This is my favourite reaction videos of yours. When I listen to John Prine I'm in a mix between thoroughly enjoying just how incredible he is and breaking down in tears because of how thoroughly incredible he is.
Can you imagine how I felt the first time I heard John, live, at the Fifth Peg in the fall of 1970? It was about a year before he made his first album. Friends of mine had caught his act accidentally & suggested I’d like him. Sam Stone was like a punch to the chest that could stop your heart. Angel from Montgomery was my favorite. I spent that fall, winter, & spring going to almost all of John’s performances - 2 on Friday nights & 3 on Saturdays. In between shows I’d hang out with John & Anne Carol, his first wife. And, when John became bigger & started singing at bigger venues, whenever he’d see me in the audience, he’d play it.
Mine as well. Prine has a small volume of songs that make me teary (sometimes just happy). Prine with Jacques and Wilbur and an acoustic, a living example of how less is often so much more. Sam Stone from that same show!
I hit the Subscribe button when you said You gotta be shittin me. You are making a piece of history yourself, as he was on a ventilator at the time, now gone. The collective love for him feels like a thread that binds us together , like a tether. I am grateful for it.
John Prine gets in your head and heart and you will have that painting in your head forever. I have friends who come in my door and say , "Hello in there". And I respond, "Hey Rudy".
I had only heard of one song by John Prine (In Spite of Ourselves) recommend to me by my brother in law. It wasn't until news of his passing that I explored his work, and quite simply fell down a rabbit hole. I am awestruck at what an amazing artist we just lost.
I missed him for years, too. Not a fan of comedy songs, and the first one of his I heard was “ Please Don’t Bury Me” ? I dismissed him, and lost decades of Prine songs, from judging him from one song.
I found John after following Iris Dement's career and discovered her link to him. I had intended to look into his career after learning of his passing back during the beginning of the covid quarantine. I'm so glad that I did. John Prine was and still is a nationall treasure.
"Broken hearts and dirty windows, make life difficult to see. That's why last night and this morning always look the same to me". Is the greatest line written in any song ever. Period. Thanks for sharing this video and your passion for my favorite musician. How did 3 people dislike this video?
don't forget souvenirs was a cowrite with another late Great Chicago folk legend Mr Steve Goodman John's BFF for years... until he tragically passed away so young in 1984 of leukemia...
@Chris Friskie, Wonderful amazing lines... only exceeded in my mind by these lines from 'Sam Stone' that are probably the most heart-breaking lyrics ever written: . "There's a whole in Daddy's arm where all the money goes Jesus Christ died for nothin' I suppose"
@@andychristensen2947 I can literally feel the sweltering heat when I listen to the Live and Onstage version, and I live in Canada. Just for the record, my favorite John Prine line is not from any of his songs, but when he opened an Austin City Limits show with "I'm still waiting for that song writing legend to show up". Such humility and character :)
In my opinion, he's the greatest painter of the american life. I realize there are many many obvious contenders, but he's my favorite. Get well soon my friend! Listening party starts at 5:25
I got to go see him last year with Tyler Childers and it was a great show. Gillian Welch and David Rawlings are Amercian gems as well. Johns song Sam Stone is a snapshot of addiction.
Bob Dylan on "Prine's stuff is pure Proustian existentialism. Midwestern mindtrips to the nth degree. And he writes beautiful songs. I remember when Kris Kristofferson first brought him on the scene. All that stuff about Sam Stone the soldier junky daddy and Donald and Lydia, where people make love from ten miles away. Nobody but Prine could write like that. If I had to pick one song of his, it might be Lake Marie. I don't remember what album that's on," Dylan told MTV producer Bill Flanagan.
Prine has been one of favorites for 40+ years. You chose some great tunes. Also give a listen to Donald and Lydia. You can see the characters and know their lives.
Bonnie crushes every song she ever sang, her ability to put so much raw emotion into songs she didn't write is incredible. My introduction to Prine was her version of this song singing it with him. His ability to tell a complete, heartbreaking story in just a couple short verses is amazing.
I love the silly smile, he does it to me too. He has the ability to rip your heart out or make you genuinely laugh. He can paint the most detailed pictures with just a handful of words. A true artist.
One of my favorite songwriters. The day he died I listened to When I Get to Heaven a dozen times. It’s an incredible song and it made his death easier. I hope he’s enjoying his 9 mile cigarette somewhere out there.
“The Missing Years” is pretty much a perfect album. Every song you think is great then the next one is better. Also “Lake Marie” live is superlative. Thanks for honoring John. He has meant so much to us.
Now that he's passed, it seems I can't hear or see John Prine at all without the water works starting up. He was the best of all of us. He was so great at weaving those common threads that tie us all together into his songs. I feel like Tom Waits definitely deserves a shout out as well when we're talking about lyrical imagery: ruclips.net/video/f7UHd7NVegE/видео.html
Absolutely loved your reaction to hearing Hello in There for the first time. That was my introduction to John about 8 years ago and it hooked me. Fun fact: he wrote that song when he was 21 freaking years old. He was a mailman and just observed the world around him. He wrote Hello in There on his lunch break. John was on another level from the very beginning. If you haven't done a deep dive on him yet, be sure to check out his catalog. If you only have time for a song or two, check out Sam Stone, Bruised Orange, Jesus The Missing Years, and Lake Marie. Storytelling at its absolute finest.
When I close my eyes and listen to John Prine, west virginia and the shennendoah valley come alive, the places I spent the most time growing up. My dad and I always listened to him together in the car, so he holds a really special place in my heart. Truly gonna miss this man.
