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John Mellencamp — Rain on the Scarecrow
Album: Scarecrow
Avg rating:
7

Your rating:
Total ratings: 1423









Released: 1985
Length: 3:36
Plays (last 30 days): 0
Scarecrow on a wooden cross Blackbird in the barn
Four hundred empty acres that used to be my farm
I grew up like my daddy did My grandpa cleared this land
When I was five I walked the fence while grandpa held my hand

Rain on the scarecrow Blood on the plow
This land fed a nation This land made me proud
And Son I'm just sorry there's no legacy for you now
Rain on the scarecrow Blood on the plow
Rain on the scarecrow Blood on the plow

The crops we grew last summer weren't enough to pay the loans
Couldn't buy the seed to plant this spring and the Farmers Bank foreclosed
Called my old friend Schepman up to auction off the land
He said John it's just my job and I hope you understand
Hey calling it your job ol' hoss sure don't make it right
But if you want me to I'll say a prayer for your soul tonight
And grandma's on the front porch swing with a Bible in her hand
Sometimes I hear her singing "Take me to the Promised Land"
When you take away a man's dignity he can't work his fields and cows

There'll be blood on the scarecrow Blood on the plow
Blood on the scarecrow Blood on the plow

Well there's ninety-seven crosses planted in the courthouse yard
Ninety-seven families who lost ninety-seven farms
I think about my grandpa and my neighbors and my name
And some nights I feel like dyin' Like that scarecrow in the rain

Rain on the scarecrow Blood on the plow
This land fed a nation This land made me proud
And Son I'm just sorry they're just memories for you now
Rain on the scarecrow Blood on the plow
Rain on the scarecrow Blood on the plow

Rain on the scarecrow Blood on the plow
This land fed a nation This land made me proud
And Son I'm just sorry they're just memories for you now
Rain on the scarecrow Blood on the plow
Rain on the scarecrow Blood on the plow
Comments (173)add comment
 Greyerwrit wrote:


So, what is "PSD"?


PSD was a 'Play Something Different' button RP used to have. Now obsoleted by the 'skip' button, but still used as a short way of saying "if you no likey, just click skip" HTH
(Hope That Helps )
More of John Mellencamp please!
 drpruett wrote:




Confused. 

Today, the very point of being liberal seems to be to destroy the values of someone you don't agree with. 

Pretty sure it's the conservatives who attempt to railroad their bigoted perspective if it varies even remotely from that of their own, even if it is sometimes (or usually) to the detriment of someone else. 
Liberals just stick up for their own and others' rights. 
 ace-marc wrote:

please Bill! - Radio Paradise is far too good for John Cougar ( and Counting Crows ).
replace all songs from these artists with anyting from the Clash - super easy.


Hmmm... I've never heard Anyting by the Clash.  How does it go?
 drpruett wrote:

Today, the very point of being liberal seems to be to destroy the values of someone you don't agree with.

This is about families and the changing face of America. I'm pretty
conservative, yet find this song to be intensely painful to listen to,
since this is exactly what happened to my grandparents and their
siblings in rural Arkansas. They were Democrats to a man, hated the Damn Yankees, but had no positive regard for liberalism as it is today.




They weren't really Democrats as we know them today.  That's because old-timey "democrats" in Arkansas are now, and have been for quite some time, Republicans following the sadly successful Southern Strategy to reverse Civil Rights, persist Jim Crow laws, and oppose equality under the law for all races. 

It would seem to me that hijacking an entire political party to reverse its values because you don't agree with them is pretty destructive after all.


 vandal wrote:

Maybe you need to experience it yourself:

Grow up, work hard, build a life, raise a family, and invest everything you have in the things that mean the most to you. Then hit a downturn and watch as real estate brokers, investment bankers, and big farma sweep through, buy everything up at fire sale prices, and then hire away your labor at a fraction of what they're worth but more than you can afford to pay. Watch as your life's savings, life's work, and every single dream you've ever had disappear into the rearview mirror as you drive away from the only home you've lived in for the last 25 years. No place to go, no savings left, no one to turn to, and no hope.

Then call me with your whiny complaints about this song and tell me you still can't feel it.



They don't feel it. The banksters don't feel it. It's all about making money until it's their turn and then they will be too big to fail. And our bought and paid for politicians will go along for the ride.
All praise the banksters who have brought this nation to its knees.
 lizardking wrote:

Complete disagreement here:
1) This song is by John MELLENCAMP; he dropped 'Cougar' in 1991.
2) Who are we to 2nd guess which artists BillG plays?  Just cuz you don't like an act doesn't mean those of us who enjoy it shouldn't get to hear it...
3) PSD and/or skip features are available for these "unworthy RP tracks"
4) Read the Wiki page for Mr. Mellencamp and you'll be amazed; his critical acclaim might  be greater than his popular acclaim....
5) for instance, Johnny Cash called JM "one of the 10 best songwriters" in music
6) sometimes BillG is working a theme, and some of these songs you want axed fit in these brilliant segues and 
6.9) this track's current average rating, which is in the "pretty good/quite likeable range 
7.02) that's about it....Long Live RP!! 


