I lost my dad today. He liked John Cougar. Needed to hear this today. My dad would have been around my age now when this came out. It's funny as you get older, how songs mean different things, how you hear the lyrics now, not just sing them. Love you dad...thank you for everything!!!!

This song makes me think about how fast life goes. And about how much we need to slow down and enjoy life.

The fiddle and accordion combo in Mellencamp's music is one of the best sounds in all of pop music. I can't believe people don't talk about it more. It's immediately recognizable, such a great sound, it brings a cultural legacy with it, so much good to say about it. It always leaps out of the recording and is immediately present without taking over. And the guitarists in Mellencamp's music are also tasteful and interesting, too, like the Fender at the close of this one.

Violin girl is amazingly talented.

I was at this show. My second time seeing him and it was a total flyer. Bought a ticket on the street the day of the show. This video...just chopping onions her. Saw him last night, 4/09/2024, in Springfield MO. He can't do splits anymore but he can still rock.

I'm 70, and the song still gives me chills.

Almost 69 years old…. Listening to JCM … Let your Buddies Know that You Love Them ❤️

What happened to our world 😢😢😢😢😢😢😢 . I have to watch this to get excited In the morning to get going 😢. Look at how happy EVERYONE was to be there , from JOHN and his band , to the THOUSANDS of souls in that arena . What a shame , these young kids will just except this mind control because they have mainstreamed it so quickly 🤦🏻‍♀️🤦🏻‍♀️ I’ll say this , I may not know what day of the week it is , or what year it is , off the bat , but damn it I know what a woman is 💯💯💯 and I KNOW people aren’t animals because they feel like it !!! I don’t care how old I get , I will NEVER except the mind control . What they have done to our people is sickening

" all utility bills have been paid, can't tell your best buddy that you love him " Gets me everytime.

On some nights this song gives me chills, in others it makes me want to cry. He is one of best midwestern story tellers of recent generations.

I dance to this song all the time, I'm glad I was born in the era of good music. Thank you Mr. John Mellencamp❤

I love the fact that John Mellencamp is from Indiana and that he never strayed from his roots.........

I get chills every time at the violin after “all that we’ve learned about living” EVERY TIME! For over 30 years.

Mellencamp is one of a very few performers who sound as good live as they do on the recording.

Maybe some day those words will be heard by future generations driving the highways that we built...Hope they have a better understanding. Heard this today on a road trip from NC to OH. The 30+ year old lyrics struck me. Timeless classic.

I got to see John transform from John Cougar to John Cougar Mellencamp to John Mellencamp & to enjoy his music every step of the way. A better lyricist there never has been.

We need more of this today.

Everytime I hear this song I'm taken back to being a kid and driving with my dad from Atlanta to see family in Chicago. He had Mellencamp's greatest hits cd and it was on repeat all the way to Chicago. It'll be 3 years in May since I lost him, but this song and what it represents is one of the things that helps me stay connected to him

Sheer, utter and absolute perfection. This album Lonesome Jubilee is one of the very few records that have accompanied through out my life, without me ever getting tired of it. And incredibly it just keeps getting better and better. Thank you John for the joy you have given me with your music. Much love.

What a Classic song from a time I have nothing but fond memories of thanks mr Mellincamp.

I was there, both my wife and I (then girlfriend). They filmed this at the conclusion of the regular concert, ... in two separate takes. This was multiple night engagement, sold out Market Square Arena, Indianapolis. At the conclusion of a powerful, tight show, ... house lights came up and Mellencamp explained he'd appreciate if everyone would stick around. He explained they were going to shoot a concert video, and if you stick around you may be in it. During the explanation the film crew and stage hands got ready, etc. Surprisingly, many left the show as it was likely 11p by then ... but damn, this was his local crowd, at his absolute peak ... that's why I was surprised. I'd estimate a couple thousand people left. They performed two essentially identical takes, thanked everyone again ... then performed a couple more songs in an encore, rewarding for us sticking around. I remember being disappointed, as I was wanting to hear "I Need a Lover" ... even after all that! Maybe a year later finally saw this video on MTV Killer show, we had a great time. Proposed a couple months later on Valentines Day Married in June Honeymoon in Negril Jamaica Now 33yrs later, after countless trips back to Negril;) adult kids, retirement, life is good! It's true, time flys by ... I remember the concert like yesterday.

The 80s will always be dear to my heart. I’m glad I was there to soak up all the great music. John rocked the world as a singer/songwriter his live concerts were phenomenal….AWESOME ENTERTAINER!! 🎼🎤🎼

Reasons why we miss the 80's: We all had great hair. No one had a cellphone. Obesity was rare. People minded their business. Great music.

I’ll never forget the night my beloved father came home from this show. God rest his soul. To all the fathers out there, don’t ever underestimate your importance and influence in the lives of those you’ve known and those who you don’t who come after. We need good strong men and women in this world.

