Thank you for all that you do for us! I remember running around on the farm as a little boy and getting into everything, My uncle still teases me about it almost 50 years later lol!
I sit and cry every time I watch this. Unless you have farmed and know this lifestyle you will not understand. I am a 4th generation farmer and I see it all slipping away. I fight every day to manage this land. Between the government, cheap prices of grain, the weather and experiences it seems like a losing battle. The only thing that keeps me going is, I was brought up to never give up. Hold your head high and keep the family legacy alive no matter what it takes! This song holds a lot of truth behind the words that are spoken!
Keep fighting, my grandparents lost the fight back in the 90's Then in the early 2000's I lost my factory job due to those companies closing their doors here in the States. I'd write a fucking book but hell, it's the same story for millions of us here in the United States, which are feeling less united day by day.
John wrote this in 1985. In 1985 I was just like the 3 guys in the intro. Government FHA forced me into bankruptcy that year. Took my machinery, took my cows, took my land, which meant they took my home. Homeless for 3 months wife, two kids under 5, lived out of a car. Got a good job that lasted 35 years. Now that I'm retired, and not focused on work, I think about the 1980s all over again. Nothing has changed farmers still struggle and gamble on the future every day. Some day the world will pay the price of its blindness.
I don't know if you like the band "Disturbed", but they have a song called "Another Way To Die" that addresses that, too, man. Our endless maniacal appetite, as they say, has left us with nothing in the world that we claim to love. You Farmed and your Family provided food and necessities for thousands, but the greed and corruption of our Government destroyed that, along with millions of other people who also lost their ability to provide the commodities our Society relied on....? God Bless you, and we are glad to see that at least you survived with your Family and were able to move on, enjoy your retirement!
Damn right they'll pay. I am 57 and my dad is 85. We had to sell our dairy cows in 2018. The neighbor girl's cried so hard. My dad was in a complete daze. The auctioneer wanted everything to go, but I told him no, we kept our Youngstock and I also did not let him "gut out" our barn. We now raise and sell beef and dairy cows. We also raise cash crops. We were screwed by one milk plant for 3 years and so was 2 other farmers on our truck just because it was not a full load. The total loss on that was over 265k. And no we never recovered from that one. I needed both hips replaced when I was 54. My back never stops hurting. My son is determined to farm. He is 15. I will do everything in my power to help him succeed.
I grew up where he did, i know exactly who the schepman he references is, i knew him on a very personal level in fact. He was an auctioneer here in Seymour Indiana, we bought a couple of used tractors from an auction he was doing, and we ended up having him auction off most of the land we owned a decade later.
I was a midwest farm girl and my family went through this during the 80’s. Four generations of proud farmers. My Irish ancestors landed in Southwest Michigan because it was much like their homeland. This song means so much to me. Always makes me cry.
I grew up in NW Indiana and married a girl from Niles Michigan. Ancestors worked in the steel mills of East Chicago. They also got shafted. Always the workers.
The memories made me cringe hearing this song on the radio for the first time in decades. It also made me think of what will happen if the population of bees significantly drops off to to the point to where crops fail on a mass scale.
The system is broken thanks to the voters who voted in the ones bent on destroying the country from within. This is how a civilization falls; from within due to conflict.
This has been a problem forever. From serfs to bankers victims those most involved with everyone's survival have been underrepresented because farming may be the most necessary occupation on Earth, but it ain't sexy.
@@johnnylightning1967 no, voters who vote just for politicians from their own party, and not for the ones that are the best choice for the position just because they belong to another party are the ones truly responsible for what is going on today. If people actually voted for the right candidate, and not just the one that the party they belong to endorses, you wouldn’t have half of these loony politicians in office.
Everything thing we eat comes from the American farmers and rancher. We need to take care of our veterans, farmers and ranchers. Without them we would not exist. Wish more people would understand that like you do.
You wanna be really moved look into the town that inspired this song, Dudleytown Indiana im related to 20 of the 25 people that live there. My family owned the largest family owned farm in Indiana for 30+ years, only 1 or 2 of us still farm the land because its simply not profitable. I still remember my father telling me what my grandpa said the day dad turned 18 "Get out of the house and go get a job, farmin' alone cant pay for 2 families."
Take it from me. Farming is constant stress and worry that the bank is gonna steal your land at any moment; or the government will make some dumb new rule or tax that screws you over.
@@whitemale2230 My granddad's friend took a slug one night behind the outhouse after he'd decided to become a trucker; it's awful what they do to the farmers. Assuming you're in the business, I wish you the best of luck, for whatever it's worth from a stranger.
@@dirtpounder My brother inherited a cattle ranch from my blood-related uncle (who was childless and died from brain cancer in 2017); and I basically work for my brother. The thing is, my brother was young and didn't have a high credit score or anything, so we got screwed by both the inheritance tax and the banks. My uncle's cancer just suddenly struck him and he died within 3 months, he was only able to communicate with a pen & paper because the speech center of his brain was affected. I think he didn't have the time or awareness to put it into a trust or whatever. We had to sell 1/3rd of the land initially to help pay the tax, but we're still hanging on. One good thing is we make really good hay with irrigators and fertilizer, and we're trying to sell hay in addition to cattle; since people around our area don't have access to that quality/quantity of hay on average, especially when there's a drought. Either way, I'm considering getting a wage job to help pay my own expenses. I don't plan on suicide though, no matter what happens. I want to be around to help take care of my family as long as I can.
@@foobarmaximus3506 It's a good thing to be self sufficient, but you shouldn't be sanctimonious about it. Who's to say the locusts won't come for your crops this year
@@kevinmcdonald6477 right! The point of the other guys statement was to stand together. Yes, you can be self sufficient but hail, drought, pest, theft, and poor leadership can affect us all. When you rely on yourself alone, any and all of it can bring you to your knees and liable to have someone buy your livelihood out from under you...or repo if you borrowed.
The hell is WE? You think I and others won’t take out ass outside and hunt or try to grow out own food? Idk about you, but a great country singer once said “A country boy can survive”. Hell I look like starving just cause farmers quit doing what they do.
This song should be played every day on every radio station until people recognise how long people like John Mellencamp have been calling out the greed and corruption of the bankers and mega corps. Love this song and it still makes me angry enough to cry.
This song really hits home in 2022. One of the last dairy farms in my local area. Sad to see a lot of beautiful farm land being built up to houses. God bless to everyone this year
That's exactly why my home town of Kansas City has been called a "suburbanized farm town" for many years. Starting in the 70's numerous real estate developers bought out a lot of farmland and slowly but surely turned it all into nice upper middle class suburban neighborhoods. KC is still a very spread out city. You literally have to search to find things to do on the weekends. KC has Arrowhead stadium, oceans of fun and world's of fun, the Sprint center, the KC power and light district, and that's about it. KC is 1 of the most boring cities in the country.
There’s 97 crosses planted in the courthouse yard , there’s 97 families who lost 97 farms. I think about my Grampa , my neighbors and my name, some nights I feel like dying , like a scarecrow in the rain. I just love this verse . I wish I could have met mine . This song has powerful lyrics . I think I was 15 when this song came out in 1985 .
@luke5100 He is one of America's finest songwriters for sure. He also was a great comproser and developed a complex music style that was all his own. Lots of influences obviously, but he mixed them into something original.
God Bless our Farmers and for John getting the message across! Blood on the Scarecrow/Blood on the Plow. Our Farmers keep this Nation fed and deserve respect and dignity. Preach. ❤️🙏JM
@@Aleph3575 True. I am not a big Mellencamp fan but love this song. Even though I am a city boy now (firefighter) my 1st job from 13-16 was on a farm and the work ethic never left me.
As a struggling dairy farmer the thought of selling everything I’ve ever had just kills me I hope it never comes down to it. It’s what my family has done on the same ground for 7 generations and almost 200 years. Just keeping my head to the grindstone and never quitting
Ford Farming hang in there man. I’ve watched my old man nearly loose it all trying to keep the farm going and he survived. My brother and I are stepping into new roles as he tries to retire now. It’s hard to start farming, it’s hard to keep the family legacy going.
