John Prine was an American singer-songwriter known for his unique blend of folk, country, and Americana music. He was born on October 10, 1946, in Maywood, Illinois, and passed away on April 7, 2020.
Prine gained acclaim for his insightful and often humorous songwriting, as well as his distinctive gravelly voice. His songs often explored the lives of ordinary people, touching on themes of love, loss, mortality, and the human experience.
One of Prine’s most famous songs is “Angel from Montgomery,” which has been covered by numerous artists and has become a folk and country standard. Other notable songs include “Sam Stone,” “Hello in There,” “Paradise,” and “Illegal Smile.”
Throughout his career, Prine received widespread acclaim and numerous awards for his music. He won multiple Grammy Awards, including a Lifetime Achievement Award in 2020. He was also inducted into the Songwriters Hall of Fame and the Grammy Hall of Fame.
Prine’s influence on the music industry is profound, and his songs have left a lasting impact on generations of musicians and fans. He is remembered not only for his musical talent but also for his wit, wisdom, and empathy, which shone through in his songwriting.
1. Angel from Montgomery
“Angel from Montgomery” is a classic song written by John Prine. It was originally released on his 1971 self-titled debut album, “John Prine.” The song has since become one of Prine’s most famous and beloved compositions, covered by numerous artists across various genres.
“Angel from Montgomery” is a poignant and introspective ballad that tells the story of a woman trapped in a life of hardship and longing for something more. The song’s lyrics evoke a sense of resignation and yearning, with lines like “Make me an angel that flies from Montgomery, make me a poster of an old rodeo.”
Prine’s heartfelt and emotive delivery, coupled with the song’s simple yet powerful melody, has resonated with listeners for decades. Its themes of longing, regret, and the search for redemption have made it a timeless classic in the realm of folk and Americana music.
Over the years, “Angel from Montgomery” has been covered by a wide range of artists, including Bonnie Raitt, Tanya Tucker, and Susan Tedeschi, among others. Each rendition pays tribute to Prine’s masterful songwriting and the enduring legacy of this iconic song.
2. Sam Stone
“Sam Stone” is a song written by John Prine that appears on his self-titled debut album, released in 1971. It’s one of Prine’s most powerful and poignant compositions, addressing the issue of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and the toll of the Vietnam War on soldiers.
“Sam Stone” tells the story of a returning Vietnam War veteran who struggles with addiction to drugs and experiences difficulty readjusting to civilian life. The lyrics paint a vivid picture of Sam Stone’s downward spiral, capturing the pain and despair he feels as he copes with the trauma of war and the loss of his innocence.
The chorus of the song features the haunting refrain: “There’s a hole in daddy’s arm where all the money goes, Jesus Christ died for nothin’ I suppose.” These lines highlight the devastating impact of addiction and the sense of hopelessness that pervades Sam Stone’s life.
“Sam Stone” is widely regarded as one of John Prine’s masterpieces, praised for its raw emotion, evocative storytelling, and social commentary. The song’s themes of war, addiction, and the human cost of conflict continue to resonate with listeners, making it a timeless classic in the realm of folk and Americana music.
3. Hello in There
“Hello in There” is a poignant song written and performed by American folk singer-songwriter John Prine. It was released on his 1971 self-titled debut album, “John Prine.”
The song is known for its empathetic and compassionate lyrics, which tell the story of elderly individuals who are often overlooked and ignored by society. Prine’s lyrics evoke a sense of empathy and understanding for these individuals, urging listeners to recognize and appreciate the humanity and wisdom they possess.
“Hello in There” has been praised for its heartfelt storytelling and emotional depth, and it has become one of John Prine’s signature songs. Its themes of empathy, aging, and the passage of time resonate with audiences, making it a timeless classic in the folk music genre.
4. Paradise
“Paradise” is a song written and performed by John Prine. It was first released on his 1971 self-titled debut album, “John Prine.” The song is one of Prine’s most famous compositions and has become a folk and country standard.
“Paradise” is a nostalgic and bittersweet ballad that tells the story of a coal miner’s son reflecting on his family’s hometown, which has been devastated by strip mining. The song’s lyrics evoke a sense of loss and longing for a bygone era, with lines like “And daddy won’t you take me back to Muhlenberg County, down by the Green River where Paradise lay.”
