John Prine was an American singer-songwriter renowned for his distinctive voice, heartfelt lyrics, and wry sense of humor. Born on October 10, 1946, in Maywood, Illinois, Prine’s career spanned over five decades, during which he released numerous albums and earned widespread acclaim for his songwriting prowess.
Prine’s music covered a wide range of genres, including folk, country, and Americana. His songs often explored the human experience with a blend of wit, wisdom, and empathy. Some of his most famous songs include “Angel from Montgomery,” “Sam Stone,” “Hello in There,” and “Paradise.”
Throughout his career, Prine received numerous accolades, including multiple Grammy Awards and induction into the Songwriters Hall of Fame. He was admired by fellow musicians and songwriters for his storytelling ability and authenticity.
Prine’s influence extended far beyond his own recordings, with many artists covering his songs and citing him as a major inspiration. His legacy continues to resonate in the world of folk and Americana music, and his songs remain beloved by fans old and new.
Sadly, John Prine passed away on April 7, 2020, due to complications from COVID-19. However, his music lives on as a testament to his talent and enduring impact on the music world.
1. Angel from Montgomery
“Angel from Montgomery” is a folk and country song written by American singer-songwriter John Prine. It was first recorded for his self-titled debut album, released in 1971. The song has since become one of Prine’s most iconic and beloved compositions, covered by numerous artists across various genres.
“Angel from Montgomery” tells the story of a woman trapped in a life of hardship and disappointment, longing for a way to escape her circumstances. The narrator reflects on her dreams and desires, imagining herself as an angel seeking redemption and freedom from her mundane existence.
The song’s poignant lyrics and soulful melody have resonated with audiences for decades, earning it a place as a classic of American folk music. Artists such as Bonnie Raitt, Tanya Tucker, and Susan Tedeschi have all recorded acclaimed versions of “Angel from Montgomery,” further cementing its status as a timeless masterpiece in the folk and country canon.
2. Illegal Smile
“Illegal Smile” is a song written and performed by the American folk singer-songwriter John Prine. It was featured on his self-titled debut album, released in 1971.
“Illegal Smile” is a whimsical and humorous song that explores the idea of finding joy and comfort in life’s simple pleasures, even if they may not be entirely legal. The song’s lyrics playfully describe various scenarios in which the protagonist enjoys moments of relaxation and contentment, often accompanied by a smile that may not be entirely acceptable by the law.
Musically, “Illegal Smile” features a simple acoustic guitar accompaniment and Prine’s distinctive vocals, which convey a sense of warmth and sincerity. The song’s catchy melody and witty lyrics have made it a fan favorite and a staple of Prine’s live performances.
Despite its lighthearted tone, “Illegal Smile” also touches on deeper themes of escapism and the human need for moments of happiness and relief from life’s struggles. Its enduring popularity has cemented its status as one of John Prine’s most beloved songs and a classic of the folk music genre.
3. Sam Stone
“Sam Stone” is a poignant and haunting song written and performed by the American folk singer-songwriter John Prine. It was released on his self-titled debut album in 1971.
“Sam Stone” tells the story of a Vietnam War veteran who returns home from combat only to struggle with addiction and PTSD. The song’s lyrics vividly depict Sam Stone’s descent into drug dependency and despair, as he copes with the physical and emotional scars of war. The chorus hauntingly repeats the line “There’s a hole in daddy’s arm where all the money goes,” a powerful metaphor for Sam’s addiction to heroin.
Musically, “Sam Stone” features Prine’s distinctive fingerpicked acoustic guitar and his raw, emotive vocals. The song’s sparse arrangement allows the lyrics to take center stage, conveying the pain and tragedy of Sam Stone’s story with heartbreaking clarity.
“Sam Stone” is widely regarded as one of John Prine’s greatest compositions and a masterpiece of storytelling in songwriting. Its unflinching portrayal of the human cost of war and addiction has resonated with listeners for decades, cementing its status as a classic of the folk music genre.
4. Paradise
“Paradise” is a song written by John Prine, appearing on his self-titled debut album released in 1971. The song tells the story of Prine’s childhood memories of visiting his family’s hometown of Paradise, Kentucky, which had been devastated by coal mining. Prine’s father hailed from Paradise, and the song reflects on the environmental and social impact of the mining industry on the region.
“Paradise” features Prine’s signature storytelling style, with vivid imagery and poignant lyrics that capture the loss of a way of life and the longing for a sense of belonging. The song’s chorus emphasizes the sentiment of yearning for a return to a simpler time and a connection to one’s roots.
“Paradise” has been covered by numerous artists over the years, including John Denver, The Everly Brothers, and Johnny Cash. It has become one of Prine’s most enduring and influential songs, celebrated for its emotional depth and social commentary on the consequences of industrialization.
5. Hello in There
“Hello in There” is a deeply poignant and introspective song written and performed by the legendary American folk singer-songwriter John Prine. It was released on his self-titled debut album in 1971.
“Hello in There” is a haunting meditation on loneliness, aging, and the human condition. The song’s narrator reflects on the lives of elderly people in his neighborhood, expressing empathy and compassion for their struggles and solitude. The chorus, with its simple refrain “Hello in there, hello,” serves as a poignant reminder to acknowledge and connect with those who may feel invisible or forgotten.