Keep fighting Ford Farmer, I am 6th generation on my farm, it is almost as bad now as it was when John wrote this song, but we will survive somehow. Keep your head up!
One of the most heartbreaking songs ever written. Down under here in Australia this is a daily tale also. So many multi generational farmers forced off the family land after years of losing money for every crop they sell or every litre of milk they sell to a huge supermarket conglomerate. A song even more poignant and relevant today than ever sadly.
Imagine how the indigenous population feel? Of course that doesn't make your situation any less sad. We're destroying the Earth and its inhabitants. Indigenous people all over the world have suffered this for hundreds of years though.
@@youjoker9647 Horseshit. The indigenous don't give a shit for the ''Invaders''. All they're praying for is for the whole European Invader Experiment to fail in an almighty crash so they can lord it over the ruins and say ''Good riddance! Told you so!! Die, Invader!!''
I have been spending more time in the Midwest and heartland of America. And I drive by miles and miles of corn and soy fields. These people are great. Honest, sincere, just very= decent folks. We rely on them and should never take them for granted. Bless the American farmer!
Retired now. Just managed to get by with a cheese making/ dairy operation for 14 years. Loved the tangible aspects of haying to milking and selling 1000 lb of high end cheese each week, just enough to get by with PT employees. Then a market price crash...lost 50K working 100 hr weeks in 3 months. Best farm plan going forward: 600K loan to make 15K per year if all goes well?? Back to a 8 - 5 job to pay it off. I don't know how anyone can make it unless they have a ton of money in the bank to start. Still love the land and still on the farm. But no longer the same and 90% of the local farmers are gone. This song is about the pride in one's profession and one very few appreciate that it sustains there very existence every day.
@@beanvillen24 I think it's interesting when people like music that isn't typical of their stereotypes. I like a *very* wide range of music, but then again, I don't really fit into any typical racial stereotypes, being mixed race.
This song holds a special place in my heart. As a 45 year old man who as a teenager could only stand and watch as the man my grandfather who raised me and I will always call pop had it all auctioned off cause of the cancer that was killing him. As the song says to just memories for me now. And to see how politicians and Hollywood treat rural America is disgusting to me
Same. Memories. I started driving at 10. Old Ford while Pop (grandfather) walked behind and planted . I kept it going til we couldn’t anymore. But I still live in the property. And I wouldn’t trade my roots for anything.
Deepest sympathy for you. I can actually say that I know EXACTLY how you feel 100%. My grandfather died of leukemia and we lost our farm . Losing the person to totally heartbreaking and losing the farm is like losing your roots and another family member at the same time. To me it wasn't that the land belonged to us , but we belonged to it and to this very day I feel the loss clean down in my soul.
I am 14 and in a long generation of dairy Farmers, but all of our equipment is old from the 80s'(the good ol days) and lack of profit is driving us down. the song hits me like I am that son, or my son will be that son. I will not let the legacy end.
I was 14 when my dad, a fourth generation dairy farmer died the same year this song came out. I grew up knowing the value of keeping the old equipment running, even our 2 John Deere B’s from the late ‘40’s and early ‘50’s. We were not able to keep the farm going after his death and this song really hits close to home. I hope that your family is able to keep fighting on.
My dad finally had to hang it up for good 6 years ago. I still remember the phone call I got from him that day telling me he just loaded the last cow up, next thing he said was “I hope you’re not disappointed in me”. I watched him fight for what little he had my whole life and the line in this song “son I’m sorry it’s just memories for you now” guts me every damn time
My (then retired, but not for long) Grandpa killed himself in 1985, the year this song came out, when I was a teenager. He had farmed his whole life in Illinois near the Indiana border, which is why this song rips me to the core, because my Grandpa was part of an epidemic of farmer suicides that should have been prevented. I'm grateful for the lyrics even now, and the close relationship I had with my own Grandparents, and to the countryside where I spent so much time with them. John Mellencamp speaks to my heart and always has.
+Peggy House I am sorry to hear about your Grandpas suicide. I wish the Government did more for the farmers back in the 80's!!!! I would have saved a lot of farms...And farmers!!! Thanks so much to John Mellencamp for bringing such attention to Farmers. No Farmers....No food!!!!
+Peggy House , First accept my deepest sympathies for the tragic and yes preventable death of your Grandpa. Secondly, I remember reading of a woman so desperate, she threw herself into a fire. And third what a betrayal of America's lifeblood. :(
+John Z When someone commits or attempt to commit suicide they are not thinking properly because of the desperation and lack of hope. While it is easy to label that person as weak that doesn't put yourself in their mindset and only taunts their memory and their family. It is but only for God's grace we are allowed to live each day with a sane mind.
I grew up in Southeast Missouri in New Madrid County and still remember Wayne Cryts taking back his crop. The early 80's was when corporate farms got big and that just killed the family farm with 500-1000 acres.
If this song doesn't get you Fired Up....well then there's something Terribly wrong....the sad part is it's an accurate portrayal of the Plight of the American Farmers.... Thank you... John for bringing to All ours Attention....in such a Powerful manner.... Music....!!!🙏👍😢
Where I live in Pennsylvania a lot of German descent people. Immigrants from all over Europe came to Scranton Pennsylvania to work the coal mines they saved their money up and bought farmland.
My granddad was Pennsylvania dutch he actually took care of German POW's at a sawmill in Pennsylvania. It was a good life growing up on the farm. Lots of food, lots of hard work!
I live 20 mins where this video was made southern Indiana. I've talked to many old farmers because I love there stories an all say same thing on farmers an suicide you got a 4 generation farm an it goes under in your hands farmers felt they let there fathers an grandfather's down an that must be so hard. God bless American farmers. An also godbless singer's an people that help out with farm aid an other things.
Greetings from Louisiana..I always come back to this vid a couple times a year because everything in it is real reality...I’d love to hear their stories
As sad and relevant as this song is today, I still love seeing glimpses of mid-1980’s Americana in this video. The old tractors look just like the one my grandpa had on his farm back in the day, and the picture @1:35 of the barn and the gravel path leading to it looks so similar to his barn and the gravel path to it that it makes my heart ache. It’s saddening that family and independent farmers have been forced to the wayside by corporate greed and government incompetence.
+Donald Schlosser Yes, well in the more western states it's a fantastic opportunity to explore new energy sources here in the US. But we obviously still need farmers for food and milk. So I get what you're saying. Have a good night.
taking his sweet fucking time.... He was helping Aust beat Eng in the cricket recently, which has sidetracked him a bit. Will be back to the farmers just as soon as he has given all the AIDS to babies in Africa.
I love this song. The American Farming family has fed the world for hundreds of years. They need and deserve all of our support. Without the American farm the world would need food desperately.
I was there, southern Minnesota hit hard. Family farms lost. I gave up a job so a family friend who lost everything could continue. Never regretted it, and I believe I was rewarded with a richer life because of it.
Not just farmers bro. It's about all Americans or people around the world living through hard times. What I mean is how the government takes away everything, resulting in harder labor for the working man.
Like many 40 something's that grew up in the Midwest in the 80's, this song is the best story of my life growing up. Went to Boot Camp 9 days after I graduated from high school to get away from the Auburn State Bank and Sherman Feed and Supply. I missed it once in awhile, but there was nothing left, had to do something. I wasn't going to turn into one of John Chaney's (banker) indentured servants.
John has ALWAYS been 50 years ahead of us and I’ve enjoyed him being the soundtrack to my life m. Me and my daddy used to drive around and scream these songs
Never will forget those days of Grandpa saying get that planter filled while I go check on a well and pump. That evening the new combine came down the lane, with lights on, was something to see. Along with that smile on my grandpa's face. Thanks for this song Mr. John...really hits home.
JM is a symbol of the real goodness in America. His music and statements made through music are so right on and touch one's soul and heart deep. My hats off to him a million times over.