I was born in 66' and grew up in the 70s and 80s -- best music that ever was, is, or ever will be, what an awesome time to be alive 😎

I was 13 years old when I started listening to John mellencamp ... i was bullied in school an every day when I got out of school I would go to my bedroom an turn up his music.... An get that stuff out of my head .... I would dance and sing along.....

John said he has never written a song that’s great , he should listen to this one again it’s his best work

My all time favorite musician. I even have a tattoo for him. A scarecrow that's says Rain on the Scarecrow. They don't make musicians like him anymore.

This song doesn't get the credit it deserves, easily his best..... Just listen to the lyrics. That is real life for so many of us..

The 80's were the best time of my life!!! The music was fantastic!! 🎶🎶🎶....

2024 and I’ve had this on repeat for 2 days!!! Funny how a song can creep in when you need it most ❤

John Mellencamp has a real message of what life is really about. No candy-coated b.s., like the crappy new music today.

I would have loved to have been at that concert. Things were so much better back then in the '80s, none of the madness that's going on nowadays.

Mellencamp and Bryan Adams...best live shows I've ever seen sonically, and I've seen em all live, from Aerosmith to Zeppelin. I'll be 70 yrs young on 11/13/23.

Absolutely 1 of the best live performances ever captured...a true artist....great musician, great entertainer.

I graduated in '85. Sometimes I forget how incredible this little Hoosier is. That is powerful stuff!

I'm 57 now.....check it out. I was 27 when this song came out, still love the lyrics and the tale they tell.

1987 - Damn near 30 years ago, and we still don't have a better understanding.

Americana at it's finest, grew up with his music, so simple and good. That woman on the fiddle is cute making that face at :13 to the accordion player. Kind of like, I got this down PAT, and digging it, how about you. Very well done. Semper Fi.

This is what needs to come back. 70yrs old, these are memories that are here to stay

My all time favorite Mellencamp song! Poetic genius!

If there ever was an America Original, Mellencamp is it. What a great band he had with Lisa Germano on violin and mandolin, Kenny Aronoff on drums. I saw them live a few times and they always put on a great show!

I love the lady playing the violin she is great wow

I'm not sure exactly how to define a "classic of popular music" but given the wonderful blend of accordion, violin, and guitar accompanying outstanding vocals and such strong lyrics, I'm pretty sure this can meet most, if not all definitions of the term. I never tire of hearing this song.

John Mellencamp is truly a legend. Who doesn’t love him & his music!! Classics!!! Love his hair too!! Just love that Mellencamp grin when he smiles!!! ❤️🥰🎸👍🇺🇸

WE will never have another great era for music as we all did in the 80's.

Suprised not many people mentioning about how incredibly sad this song is

I was at this concert. 1987..,28 years ago,and it seems like yesterday.My then girlfriend and I sat just off stage right; next to Johns daughter Michelle. She was about 16-17 at the time. They made the video after the regular concert, and he treated the crowd with "I need a lover" after the filming was over. What a special time,I'd go back in an instant.

I'm 68 yrs. and this is still my favorite song.

"where does the time go? Got a brand new house in escrow" is a brilliant lyric

This song is forever in my mind...family...grandkids.. .time is short...cant tell your best buddy that you love him.....make time !

This song STILL gives me butterflies... What an epic song

were did music like this go I WANT IT BACK

I recall being absolutely mesmerized by this song. So thankful I was able to catch him in both the eighties and nineties...

John Mellencamp's hair during this period needs it's own video.

Still sounds great, was 27 when this came out....god I miss the 80’s

And some tears. JCM is a master songwriter; his lyrics = like poetry - are the voice of a generation. " Tell ourselves we're still the young lions..." Indeed! Rock on!

Who is listening to this song 2021. Classics never die.

I was at this concert at MSA in Indy. I also saw him at Riverbend in Cincinnati on this tour. I really enjoyed this concert, and his music. I agree that the accordion and violin in this song is exceptional. It makes the song. All of us know this part of the song, and it wouldn't be the same without it.

I never realized how deep this song really is when I was a kid growing up in the 80's. Love this song even more!

"Where does our time go?" A humbling thought for sure. John's music is and always will be good at reminding me to reflect on those "good times" every now and then.

I was at this concert. It was awesome from from the start until the last note was played about two hours later. An Indiana boy performing in front of a home crowd. The intensity level was high throughout. This video was actually recorded after the concert. It was announced that they would be recording a video and anybody that wanted to stick around was welcome to stay. I didn't see a single person leave. I seem to remember they did this song at least 3 times. I have seem John in concert twice more since this and he doesn't disappoint. And if I get the chance again I will go. You should, too.

