A few weeks back I heard the sad news that John Prine, legendary singer/songwriter, passed away.
I grew up singing to classic John Prine songs like this one, “Hello in There” – songs with lyrics that wrap themselves around you and deliver a punch line that still stings …
You know that old trees just grow stronger
And old rivers grow wilder every day
Old people just grow lonesome
Waiting for someone to say, “Hello in there, hello”
And old rivers grow wilder every day
Old people just grow lonesome
Waiting for someone to say, “Hello in there, hello”
He was in his early 20s when he wrote that, writing songs while delivering mail. I laugh at and love his humorous songs like “Please don’t bury me” or “In spite of ourselves” and feel his thoughtfulness in “That’s the way that the world goes ’round,” and “Illegal Smile.” Others that still pack a punch are “Sam Stone” and “Angel from Montgomery,” but the list is as long as my arm and then some. For more visit here.
I’ve moved so much, and gotten rid of a lot, but still have this ticket stub from the night a 17 year old girl experienced two musical geniuses in concert. After the show, the lot of us went out for snacks/drinks and there they were – John Prine and Steve Goodman, in the hotel bar. Couldn’t have been nicer or more down-to-earth … smiling as they signed my ticket stub.
If you haven’t added John Prine to your music library yet, make time to. And as for me, when I take my walk later today, I’ll be singing along to “Illegal Smile” and “That’s the way that the world goes ’round” while I hike up hills and say hello to neighbors, old and young.
Thank you, John.
I wonder why entertainment ephemera, e.g., posters and tickets, often omit the year.
Good question, one I don’t know the answer to. The year was 1980. ~ MJ
Thanks for sharing John Prine’s work. I have added this song to my music library and will be checking out more of him now. Thank you …
Just when you find yourself chuckling at one of his more irreverent songs a thoughtful and poignant one will deliver an unexpected gut punch! Enjoy, MJ
That’s only one of the definable characteristics of any great lyricist, the ability to evoke many different emotions is what makes them significant as artists. Gut punches included! Thanks!