Michael Palmisano really enjoyed that and agree with everything u said....Sam Stone is another classic that he wrote when was in his early 20’s and the lyrics are incredibly good. Every time I play a song of his I’m thoroughly amazed at his brilliance RIP JP
As a lifelong JP fan, can I just tell you how much I enjoyed seeing you obviously have a real appreciation for his music. Seeing you basically in awe, as I always am, was just fun!
I know!! There will never be another John Prine. You like the same songs that are my favorites. But there are so many more that move me as well. John will live always in my heart. ♥️ 😢
First song I ever learned to play on guitar was Dear Abby. I was 12 and my uncle and I would sit on the back of the truck while we worked for my dad's business, and sing Prine songs and make up verses to that song. Truly some of my favorite memories.
What is not needed is interpretations of John’s lyrics. The picture that John painted is so clear on virtually all his songs. They are but heartfelt stories of every day life. Enjoy them, don’t waste your time analyzing his simplicity. God bless you John Prine.
I appreciate this. It's always good to see relatively new fans gain an understanding of just how good Prine is. Also, good to see another guitarist acknowledge Jason's stealthy skill as a sideman. Really love his playing!
John prine was a national treasure, all of his songs tell a story that make you visualize every single detail. One of my favorites is paradise, considering I'm from muhlenberg county KY, but mostly because as a kid my great grandfather always told me stories about when Peabody came and tore up all the land, I grew up on the green river, my great grandfather had a cabin there, we used to sit on the swing and watch coal barges go by. Paradise by John prine really hits me hard being from muhlenberg county but also because it reminds of the great stories my grandpa used to tell when I was growing up.
Watching this over and over. Had tickets to see him in a couple months. I saw Nathaniel Ratcliffe play in his last North American show (before covid shut down the tour) and he played a John prime cover of ‘Summers end’ with Courtney Marie. That was before he wa sick, and it was such an unexpected sunrise and got me all the more existed to see him a few months. Now he’s gone. It’s hard to fathom. RIP legend.
Besides being blessed with my wonderful family the best gift I ever received was from a friend named Ron who introduced me to the music of John Prine in 1976... A gift that I have and will enjoy for the rest of my life. I try to spread the gift as often as possible....
The first John Prine song I ever heard was Dear Abby. I thought, what a hilarious tribute to an American icon who a lot of folks visited every day. And then I fell deep into the John Prine rabbit hole, and discovered what a true, songwriting genius he was. Sadly, he passed away shortly after this reaction video was posted. I did probably as most folks who loved his artistry did upon hearing of his death. First, I shed a few tears and then I went back and started relistening to all the songs that I loved and appreciated so much. Rest in peace, John.
Watching this for the first time. Of course.. John is gone now. Thanks for honoring him this way. It's a joy to watch your enthusiasm Michael. We're still listening John.
Just found this. I'm not an American, but I love John Prine. First songs I heard from him, are from the album 'The Tree of Forgiveness', and I was hooked. Went back through his catalog, and I still listen to him.
My wife and I heard In Spite Of Ourselves a couple months before our wedding. It's been our song ever since. Prine is a master of the songwriting craft
In the years that I was gigging regularly I can`t ever remember putting a set list together that didn`t include a couple of John Prine songs. The one that I never did, however, was "Hello in there", I struggle to get through that song without a tear even at home on my own. The song that I think is an absolute masterpiece at painting the picture is "Unwed Fathers", I have seen 2 hour movies that don`t tell a story as well as the three short verses in that song. The list of John`s great lyrics just goes on and on, let`s all wish him well at this awful time.
‘same’ - ;). I was thinking of putting together an entire set of songs I can’t get through without getting choked up - these songs from JP, Brothers In Arms, Drive On (by Johnny Cash), Romeo & Juliet from Dire Straits…
Love John Prine. He's touched my Life on every level. My wife says that turning her on to Mr. Prine is one of the best things I've ever done for her. Thanks for the video. Hope you and yours are well
this man is one of my all time faves, I literally broke down in tears when I found out he is so sick with covid-19. It's like he wrote my life in some of his songs. Angel from Montgomery is what made me realize my marriage was over and still I carried on for another 5 years wishing it weren't so. Souveneirs has a special place for me as well. when he talks about hating graveyards and Pawn shops, its because they represent what took away his innocence, death , crime and poverty. and then he talks about hating old love letters, because they remind him that not all love is forever again another innocence lost. His souvenires are his memories and the things he hates taint all the good with the bad and that's how they slipped away. Anyways, check out Sam Stone, Paradise, Killing the Blues, Speed of the Sound of Loneliness and Unwed Fathers some of Prine's best stories/songs.
Love seeing your reaction to Souvenirs. Got to see John play this live a couple times and it brings tears every time. At least for me. Just one of Many Many treasures from The Great American Poet
I have had the opportunity to see John Prine the last few years at Newport Folk Festival. The ambience there is beautiful all the time, but the ambience when John Prine takes the stage adds a completely different element of beauty and honest storytelling.
I also love In Spite of Ourselves with Iris DeMent and Long Monday. I had been listening to Mr. Prine since a friend played his music for me in 1999 to 2000. She and her bf would sing In Spite of Ourselves and he'd play guitar. Rest in peace John. You still bring me a lot of joy!
I teared up reading about tearing up reading your comment on souvenirs. It takes me back to when I was still with love ones that are just here in memory now. Makes me wish I could turn back time. God I Miss Them!