This is more than a great song/video, it's a time capsule for an America that will never be again. Artists are the true keepers of time, of history, of place. Art doesn't lie. ✌☮🌎💫
John Mellancamp is the only rocker to literally represent rural farm town America. His many years of rock n roll storytelling has opened up many hearts and souls all over the US of A. I've been listening to his brilliant rock since I was a kid in the mid 80's. Keep rocking and rolling, Johnny!!
@@frankhonest8799 doing just fine. I saw Mellancamp appear on MSNBC recently. He said we have a bunch of cowards in the US Congress and Senate who are afraid to pass new gun laws cause they're focused on power and are scared of becoming unemployed politicians. Mellancamp is 1 of the greatest rock n roll storytelling musicians of all time and I also agree with his politics.
@@frankhonest8799 unfortunately in Florida. I love plenty of things about Florida. The main thing I absolutely detest about Florida is the out of control radical far right politics. We used to be a wide open purple swing state. Over the past few years DeSantis has managed to turn Florida into 1 of the most bleeding red states in the country. There's so many politically radicalized people in Florida it's sickening. I was born and raised in Kansas City.
This song is more relevant now more than ever. Now more than ever. between today's greedy big corporations, our very corrupt government, I know farmers are being treated anything but fair. I love this song. The music itself + the lyrics are so spot on. I grew up in the 80's, and today's music just don't make the cut for me. 80's has some of the very best music out there.
Same to you my next door neighbor was a Vietnam vet when I was a kid growing up back in the eighties. He told me Australian soldiers were tough as nails and love to drink and fight.
Man there has never been a more real song for the working man. I'm checking the fence with grandpa man i miss those days. Still checking that damn fence. You passed the guard down to us boys
This song brings tears to my eyes and I'm a sml town gal..God bless John for all his work w/FarmAid as well as farmers and produce handlers where would we be without YOU?
Sigh, when will people understand that this is not a Republican vs Democrat fight. This is a fight of the people against the political class that thinks they own us.
REPUBLICANS care more. JFK would be considered a hard core Republican these days. These Dems HATE any American success. God bless President Trump. And he supports our farmers. God bless them as well....
@@tammyguffey4945 Unfortunately, BINGO. Today's Democrat is a socialist bent on changing the founding of this country. American success means leftist failure. Successful farms means we're not dependent on the government for a hand-out or other countries. We reclaim our sovereignty. So the way they're set up today, the answer to your question, despite its sarcasm, is a very serious yes.
When I was young, I grew up in the chicago burb of Hammond, and then I moved a little east, and I would wake up to the cocks crowing, and think about Johns music. Much later I married an Australian woman who is from farmland in Australia, and she asked me, "Thats what it means when a cock crows." and I said "yeah, it's beautiful." she said, "If we move back here, I want to be a hoosier." To live in the farmland, of the great grain, and the great plains, is a beautiful thing. My wife would have moved 12 thousand miles to be a Hoosier, becase Indiana is polite and beautiful.
@@youtubeme7195 I moved from southern Indiana to lisle in the west Chicago burbs. It’s just a different lifestyle, but Ik many people from my childhood that would do anything to get out of the country
I'm not a farmer myself, but I'm a born and raised Hoosier through and through. And I'm very proud of it. It's a great part of the country that doesn't get very much recognition at all. And it's a damn shame. This song brings a tear to my eye every time I hear it. And the music video that accompanies it drives the point home even better and gives you a taste of what it is like to live in indiana. This is my favorite song . I really think if everyone in the world had a chance to grow up out in the country, the world would be a better place.
The song is based off of my hometown, that part about "400 empty acers" was actually a reference to my family's farm. And it pains me to say that its only gotten worse, the town is currently only home to about 25 stubborn people and I'm related to 20 of them, we used to be the largest family owned farm in the state now only 1 or 2 members of the family still farm. The rest either sold it, died from stress related illnesses, or simply lost the farm to the banks. I remember every single year up until I was 12 I would go to funerals for family members that were either younger, or not much older than I am now. My great uncle, a man I never got to meet but heard a lot about, was about to lose his share of the farm to the bank because of a drought and shot himself on the front porch in his rocking chair one morning while he had his coffee.
I'm 15 and have never farmed but my father is a construction worker and this song makes me think about how America is losing its heart. I might be to young to truly know but it saddens me to see the worker, the foundation of our nation being forgotten or forced away in favor of the white collar worker who complains on social media. To any small farmers left know that I will always respect you. Please keep fighting. I don't want to see what's left turn into city.
4th generation small cattle farmer from North Arkansas here. Thank You. That is truly a breath of fresh air...... especially given Your age. My our Lord bless You. ❤
One of the greatest songs ever written! I was raised on a 300 acre farm. After my grandparents died it was sold. I loved that farm, but the grandchildren just couldn’t keep it up. We can’t live without our farmers. Must love and respect to all of them. I drive to South Georgia to get my fruits and vegetables every year from my old neighborhood farmers.
Love JC Mellancamp. Been lidtening to him and loving his music since the 80s and Ive not heard one crap söng. Í relate to all of them. Great partý music. Í just want to GO back to the 80s to the days of bluelight discos, dancing all through the night. Í love all JCs music. Every söng is a hít!
Im not a farmer but i always wanted to be one and am actively researching and planning to start after high school and i have lots if family that have said this song is true even today
In 1988, I worked as a repo for Rent-a-Center and I had no problem with the job... I went to repo a TV and the renter told me she sold the TV for crack. I quit the job when I had to repo a refriderator, washer, and dryer. I had to watch this family take all the food out of the fridge so I could put it on my truck.They were just a family on hard times. Later that night, I heard this song on the radio... the line "Calling it your job Ol' Hoss don't make it right if you want I'll say a prayer for your soul tonight." Stuck like an arrow in my heart... I quit the next day. `nuff said...
I hear you man.There isn't enough money out there to make me force another family to go without.I would have to quit before cutting off somebody's electricity.
@@shawnmoore9551 would ya? i went with my partner to repo a honda suv up in the mountains of north carolina, we go to the town, and went on out to the address, which was about 18 miles up in the hills on a dirt road, no street lights, no phone service, nothing but dark, got to the address at a small wood siding house and i grabbed the repo order and went to the door, porch light came on and the door opened, a young woman came out and i told her what was up, she started crying as 3 little kids came out the door and stood behind her, the suv was in the yard, so my partner was hooking while i was talking, i asked if she had stuff inside it, she said yeah and started unloading it, the oldest kid said mom im hungry and she told the kid wasnt nuthin she could do till grandma came and picked them up the next day if she had the gas... so i asked why she aint paid on the suv, she said been laid off for 3 months, husband left her now all the food had run out, long story short, i told my partner to put the thing down and he was pissed, but i gave her 100.00 bux and the keys and told her id be back in 45 days, well, i went back, she had caught up her payments, and gave me my 100.00 , i got back to the office and quit, fuck being a repo man, ITS NOT A COOL JOB
Mr. Mellencamp, this song has always been one of my favorite songs. I dont work the farm. But I am a hard working American who has watched "politics" WRECK not only Our Nation... but the world as well. So sad.
it's pretty remarkable how many people my music touches.... I think I am very lucky in that way, I think I have you to be the most thankful for 🎹🌹🎹🌹🎹🌹.
@@traviscarr6536 I don't have time to talk much here, write to me on my privately on Google Hangout,celebritystar262@gmail.com,I’ll keep in touch over there
Me and my family lived this song! My dad lost his dairy farm in 84! We lived 20 miles west of Seymour Indiana were John is from. It's 98 crosses not 97..
John, I just want to thank you for always keeping it real and bringing Music to our lives that makes us think and be better to one another. From the early days of CCR to the present you're one of the few that can make my soul feel the meaning you are trying to convey. May the grace of God shine on your soul.
I've been loving Mellencamp since 1982 (so for 41 years). This song is one of his greatest. That whole album is great. Prescient and chilling. Amazing music. Wonderful art. Thanks John.
" I fought authority, but authority always wins". He gets it. We will never give in, we will never give up, authority may win today, but tomorrow is ours.