Musically, “Hello in There” features Prine’s gentle acoustic guitar picking and his tender, emotive vocals. The song’s sparse arrangement allows the lyrics to shine, evoking a sense of intimacy and vulnerability that resonates deeply with listeners.
“Hello in There” is widely regarded as one of John Prine’s most powerful and affecting compositions. Its timeless themes and universal message of empathy and human connection have made it a beloved classic among fans of folk and Americana music, solidifying Prine’s legacy as one of the greatest songwriters of his generation.
6. That’s the Way the World Goes ‘Round
“That’s the Way the World Goes ‘Round” is a song written by John Prine, appearing on his album “Bruised Orange,” released in 1978. The song is characterized by its upbeat tempo and whimsical lyrics, reflecting on the unpredictable and often absurd nature of life.
In “That’s the Way the World Goes ‘Round,” Prine humorously observes various everyday situations and challenges, from love and loss to mundane frustrations. The song’s chorus repeats the titular phrase, suggesting a resigned acceptance of life’s ups and downs.
With its catchy melody and witty wordplay, “That’s the Way the World Goes ‘Round” has become one of John Prine’s most beloved songs. It has been covered by numerous artists over the years and remains a favorite among fans for its lighthearted yet insightful perspective on the human experience.
7. Far From Me
“Far From Me” is a poignant song written and performed by the American folk singer-songwriter John Prine. It appears on his fourth studio album, “Bruised Orange,” released in 1978.
“Far From Me” is a heartrending ballad that explores themes of heartbreak, regret, and lost love. The song’s narrator reflects on a failed relationship, expressing feelings of loneliness and longing for a lost love who has moved on. The lyrics paint a vivid picture of emotional pain and resignation, as the narrator grapples with the reality of being left behind.
Musically, “Far From Me” features Prine’s signature fingerpicked acoustic guitar and his soulful, emotive vocals. The song’s gentle melody and melancholic atmosphere perfectly complement the lyrical content, evoking a sense of longing and introspection.
“Far From Me” is widely regarded as one of John Prine’s finest compositions, showcasing his talent for crafting deeply affecting and emotionally resonant songs. Its timeless themes and universal appeal have made it a favorite among fans of folk and Americana music, cementing Prine’s legacy as one of the most gifted songwriters of his generation.
8. Lake Marie
“Lake Marie” is a song by John Prine, appearing on his album “Lost Dogs and Mixed Blessings,” released in 1995. The song is notable for its storytelling lyrics and intricate narrative structure.
“Marie” is a recurring character in the song, and the lyrics describe various scenes and events that take place around Lake Marie, a fictional setting. The song touches on themes of love, loss, and redemption, with Prine weaving together multiple storylines and characters throughout the song.
“Lake Marie” showcases Prine’s songwriting prowess and his ability to create vivid imagery and evoke complex emotions through his music. The song has been praised for its poetic lyrics and atmospheric sound, earning it a place as one of Prine’s most acclaimed compositions.
9. Clay Pigeons
“Clay Pigeons” is a song written by Blaze Foley, an American singer-songwriter, and later covered by John Prine, among others. The song has become one of Foley’s most well-known compositions.
“Clay Pigeons” is a poignant and introspective ballad that reflects on themes of loneliness, heartache, and longing. The lyrics tell the story of a man who finds solace in the simple pleasures of life, such as shooting clay pigeons and drinking beer, as he grapples with the pain of lost love and the passage of time.
The song’s stripped-down arrangement typically features acoustic guitar and vocals, allowing the emotive storytelling to take center stage. Foley’s original recording of “Clay Pigeons” showcases his raw and soulful vocals, while subsequent covers, including John Prine’s rendition, have brought renewed attention to the song and its timeless themes.
“Clay Pigeons” has been covered by numerous artists over the years and has become a beloved classic in the folk and Americana music genres. Its evocative lyrics and melancholic melody continue to resonate with listeners, making it a standout track in both Foley’s and Prine’s discographies.
10. Summer’s End
“Summer’s End” is a poignant song written and performed by the American folk singer-songwriter John Prine. It appears on his final studio album released during his lifetime, “The Tree of Forgiveness,” which came out in 2018.
“Summer’s End” reflects on themes of love, loss, and the passage of time. The song’s lyrics evoke a sense of nostalgia and melancholy as the narrator reflects on the end of summer and the changing seasons. Despite the beauty of the natural world, there is an underlying sadness as the narrator contemplates the inevitability of change and the fleeting nature of life.
Musically, “Summer’s End” features Prine’s signature fingerpicked acoustic guitar and his warm, weathered vocals. The song’s gentle melody and wistful arrangement perfectly complement the reflective lyrics, creating a deeply affecting listening experience.
“Summer’s End” has been praised for its poignant songwriting and emotional depth, earning acclaim from both fans and critics alike. The song showcases Prine’s talent for capturing the complexities of human experience with honesty and grace, cementing his legacy as one of the most revered songwriters in the folk and Americana music genres.