Thank you Michael for saying everything I think about John Prine and his wonderful songs..I too, SEE everything in his songs. ! Thx" You Tube" for bringing all John's music to all of us. My twin brother Phil passed away may 4th, I was only consoled by the idea Phil got to be with John and enjoy that 9 mile long cigarette !!😏🤗😎❤
When speaking of souvenirs John Prine always talked about how he loves to play it with Steve Goodman. He used to say it’s do you used to do something when he played that made John sound like he was doing a lot more “he always made my playing sound better”
I'm watching this after John Prine is gone. What a lovely, heart-felt tribute. Your literary analysis of these song lyrics is beautifully done. Thank you much! (PS: I'm amazed at your ability to hold back tears while listening to these songs.)
Love your deep feeling and insights... and so freely sharing it so openly. Thank you so very much for being how you are. You are the real deal and John Prime would agree with me. How could any one not!
Thanks for your timely dedication. I’’ve been a fan of John since the 1960’s in Chicago. Great to see he’s won a new generation . Keep up the great work analyzing the songs.
There are many great American songwriters from his generation but Prine just feels the most down to earth and accessible. Anyone can play and sing his songs and the stories are just so easy to feel , understand and relate to, without them being superficial or "simple". He just feels like a guy we all know.
You summed up John's writing perfectly. Life in a nutshell. Somewhere on youtube is an old clip of John singing "Paradise" on his porch steps in Illinois. Love seeing him young and beautiful. I've seen Bonnie in concert a few times and she is just unbelievable live. Perfection. Oh and Iris and her unique voice!! Love her.
Tha is for this video! I’ve been a huge fan of Johns since I was 10 years old (44 years). I’m kinda known as the “Prine guy” in these parts. I’m so familiar with all his lyrics, that I take them for granted. Your reactions woke me up to realize just what a treasure our Handsome Johnny is. Yes, steve Goodman co-wrote souvenirs. Thanks again!
not sure if anyone else quoted this piece on Prine, so beautifully stated: "Prine mastered the art of shrinking tragedy and comedy down to where he could balance both on his tongue at the same time. His most iconic songs were bar-napkin sketches of uncanny depth, featuring at least one casually brilliant phrase that would jump out at you from the blind corner of a rhyme." Spot on. -- from the Washington Post, from 4/8/20 www.washingtonpost.com/lifestyle/style/john-prines-lyrical-one-liners-could-take-your-breath-away/2020/04/08/37aa22d4-793f-11ea-a130-df573469f094_story.html
I’ve sat on my back porch with a few cold ones listening to John and fully understand what you’re talking about. In my mind,, I was there. Get well soon John,
What makes Hello in There truly great song writing is the juxtaposition between the highly specific mundane detail in the verses and the simple but vibrant symbolism of the chorus. Loretta stares out the screen door. Rudy was a co-worker. Etc. Etc. And then, “Old trees grow stronger, old rivers run wilder everyday.” The action in the verb choices echo this: sit and stare v. grow stronger, talk much v. run wilder. And the chord changes in the melody do as well, especially in the soaring rise when the chorus begins. And then to hammer it home, it sinks down for: “Old people just grow lonesome.” Just these first two active phrases in the chorus are enough to propel the song to its crystal clear point about how human beings treat each other. A diamond!
Well grasshopper, you have a lot of catching up to do and it will be fun. John was goaded to get up and play an open mic night because he had been dissing someone up there who was not impressing him. His friends didn't know he wrote songs, so he got up there and played 3 originals - each a classic. He played 'Hello in There', 'Paradise', and 'Sam Stone'. No one clapped, he thought they didn't like him. He was offered an hour every Thursday, so he began moon lighting from his mailman job. He only had 7 songs or so, so after 4 weeks playing those songs with mostly the same audience of regulars he figured he better write another song as he was driving to the club. He wrote Souvenirs (a song he duetted with Goodman on a lot) in the car on the way. He had that intro on the A chord in is head, but was afraid when he got there he couldn't pick it, so he stood in the bathroom and practiced in the mirror. That one was his mom's favorite. For me, it is Hello in There, Far From Me, and One Red Rose.
I play a Prine tune every day. To me he is the best singer/songwriter ever. I connect with his songs on a deep level. Please Don't Bury Me is my go to song, and the older I get the more it rings true. I love John Prine.
I love how you never know the narrative characters name it could be anyone and that's what makes it so relatable I'm 46 been a fan of Mr Prine for 46yrs 9 months... True story
I haven’t been touched like this by a RUclips video ...probably ever. I came upon this just recently, turned it on and I was weeping and laughing pretty much throughout. And what a sublime, grace-filled guitar offering you treated us to at the beginning. Thank you, thank you, thank you.
Hi Michael. Thank you for an intelligent and heart felt review of the work of John Prine. You are correct, his work is absolutely American but this Australian discovered him in 1996 and I was a life changing moment. On another RUclips post somebody wrote the words that describe the relationship so many of us had with JP. "He was the best friend I ever had that never knew me". Being in Australia I never thought we'd ever get to see him live then in 2019 he came. My wife and I travelled to another state to sit in a packed theatre to hear and see him. He did a set with the band then played alone on stage, just him, his damaged voice and his guitar. I can't even remember what song but the term "crying ugly" had me next to it in the dictionary. Then a complete stranger next to me laid his hand on my arm. That was John Prine. He took you there. When we heard he was coming back in 2020 and to our home city we got front row tickets. He died 8 days before we got to use those tickets so now they are framed and treasured possession. The following is a quote about John from Iris Dement. "John Prine was, without a doubt, one of the greatest songwriters this world will ever know. Many people more qualified than me have written about why that is. And many more will follow. Greatest or not, here’s what it comes down to for me and here’s why he rests on my heart’s mountain top: Because he cared enough to look - at me, you, all of us - until he saw what was noble, and then he wrapped us up in melodies and sung us back to ourselves. That was the miracle of John Prine. And it was enough." I still regularly cry when I listen to his music. Thanks again for your post.