I love the intro about the farmers talking about farming. There's many truths about their commentary, but the last part is the best. Want to buy a farm? This sums up the farming industry. I can only tip my hat to those who continue farming.
These are John's cousins, they took over the farm right after the heyday of farming in the late 70s, can't say I wouldn't have done the same you could do no wrong
The joke I've heard growing up on a farm was always "If you win the lottery and want to blow it all in one go, start farming!" If these crazy environmental laws start taxing farmers for each cow they own it's absolutely going to wreck them because beef has been the ONE clear profit-the ONLY one for that matter. My Dad has said for decades that farmers desperately need another cash crop instead of just corn and beans. During the early 90's we and EVERY other farmer got out of raising pigs because megafarms wrecked prices and made it cost more to feed them than what you got at market. I remember .29 cents a pound back in '92. By 1995 no one was raising pork anymore.
I used to go to the farm aid concerts yearly. Taking a trip down memory lane. This is some music that should come back. For the message and the beautiful music.
Boy oh boy have times changed, and farming is certainly not ant different along with many occupations, however farming is what puts food on our table, for we must eat, still we keep on going, WITH ALL KINDS OF OBSTACLES, WEATHER is 1 great problem with drought EVERYWHERE, freezing temps at times in the south, THEY always FACE,, ECT, I PRAY ALL THESE FARMS KEEP GOING, CERTAINLY WITH ALL THE HELP THEY CAN GET, IN ORDER TO KEEP GROWING, PRODUCING ALL CROPS N ANIMALS🙏🙏🙏
This song reminds me when I started seeing things it wasn't to make cheap food they want control of it. If you control certain things you control people take it back. I am screaming now do you worst. God will not b defeated.
Great album. Spent my school summer holidays in West Cork in Ireland. For every fishing trip on those holidays, Rain on the Scarecrow would be played in the car on the way. Happy days.
Thank you & Bless you Mr Mellencamp for being a true to your roots authentic soul, wonderful musician and compassionate advocate! I grew up on a farm too and almost 25yrs after having to leave, this song remains incredibly relevant to the struggling farmers across the USA & Canada as well as to the suffering farmers here in Australia and my beloved Ireland. This was the song I listened to for years, crying and missing my farm life, but now I listen to it in pure Solidarity and Hope for ALL those around the World who are struggling to survive and maintain their lifestyle, their inheritance, their dignity and their grace! A song that IS relevant into posterity, by a brilliant artist who never sold out = RESPECT ✌️😍🙏🌟
I am a farm owner, I have all my life known the pain and pride in it. Farmers are the backbone of this country USA
Actually …… farmers are not even close to being the backbone. I farm 15000 acres of mostly soy beans. Do you eat those!????
Thank you for all that you do for us! I remember running around on the farm as a little boy and getting into everything, My uncle still teases me about it almost 50 years later lol!
No they aren’t lol
I sit and cry every time I watch this. Unless you have farmed and know this lifestyle you will not understand. I am a 4th generation farmer and I see it all slipping away. I fight every day to manage this land. Between the government, cheap prices of grain, the weather and experiences it seems like a losing battle. The only thing that keeps me going is, I was brought up to never give up. Hold your head high and keep the family legacy alive no matter what it takes! This song holds a lot of truth behind the words that are spoken!
Man keep it going! We hear you and support you! God bless America!
Keep fighting, my grandparents lost the fight back in the 90's Then in the early 2000's I lost my factory job due to those companies closing their doors here in the States. I'd write a fucking book but hell, it's the same story for millions of us here in the United States, which are feeling less united day by day.
Hang in there. .sometimes its darkest before dawn
Give out but never give up.!!
@@scottdougherty4251 we are still a long ways from dawn.
John wrote this in 1985. In 1985 I was just like the 3 guys in the intro. Government FHA forced me into bankruptcy that year. Took my machinery, took my cows, took my land, which meant they took my home. Homeless for 3 months wife, two kids under 5, lived out of a car. Got a good job that lasted 35 years. Now that I'm retired, and not focused on work, I think about the 1980s all over again. Nothing has changed farmers still struggle and gamble on the future every day. Some day the world will pay the price of its blindness.
I don't know if you like the band "Disturbed", but they have a song called "Another Way To Die" that addresses that, too, man. Our endless maniacal appetite, as they say, has left us with nothing in the world that we claim to love. You Farmed and your Family provided food and necessities for thousands, but the greed and corruption of our Government destroyed that, along with millions of other people who also lost their ability to provide the commodities our Society relied on....? God Bless you, and we are glad to see that at least you survived with your Family and were able to move on, enjoy your retirement!
very powerful. We see you.
Damn right they'll pay. I am 57 and my dad is 85. We had to sell our dairy cows in 2018. The neighbor girl's cried so hard. My dad was in a complete daze. The auctioneer wanted everything to go, but I told him no, we kept our Youngstock and I also did not let him "gut out" our barn. We now raise and sell beef and dairy cows. We also raise cash crops. We were screwed by one milk plant for 3 years and so was 2 other farmers on our truck just because it was not a full load. The total loss on that was over 265k. And no we never recovered from that one. I needed both hips replaced when I was 54. My back never stops hurting. My son is determined to farm. He is 15. I will do everything in my power to help him succeed.
I grew up where he did, i know exactly who the schepman he references is, i knew him on a very personal level in fact. He was an auctioneer here in Seymour Indiana, we bought a couple of used tractors from an auction he was doing, and we ended up having him auction off most of the land we owned a decade later.
@@lostwizardcat9910 that positively, purely, fucking sucks 😤. I feel your pain and am truly sorry for your loss.
I was a midwest farm girl and my family went through this during the 80’s. Four generations of proud farmers. My Irish ancestors landed in Southwest Michigan because it was much like their homeland. This song means so much to me. Always makes me cry.
I grew up in NW Indiana and married a girl from Niles Michigan. Ancestors worked in the steel mills of East Chicago. They also got shafted. Always the workers.
The memories made me cringe hearing this song on the radio for the first time in decades. It also made me think of what will happen if the population of bees significantly drops off to to the point to where crops fail on a mass scale.
This song was written in 1985, 34 years later we are still facing the same problems. Something is wrong with society.
We are more concerned about celebrities and other countries than our own.this will sadly never change
The system is broken thanks to the voters who voted in the ones bent on destroying the country from within. This is how a civilization falls; from within due to conflict.
democrats are destroying America
This has been a problem forever. From serfs to bankers victims those most involved with everyone's survival have been underrepresented because farming may be the most necessary occupation on Earth, but it ain't sexy.
@@johnnylightning1967 no, voters who vote just for politicians from their own party, and not for the ones that are the best choice for the position just because they belong to another party are the ones truly responsible for what is going on today. If people actually voted for the right candidate, and not just the one that the party they belong to endorses, you wouldn’t have half of these loony politicians in office.
Never forget what this song is written for and what it is about and how, almost forty years later, it is still insanely relevant.
Everything thing we eat comes from the American farmers and rancher. We need to take care of our veterans, farmers and ranchers. Without them we would not exist. Wish more people would understand that like you do.
sadly I am seeing how it is still the same from when I was a teenager nearly 40 years ago. Song is just as relevant.
@@gilbertjimenez185 I also understand it very much.
CORRECTION*
MORE RELEVANT NOW THAN EVER BEFORE!!!
Amen, Love this song. One of John's Best along with Cherry Bomb.
Man its sad reading some of these comments. God bless all you farmers. Thank you for all your hard work
Grow a garden
I have never farmed a day in my life and I have never been so moved by a piece of music. That whole album was from the heart.
You wanna be really moved look into the town that inspired this song, Dudleytown Indiana im related to 20 of the 25 people that live there. My family owned the largest family owned farm in Indiana for 30+ years, only 1 or 2 of us still farm the land because its simply not profitable.
I still remember my father telling me what my grandpa said the day dad turned 18 "Get out of the house and go get a job, farmin' alone cant pay for 2 families."