Prine’s poignant storytelling and heartfelt vocals, accompanied by simple acoustic guitar accompaniment, create a powerful and emotive atmosphere. “Paradise” resonates with listeners for its themes of environmental destruction, nostalgia, and the impact of industrialization on rural communities.
Over the years, “Paradise” has been covered by numerous artists, including John Denver, Johnny Cash, and The Everly Brothers, among others. Each rendition pays homage to Prine’s masterful songwriting and the enduring legacy of this iconic song.
5. That’s the Way That the World Goes ‘Round
“That’s the Way That the World Goes ‘Round” is a song written and performed by American folk singer-songwriter John Prine. It was released on his 1978 album “Bruised Orange.”
The song features Prine’s trademark wit and observational storytelling. Its lyrics humorously reflect on the unpredictable and often absurd nature of life, with Prine singing about various everyday occurrences and setbacks with a wry sense of humor. Despite the challenges and uncertainties depicted in the lyrics, the song’s upbeat melody and catchy rhythm give it an optimistic and lighthearted feel.
“That’s the Way That the World Goes ‘Round” has become one of John Prine’s most beloved songs, celebrated for its clever wordplay and relatable themes. It has been covered by numerous artists over the years and remains a favorite among fans of folk and Americana music.
6. In Spite of Ourselves
“In Spite of Ourselves” is a song written and performed by American folk singer-songwriter John Prine, featuring Iris DeMent. It was released on Prine’s 1999 album of the same name, “In Spite of Ourselves.”
The song is a playful and humorous duet between Prine and DeMent, with lyrics that tell the story of a quirky and imperfect couple who, despite their flaws, have a deep and enduring love for each other. The lyrics are filled with humorous anecdotes and colorful characters, showcasing Prine’s gift for storytelling and his knack for writing witty and memorable lyrics.
“In Spite of Ourselves” has become one of John Prine’s most beloved songs, known for its infectious melody, clever wordplay, and heartwarming sentiment. The song’s charming duet format and humorous lyrics make it a favorite among fans of Americana and country music.
7. Christmas in Prison
“Christmas in Prison” is a song by American folk singer-songwriter John Prine. It was released on his 1973 album “Sweet Revenge.”
The song tells the story of an inmate spending Christmas in prison, reflecting on memories of past holidays and longing for freedom. Despite the somber setting, there’s a sense of warmth and nostalgia in the lyrics as the inmate reminisces about simpler times and the people he cares about.
“Christmas in Prison” is known for its heartfelt and poignant lyrics, as well as Prine’s soulful delivery. The song has become a holiday favorite for many fans of folk and Americana music, appreciated for its evocative storytelling and emotional depth.
8. Souvenirs
“Souvenirs” is a song written and performed by American folk singer-songwriter John Prine. It was released on his self-titled debut album in 1971.
The song reflects on memories and keepsakes from the past, with Prine reminiscing about a lost love and the mementos that remind him of their time together. The lyrics paint a nostalgic picture of bittersweet recollections and the passage of time.
“Souvenirs” is known for its poetic lyrics and intimate storytelling, as well as Prine’s emotive vocal delivery. The song has become a fan favorite and is considered one of Prine’s signature songs, capturing the essence of his songwriting style and his ability to evoke deep emotions through his music.
9. All the Best
“All the Best” is a song written and performed by American folk singer-songwriter John Prine. It was released on his 1991 album “The Missing Years.”
The song is a lighthearted and humorous farewell message from the narrator to someone they’re leaving behind. In typical Prine fashion, the lyrics are filled with clever wordplay and witty observations, offering humorous advice and well wishes to the recipient.
“All the Best” has become one of John Prine’s most beloved songs, celebrated for its catchy melody, clever lyrics, and Prine’s endearing vocal delivery. It’s often seen as a quintessential example of his songwriting style, blending humor with heartfelt sentiment.
10. Illegal Smile
“Illegal Smile” is a song written and performed by American folk singer-songwriter John Prine. It was released on his self-titled debut album in 1971.
The song is known for its humorous and satirical lyrics, which playfully explore the idea of finding joy and solace in the midst of life’s challenges. Despite the title, “Illegal Smile” is not about drug use but rather about finding happiness in simple pleasures and using humor as a coping mechanism.
“Illegal Smile” has become one of John Prine’s most iconic songs, celebrated for its witty wordplay, catchy melody, and Prine’s distinctive vocal delivery. It’s often regarded as a classic example of his unique songwriting style and has remained a favorite among fans of folk and Americana music.