I picked up the guitar 5 years ago. When I went to my first jam ( about four years ago ) a guy there did “ Hello in There “ it was so good I had tears running down my face. I can not get all the way though that song without at least filling up.
Hi Sir : Thank You for this tribute to Mr Prine . His songs his warm, gentle personality have got me through a few tough times and happy times . I love your channel really enjoy your deep dive into the music , and how its created . Thank you and stay well so we can keep watching
Anyone else crying their eyes out? Saw John not even 2 months ago here in Sweden, fantastic show. Hoping with all my heart for a speedy recovery. Thank you for this video, you have no idea what level of therapy it is to me.
Beautifully done. Watching your heartfelt and visceral reactions to the home-grown American mastery that is John Prine made me tear up. Thank you for that fitting tribute.
Someone once called Hank Williams Sr the " Hillbilly Shakespeare " and that is patently true, but Mr Prine shares his brilliance with every bit as much intrinsic beauty and talent as Hank Sr ever did . I would walk a 1,000 miles over broken glass to hear either of them , just a little slower than I once would have .
Just came across this. I remember hearing JP do the old people song when I was 19 years old, now I’m one of those lonely old people. I saw JP first time in a strange little venue in Cameron village underground in Raleigh NC, 1973? Maybe 30 people that night. Felt like we were all family by the end of his set. I got to see JP again not long before he passed in Portland OR. JP and 3 other guitar players, in snazzy grey suits, went thru all his songs in a sold-out much larger venue. He didn’t look well but he had a good time, even danced and shook his ass a little. Glad to see someone as taken with him as I have been.
That is correct, from the song “That’s the way that the World Goes Round”. In John Prine’s own testimony that a Fan always thought he was singing “Happy Enchilada” instead of the correct lyrics “1/2 an inch of water......” Great reference, and comment as well!
Really good analysis of Mr. Prine. A good friend of ours turned my wife and I on to John Prine in the late 90's and we've been huge fans ever since. Few songwriters paint a picture in song as well as he does. It's awesome see the kinship in admiration like you showed here. John Prine is one of the reasons I picked up the guitar. Souvenirs and Muhlenburg County were two of the first songs I learned.
Randomly came across your channel a couple of days ago, really like your approach and joined Guitargate and loving every minute I can put into it. These YT videos are great, the content and delivery is spot on but something I’m digging is getting an awareness of other groups, bands and singers I’ve not experienced before. Great stuff and please keep them coming.
My Uncle Lee taught me the beginning of guitar…it was all John Prine. My Uncle and JP are no longer with us, But JP will live forever for many. I’ll hang on to my Uncle. Blue Umbrella was his favorite and rightly-So. Too often over looked. God bless you John, I hope Lee is with you, and thank you Michael Palmisano for every video you created prior to this that locked me in…this one sealed it. You’re the best, keep being you.
Love your analysis, Michael. John was one of the greatest ever. Your musical insights and teaching are extremely valuable to me and a breakthrough for me in many ways.
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![John Prine and Iris DeMent -- In Spite Of Ourselves [REACTION/RATING]](/img/1.gif)
This is my favourite reaction videos of yours. When I listen to John Prine I'm in a mix between thoroughly enjoying just how incredible he is and breaking down in tears because of how thoroughly incredible he is.
You sir, get the pin.
Me too
Love your reaction..., makes me really miss and appreciate johns music!
Can you imagine how I felt the first time I heard John, live, at the Fifth Peg in the fall of 1970? It was about a year before he made his first album. Friends of mine had caught his act accidentally & suggested I’d like him.
Sam Stone was like a punch to the chest that could stop your heart. Angel from Montgomery was my favorite. I spent that fall, winter, & spring going to almost all of John’s performances - 2 on Friday nights & 3 on Saturdays. In between shows I’d hang out with John & Anne Carol, his first wife. And, when John became bigger & started singing at bigger venues, whenever he’d see me in the audience, he’d play it.
Mine as well. Prine has a small volume of songs that make me teary (sometimes just happy). Prine with Jacques and Wilbur and an acoustic, a living example of how less is often so much more. Sam Stone from that same show!
If you can listen to "Hello In There" with a dry eye, you're not human. Call your parents/grandparents.
Exactly how I feel.
@@Guitargate Lost my mom last summer. Today is her birthday. Hello in There gives me all the feels.
Sadly, some humans ain't humans
Call 'em!!! While you can.
Amen @Nicholas Tolsen, Amen!
I hit the Subscribe button when you said
You gotta be shittin me. You are making a piece of history yourself, as he was on a ventilator at the time, now gone. The collective love for him feels like a thread that binds us together , like a tether. I am grateful for it.
He’s one of the few songwriters who can make you smile, laugh, and cry all with the same lyric.
Absolutely
John Prine gets in your head and heart and you will have that painting in your head forever. I have friends who come in my door and say , "Hello in there".
And I respond, "Hey Rudy".
I had only heard of one song by John Prine (In Spite of Ourselves) recommend to me by my brother in law. It wasn't until news of his passing that I explored his work, and quite simply fell down a rabbit hole. I am awestruck at what an amazing artist we just lost.
I missed him for years, too. Not a fan of comedy songs, and the first one of his I heard was “ Please Don’t Bury Me” ? I dismissed him, and lost decades of Prine songs, from judging him from one song.