Try 'cost of living' by ronnie dunn
Take it from me. Farming is constant stress and worry that the bank is gonna steal your land at any moment; or the government will make some dumb new rule or tax that screws you over.
@@whitemale2230 My granddad's friend took a slug one night behind the outhouse after he'd decided to become a trucker; it's awful what they do to the farmers.
Assuming you're in the business, I wish you the best of luck, for whatever it's worth from a stranger.
@@dirtpounder My brother inherited a cattle ranch from my blood-related uncle (who was childless and died from brain cancer in 2017); and I basically work for my brother. The thing is, my brother was young and didn't have a high credit score or anything, so we got screwed by both the inheritance tax and the banks. My uncle's cancer just suddenly struck him and he died within 3 months, he was only able to communicate with a pen & paper because the speech center of his brain was affected. I think he didn't have the time or awareness to put it into a trust or whatever. We had to sell 1/3rd of the land initially to help pay the tax, but we're still hanging on. One good thing is we make really good hay with irrigators and fertilizer, and we're trying to sell hay in addition to cattle; since people around our area don't have access to that quality/quantity of hay on average, especially when there's a drought. Either way, I'm considering getting a wage job to help pay my own expenses. I don't plan on suicide though, no matter what happens. I want to be around to help take care of my family as long as I can.
Remember ONE thing without farmers WE all go down. GOD bless all the American Farmers.
@@foobarmaximus3506 It's a good thing to be self sufficient, but you shouldn't be sanctimonious about it. Who's to say the locusts won't come for your crops this year
@@kevinmcdonald6477 right! The point of the other guys statement was to stand together. Yes, you can be self sufficient but hail, drought, pest, theft, and poor leadership can affect us all. When you rely on yourself alone, any and all of it can bring you to your knees and liable to have someone buy your livelihood out from under you...or repo if you borrowed.
@@miguelmarquez4192 Correct! No man is an island unto themselves .
Yes!!!
The hell is WE? You think I and others won’t take out ass outside and hunt or try to grow out own food? Idk about you, but a great country singer once said “A country boy can survive”. Hell I look like starving just cause farmers quit doing what they do.
This song is more relevant today than it ever was
Jackie Treehorn yes
but you have donald lol
yup
Jackie Treehorn Trumps done more for farmers and our country than most presidents have in 30 years
@@garretthunterhodges What? Is...is that why SOOOO many are having to throw away meat, euthanize livestock, dump milk....what are you talking about
This song should be played every day on every radio station until people recognise how long people like John Mellencamp have been calling out the greed and corruption of the bankers and mega corps. Love this song and it still makes me angry enough to cry.
👍👍
And he gave into those corporations
Yes. Are hearts bleed for America farm's
Jews
@@adamcosta4182 Good song but you right.
I don't think anyone, in all of music, had their finger on the pulse of the Heartland the way Mellencamp did in the 80's. Brilliant musician.
Nobody had more midwest in the mid 80s than Mellencamp, no sir.
@@eako2107 Makes sense with him being from Indiana
YOU DAMN SKIPPY........
Born and raised Hoosier. John is to us what Springsteen is to New Jersey. Elvis to Memphis.
This song really hits home in 2022. One of the last dairy farms in my local area. Sad to see a lot of beautiful farm land being built up to houses. God bless to everyone this year
My family Homestead here in Minnesota in 1885. I was the last one to dairy farm here. I sold the cows in 2018.
That's what they want, to starve us into dependence. I started a big garden this year. 😞
@@beckyboo1433 yes they do! The farmers of this great nation need to joint together and say hey this shit has to stop. No farms no food.
That's exactly why my home town of Kansas City has been called a "suburbanized farm town" for many years. Starting in the 70's numerous real estate developers bought out a lot of farmland and slowly but surely turned it all into nice upper middle class suburban neighborhoods. KC is still a very spread out city. You literally have to search to find things to do on the weekends. KC has Arrowhead stadium, oceans of fun and world's of fun, the Sprint center, the KC power and light district, and that's about it. KC is 1 of the most boring cities in the country.
Hog farm in NC. Independent. Last one In our county .. dairy is tougher .. keep working ! . Hard to win sometimes
There’s 97 crosses planted in the courthouse yard , there’s 97 families who lost 97 farms. I think about my Grampa , my neighbors and my name, some nights I feel like dying , like a scarecrow in the rain. I just love this verse . I wish I could have met mine . This song has powerful lyrics . I think I was 15 when this song came out in 1985 .
@luke5100 He is one of America's finest songwriters for sure. He also was a great comproser and developed a complex music style that was all his own. Lots of influences obviously, but he mixed them into something original.
God Bless our Farmers and for John getting the message across! Blood on the Scarecrow/Blood on the Plow. Our Farmers keep this Nation fed and deserve respect and dignity. Preach. ❤️🙏JM
Probably his best song, the lyrics are hauntingly beautiful
Horribly underappreciated because of what its about, which is the true tragedy because of that very reason.
@@Aleph3575 True. I am not a big Mellencamp fan but love this song. Even though I am a city boy now (firefighter) my 1st job from 13-16 was on a farm and the work ethic never left me.
And REAL!
@@infjintegrityvsnarcissism7295 Well said.
As a struggling dairy farmer the thought of selling everything I’ve ever had just kills me I hope it never comes down to it. It’s what my family has done on the same ground for 7 generations and almost 200 years. Just keeping my head to the grindstone and never quitting
Ford Farming hang in there man. I’ve watched my old man nearly loose it all trying to keep the farm going and he survived. My brother and I are stepping into new roles as he tries to retire now. It’s hard to start farming, it’s hard to keep the family legacy going.
We’d die without you and those like you. I see you. Thank you doesn’t cover it.
VeganEllyn You know nothing ! You are spouting liberal lies.
Stay Strong!! 💪💯
Keep fighting Ford Farmer, I am 6th generation on my farm, it is almost as bad now as it was when John wrote this song, but we will survive somehow. Keep your head up!
One of the most heartbreaking songs ever written. Down under here in Australia this is a daily tale also. So many multi generational farmers forced off the family land after years of losing money for every crop they sell or every litre of milk they sell to a huge supermarket conglomerate. A song even more poignant and relevant today than ever sadly.
Hello 👋 how are you feeling?
Imagine how the indigenous population feel?
Of course that doesn't make your situation any less sad. We're destroying the Earth and its inhabitants. Indigenous people all over the world have suffered this for hundreds of years though.
Y'all still have the plight that Midnight Oil sang about in Blue Sky mine. I'm an American and that made me sad to hear that song
@@youjoker9647 Horseshit. The indigenous don't give a shit for the ''Invaders''. All they're praying for is for the whole European Invader Experiment to fail in an almighty crash so they can lord it over the ruins and say ''Good riddance! Told you so!! Die, Invader!!''
@@youjoker9647.... Do you actually understand what indigenous means.....
I have been spending more time in the Midwest and heartland of America. And I drive by miles and miles of corn and soy fields. These people are great. Honest, sincere, just very= decent folks. We rely on them and should never take them for granted. Bless the American farmer!
Retired now. Just managed to get by with a cheese making/ dairy operation for 14 years. Loved the tangible aspects of haying to milking and selling 1000 lb of high end cheese each week, just enough to get by with PT employees. Then a market price crash...lost 50K working 100 hr weeks in 3 months. Best farm plan going forward: 600K loan to make 15K per year if all goes well??
Back to a 8 - 5 job to pay it off. I don't know how anyone can make it unless they have a ton of money in the bank to start. Still love the land and still on the farm. But no longer the same and 90% of the local farmers are gone. This song is about the pride in one's profession and one very few appreciate that it sustains there very existence every day.
as a black man, let me say that JM is the bomb. I have enjoyed his music since the 80's.
Manuel Diggs why do you have to state your black, no one cares, why keep it alive, im white and love all kinds of music
I guess he is saying this isn't typically black people's type of music. He was completely. So stfu
Working guys don't see color. Only politicians do as they try to separate us.
