when he went by John Cougar! He was the opener for Heart in Portland Maine in the early 80's! Two great performing bands to see in the same night!

[@michaelparsons5299]

Seymour, Indiana. He is one of my most favourite singers, songwriters and poets. Wonderful!

[@tommack9395]

Truth of a small town, you learn to be dyi, knowledgeable, dependable, independent, yet sociable and kind hearted - loving, due you know everyone around you - Salt of the earth. I've often told my children I've never had so many friends or knew the names of so many people than when I was growing up...I've lived in the Tampa Bay area since 1985... but I was born and grew up in Shenandoah Pa. a small town of about 8,000 people at the time.

[@emmabauer1906]

Tumblin' Down & To The River are 2 of my faves from him, but he's done so much great music.

[@dougieyou]

Love both and also "When Jesus Left Birmingham".

[@CardiacCat]

I always thought this was one of his better songs. It hits you right in the feelz. Especially if you came from a small town area and then moved on to a bigger city like (me, and) Amber did. Funny thing is as I got older I moved back to the small town life, but just about 30 minutes away from the bigger city. It's a good blended place to be.

[@aaronjohnson3082]

Like John Mellencamp, I am from a small town in Indiana, he is from Seymour, IN, I grew up in Fountain City IN, it was the home of Levi and Catherine Coffin who helped over 2000 people escape slavery. John Mellencamp did a lot of stuff for farm aide he also said for someone who hated music videos he made a lot of them.

[@stormsbrewingnc5898]

I was born and raised in a small town. I’m 65 now and gave just moved to a very small town close to my hometown. I’ve never been much on city living. Reelfoot Lake In NW tenn was my small town. Btw. Reelfoot Lake was caused by an earthquake. A big huge one. Check the history of Reelfoot Lake - Tiptonville TN. Lots of info on The New Madrid fault line . Whole lot of shaking going on. Incidentally Memphis “ Graceland Elvis Presley” is about 90 miles south of extreme NW Tenn. Love your reactions. Come on Jay. Give a small town s chance. 🎤 😊 btw. Tiptonville Tenn is the birthplace of Carl Perkins. Great country singer from back in the day.