So, what is "PSD"?
This song always did and still does give me chills. It allows me to imagine what some farmers experience, which at best is weather crapshooting. At worst you lose it all. It is especially relevant to me because I know live amongst many farmers. The struggle is real. 
Sink Hole by Drive By Truckers --> Rain on the Scarecrow by John Mellencamp

Brought to you by Bill & Rebecca, 10th Degree Segue Blackbelts
 vandal wrote:

Maybe you need to experience it yourself:

Grow up, work hard, build a life, raise a family, and invest everything you have in the things that mean the most to you. Then hit a downturn and watch as real estate brokers, investment bankers, and big farma sweep through, buy everything up at fire sale prices, and then hire away your labor at a fraction of what they're worth but more than you can afford to pay. Watch as your life's savings, life's work, and every single dream you've ever had disappear into the rearview mirror as you drive away from the only home you've lived in for the last 25 years. No place to go, no savings left, no one to turn to, and no hope.

Then call me with your whiny-assed complaints about this song and tell me you still can't feel it.



Sounds like The Grapes of Wrath. 
 vandal wrote:

Maybe you need to experience it yourself:

Grow up, work hard, build a life, raise a family, and invest everything you have in the things that mean the most to you. Then hit a downturn and watch as real estate brokers, investment bankers, and big farma sweep through, buy everything up at fire sale prices, and then hire away your labor at a fraction of what they're worth but more than you can afford to pay. Watch as your life's savings, life's work, and every single dream you've ever had disappear into the rearview mirror as you drive away from the only home you've lived in for the last 25 years. No place to go, no savings left, no one to turn to, and no hope.

Then call me with your whiny-assed complaints about this song and tell me you still can't feel it.


No words can approximate what that feels like, I bet, despite how eloquent you stated it.   I don’t know this experience myself. If that is your story, I am glad this song brings you some comfort. 
There is no group of trendy people, not the hipsters, mining ironic potential not the Dead Heads, not the Punks, not the Progs who dig JCM. He is an unprotected artist. It is safe to disrespect his work. It is a cheap shot. 
Awesome Lyrics - Great Album
 Stephenater wrote:

"An honest man's pillow is his peace of mind."  Always loved that line{#Cry}



The old man told me this my son, I'm telling it to you.
Love this album
Great to hear John Mellencamp on RP. This holds up better in 2020 than most anything from 1985. And Bill put it on right after "99 Luftballons", lol. That takes some gumption.
Maybe you need to experience it yourself:

Grow up, work hard, build a life, raise a family, and invest everything you have in the things that mean the most to you. Then hit a downturn and watch as real estate brokers, investment bankers, and big farma sweep through, buy everything up at fire sale prices, and then hire away your labor at a fraction of what they're worth but more than you can afford to pay. Watch as your life's savings, life's work, and every single dream you've ever had disappear into the rearview mirror as you drive away from the only home you've lived in for the last 25 years. No place to go, no savings left, no one to turn to, and no hope.

Then call me with your whiny complaints about this song and tell me you still can't feel it.
I could take or leave this guy at the time but this song made him a lot more legit in my eyes. It's actually quite good. 
 Hippostar wrote:

Tremendously over-produced ringing on the snare drum, generally in the domain of extremely amateur drummers.  Some 80's producer/engineer just thought it sounded badass.  Hope he was forced into retirement after that.
 

Huh - I always had the sound of hammer on anvil in my head.
foreclosure set
Ahh this feels so good in times of quantized drumming...
Makes RP feel "cheap and crappy, like a Chevy Cavalier"
 Triquel67 wrote:

Unless you lived through the economic recession and saw family farms get foreclosed by the banks... then get bought up by ConAgra and Simplot.

Oh, and the lumber industry, mines and construction all tanked at the same time. This song is well written, your comments were glib at best.
 

Yes, heaven forbid an artist should actually care about farmers.
How high is that fence. Normally the netting is 3'6" to 4' high. Either that or Mr Mellencamp is really short.
i dig the pipes banging on each beat.
Same story today; the Big Bad Agri-business is taking over the family farms..so very sad.
 ace-marc wrote:
Top 40 radio fodder, at best.
A blemish to RP's amazing complexion.
 
Unless you lived through the economic recession and saw family farms get foreclosed by the banks... then get bought up by ConAgra and Simplot.

Oh, and the lumber industry, mines and construction all tanked at the same time. This song is well written, your comments were glib at best.
 lizardking wrote:
 h8rhater wrote:

So you have farm drudgery experience and have been to Indiana.  This bit of trivia about no one important is of no interest.
OmegaConcern wrote:


Wow.  You're kind of a jackass.  Here's ten bucks.  Go buy a life.  If there's any change, see if you can find a spine on sale.