@@beanvillen24
I think it's interesting when people like music that isn't typical of their stereotypes.
I like a *very* wide range of music, but then again, I don't really fit into any typical racial stereotypes, being mixed race.
As a man, I agree JCM is the bomb.
This song holds a special place in my heart. As a 45 year old man who as a teenager could only stand and watch as the man my grandfather who raised me and I will always call pop had it all auctioned off cause of the cancer that was killing him. As the song says to just memories for me now. And to see how politicians and Hollywood treat rural America is disgusting to me
Completely agree w you so sorry that happened to you
I'm the same age as you and the same thing happened to our family farm in 1987, minus the cancer.
Same. Memories. I started driving at 10. Old Ford while Pop (grandfather) walked behind and planted . I kept it going til we couldn’t anymore. But I still live in the property. And I wouldn’t trade my roots for anything.
Deepest sympathy for you. I can actually say that I know EXACTLY how you feel 100%. My grandfather died of leukemia and we lost our farm . Losing the person to totally heartbreaking and losing the farm is like losing your roots and another family member at the same time. To me it wasn't that the land belonged to us , but we belonged to it and to this very day I feel the loss clean down in my soul.
Get this man to 100 likes this comment is amazing
Makes me think of growing up on the farm when I was a kid.... miss my grandparents everyday
75, old farm boy but had no way to follow that life; but glad I learned the value of hard work. That has served me well all my life.
Don’t know if I’m saying what I want not great on this digital crap but we need to put our heads down and keep going
Thank you to all the farmers that keep America going. we see you. 👍👍💪💪
If you ate today, thank a farmer,
If the food got to your table, thank a trucker,
If you ate in peace, thank a veteran.
YUP
Your welcome
@@devandulin6073 thank you 🚜
nickelgoat822 I’m a trucker and I appreciate you boys keeping America fed
I am 14 and in a long generation of dairy Farmers, but all of our equipment is old from the 80s'(the good ol days) and lack of profit is driving us down. the song hits me like I am that son, or my son will be that son. I will not let the legacy end.
Yea libtards love them some China.
@@kennethhedden1846 Exactly
Diversify - the best policy for farmers. Market directly to the customer, stay away from GMO and glyphosate, grow crops as well as dairy. We need you.
Keep driving a Ford and it will...
Jk.. I've got a couple furds.
I was 14 when my dad, a fourth generation dairy farmer died the same year this song came out. I grew up knowing the value of keeping the old equipment running, even our 2 John Deere B’s from the late ‘40’s and early ‘50’s. We were not able to keep the farm going after his death and this song really hits close to home. I hope that your family is able to keep fighting on.
From ,western New York ,Mellencamp kicks freaking rock and Roll . Minutes to Memories . ❤❤❤❤❤❤
One of the most American songs ever written. Love of country.
My dad finally had to hang it up for good 6 years ago. I still remember the phone call I got from him that day telling me he just loaded the last cow up, next thing he said was “I hope you’re not disappointed in me”. I watched him fight for what little he had my whole life and the line in this song “son I’m sorry it’s just memories for you now” guts me every damn time
If you know you know !
🙏❤
That's what I feel when I decided to sell my dairy cows 4 yes ago.
My (then retired, but not for long) Grandpa killed himself in 1985, the year this song came out, when I was a teenager. He had farmed his whole life in Illinois near the Indiana border, which is why this song rips me to the core, because my Grandpa was part of an epidemic of farmer suicides that should have been prevented. I'm grateful for the lyrics even now, and the close relationship I had with my own Grandparents, and to the countryside where I spent so much time with them. John Mellencamp speaks to my heart and always has.
+Peggy House Now the government is throwing ranchers in prison, calling them terrorists , so they can take their land.
God bless your grandpa's soul
+Peggy House I am sorry to hear about your Grandpas suicide. I wish the Government did more for the farmers back in the 80's!!!! I would have saved a lot of farms...And farmers!!! Thanks so much to John Mellencamp for bringing such attention to Farmers. No Farmers....No food!!!!
+Peggy House , First accept my deepest sympathies for the tragic and yes preventable death of your Grandpa. Secondly, I remember reading of a woman so desperate, she threw herself into a fire. And third what a betrayal of America's lifeblood. :(
+John Z When someone commits or attempt to commit suicide they are not thinking properly because of the desperation and lack of hope. While it is easy to label that person as weak that doesn't put yourself in their mindset and only taunts their memory and their family. It is but only for God's grace we are allowed to live each day with a sane mind.
I grew up in Southeast Missouri in New Madrid County and still remember Wayne Cryts taking back his crop. The early 80's was when corporate farms got big and that just killed the family farm with 500-1000 acres.
John Mellencamp is a national treasure.
One of the most underrated Songwriters, Humanitarian's of our lifetime, a singer for the common hardworking American,
He really is. He's like the Springsteen of the Midwest. I wish he was as well respected.
What ever happened old hoss the auctimeer schepman ?
Also his first album which was released in Australia Johnny Cougar: A Biography is one of the best albums ever.
Yessss!!! I prefer John Cougar than Dylan or Springsteen...
A singer for all hard working western folks - this world is gone and it's a shame !
If this song doesn't get you Fired Up....well then there's something Terribly wrong....the sad part is it's an accurate portrayal of the Plight of the American Farmers.... Thank you... John for bringing to All ours Attention....in such a Powerful manner.... Music....!!!🙏👍😢
Also, if you have food on youre table, thank a farmer. If you have food every day, thank a trucker. The backbone(heart) of America.
This song hits to the bone those of us who had relatives who farmed in the 80's.
Hello 👋
My mom went to school with JCM I’m from his home town and people need to realize that without farmers we have nothing god bless the farmers of the USA
Best regards from Germany. A beloved song from the 80s, but still as relevant today as it was then 😢 My absolutely great respect to all farmers 👍
Where I live in Pennsylvania a lot of German descent people. Immigrants from all over Europe came to Scranton Pennsylvania to work the coal mines they saved their money up and bought farmland.
My granddad was Pennsylvania dutch he actually took care of German POW's at a sawmill in Pennsylvania. It was a good life growing up on the farm. Lots of food, lots of hard work!
We stand with you Germany!!! Let this song be your rally cry. 🥰❤🙏🎶🙏🎶🥰
I live 20 mins where this video was made southern Indiana. I've talked to many old farmers because I love there stories an all say same thing on farmers an suicide you got a 4 generation farm an it goes under in your hands farmers felt they let there fathers an grandfather's down an that must be so hard. God bless American farmers. An also godbless singer's an people that help out with farm aid an other things.
Greetings from Louisiana..I always come back to this vid a couple times a year because everything in it is real reality...I’d love to hear their stories
As sad and relevant as this song is today, I still love seeing glimpses of mid-1980’s Americana in this video. The old tractors look just like the one my grandpa had on his farm back in the day, and the picture @1:35 of the barn and the gravel path leading to it looks so similar to his barn and the gravel path to it that it makes my heart ache. It’s saddening that family and independent farmers have been forced to the wayside by corporate greed and government incompetence.
What's sad is it's 30 years later and nothing has f*cking changed
Alot has changed Ray, Just not for the Better!
Yep....
+Ray “rayray” Sexauer It's changed- it's even f#*king WORSE. Just terrible.
shit farmers that own there own land are making a killing now
+Donald Schlosser Yes, well in the more western states it's a fantastic opportunity to explore new energy sources here in the US. But we obviously still need farmers for food and milk. So I get what you're saying. Have a good night.
I come from a Family of Farmers!
Much #Respect to All The Farmers!
Much respect to you. From farmer to farmer.
Farmers, dont give up. Jesus will pick His time to Help us. Thank you john for helping and caring for the Farmers. We adore you here in Indiana.
taking his sweet fucking time.... He was helping Aust beat Eng in the cricket recently, which has sidetracked him a bit. Will be back to the farmers just as soon as he has given all the AIDS to babies in Africa.
I love this song. The American Farming family has fed the world for hundreds of years. They need and deserve all of our support. Without the American farm the world would need food desperately.
