John Prine was an American singer-songwriter known for his poignant and often humorous songs that touched on themes of love, life, and social issues. Born on October 10, 1946, in Maywood, Illinois, Prine emerged as a prominent figure in the folk and Americana music scenes.
Prine’s songwriting was characterized by its storytelling approach and ability to capture everyday moments with deep emotional resonance. His songs often featured witty observations, heartfelt storytelling, and a keen sense of empathy for the human experience. Some of his most well-known songs include “Angel from Montgomery,” “Paradise,” “Hello in There,” and “Sam Stone.”
Throughout his career, Prine received critical acclaim for his lyrical prowess and distinctive voice, which blended folk, country, and rock influences. He released numerous albums and collaborated with other notable musicians, solidifying his reputation as a respected songwriter and performer.
John Prine’s impact on American music was profound, influencing generations of artists across genres. He received multiple Grammy Awards and was inducted into the Songwriters Hall of Fame. Prine passed away on April 7, 2020, but his music continues to resonate with audiences for its authenticity, humor, and heartfelt storytelling.
1. Angel from Montgomery
“Angel from Montgomery” is a poignant folk song written by John Prine. It was first recorded for his self-titled debut album in 1971. The song has since become one of Prine’s most beloved and widely covered compositions.
“Angel from Montgomery” tells the story of a person reflecting on their life and dreams, expressing a longing to escape from their current circumstances. The lyrics convey a sense of resignation and yearning for a better life, invoking imagery of a woman named Montgomery who dreams of a better existence away from her daily struggles.
Prine’s evocative lyrics and heartfelt delivery in “Angel from Montgomery” have resonated deeply with listeners, capturing the essence of longing, regret, and hope. The song’s melancholic melody and reflective tone highlight Prine’s ability to craft narratives that are both personal and universally relatable.
Over the years, “Angel from Montgomery” has been covered by numerous artists across various genres, including Bonnie Raitt, Tanya Tucker, and Susan Tedeschi. Its enduring popularity and emotional depth continue to cement John Prine’s legacy as a masterful songwriter and storyteller in the folk and Americana music traditions.
2. Sam Stone
“Sam Stone” is a song written by John Prine, appearing on his self-titled debut album released in 1971. The song is a poignant and stark portrayal of the struggles faced by Vietnam War veterans upon returning home, particularly focusing on issues of addiction and PTSD.
Lyrically, “Sam Stone” tells the story of a soldier who returns from the war only to find himself grappling with physical and emotional wounds. The lyrics depict Sam Stone’s descent into drug addiction as a means of coping with his trauma. The chorus, “There’s a hole in daddy’s arm where all the money goes,” is a haunting refrain that emphasizes the destructive nature of addiction and its impact on Sam Stone’s life and family.
Musically, the song features a simple acoustic guitar accompaniment that allows the lyrics to take center stage. John Prine’s expressive vocals and storytelling ability convey the stark realism and emotional weight of the narrative. The song’s straightforward melody and sparse instrumentation underscore its somber themes, creating a powerful and introspective listening experience.
“Sam Stone” has been praised for its compassionate portrayal of veterans and its commentary on the human cost of war. It has resonated with audiences for its raw honesty and ability to address difficult subject matter with empathy and insight. The song remains a standout in John Prine’s body of work and a testament to his skill as a songwriter and storyteller.
3. Hello in There
“Hello in There” is a song written by John Prine, released on his self-titled debut album in 1971. The song is known for its poignant and empathetic portrayal of loneliness, aging, and the passage of time.
Lyrically, “Hello in There” tells the story of elderly individuals who are often overlooked and marginalized in society. The lyrics describe their lives, memories, and the emotional isolation they experience. The chorus, “You know that old trees just grow stronger, and old rivers grow wilder every day,” reflects the theme of resilience in the face of life’s challenges and the inevitability of aging.
Musically, the song features a gentle acoustic guitar accompaniment that supports John Prine’s tender and emotive vocals. The melody is reflective and melancholic, evoking a sense of introspection and empathy. The song’s minimalist arrangement allows the lyrics to shine, highlighting Prine’s storytelling ability and his ability to capture complex emotions with simplicity.