 
I'm a tad late to THIS shit-talking party!!  And while I understand where the 'upsetness' comes from in regards to h8rhater's posts, I know he anticipates it and can defend himself.  Or to re-word the comment above, he's "a kind jackass." 

I remember once in HS having to write about the (I've paraphrased it) quote "even the hate of hate is to be avoided" - and while the concept makes sense, and using a math term here, I see the hate of hate as an asymptote.  The original hate is H=0, and the hate of hate is another function entirely, and while it can approach that same '0', will never actually cross it.  Somehow, it's a lesser hate, and when used to enlighten others, is a very good thing in my mind.  Especially in respect to our more modern use of the word 'hate'  - as in "I hate cold weather" or "I hate the band xyz" or "I hate it when...." - seems to be welcoming a very strong negative emotional state when it is not needed.  Whereas, saying "I hate what Hitler did" or "I hate when innocent people are incarcerated/executed for someone else's crime" might be rooted in LOVE or SYMPATHY or ALTRUISM. 

I know, I haven't expressed what I'm trying to say very well; maybe if I ever decide to become an essayist I'll nail this down better.  At the very least, I got to call h8rhater a 'kind jackass' and that was worth the few minutes I spent typing this post. 

{#Hug}

Oh...I also went 7→8 on this JM track.

 
I am indeed kind of a jackass.  It is sort of the point.  You know, giving as good as you get and all. 

It is nice, though, to be called a kind jackass.  Thanks for that.
 lizardking wrote:

Complete disagreement here:
1) This song is by John MELLENCAMP; he dropped 'Cougar' in 1991.
2) Who are we to 2nd guess which artists BillG plays?  Just cuz you don't like an act doesn't mean those of us who enjoy it shouldn't get to hear it...
3) PSD and/or skip features are available for these "unworthy RP tracks"
4) Read the Wiki page for Mr. Mellencamp and you'll be amazed; his critical acclaim might  be greater than his popular acclaim....
5) for instance, Johnny Cash called JM "one of the 10 best songwriters" in music
6) sometimes BillG is working a theme, and some of these songs you want axed fit in these brilliant segues and 
6.9) this track's current average rating, which is in the "pretty good/quite likeable range 
7.02) that's about it....Long Live RP!! 
 

Drops mic ...
Top 40 radio fodder, at best.
A blemish to RP's amazing complexion.
Good ole RnR.  In that genre I call" hippie-redneck". 
 drpruett wrote:

Today, the very point of being liberal seems to be to destroy the values of someone you don't agree with.

This is about families and the changing face of America. I'm pretty conservative, yet find this song to be intensely painful to listen to, since this is exactly what happened to my grandparents and their siblings in rural Arkansas. They were Democrats to a man, hated the Damn Yankees, but had no positive regard for liberalism as it is today.


 

 That_SOB wrote:

 Humm lets see, conservatives can predict what liberals will say about a song like this (and a million others)
and liberals can predict what conservatives will say about a song like this (and a million others) so,
why do the conservatives feel the compulsive need to dump their predictable thumbs down on songs
liberals have been singing for the last 100 years ?  Contrary ? Ornery ? Insecure ? Belligerent ? Looking for a fight ?  —  So why not go listen to Limbaugh, Beck, or O'Really, that way you will be where you should be, and with low blood pressure as you won't need to pump blood to your brain when listening to one of your own.  I'm damned tired of conservative slams on liberal music on sites where liberal music is played !  I grew up with this music and love it. I don't go to conservative radio sites to pitch a bitch and moan about conservative music like Ted (the dead) Nugent and ...... well...... perhaps some gangsta hip-hop ?
 I don't go to conservative sites EVER....
As the conservatives used to say to liberals in the 70's, as a liberal,  I say this to you now
                         ——->>>>   "America, Love it or Leave It !"  <<<<————

 Better yet move to Texas —secede —-elect bush president—-sit around with your AR15's, sing church songs, and boogie down with "The Hammer" your very own, Tom DeLay.  

 

Just saw him live in Oakland, CA last Thursday. Great show, people on their feet for most of it. Sold-out too I might add. 
 ace-marc wrote:
please Bill! - Radio Paradise is far too good for John Cougar ( and Counting Crows ).
replace all songs from these artists with anyting from the Clash - super easy.
 