Shame you don't hear this song on the radio. It's still relevant and still needs to be heard.
That's why it isn't played
It's still played on local Indiana radio.
I just heard it on the radio in Maine!
First of all, that's WHY it isn't played. Hits a bit too close to home. :P
Secondly, yes, it's more relevant than it ever was.
It's on Radio Paradise in pretty regular rotation. Thanks Bill.
Hits hard....my grand dad looked at the butts of his team when he plowed his field... . damn proud to be his grandson
I was there, southern Minnesota hit hard. Family farms lost. I gave up a job so a family friend who lost everything could continue. Never regretted it, and I believe I was rewarded with a richer life because of it.
This song stands for all farmers.. truly more relevant now than ever. God bless americas farmers
Amen🤘🤘🤘🤘🤘🤘
Not just farmers bro.
It's about all Americans or people around the world living through hard times. What I mean is how the government takes away everything, resulting in harder labor for the working man.
Like many 40 something's that grew up in the Midwest in the 80's, this song is the best story of my life growing up.
Went to Boot Camp 9 days after I graduated from high school to get away from the Auburn State Bank and Sherman Feed and Supply. I missed it once in awhile, but there was nothing left, had to do something. I wasn't going to turn into one of John Chaney's (banker) indentured servants.
This is one of Mellencamps best songs and it brings a strong message about no appreciation or help for the farmers out there.
John has ALWAYS been 50 years ahead of us and I’ve enjoyed him being the soundtrack to my life m. Me and my daddy used to drive around and scream these songs
Never will forget those days of Grandpa saying get that planter filled while I go check on a well and pump. That evening the new combine came down the lane, with lights on, was something to see. Along with that smile on my grandpa's face. Thanks for this song Mr. John...really hits home.
JM is a symbol of the real goodness in America. His music and statements made through music are so right on and touch one's soul and heart deep. My hats off to him a million times over.
Hi Mary,hope you’re okay ?
This is more than a great song/video, it's a time capsule for an America that will never be again.
Artists are the true keepers of time, of history, of place. Art doesn't lie.
✌☮🌎💫
You got that right brother
all art is propaganda.
@@wethepeople1981 Why ?
John Mellancamp is the only rocker to literally represent rural farm town America. His many years of rock n roll storytelling has opened up many hearts and souls all over the US of A. I've been listening to his brilliant rock since I was a kid in the mid 80's. Keep rocking and rolling, Johnny!!
Hello 👋 how are you doing?
@@frankhonest8799 doing just fine. I saw Mellancamp appear on MSNBC recently. He said we have a bunch of cowards in the US Congress and Senate who are afraid to pass new gun laws cause they're focused on power and are scared of becoming unemployed politicians. Mellancamp is 1 of the greatest rock n roll storytelling musicians of all time and I also agree with his politics.
@@Florida46 Oh really that’s great
@@Florida46 Where are you located?
@@frankhonest8799 unfortunately in Florida. I love plenty of things about Florida. The main thing I absolutely detest about Florida is the out of control radical far right politics. We used to be a wide open purple swing state. Over the past few years DeSantis has managed to turn Florida into 1 of the most bleeding red states in the country. There's so many politically radicalized people in Florida it's sickening. I was born and raised in Kansas City.
This song is more relevant now more than ever.
Now more than ever. between today's greedy big corporations, our very corrupt government, I know farmers are being treated anything but fair.
I love this song. The music itself + the lyrics are so spot on.
I grew up in the 80's, and today's music just don't make the cut for me. 80's has some of the very best music out there.
Chills up my spine, what a truly great song, sending love to our American brothers from Australia
Same to you my next door neighbor was a Vietnam vet when I was a kid growing up back in the eighties. He told me Australian soldiers were tough as nails and love to drink and fight.
Thanks from Michigan
Read those lyrics today. As relevant as ever. This is an angry song, an anthem actually, captures the mood beautifully.
This is not an angry song but it damn sure ought to make you angry! It's a beautiful song of what once was and we gave it up.
If you like this song then you need to check out Jethro Tulls farm on the freeway. It's on the album Crest of a Knave. Bad Ass Tune!
@@glenngarman2871
Alright I will check it out and thanks.
Gives me chills how real it is
Man there has never been a more real song for the working man.
I'm checking the fence with grandpa man i miss those days. Still checking that damn fence. You passed the guard down to us boys
This guy so awesome bought all those farms back.For the people that owned them, he should be proud in life of what he did.
This song brings tears to my eyes and I'm a sml town gal..God bless John for all his work w/FarmAid as well as farmers and produce handlers where would we be without YOU?
Well said. Without farmers, we literally wouldn't be able to put food on our tables.
Sigh, when will people understand that this is not a Republican vs Democrat fight. This is a fight of the people against the political class that thinks they own us.
REPUBLICANS care more. JFK would be considered a hard core Republican these days. These Dems HATE any American success. God bless President Trump. And he supports our farmers. God bless them as well....
So.......Republicans vs Democrats then?
Wardup04 lol
@@tammyguffey4945 Unfortunately, BINGO. Today's Democrat is a socialist bent on changing the founding of this country. American success means leftist failure. Successful farms means we're not dependent on the government for a hand-out or other countries. We reclaim our sovereignty. So the way they're set up today, the answer to your question, despite its sarcasm, is a very serious yes.
That political class is the Demonicrats
It not funny how this song seems to pertain to 2022 more then ever.
Indiana is my home, this song always gets me, in fact, most of Johns music does.
When I was young, I grew up in the chicago burb of Hammond, and then I moved a little east, and I would wake up to the cocks crowing, and think about Johns music. Much later I married an Australian woman who is from farmland in Australia, and she asked me, "Thats what it means when a cock crows." and I said "yeah, it's beautiful." she said, "If we move back here, I want to be a hoosier." To live in the farmland, of the great grain, and the great plains, is a beautiful thing. My wife would have moved 12 thousand miles to be a Hoosier, becase Indiana is polite and beautiful.
@@youtubeme7195 I moved from southern Indiana to lisle in the west Chicago burbs. It’s just a different lifestyle, but Ik many people from my childhood that would do anything to get out of the country
Mr. Mellenccamp,
If this is indeed you, please keep doing what you do. Your music benefits all of us.
I still can't listen to this song without crying for the family farmers who lost everything...
I'm not a farmer myself, but I'm a born and raised Hoosier through and through. And I'm very proud of it. It's a great part of the country that doesn't get very much recognition at all. And it's a damn shame. This song brings a tear to my eye every time I hear it. And the music video that accompanies it drives the point home even better and gives you a taste of what it is like to live in indiana. This is my favorite song . I really think if everyone in the world had a chance to grow up out in the country, the world would be a better place.
The song is based off of my hometown, that part about "400 empty acers" was actually a reference to my family's farm. And it pains me to say that its only gotten worse, the town is currently only home to about 25 stubborn people and I'm related to 20 of them, we used to be the largest family owned farm in the state now only 1 or 2 members of the family still farm.
The rest either sold it, died from stress related illnesses, or simply lost the farm to the banks.
I remember every single year up until I was 12 I would go to funerals for family members that were either younger, or not much older than I am now.
My great uncle, a man I never got to meet but heard a lot about, was about to lose his share of the farm to the bank because of a drought and shot himself on the front porch in his rocking chair one morning while he had his coffee.
Still love John Mellencamp still today. This is an amazing song even today in Oct. 2023. Still rocks. Still has lots of meaning
I'm 15 and have never farmed but my father is a construction worker and this song makes me think about how America is losing its heart. I might be to young to truly know but it saddens me to see the worker, the foundation of our nation being forgotten or forced away in favor of the white collar worker who complains on social media. To any small farmers left know that I will always respect you. Please keep fighting. I don't want to see what's left turn into city.
Well said. Excellent insight.
Thank You......❤. That means a lot.
4th generation small cattle farmer from North Arkansas here. Thank You. That is truly a breath of fresh air...... especially given Your age. My our Lord bless You. ❤
Check out My City Was Gone by The Pretenders.