“Hello in There” has been acclaimed for its compassionate portrayal of aging and its universal themes of empathy and human connection. It has resonated with listeners for its sincerity and heartfelt approach to addressing the often overlooked experiences of elderly individuals. The song remains a standout in John Prine’s catalog and a testament to his skill as a songwriter who captures the depth and complexity of the human experience.
4. Paradise
“Paradise” is a poignant song by John Prine, featured on his 1971 debut album, “John Prine.” The song is one of Prine’s most acclaimed works, showcasing his talent for storytelling and his ability to evoke deep emotional responses through music.
“Paradise” tells the story of Prine’s hometown in western Kentucky, exploring themes of environmental degradation and the loss of community and heritage. The song describes the devastating impact of strip mining on the land and its people, painting a vivid picture of a place that was once idyllic but is now scarred by industrial exploitation. The lyrics reflect Prine’s personal connection to the area, as well as his broader commentary on the consequences of environmental neglect and industrial greed.
With its simple, folk-inspired melody and Prine’s clear, heartfelt vocals, “Paradise” captures the beauty and tragedy of the region. The song has resonated with audiences for its storytelling depth and its call to preserve and protect the environment. Over the years, “Paradise” has become a staple in folk and Americana music, celebrated for its powerful message and enduring relevance.
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 John Prine, appearing on his 1978 album “Bruised Orange.” It is known for its witty and observational lyrics that reflect on the unpredictability and irony of life.
Lyrically, “That’s the Way That the World Goes ‘Round” humorously explores various quirks and contradictions of everyday life. The lyrics describe a series of vignettes that highlight the absurdity and unpredictability of human behavior and circumstances. The chorus, “That’s the way that the world goes ’round, you’re up one day, the next you’re down,” encapsulates the song’s theme of life’s ups and downs, delivered with Prine’s trademark wit and insight.
Musically, the song features a folk rock arrangement with acoustic guitar, harmonica, and a rhythmic groove that supports Prine’s laid-back vocal delivery. The melody is catchy and lighthearted, complementing the song’s playful lyrics and reflective tone.
“That’s the Way That the World Goes ‘Round” has been praised for its clever wordplay and Prine’s ability to capture universal truths with humor and empathy. It has become a fan favorite and a classic in John Prine’s repertoire, celebrated for its timeless appeal and its commentary on the human condition. The song continues to resonate with listeners for its relatable themes and its reminder to take life’s challenges and joys in stride.
6. In Spite of Ourselves
“In Spite of Ourselves” is a humorous and heartfelt duet by John Prine and Iris DeMent, released in 1999 on Prine’s album of the same name. The song showcases Prine’s talent for witty and clever songwriting, combined with DeMent’s soulful vocals, creating a charming and memorable duet.
The song’s lyrics tell the story of a couple who, despite their quirks and imperfections, love each other unconditionally. It humorously portrays their unique personalities and idiosyncrasies, celebrating their relationship’s strength despite these differences. The chorus emphasizes their mutual devotion, singing, “In spite of ourselves, we’ll end up a-sittin’ on a rainbow.”
“In Spite of Ourselves” is characterized by its catchy melody, country-tinged instrumentation, and playful lyrics. It became a fan favorite and is often regarded as one of John Prine’s most beloved songs. The song’s lighthearted yet sincere portrayal of love and acceptance has made it a timeless classic in the folk and Americana music genres.
7. Christmas in Prison
“Christmas in Prison” is a song written and performed by John Prine, released on his 1973 album “Sweet Revenge.” It is a poignant and melancholic song that reflects on the experience of spending Christmas behind bars.
Lyrically, “Christmas in Prison” paints a vivid picture of longing and nostalgia as the narrator reflects on past holiday seasons spent with loved ones. The lyrics describe the atmosphere of a prison during Christmas, juxtaposing the festive decorations and traditions with the stark reality of confinement. The chorus, “And there’s a part of you that wants to die, ’cause it’s Christmas in prison,” captures the bittersweet emotions of loneliness and yearning for freedom.