Complete disagreement here:
1) This song is by John MELLENCAMP; he dropped 'Cougar' in 1991.
2) Who are we to 2nd guess which artists BillG plays?  Just cuz you don't like an act doesn't mean those of us who enjoy it shouldn't get to hear it...
3) PSD and/or skip features are available for these "unworthy RP tracks"
4) Read the Wiki page for Mr. Mellencamp and you'll be amazed; his critical acclaim might  be greater than his popular acclaim....
5) for instance, Johnny Cash called JM "one of the 10 best songwriters" in music
6) sometimes BillG is working a theme, and some of these songs you want axed fit in these brilliant segues and 
6.9) this track's current average rating, which is in the "pretty good/quite likeable range 
7.02) that's about it....Long Live RP!! 
 Mackmoney3000 wrote:
"What if I could be Bruce Springsteen, but really badly?" - John Mellencamp on his way to the studio to record this dirge
 
I see it more as "I write songs about the working man, many as good as the Boss. I know I don't have a great voice, but jeez, at least mine's waayyyy better than his."
please Bill! - Radio Paradise is far too good for John Cougar ( and Counting Crows ).
replace all songs from these artists with anyting from the Clash - super easy.
I've been listening to alot of his old stuff.  His first 6-7 albums are quite good. I've seen him a couple times in concert and he's very good. 

Don't know why he doesn't get more accolades.
my favourite Mellencamp song
"What if I could be Bruce Springsteen, but really badly?" - John Mellencamp on his way to the studio to record this dirge
 h8rhater wrote:

So you have farm drudgery experience and have been to Indiana.  This bit of trivia about no one important is of no interest.
OmegaConcern wrote:


Wow.  You're kind of a jackass.  Here's ten bucks.  Go buy a life.  If there's any change, see if you can find a spine on sale.

 
I'm a tad late to THIS shit-talking party!!  And while I understand where the 'upsetness' comes from in regards to h8rhater's posts, I know he anticipates it and can defend himself.  Or to re-word the comment above, he's "a kind jackass." 

I remember once in HS having to write about the (I've paraphrased it) quote "even the hate of hate is to be avoided" - and while the concept makes sense, and using a math term here, I see the hate of hate as an asymptote.  The original hate is H=0, and the hate of hate is another function entirely, and while it can approach that same '0', will never actually cross it.  Somehow, it's a lesser hate, and when used to enlighten others, is a very good thing in my mind.  Especially in respect to our more modern use of the word 'hate'  - as in "I hate cold weather" or "I hate the band xyz" or "I hate it when...." - seems to be welcoming a very strong negative emotional state when it is not needed.  Whereas, saying "I hate what Hitler did" or "I hate when innocent people are incarcerated/executed for someone else's crime" might be rooted in LOVE or SYMPATHY or ALTRUISM. 

I know, I haven't expressed what I'm trying to say very well; maybe if I ever decide to become an essayist I'll nail this down better.  At the very least, I got to call h8rhater a 'kind jackass' and that was worth the few minutes I spent typing this post.  {#Hug}

Oh...I also went 7→8 on this JM track.

 Cynaera wrote:
I love this song - love Mellencamp.  Wish someone would submit "Minutes to Memories" - it's got a lot of wisdom in it, and it doesn't get played enough... {#Sunny}

 
"An honest man's pillow is his peace of mind."  Always loved that line{#Cry}

Overplayed...and that was 30 years ago
JCM is the King...!
{#Crown} 

Love this tune. Takes my back to end of my college 'in a corn field' years, a girlfriend and a newborn.  Classic Midwest drama.


Rock doesn't get any realer then this.
This Album should be in Everybody's Collection
 leafmold wrote:
@h8rhater—Help me to understand the justification for your vitriolic comments. 

You feel that anyone who does not like the music should be subject to your nasty comments because they "insult other people's favorite tunes." And you are noble and righteous because you never have a negative comment about the music. So, in your opinion, only positive posts on music should be posted because after all, every tune is someone's "favorite tune." If someone posts a negative comment, they should be subject to the thought police (you) taking them to task.

Ok. Just wanted to clarify your position. 

 

h8rhater wrote:

Hello... knock, knock..  H8rhater!?!?  

That's the whole point.  Trashing folks who get on the board just to insult other people's favorite tunes.  Like this classic from rock legend John Mellencamp, who is now in his 5th decade making great music.  

You can try but you wont find a negative comment on the music coming out of this account.  Just a whole lot of derision heaped upon those who think their pithy commentary is somehow profound or cute.  

I'm just keeping company with folks just like YOU who would post a JPG like the one above, pal.  Or that guy Dave who crawls out from his hovel in Damnville every once in a while to spew spite.  Maybe you should check the mirror.
  

  Webfoot wrote:

Don't feed the h8r.

 
That is the WHOLE point.


Well I don't like this. This doesn't mean I think the people who do like it are beneath me. Just saying. 
 leafmold wrote:
@h8rhater—Help me to understand the justification for your vitriolic comments.

You feel that anyone who does not like the music should be subject to your nasty comments because they "insult other people's favorite tunes." And you are noble and righteous because you never have a negative comment about the music. So, in your opinion, only positive posts on music should be posted because after all, every tune is someone's "favorite tune." If someone posts a negative comment, they should be subject to the thought police (you) taking them to task.

Ok. Just wanted to clarify your position.