@@Caperhere Having a sense of humor brings joy and balance to life - which is exactly what John did through his songs.
perfect description..."...fell down a rabbit hole". Me too
I found John after following Iris Dement's career and discovered her link to him. I had intended to look into his career after learning of his passing back during the beginning of the covid quarantine. I'm so glad that I did. John Prine was and still is a nationall treasure.
Jason Isbell fits this description as well. He paints pics with his lyrics. John Prine was his mentor and it shows.
"Broken hearts and dirty windows, make life difficult to see. That's why last night and this morning always look the same to me". Is the greatest line written in any song ever. Period. Thanks for sharing this video and your passion for my favorite musician. How did 3 people dislike this video?
I'm still partial to naked as the eyes of a clown, but the live, slow version of Mexican Home always hits me like a truck.
don't forget souvenirs was a cowrite with another late Great Chicago folk legend Mr Steve Goodman John's BFF for years... until he tragically passed away so young in 1984 of leukemia...
I agree going to have it tattooed on me in memory of John Prine
@Chris Friskie, Wonderful amazing lines... only exceeded in my mind by these lines from 'Sam Stone' that are probably the most heart-breaking lyrics ever written:
.
"There's a whole in Daddy's arm where all the money goes
Jesus Christ died for nothin' I suppose"
@@andychristensen2947 I can literally feel the sweltering heat when I listen to the Live and Onstage version, and I live in Canada. Just for the record, my favorite John Prine line is not from any of his songs, but when he opened an Austin City Limits show with "I'm still waiting for that song writing legend to show up". Such humility and character :)
Souvenirs is my favorite song, period. Makes me tear up, doesn’t matter how many times I listen to it.
Boken Hearts and Dirty Windows
A lot of prine songs do that to me.i feel like a darling sometimes......that one makes me cry paw....
In my opinion, he's the greatest painter of the american life. I realize there are many many obvious contenders, but he's my favorite. Get well soon my friend! Listening party starts at 5:25
Guitargate this video is such an amazing analysis of song writing, I love your insight! Keep it up!
I got to go see him last year with Tyler Childers and it was a great show. Gillian Welch and David Rawlings are Amercian gems as well. Johns song Sam Stone is a snapshot of addiction.
@@Lewisakalotus Yes sir...
Bob Dylan on "Prine's stuff is pure Proustian existentialism. Midwestern mindtrips to the nth degree. And he writes beautiful songs. I remember when Kris Kristofferson first brought him on the scene. All that stuff about Sam Stone the soldier junky daddy and Donald and Lydia, where people make love from ten miles away. Nobody but Prine could write like that. If I had to pick one song of his, it might be Lake Marie. I don't remember what album that's on," Dylan told MTV producer Bill Flanagan.
Prine has been one of favorites for 40+ years. You chose some great tunes. Also give a listen to Donald and Lydia. You can see the characters and know their lives.
Bonnie crushes every song she ever sang, her ability to put so much raw emotion into songs she didn't write is incredible. My introduction to Prine was her version of this song singing it with him. His ability to tell a complete, heartbreaking story in just a couple short verses is amazing.
This perfectly encapsulates why I love John Prine so much. He was truly an American legend. RIP John Prine
I love the silly smile, he does it to me too. He has the ability to rip your heart out or make you genuinely laugh. He can paint the most detailed pictures with just a handful of words. A true artist.
Tim Bryant He can make you smile and cry in the same song. And, wrote songs 40 yers ago that still ring true today.
One of my favorite songwriters. The day he died I listened to When I Get to Heaven a dozen times. It’s an incredible song and it made his death easier. I hope he’s enjoying his 9 mile cigarette somewhere out there.
For me it was “Please Don’t Burry Me”
“The Missing Years” is pretty much a perfect album. Every song you think is great then the next one is better. Also “Lake Marie” live is superlative. Thanks for honoring John. He has meant so much to us.
Ditto
Now that he's passed, it seems I can't hear or see John Prine at all without the water works starting up. He was the best of all of us. He was so great at weaving those common threads that tie us all together into his songs.
I feel like Tom Waits definitely deserves a shout out as well when we're talking about lyrical imagery:
ruclips.net/video/f7UHd7NVegE/видео.html
Im so happy u mentioned Tom Waits i loved John Prine & Tom Waits growing up
Absolutely loved your reaction to hearing Hello in There for the first time. That was my introduction to John about 8 years ago and it hooked me. Fun fact: he wrote that song when he was 21 freaking years old. He was a mailman and just observed the world around him. He wrote Hello in There on his lunch break. John was on another level from the very beginning. If you haven't done a deep dive on him yet, be sure to check out his catalog. If you only have time for a song or two, check out Sam Stone, Bruised Orange, Jesus The Missing Years, and Lake Marie. Storytelling at its absolute finest.
Your love and appreciation for JP is contagious....I can feel it and of course, with tears. Thank you for this.
Michael, I love your honesty and love for great music. Thank you for honoring one of the greatest. We all miss John.
The fact he wrote Hello in There at 25, still amazes me.
When I close my eyes and listen to John Prine, west virginia and the shennendoah valley come alive, the places I spent the most time growing up. My dad and I always listened to him together in the car, so he holds a really special place in my heart. Truly gonna miss this man.
I grew up in the Shenandoah Valley and I'm a huge John Prine fan thanks to my dad. Where did you live?
I’m not even from the us but I can still connect with his songs possibly the greatest songwriter of all time
Incredible tribute. Your enthusiasm is infectious. Thank you
Thank. You.
Mr Cm well said, I totally agree.