One of the greatest songs ever written! I was raised on a 300 acre farm. After my grandparents died it was sold. I loved that farm, but the grandchildren just couldn’t keep it up. We can’t live without our farmers. Must love and respect to all of them. I drive to South Georgia to get my fruits and vegetables every year from my old neighborhood farmers.
What exactly is an "acre?"
@@jimm3205 one acre it’s 43,560 square feet of land.
Love JC Mellancamp. Been lidtening to him and loving his music since the 80s and Ive not heard one crap söng. Í relate to all of them. Great partý music. Í just want to GO back to the 80s to the days of bluelight discos, dancing all through the night. Í love all JCs music. Every söng is a hít!
Im not a farmer but i always wanted to be one and am actively researching and planning to start after high school and i have lots if family that have said this song is true even today
In 1988, I worked as a repo for Rent-a-Center and I had no problem with the job... I went to repo a TV and the renter told me she sold the TV for crack. I quit the job when I had to repo a refriderator, washer, and dryer. I had to watch this family take all the food out of the fridge so I could put it on my truck.They were just a family on hard times. Later that night, I heard this song on the radio... the line "Calling it your job Ol' Hoss don't make it right if you want I'll say a prayer for your soul tonight." Stuck like an arrow in my heart... I quit the next day. `nuff said...
Couldn't do the fridge that's fucked
That brought me to tears :(
I hear you man.There isn't enough money out there to make me force another family to go without.I would have to quit before cutting off somebody's electricity.
Frank Stoeffler i'd love TO be a repo MAN now that's a COOL JOB
@@shawnmoore9551 would ya? i went with my partner to repo a honda suv up in the mountains of north carolina, we go to the town, and went on out to the address, which was about 18 miles up in the hills on a dirt road, no street lights, no phone service, nothing but dark, got to the address at a small wood siding house and i grabbed the repo order and went to the door, porch light came on and the door opened, a young woman came out and i told her what was up, she started crying as 3 little kids came out the door and stood behind her, the suv was in the yard, so my partner was hooking while i was talking, i asked if she had stuff inside it, she said yeah and started unloading it, the oldest kid said mom im hungry and she told the kid wasnt nuthin she could do till grandma came and picked them up the next day if she had the gas... so i asked why she aint paid on the suv, she said been laid off for 3 months, husband left her now all the food had run out, long story short, i told my partner to put the thing down and he was pissed, but i gave her 100.00 bux and the keys and told her id be back in 45 days, well, i went back, she had caught up her payments, and gave me my 100.00 , i got back to the office and quit, fuck being a repo man, ITS NOT A COOL JOB
God bless you John. Great songs. Great messages.
Mr. Mellencamp, this song has always been one of my favorite songs. I dont work the farm. But I am a hard working American who has watched "politics" WRECK not only Our Nation... but the world as well. So sad.
This song is more relevant today in September 2019 than ever before
I was there in the 80s helping my grandpa load dairy cows when the government bought out all small farmers out, cows having calves in trailers sad day
it's pretty remarkable how many people my music touches.... I think I am very lucky in that way, I think I have you to be the most thankful for 🎹🌹🎹🌹🎹🌹.
Wow, JCM replied to y’all’s post ! 😂😂😂😂
@@traviscarr6536 I don't have time to talk much here, write to me on my privately on Google Hangout,celebritystar262@gmail.com,I’ll keep in touch over there
Me and my family lived this song! My dad lost his dairy farm in 84! We lived 20 miles west of Seymour Indiana were John is from. It's 98 crosses not 97..
John, I just want to thank you for always keeping it real and bringing Music to our lives that makes us think and be better to one another. From the early days of CCR to the present you're one of the few that can make my soul feel the meaning you are trying to convey. May the grace of God shine on your soul.
I've been loving Mellencamp since 1982 (so for 41 years). This song is one of his greatest. That whole album is great. Prescient and chilling. Amazing music. Wonderful art. Thanks John.
" I fought authority, but authority always wins". He gets it. We will never give in, we will never give up, authority may win today, but tomorrow is ours.
My step father said that the farmer was The Backbone of this Country.
More than just the backbone. The farmer is the backbone and the hand that feeds. People need to stop biting.
truck drivers are the backbone of this nation without them even the farmers couldn't do it
I believe your father
Might be the most important song John has written.
Hits home today more than ever
As poignant today as it was back in the mid 80s, if not more so.
One of my favorite John Mellencamp songs by far. That’s one hell of a high bar.
I love the intro about the farmers talking about farming. There's many truths about their commentary, but the last part is the best. Want to buy a farm? This sums up the farming industry. I can only tip my hat to those who continue farming.
These are John's cousins, they took over the farm right after the heyday of farming in the late 70s, can't say I wouldn't have done the same you could do no wrong
The joke I've heard growing up on a farm was always "If you win the lottery and want to blow it all in one go, start farming!" If these crazy environmental laws start taxing farmers for each cow they own it's absolutely going to wreck them because beef has been the ONE clear profit-the ONLY one for that matter. My Dad has said for decades that farmers desperately need another cash crop instead of just corn and beans. During the early 90's we and EVERY other farmer got out of raising pigs because megafarms wrecked prices and made it cost more to feed them than what you got at market. I remember .29 cents a pound back in '92. By 1995 no one was raising pork anymore.
@@twicepaidfor8248 I was wondering where those farmers were today, didn't know they were his cousins.
Lord be with our farmers this holiday season!!!
I used to go to the farm aid concerts yearly. Taking a trip down memory lane. This is some music that should come back. For the message and the beautiful music.
The snare drum that starts this song is about the most powerful snare ever. What a tone-setter for a great album.
3:08 John sings live, no reverb. Such a talent in writing and performance.
Very rare for music videos
Wow... this video was shot in the 1980's and the first 40 seconds are truer than ever here in December 2023!
Just shows you how life repeats itself. Just as true today as it was when written.
Heartbreaking and sickening. I haven't heard any action on the farm bill, either.
Boy oh boy have times changed, and farming is certainly not ant different along with many occupations, however farming is what puts food on our table, for we must eat, still we keep on going, WITH ALL KINDS OF OBSTACLES, WEATHER is 1 great problem with drought EVERYWHERE, freezing temps at times in the south, THEY always FACE,, ECT, I PRAY ALL THESE FARMS KEEP GOING, CERTAINLY WITH ALL THE HELP THEY CAN GET, IN ORDER TO KEEP GROWING, PRODUCING ALL CROPS N ANIMALS🙏🙏🙏
This song reminds me when I started seeing things it wasn't to make cheap food they want control of it. If you control certain things you control people take it back. I am screaming now do you worst. God will not b defeated.
🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸 🌽🐄🐓May God Bless our American farmers ~ Let them flourish and prosper ~ Thank You, Farmers of America 🐓🐄🌽 🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸
Great album. Spent my school summer holidays in West Cork in Ireland. For every fishing trip on those holidays, Rain on the Scarecrow would be played in the car on the way. Happy days.
Thank you & Bless you Mr Mellencamp for being a true to your roots authentic soul, wonderful musician and compassionate advocate! I grew up on a farm too and almost 25yrs after having to leave, this song remains incredibly relevant to the struggling farmers across the USA & Canada as well as to the suffering farmers here in Australia and my beloved Ireland. This was the song I listened to for years, crying and missing my farm life, but now I listen to it in pure Solidarity and Hope for ALL those around the World who are struggling to survive and maintain their lifestyle, their inheritance, their dignity and their grace! A song that IS relevant into posterity, by a brilliant artist who never sold out = RESPECT ✌️😍🙏🌟
My family were farmers in OKLAHOMA, ARKANSAS , MISSOURI TENNESSEE AND NORTH CAROLINA. THIS SONG STILL MAKES ME WANT TO CRY.
from upstate n.y. this song is more important now than in ' 85!!!!!
This is probably the best song John Mellencamp wrote and his best album.
Appreciating the drum work of Kenny Aronoff now more so now than ever.