 

h8rhater wrote:

Hello... knock, knock..  H8rhater!?!? 

That's the whole point.  Trashing folks who get on the board just to insult other people's favorite tunes.  Like this classic from rock legend John Mellencamp, who is now in his 5th decade making great music. 

You can try but you wont find a negative comment on the music coming out of this account.  Just a whole lot of derision heaped upon those who think their pithy commentary is somehow profound or cute. 

I'm just keeping company with folks just like YOU who would post a JPG like the one above, pal.  Or that guy Dave who crawls out from his hovel in Damnville every once in a while to spew spite.  Maybe you should check the mirror.
 

 
Don't feed the h8r.
 springof63 wrote:
May i suggest seeking out the version of John Mellencamps' Rain On The Scarecrow from Live at Farm Aid 1985, which while not hugely better in terms of sound quality, it has a much better 'production' and feel to it IMHO, and almost certainly a different man on the desk, i suspect.
I taped that version off the T.V. when they broadcast the gig in the UK, (it was a couple of months after Live Aid) i'ts always been a great song with something to say. The sound on this version of it is, to me, V disappointing in comparision.
.

yep it was your farming industry, our mining industry and years of community and history ravaged, ruined and destroyed by the money men in the 80s. no i don't have personal experience of either (thankfully), but a tragedy is a tragedy.
.
PS here it is - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bl3X5zuYaiA

 
Well said.  
 leafmold wrote:
@h8rhater—Help me to understand the justification for your vitriolic comments.

You feel that anyone who does not like the music should be subject to your nasty comments because they "insult other people's favorite tunes." And you are noble and righteous because you never have a negative comment about the music. So, in your opinion, only positive posts on music should be posted because after all, every tune is someone's "favorite tune." If someone posts a negative comment, they should be subject to the thought police (you) taking them to task.

Ok. Just wanted to clarify your position.

 

h8rhater wrote:

Hello... knock, knock..  H8rhater!?!? 

That's the whole point.  Trashing folks who get on the board just to insult other people's favorite tunes.  Like this classic from rock legend John Mellencamp, who is now in his 5th decade making great music. 

You can try but you wont find a negative comment on the music coming out of this account.  Just a whole lot of derision heaped upon those who think their pithy commentary is somehow profound or cute. 

I'm just keeping company with folks just like YOU who would post a JPG like the one above, pal.  Or that guy Dave who crawls out from his hovel in Damnville every once in a while to spew spite.  Maybe you should check the mirror.
 

 
Not exactly leafmold, but also not far from the truth.  The key word in your comment above is "vitriolic" (or maybe "derisive" from mine).  Not every negative comment is vitriolic (filled with malice).  It is malicious comments designed to offend random others, not those containing genuine well expressed critical commentary, that draw attention from H8rhater. 

The target matters.  How many people is the OP trying to offend and why?  The types of comments that draw attention are derisive comments aimed at EVERYONE and, most specifically, someone that actually likes the song in question.  A H8rhater vitriolic comment is aimed at the specific troll making such commentary.

I do think it is emblematic of the problem that I am concerned with that you defend vitriolic comments made against the music and directed at everyone, while decrying those derisive comments made specifically in response to them.
May i suggest seeking out the version of John Mellencamps' Rain On The Scarecrow from Live at Farm Aid 1985, which while not hugely better in terms of sound quality, it has a much better 'production' and feel to it IMHO, and almost certainly a different man on the desk, i suspect.
I taped that version off the T.V. when they broadcast the gig in the UK, (it was a couple of months after Live Aid) i'ts always been a great song with something to say. The sound on this version of it is, to me, V disappointing in comparision.
.

yep it was your farming industry, our mining industry and years of community and history ravaged, ruined and destroyed by the money men in the 80s. no i don't have personal experience of either (thankfully), but a tragedy is a tragedy.
.
PS here it is - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bl3X5zuYaiA
 Hippostar wrote:
Tremendously over-produced ringing on the snare drum, generally in the domain of extremely amateur drummers.  Some 80's producer/engineer just thought it sounded badass.  Hope he was forced into retirement after that.
 
I agree.  The annoying mix of the percussion through most of Mellencamp's songs detracts from what is otherwise frequently quite good.
 lemmoth wrote:
Great meaning, great sentiment, great heart, great energy, great delivery,  but those 80s production values, especially the drums, are hard to take.

 
That's that big "Don Gehman sound".  He was very successful and sought-after on account of it, but that drum sound often seemed kind of thin and piercing to me too.  Whatever, it worked for him and the artists he produced.
 jademon wrote:
Is that the world's biggest cowbell I'm hearing in the background?

 
Tremendously over-produced ringing on the snare drum, generally in the domain of extremely amateur drummers.  In reality, it's probably being overdubbed by someone banging on a pot or pan.

