Check It Out
John Mellencamp Cougar Lyrics
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To a world full of people, just livin' to be heard
Future generations ridin' on the highways that we built
I hope they have a better understanding
Check it out
Goin' to work on Monday
Check it out
Check it out
All utility bills have been paid
You can't tell your best buddy that you love him
So check it out
Where does our time go
Check it out
Got a brand new house in escrow
Check it out
Sleepin' with your back to your loved one
This is all that we've learned about happiness
Check it out
Forgot to say hello to my neighbors
Check it out
Sometimes I question my own behavior
Check it out
Talkin' about the girls that we've seen on the sly
Just to tell our souls we're still the young lions
So check it out
Gettin' too drunk on Saturdays
Check it out
Playin' football with the kids on Sundays
Check it out
Soarin' with the eagles all week long
And this is all that we've learned about living
This is all that we've learned about living
Check it out
Check it out
Check it out
Check it out
A million young poets screamin' out their words
Maybe someday those words will be heard
By future generations ridin' on the highways that we built
Maybe they'll have a better understanding
Check it out
Hope they'll have a better understanding
Check it out
Maybe they'll have a better understanding
Check it out
Maybe they'll have a better understanding
Check it out
Hope they have a better understanding
Check it out
Check it out
Check it out
The first verse of "Check It Out" acknowledges the voices of young poets, who are screaming out their words in a world where everyone is fighting for attention. The use of the word "screaming" here refers to the desperate desire for their words to be heard and understood. The songwriter is identifying with these poets, recognizing that they also have a message to convey. He hopes that the future generations, who will be coming after us and riding on the highways that we built, will have a better understanding. With this, Mellencamp is conveying a message of social responsibility. Young people must acknowledge and address the problems we have created, leaving behind a better world for the next generation.
The chorus emphasizes the monotony and routine of everyday life. We spend much of our time working and taking care of our families, but we forget to tell those who matter most to us how much they mean to us. Mellencamp is reminding us not to take our loved ones for granted but to cherish the moments we have with them. The lines "where does our time go" and "this is all that we've learned about happiness" are rhetorical questions that force us to reflect on our own lives, decisions, and values. Mellencamp is urging listeners to make the most of life and avoid being complacent.
Line by Line Meaning
A million young poets, screamin' out their words
There are countless young poets expressing their thoughts and emotions through their writing
To a world full of people, just livin' to be heard
These poets are addressing a world where everyone wants to be heard and acknowledged for their existence
Future generations ridin' on the highways that we built
The upcoming generations will depend on the paths we have built for them to follow
I hope they have a better understanding
It is the artist's desire that those who come after them will have broader insight and enlightenment
Check it out
Take a closer look at the realities of our daily lives
Goin' to work on Monday
Beginning another work week
Got yourself a family
Being responsible for a spouse and children
All utility bills have been paid
Having finances in good standing to cover household expenses
You can't tell your best buddy that you love him
Feeling unable to show affection and support to close friends
Where does our time go
Questioning how we utilize our time
Got a brand new house in escrow
Planning to purchase a new home through a legal process
Sleepin' with your back to your loved one
Struggling to maintain or deeply connect in a romantic relationship
This is all that we've learned about happiness
These are the limited teachings we have received about what it means to be happy
Forgot to say hello to my neighbors
Neglecting to acknowledge those who live nearby us
Sometimes I question my own behavior
Occasionally examining one's actions and habits to see if they align with one's values
Talkin' about the girls that we've seen on the sly
Discussing with friends the women one has been secretly observing
Just to tell our souls we're still the young lions
Justifying our actions to ourselves by claiming that we still retain our youthful spirit
Gettin' too drunk on Saturdays
Overindulging in alcohol on weekend nights
Playin' football with the kids on Sundays
Engaging in recreational activities with children on the weekend
Soarin' with the eagles all week long
Feeling a sense of accomplishment and pride in one's work throughout the week
And this is all that we've learned about living
These are the limited insights we have gained about what it truly means to live
Maybe someday those words will be heard
It is possible that the words of these young poets will eventually be acknowledged and appreciated
Maybe they'll have a better understanding
Perhaps future generations will have greater clarity and knowledge than we currently possess
Hope they'll have a better understanding
It is the artist's aspiration that those who come after us will have a deeper comprehension and wisdom
Check it out
Pay attention to our experiences and what we can learn from them
Check it out
Take a moment to examine the world around us
Check it out
Investigate the realities of our existence
Check it out
Take an introspective look at our lives
Lyrics © O/B/O APRA/AMCOS
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@FOH3663
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.
@danlipcsey9934
2024, anyone else??
@grinningg
Toledo 3-17. The shorten show😢
@MelodyTrieskey
Me
@arunphillips6977
Me
@RichardAlexander-ym7uw
Hahahaha
@jrock2264
Yup.
@jeremiahbrown1042
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!!!!
@franklesko2485
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.
@Levisnteeshirt1
It's like the come in and cut , some bands just don't get it , they try to drown each other out
@frankrees3120
Was thinking the same thing. I don't know how long this combo of Mellencamp Band members lasted together, but they had "magic" especially 11 Dec 1987!!! Thank goodness they professionally recorded it. We can have it & the Future can have it FOREVER!!!