This is how I will always remember John Mellencamp. 💖💖💖💖

I'm 48. I still remember hearing him being called "John Cougar" on the radio. Then John Cougar Mellencamp. Then eventually John Mellencamp. Never really thought about it, but I grew up listening to this guy. I guess that's why I'm still not sick of him even after hearing every one of his songs 1,000 times.

Agreed goosebumps every single time I hear this. Reminds me of my family... My youth...I love you John. Thank you

I remember listening to these songs on the radio, I was a little kid back then, it brought back so much memories. I couldn't wait to watch all these videos on MTV on a Saturday morning with my teenage siblings back then and we used to be dancing in front of the TV. How time files, they don't make them like they used to.

My fav Mellencamp song 🥰

How UN fortunate, We Never Realize HOW GOOD! Times Really Are! Untill there Not!! God to be Young Once Again!

The 80's were the best day's in America. Every day was great

2020 and John still has a message in his songs that all blue collar people can groove with! Hats off Mr. Cougar Mellencamp🎩

My first memory of this song was in 87, I was seven years, just getting out of school for Christmas vacation, and my mom picked up me. It was cold in Ohio that winter, and I was bundled up. My mom took me to a local burger shop in town, and while waiting in line, this song came on. The accordion is what stood out to me as something cool. I heard the lyrics, and at seven, it didn't make a lot of sense. Now I'm 42, and this song rings true. Every generation should leave a positive mark, the best we can, because down the line, the understanding can get muddled snd confusing. And in a personal way, the words we say, write, and share, are our legacy. Any wisdom we pass down, any knowledge we share with a friend, a child, family, will be passed down. While we are dead, and forgotten about after generations pass by, our wisdom and understanding will be passed down, giving us some sort of eternal essence. Live life the best you can, tell your friend you love them, grip your loved one at night, play with your kids, but teach others to do this, too. Take care, everyone who sees this.

My beautiful daughters are now that future generation. And they grew up listening to your music. Thanks for your songs Mellencamp. They're part of my life.

Wow, this brought tears to my eyes! So THANKFUL for John Mellencamp representing and telling the story of Indiana Hoosiers and Americans! LOVE IT!

35 years later and this rings even truer now. That's an ANTHEM! And that singer in the blue dress? ME-OW!

Sooo... Almost 40 years of listening to this man. What does that tell you? He's that good

From one Hoosier to another, thanks John. Always good to return back to Bloomington, Indiana when we can. Stay true to yourself

An American Treasure.....Mellencamp will always represent the best The USA has to offer.....

I would love to go back too when I was young.... and do it all over again!!! ( When I was A young boy!!!! )

I love the violin player great song wow

A very high point in 80's rock. No matter who anybody is favorite, Mellencamp was totally devoted to his craft.

Nothing but Goosebumps and some tears every time I hear John sing this

this song alone has me going to see him n cleveland on the 25th w my daughter , also heard he puts on a hellva great show looking forward to it, plus hearing all his other great hits !!

He will always the one of the greatest, along with the greats of American citizens

This song still tears me up every one was so Happy and enjoyed each other!!!! So glad I was alive for those times!!!

I wish I had understood this when I was younger...only now that I'm older do I finally get the wisdom he was singing about

He makes me proud to be a Hoosier! Have seen him in fort Wayne Indianapolis Los Angeles and Sacramento where I live! He's a true down home Hoosier God bless John mellencamp!

Got to experience Mellencamp on this same tour in 87. This was his peak. Such a good concert. WAY up there with the best I have ever been at. To me, this was the best album of his career. And he did the James Brown split move there also. Was pretty cool.

We had great times back then.. too bad those are all gone forever now

What is Awesome Video thanks John & The Band 💯 I love to dance in my Wheelchair ♿️ to this Song 🎵..

Four friends going to Nashville for the weekend. 60 years old and will never forget!

One of the best roots rockers ever…

A man at the heights of power playing for the people who love him the most. Powerful

That crowd was pure Midwest loving their hometown kid who made good! If I’m on an island for life, Cougar is on my Top 5 list of must have music to listen to for life!

I played this song over an over ..... he sure knows how to dance ....... love the words of this song .....

John is such a great storyteller! Love this album. ♥️✨️🤍

I'm a life long John fan but, this song is one of his best in my opinion. He's the real deal of a human being

He will be one of America's most favorite son's. He is legend In his own time. Live well John.

John's an artist-- on canvass ,as well as the stage!! Love his style and his special voice!!!

I get chills everyrime that guitar comes in at about 2:43. Just something about that blend of guitar sound. Chilling.

In December 1987 I was stationed in San Diego as a young LCPL listening to this on a boom box and riding my 1978 FX that I built at the MCRD Garage. 20 years later i was stepping off into the middle east. What a wild frekin ride that all was.