Some 80's producer/engineer just thought it sounded "cool".  Hope he was forced into retirement after that.
Mellencamp at his best. Midwest angst. Probably the best song on his best album.
One of his best. What a mix BillG has cooked up this afternoon. {#Cheers}
Great meaning, great sentiment, great heart, great energy, great delivery,  but those 80s production values, especially the drums, are hard to take.
Is that the world's biggest cowbell I'm hearing in the background?
 Cynaera wrote:
I love this song - love Mellencamp.  Wish someone would submit "Minutes to Memories" - it's got a lot of wisdom in it, and it doesn't get played enough... {#Sunny}

 

Yes, "Minutes To Memories" and "Hotdogs and Hamburgers" are a couple of little known mellencamp gems from the 80s. Would love to hear both songs on RP.

"Rain On The Scarecrow" still sounds great after all these years. 
 h8rhater wrote:

Hello... knock, knock..  H8rhater!?!? 

That's the whole point.  Trashing folks who get on the board just to insult other people's favorite tunes.  Like this classic from rock legend John Mellencamp, who is now in his 5th decade making great music. 

You can try but you wont find a negative comment on the music coming out of this account.  Just a whole lot of derision heaped upon those who think their pithy commentary is somehow profound or cute. 

I'm just keeping company with folks just like YOU who would post a JPG like the one above, pal.  Or that guy Dave who crawls out from his hovel in Damnville every once in a while to spew spite.  Maybe you should check the mirror.




 
I hate this song...the reason I am posting this is because I want it removed from the playlist...because I do not think it shud be played...in general I actually respect how you passion8ly defend your songs....let the debates rage onward

I saw him twice during last two years when he was touring with Bob Dylan.

His band puts on a great RnR show.


This song means nothing if you don't listen to the lyrics. I heard them for the first time tonight and am wiping away the tears. No life lost here, at least directly, just a livelihood and an era of Americana. The transition from family farm to agribusiness was a painful one and one that I wish had never happened. What happened to our farms then was a precursor to what is happening to our country today. I don't think it's a good thing, either.
@h8rhater--Help me to understand the justification for your vitriolic comments.

You feel that anyone who does not like the music should be subject to your nasty comments because they "insult other people's favorite tunes." And you are noble and righteous because you never have a negative comment about the music. So, in your opinion, only positive posts on music should be posted because after all, every tune is someone's "favorite tune." If someone posts a negative comment, they should be subject to the thought police (you) taking them to task.

Ok. Just wanted to clarify your position.

 

h8rhater wrote:

Hello... knock, knock..  H8rhater!?!? 

That's the whole point.  Trashing folks who get on the board just to insult other people's favorite tunes.  Like this classic from rock legend John Mellencamp, who is now in his 5th decade making great music. 

You can try but you wont find a negative comment on the music coming out of this account.  Just a whole lot of derision heaped upon those who think their pithy commentary is somehow profound or cute. 

I'm just keeping company with folks just like YOU who would post a JPG like the one above, pal.  Or that guy Dave who crawls out from his hovel in Damnville every once in a while to spew spite.  Maybe you should check the mirror.




 


Such a fine album in 1984
Never really cared for the Johnny Couger persona or his earlier albums. This song/album changed my mind and made me a fan.  A solid 8.
A similar song that's worth a listen is "Trouble in the Fields" by Nanci Griffith.  Her live version from "One Fair Summer Evening" with the spoken intro about great aunt and uncle is touching and funny.
 romeotuma wrote:


Everybody in my hotel room loves this song...

 
 

romeotuma's hotel room
Always a tear jerker for me. That loss of family, land, identity. Awesome. Timeless. American.
 vandal wrote:

douchebag

 
Hello... knock, knock..  H8rhater!?!? 

That's the whole point.  Trashing folks who get on the board just to insult other people's favorite tunes.  Like this classic from rock legend John Mellencamp, who is now in his 5th decade making great music. 

You can try but you wont find a negative comment on the music coming out of this account.  Just a whole lot of derision heaped upon those who think their pithy commentary is somehow profound or cute. 

I'm just keeping company with folks just like YOU who would post a JPG like the one above, pal.  Or that guy Dave who crawls out from his hovel in Damnville every once in a while to spew spite.  Maybe you should check the mirror.



In my opinion this is the best song that JM ever wrote.  It's heartbreaking, poignant, and makes a strong statement.  10+


Over the years, my appreciation and respect for The Artist Formerly Known As Johnny Cougar has increased incrementally with each listening...
nice beats
I love how everyone is saying "my first tape" or "I had this tape". I had it too. Loved it. I remember leaving it on top of my dad's car as we went to my grandparents' house and finding it still on top of the car when we got there. I was so relieved. :-)
Not a huge Mellencamp fan, but this is a good song. 8
Pure american rock
10 !!!!!!!!!  great, great song. i never get tired of it :)
 OmegaConcern wrote:


Wow.  You're kind of a jackass.  Here's ten bucks.  Go buy a life.  If there's any change, see if you can find a spine on sale.
 