Musically, the song features a gentle acoustic guitar arrangement that complements John Prine’s heartfelt and introspective vocals. The melody is melancholic yet beautiful, conveying a sense of longing and reflection. The song’s somber atmosphere and evocative lyrics create a poignant listening experience that resonates with the universal themes of love, loss, and hope.
“Christmas in Prison” has been acclaimed for its emotional depth and Prine’s ability to capture the human experience with empathy and insight. It has become a beloved song in his catalog, appreciated for its poignant storytelling and its ability to evoke strong emotions in listeners. The song remains a testament to Prine’s skill as a songwriter who addresses complex themes with sincerity and compassion.
8. Souvenirs
“Souvenirs” is a reflective and nostalgic song by John Prine, featured on his 1972 album “Diamonds in the Rough.” Known for his poignant storytelling and ability to evoke deep emotions through his lyrics, Prine’s “Souvenirs” is a poignant exploration of memories and the passage of time.
In “Souvenirs,” Prine reflects on moments from his past, capturing the bittersweet essence of reminiscing about cherished memories and experiences. The song’s lyrics paint vivid images of places and people that have left a lasting impression, juxtaposing the longing for the past with the inevitability of change and growth.
Musically, “Souvenirs” features a gentle acoustic guitar melody and Prine’s distinctive vocals, which convey a sense of introspection and emotional depth. The song’s introspective lyrics and evocative storytelling resonate with listeners, drawing them into Prine’s world of introspection and nostalgia.
“Souvenirs” remains a standout track in John Prine’s discography, celebrated for its lyrical craftsmanship and its ability to evoke powerful emotions. It showcases Prine’s talent for capturing the essence of human experience with honesty and empathy, making it a timeless classic in folk and Americana music.
9. All the Best
“All the Best” is a song by John Prine, appearing on his 1991 album “The Missing Years.” It is a heartfelt and wistful song that reflects on the end of a relationship and wishing someone well as they part ways.
Lyrically, “All the Best” explores themes of closure, acceptance, and moving on. The lyrics depict a narrator who acknowledges the end of a relationship with grace and dignity, expressing good wishes and fond memories despite the pain of separation. The chorus, “All the best, all the best to you,” reflects the sentiment of wishing someone happiness and fulfillment in their future endeavors.
Musically, the song features a gentle acoustic guitar accompaniment that supports John Prine’s tender and reflective vocals. The melody is melodic and understated, allowing the poignant lyrics to resonate with listeners. The song’s minimalist arrangement and Prine’s sincere delivery create an intimate and emotional listening experience.
“All the Best” has been praised for its poignant lyrics and Prine’s ability to capture complex emotions with simplicity and honesty. It has become a fan favorite and a standout track in his discography, celebrated for its universal themes of love, loss, and resilience. The song continues to resonate with listeners for its heartfelt message of letting go and wishing well to those we care about.
10. Illegal Smile
“Illegal Smile” is a song by John Prine, featured on his self-titled debut album released in 1971. The song is known for its whimsical and satirical lyrics, exploring themes of escapism and finding joy in life’s simple pleasures.
“Illegal Smile” opens with a playful acoustic guitar riff and showcases Prine’s distinctive vocal delivery, characterized by his wry humor and storytelling prowess. The lyrics humorously describe the protagonist’s experiences with everyday life and the mundane, finding solace and amusement in “an illegal smile” that helps them cope with challenges.
The song’s title and lyrics have often been interpreted as a metaphor for marijuana use, although Prine himself has stated that the song’s intent was more about finding joy in difficult times rather than promoting drug use. “Illegal Smile” has become a fan favorite and is celebrated for its clever wordplay, catchy melody, and Prine’s ability to blend humor with insightful commentary on human nature.
Over the years, “Illegal Smile” has remained a beloved track in John Prine’s repertoire, reflecting his unique perspective as a songwriter and his enduring appeal in the folk and Americana music scenes.