Thanks. Clayton
Michael Palmisano really enjoyed that and agree with everything u said....Sam Stone is another classic that he wrote when was in his early 20’s and the lyrics are incredibly good. Every time I play a song of his I’m thoroughly amazed at his brilliance RIP JP
Souvenirs has to be one of my favourite songs ever.
As a lifelong JP fan, can I just tell you how much I enjoyed seeing you obviously have a real appreciation for his music. Seeing you basically in awe, as I always am, was just fun!
I know!! There will never be another John Prine. You like the same songs that are my favorites. But there are so many more that move me as well. John will live always in my heart. ♥️ 😢
John Prine is a real treasure to this world. His music consumes me, just like Dylan does, how Neil does.
First song I ever learned to play on guitar was Dear Abby. I was 12 and my uncle and I would sit on the back of the truck while we worked for my dad's business, and sing Prine songs and make up verses to that song. Truly some of my favorite memories.
What is not needed is interpretations of John’s lyrics. The picture that John painted is so clear on virtually all his songs. They are but heartfelt stories of every day life. Enjoy them, don’t waste your time analyzing his simplicity. God bless you John Prine.
I appreciate this. It's always good to see relatively new fans gain an understanding of just how good Prine is. Also, good to see another guitarist acknowledge Jason's stealthy skill as a sideman. Really love his playing!
John prine was a national treasure, all of his songs tell a story that make you visualize every single detail. One of my favorites is paradise, considering I'm from muhlenberg county KY, but mostly because as a kid my great grandfather always told me stories about when Peabody came and tore up all the land, I grew up on the green river, my great grandfather had a cabin there, we used to sit on the swing and watch coal barges go by. Paradise by John prine really hits me hard being from muhlenberg county but also because it reminds of the great stories my grandpa used to tell when I was growing up.
Watching this over and over. Had tickets to see him in a couple months.
I saw Nathaniel Ratcliffe play in his last North American show (before covid shut down the tour) and he played a John prime cover of ‘Summers end’ with Courtney Marie. That was before he wa sick, and it was such an unexpected sunrise and got me all the more existed to see him a few months. Now he’s gone. It’s hard to fathom.
RIP legend.
RIP John. I felt like I knew you my whole life.
Besides being blessed with my wonderful family the best gift I ever received was from a friend named Ron who introduced me to the music of John Prine in 1976... A gift that I have and will enjoy for the rest of my life. I try to spread the gift as often as possible....
The first John Prine song I ever heard was Dear Abby. I thought, what a hilarious tribute to an American icon who a lot of folks visited every day. And then I fell deep into the John Prine rabbit hole, and discovered what a true, songwriting genius he was. Sadly, he passed away shortly after this reaction video was posted. I did probably as most folks who loved his artistry did upon hearing of his death. First, I shed a few tears and then I went back and started relistening to all the songs that I loved and appreciated so much.
Rest in peace, John.
16:12 can’t you see it? CANT YOU SEE IT?
I can - love this so much man
“In Spite of Ourselves” was me and my wife’s wedding song.
My wife and I sing it together all the time
My husband and I (17 years) sing Inspite of Ourselves at karaoke and it's always a hit. It's such a real song about long term love.
Watching this for the first time. Of course.. John is gone now. Thanks for honoring him this way. It's a joy to watch your enthusiasm Michael. We're still listening John.
John Prine will always be the BEST!!!!! Period!!!
Just found this. I'm not an American, but I love John Prine. First songs I heard from him, are from the album 'The Tree of Forgiveness', and I was hooked. Went back through his catalog, and I still listen to him.
My wife and I heard In Spite Of Ourselves a couple months before our wedding. It's been our song ever since. Prine is a master of the songwriting craft
In the years that I was gigging regularly I can`t ever remember putting a set list together that didn`t include a couple of John Prine songs. The one that I never did, however, was "Hello in there", I struggle to get through that song without a tear even at home on my own. The song that I think is an absolute masterpiece at painting the picture is "Unwed Fathers", I have seen 2 hour movies that don`t tell a story as well as the three short verses in that song. The list of John`s great lyrics just goes on and on, let`s all wish him well at this awful time.
‘same’ - ;).
I was thinking of putting together an entire set of songs I can’t get through without getting choked up - these songs from JP, Brothers In Arms, Drive On (by Johnny Cash), Romeo & Juliet from Dire Straits…
More people need to see this video, john prine was amazing
Thank you. He's on Mt. Rushmore for me.
Love John Prine. He's touched my Life on every level. My wife says that turning her on to Mr. Prine is one of the best things I've ever done for her. Thanks for the video. Hope you and yours are well
He wrote Angel, Hello in There and Souvenirs in his early 20's. Talk about an Old Soul.
this man is one of my all time faves, I literally broke down in tears when I found out he is so sick with covid-19. It's like he wrote my life in some of his songs. Angel from Montgomery is what made me realize my marriage was over and still I carried on for another 5 years wishing it weren't so. Souveneirs has a special place for me as well. when he talks about hating graveyards and Pawn shops, its because they represent what took away his innocence, death , crime and poverty. and then he talks about hating old love letters, because they remind him that not all love is forever again another innocence lost. His souvenires are his memories and the things he hates taint all the good with the bad and that's how they slipped away.
Anyways, check out Sam Stone, Paradise, Killing the Blues, Speed of the Sound of Loneliness and Unwed Fathers some of Prine's best stories/songs.
Love seeing your reaction to Souvenirs. Got to see John play this live a couple times and it brings tears every time. At least for me. Just one of Many Many treasures from The Great American Poet
Everyone forgets about Paradise. One of the best songs ever written. A classic just like Wildwood Flower.