At least I'm not a lawyer with training wheels.  Here's ten cents.  Sue me.

One of my faves!!  Love the song, love the message. {#Motor}
I'm not really a John Mellencamp fan, however this song is decent.
One of the best Rock songs ever been recorded in USA in the
past 30 years!

INCREDIBLE!

10!!!!

PS
And a kind of a shame that you Americans give a real patriot (heard the lyrics?)
great singer, great songwriter, great performer unbelievable 6.9 points for this song!
Sometimes I think I am in the "wrong film" here.

I love this song - love Mellencamp.  Wish someone would submit "Minutes to Memories" - it's got a lot of wisdom in it, and it doesn't get played enough... {#Sunny}
First cassette I bought (along with Glenn Miller's Pure Gold) in 1986. My school class size began to shrink as families lost their farms and the kids had to move with their parents to area cities. It happened, folks. Glad I got to see JCM at FarmAid a thousand years ago, and in concert at Rosemont, IL. Happy to say our family farm is still in operation, still family owned, and the future looks bright. Best song on the album is one you've probably never heard, Between a Laugh and a Tear. Forget the 80's mix and listen to the words. 
Don't like this type of drumming. Never have, never will. They aren't they only band to do it either, unfortunately.
 OmegaConcern wrote:
Aaaand, more to the point:

Song's kind of relevant again, no?
 
you betcha! Some of the words mighta changed, but it STILL APPLIES. Classic message, tried and true.

Couldn't tell the last time I heard this song, but I DISTINCTLY remember this tape being my favorite. Now, that was back in the 80s when I was still idealist and young and proud and HAD A CLUE! What happened? Uh, life perhaps? Well, that never made it right. God Bless JCM! He inspired many musicians to take up the cross and rock it for those of us who feel in-between...
Good Midwestern rock. Around here (Wisconsin), Mellencamp was huge back in the day...
Aaaand, more to the point:

Song's kind of relevant again, no?
Lots of bile here. Why is it that the "working class hero" singers like Springsteen and Mellencamp seem to elicit this kind of emotional reaction from so many people? It's art, people - love it or hate it, feel free to disagree, but for Pete's sake don't go all crazy on each other about your opinions of or reactions to it!

 h8rhater wrote:

So you have farm drudgery experience and have been to Indiana.  This bit of trivia about no one important is of no interest.

 

Wow.  You're kind of a jackass.  Here's ten bucks.  Go buy a life.  If there's any change, see if you can find a spine on sale.
Whatever you think of this and the Oasis song that preceded it, that was a nifty segue. More points for RP.
Stockholm, I think it was 1988. A great live show.
 h8rhater wrote:

??!?

Too bad it didn't miss and smack you right in the EmptyHead.   Maybe it WAS meant for you.
 
Oh look, the little troll man is back. Who's only role in his miserable little life is attacking strangers here that don't like what he likes. You must feel like a real big man behind that keyboard. People like you that feel the need to attack and belittle strangers to build themselves up from the safety and anonymity of the computer have self respect and self worth issues. You really should see a shrink about that if you ever want to have any kind of meaningful life. Must really suck to be you.

And for Mellonhead getting beaned with a bottle. Not surprising it happened, He was yelling at the crowd and calling them not so nice names and riling people up. Apparently someone didn't like it. Just a thought, but people came there to hear his music and not him screaming obscenities at the crowd. He said in a radio interview a few days later he'd never play there again. 


rdo wrote:

This land did feed a nation, this same land that was confiscated from others without the slightest shred of fair compensation (I'm talking about the native Americans). I grew up de-tassling corn in Iowa and went to Indiana Univeristy in Bloomington, a few minutes from John's home. I have no beef with political songs, but this is too much wrongheadedness.

This is simply awful, in so many ways. Please, please, NEVER play this song again.



Seriously, wouldn't it be easier for you to turn this off the next time, than to declare for others that it never get played again? Your "Dickishness" is showing! {#Grumpy}
 rdo wrote:

This land did feed a nation, this same land that was confiscated from others without the slightest shred of fair compensation (I'm talking about the native Americans).   I grew up de-tassling corn in Iowa and went to Indiana Univeristy in Bloomington, a few minutes from John's home.  I have no beef with political songs, but this is too much wrongheadedness.

This is simply awful, in so many ways.  Please, please, NEVER play this song again. 


 
So you have farm drudgery experience and have been to Indiana.  This bit of trivia about no one important is of no interest.

 DaveInVA wrote:
Not a big MellonHead fan...Got to see him get beaned with a beer bottle at a concert in AZ once when he was being an ass with the crowd..
 
??!?

Too bad it didn't miss and smack you right in the EmptyHead.   Maybe it WAS meant for you.


:P***{}

He was in Stockholm 86 or 87, it was a great performance! Love him and his band.{#Dancingbanana_2}


The song that launched a thousand + alt country bands.
 cutterjudd wrote:


Now, Now............
Obama is Half Honkie and all Donkey........
Now we will get years of  Left Wing Donkey Shit............

 
Hope you get centuries of it, served on your Mom's best china, you fascist bigot.


Dude, why so much hate and paranoia?  After all...... it is just John Cougar......

 
That_SOB wrote:

 Humm lets see, conservatives can predict what liberals will say about a song like this (and a million others)
and liberals can predict what conservatives will say about a song like this (and a million others) so,
why do the conservatives feel the compulsive need to dump their predictable thumbs down on songs
liberals have been singing for the last 100 years ?  Contrary ? Ornery ? Insecure ? Belligerent ? Looking for a fight ?  —  So why not go listen to Limbaugh, Beck, or O'Really, that way you will be where you should be, and with low blood pressure as you won't need to pump blood to your brain when listening to one of your own.  I'm damned tired of conservative slams on liberal music on sites where liberal music is played !  I grew up with this music and love it. I don't go to conservative radio sites to pitch a bitch and moan about conservative music like Ted (the dead) Nugent and ...... well...... perhaps some gangsta hip-hop ?
 I don't go to conservative sites EVER....
As the conservatives used to say to liberals in the 70's, as a liberal,  I say this to you now
                             ——->>>>   "America, Love it or Leave It !"  <<<<————

 Better yet move to Texas —secede —-elect bush president—-sit around with your AR15's, sing church songs, and boogie down with "The Hammer" your very own, Tom DeLay.  

 


Not a big MellonHead fan...Got to see him get beaned with a beer bottle at a concert in AZ once when he was being an ass with the crowd..
Pink Houses surely his best

'kin cool in his Cuban Heels

 Humm lets see, conservatives can predict what liberals will say about a song like this (and a million others)
and liberals can predict what conservatives will say about a song like this (and a million others) so,
why do the conservatives feel the compulsive need to dump their predictable thumbs down on songs
liberals have been singing for the last 100 years ?  Contrary ? Ornery ? Insecure ? Belligerent ? Looking for a fight ?  —  So why not go listen to Limbaugh, Beck, or O'Really, that way you will be where you should be, and with low blood pressure as you won't need to pump blood to your brain when listening to one of your own.  I'm damned tired of conservative slams on liberal music on sites where liberal music is played !  I grew up with this music and love it. I don't go to conservative radio sites to pitch a bitch and moan about conservative music like Ted (the dead) Nugent and ...... well...... perhaps some gangsta hip-hop ?
 I don't go to conservative sites EVER....
As the conservatives used to say to liberals in the 70's, as a liberal,  I say this to you now
                             ——->>>>   "America, Love it or Leave It !"  <<<<————

 Better yet move to Texas —secede —-elect bush president—-sit around with your AR15's, sing church songs, and boogie down with "The Hammer" your very own, Tom DeLay.  

rdo:  See "Hotdogs and Hamburgers" for some of Mellencamp's ideas about our treatment of native Americans.  His writing is...  down to earth, but he is sensitive to the issue.

Meh.

This land did feed a nation, this same land that was confiscated from others without the slightest shred of fair compensation (I'm talking about the native Americans).   I grew up de-tassling corn in Iowa and went to Indiana Univeristy in Bloomington, a few minutes from John's home.  I have no beef with political songs, but this is too much wrongheadedness.

This is simply awful, in so many ways.  Please, please, NEVER play this song again. 


He may have a future.
what philbertr said

philbertr wrote:


You have GOT to be kidding.
 
 david1045 wrote:The guitar solo is not bad, but the song has not stood the test of time in the way that Pink Houses and Love and Happiness have. It sounds kind of 80s and not cool 80s...but kind of lame 80s.

I realize this represents a large contigent of of beliefs, but its crass and and short sited. Its fantasy at its worse.
 MirandaStar wrote:
Best Mellencamp song EVER. Still so relevant.
 
I've never seen Mellencamp live, but I'll bet this one is a real fist-pumper. As others have said, still totally relevant today. Oh, and the solo rocks!

Tolerable, if only as respect to the artist.
Nanci Griffith's "Trouble in the Fields" would be a nice follow-up to this.
 peter_james_bond wrote:
Great song - still relevant - and John was a strong supporter of FarmAid. Good man, he is for real.
 
As a former farm boy, I wholeheartedly agree.
I've never heard this before..gunna buy it :)
Great song - still relevant - and John was a strong supporter of FarmAid. Good man, he is for real.
 david1045 wrote:
The guitar solo is not bad, but the song has not stood the test of time in the way that Pink Houses and Love and Happiness have. It sounds kind of 80s and not cool 80s...but kind of lame 80s.
 

You have GOT to be kidding.
Best Mellencamp song EVER. Still so relevant.