I have had the opportunity to see John Prine the last few years at Newport Folk Festival. The ambience there is beautiful all the time, but the ambience when John Prine takes the stage adds a completely different element of beauty and honest storytelling.
I also love In Spite of Ourselves with Iris DeMent and Long Monday. I had been listening to Mr. Prine since a friend played his music for me in 1999 to 2000. She and her bf would sing In Spite of Ourselves and he'd play guitar. Rest in peace John. You still bring me a lot of joy!
I teared up reading about tearing up reading your comment on souvenirs. It takes me back to when I was still with love ones that are just here in memory now. Makes me wish I could turn back time. God I Miss Them!
The story behind souvenirs being written is awesome .. Just like the duet version w Steve goodman
Hang in there John Prine...and am in gratitude for this connection ....prayers
It's the particulars' the PARTICULAR, TELLING detail. And around those is the atmosphere. "Thunder" and "lightnng" = implies PASSION, fireworks.
Thank you Michael for saying everything I think about John Prine and his wonderful songs..I too, SEE everything in his songs. ! Thx" You Tube" for bringing all John's music to all of us. My twin brother Phil passed away may 4th, I was only consoled by the idea Phil got to be with John and enjoy that 9 mile long cigarette !!😏🤗😎❤
I miss John Prine. Everyday I play his music. Thank you Michael this video touched my heart.
I always picture the people in Prine's songs, always have, always will.
When speaking of souvenirs John Prine always talked about how he loves to play it with Steve Goodman. He used to say it’s do you used to do something when he played that made John sound like he was doing a lot more “he always made my playing sound better”
I'm watching this after John Prine is gone. What a lovely, heart-felt tribute. Your literary analysis of these song lyrics is beautifully done. Thank you much! (PS: I'm amazed at your ability to hold back tears while listening to these songs.)
Love your deep feeling and insights... and so freely sharing it so openly. Thank you so very much for being how you are. You are the real deal and John Prime would agree with me. How could any one not!
Thanks for your timely dedication. I’’ve been a fan of John since the 1960’s in Chicago. Great to see he’s won a new generation . Keep up the great work analyzing the songs.
The sadness of the bass and Jason Wilbur on the guitar is so amazing.
John Prine is an American treasure. Full stop.
There are many great American songwriters from his generation but Prine just feels the most down to earth and accessible. Anyone can play and sing his songs and the stories are just so easy to feel , understand and relate to, without them being superficial or "simple". He just feels like a guy we all know.
You summed up John's writing perfectly. Life in a nutshell. Somewhere on youtube is an old clip of John singing "Paradise" on his porch steps in Illinois. Love seeing him young and beautiful. I've seen Bonnie in concert a few times and she is just unbelievable live. Perfection. Oh and Iris and her unique voice!! Love her.
Tha is for this video! I’ve been a huge fan of Johns since I was 10 years old (44 years). I’m kinda known as the “Prine guy” in these parts. I’m so familiar with all his lyrics, that I take them for granted. Your reactions woke me up to realize just what a treasure our Handsome Johnny is. Yes, steve Goodman co-wrote souvenirs. Thanks again!
"Paradise" is a great example of seeing the pictures. RIP John Prime. I guess God needed a singing story teller.
not sure if anyone else quoted this piece on Prine, so beautifully stated: "Prine mastered the art of shrinking tragedy and comedy down to where he could balance both on his tongue at the same time. His most iconic songs were bar-napkin sketches of uncanny depth, featuring at least one casually brilliant phrase that would jump out at you from the blind corner of a rhyme." Spot on.
-- from the Washington Post, from 4/8/20 www.washingtonpost.com/lifestyle/style/john-prines-lyrical-one-liners-could-take-your-breath-away/2020/04/08/37aa22d4-793f-11ea-a130-df573469f094_story.html
I’ve sat on my back porch with a few cold ones listening to John and fully understand what you’re talking about. In my mind,, I was there. Get well soon John,
What makes Hello in There truly great song writing is the juxtaposition between the highly specific mundane detail in the verses and the simple but vibrant symbolism of the chorus. Loretta stares out the screen door. Rudy was a co-worker. Etc. Etc. And then, “Old trees grow stronger, old rivers run wilder everyday.” The action in the verb choices echo this: sit and stare v. grow stronger, talk much v. run wilder. And the chord changes in the melody do as well, especially in the soaring rise when the chorus begins. And then to hammer it home, it sinks down for: “Old people just grow lonesome.” Just these first two active phrases in the chorus are enough to propel the song to its crystal clear point about how human beings treat each other. A diamond!
John Prine is the singer songwriter GOAT🐐 He made so many good songs it's ridiculous
Beautifully done,Michael. I've been listening to his songs all week. My heart is heavy today. I love John Prine.
Really nice tribute to a legend. I've shared his music with my 3 boys and they were sad to hear of his passing. Thanks for putting that together.
John Prine was the Norman Rockwell of music. Uniquely American. His brush was was his guitar, his canvas was his voice, and the paint was his lyrics.
Well grasshopper, you have a lot of catching up to do and it will be fun. John was goaded to get up and play an open mic night because he had been dissing someone up there who was not impressing him. His friends didn't know he wrote songs, so he got up there and played 3 originals - each a classic. He played 'Hello in There', 'Paradise', and 'Sam Stone'. No one clapped, he thought they didn't like him. He was offered an hour every Thursday, so he began moon lighting from his mailman job. He only had 7 songs or so, so after 4 weeks playing those songs with mostly the same audience of regulars he figured he better write another song as he was driving to the club. He wrote Souvenirs (a song he duetted with Goodman on a lot) in the car on the way. He had that intro on the A chord in is head, but was afraid when he got there he couldn't pick it, so he stood in the bathroom and practiced in the mirror. That one was his mom's favorite. For me, it is Hello in There, Far From Me, and One Red Rose.
I play a Prine tune every day. To me he is the best singer/songwriter ever. I connect with his songs on a deep level. Please Don't Bury Me is my go to song, and the older I get the more it rings true. I love John Prine.
I love how you never know the narrative characters name it could be anyone and that's what makes it so relatable I'm 46 been a fan of Mr Prine for 46yrs 9 months... True story
I haven’t been touched like this by a RUclips video ...probably ever. I came upon this just recently, turned it on and I was weeping and laughing pretty much throughout. And what a sublime, grace-filled guitar offering you treated us to at the beginning. Thank you, thank you, thank you.
Hi Michael. Thank you for an intelligent and heart felt review of the work of John Prine. You are correct, his work is absolutely American but this Australian discovered him in 1996 and I was a life changing moment. On another RUclips post somebody wrote the words that describe the relationship so many of us had with JP. "He was the best friend I ever had that never knew me". Being in Australia I never thought we'd ever get to see him live then in 2019 he came. My wife and I travelled to another state to sit in a packed theatre to hear and see him. He did a set with the band then played alone on stage, just him, his damaged voice and his guitar. I can't even remember what song but the term "crying ugly" had me next to it in the dictionary. Then a complete stranger next to me laid his hand on my arm. That was John Prine. He took you there. When we heard he was coming back in 2020 and to our home city we got front row tickets. He died 8 days before we got to use those tickets so now they are framed and treasured possession.
The following is a quote about John from Iris Dement.
"John Prine was, without a doubt, one of the greatest songwriters this world will ever know. Many people more qualified than me have written about why that is. And many more will follow. Greatest or not, here’s what it comes down to for me and here’s why he rests on my heart’s mountain top: Because he cared enough to look - at me, you, all of us - until he saw what was noble, and then he wrapped us up in melodies and sung us back to ourselves.
That was the miracle of John Prine. And it was enough."
I still regularly cry when I listen to his music. Thanks again for your post.
THANK YOU
I haven't bawled like a baby this way since Warren Zevon played the whole David Letterman show before he succumbed.
I picked up the guitar 5 years ago. When I went to my first jam ( about four years ago ) a guy there did “ Hello in There “ it was so good I had tears running down my face. I can not get all the way though that song without at least filling up.
I find it refreshing to see your reactions to John Prine's genius. Welcome aboard! He is a treasure.
...."you gotta be shittin' me..."!!
Hi Sir : Thank You for this tribute to Mr Prine . His songs his warm, gentle personality have got me through a few tough times and happy times . I love your channel really enjoy your deep dive into the music , and how its created . Thank you and stay well so we can keep watching
Anyone else crying their eyes out? Saw John not even 2 months ago here in Sweden, fantastic show. Hoping with all my heart for a speedy recovery. Thank you for this video, you have no idea what level of therapy it is to me.
Beautifully done. Watching your heartfelt and visceral reactions to the home-grown American mastery that is John Prine made me tear up. Thank you for that fitting tribute.
I’m not a musician, but I fully share your admiration of this beautiful poet/ songwriter/performer!
Someone once called Hank Williams Sr the " Hillbilly Shakespeare " and that is patently true, but Mr Prine shares
his brilliance with every bit as much intrinsic beauty and talent as Hank Sr ever did . I would walk a 1,000 miles
over broken glass to hear either of them , just a little slower than I once would have .
I think imagery is that the word you are looking for. The use of words to describe the five senses of sight, touch, sound, taste, and smell.
...hollow, ancient eyes. Great video and tribute to a true legend!
watched dozens of your videos now, and this is by far my favorite
Thanks!!
Just came across this. I remember hearing JP do the old people song when I was 19 years old, now I’m one of those lonely old people. I saw JP first time in a strange little venue in Cameron village underground in Raleigh NC, 1973? Maybe 30 people that night. Felt like we were all family by the end of his set. I got to see JP again not long before he passed in Portland OR. JP and 3 other guitar players, in snazzy grey suits, went thru all his songs in a sold-out much larger venue. He didn’t look well but he had a good time, even danced and shook his ass a little. Glad to see someone as taken with him as I have been.
You gotta a lotta soul. Cheers
Thank you :)
Thank you for this John Prine show! I have (and in the future will) shed tears to JP. Happy enchilada!
That is correct, from the song “That’s the way that the World Goes Round”. In John Prine’s own testimony that a Fan always thought he was singing “Happy Enchilada” instead of the correct lyrics “1/2 an inch of water......” Great reference, and comment as well!
Iris Dement who is Greg Brown's wife is the lady doing the duet with John during the last video In spite of ourselves. Great vid.
Really good analysis of Mr. Prine. A good friend of ours turned my wife and I on to John Prine in the late 90's and we've been huge fans ever since. Few songwriters paint a picture in song as well as he does. It's awesome see the kinship in admiration like you showed here.
John Prine is one of the reasons I picked up the guitar. Souvenirs and Muhlenburg County were two of the first songs I learned.
Thank you and keep it in your hands!
Randomly came across your channel a couple of days ago, really like your approach and joined Guitargate and loving every minute I can put into it.
These YT videos are great, the content and delivery is spot on but something I’m digging is getting an awareness of other groups, bands and singers I’ve not experienced before.
Great stuff and please keep them coming.
My Uncle Lee taught me the beginning of guitar…it was all John Prine. My Uncle and JP are no longer with us, But JP will live forever for many. I’ll hang on to my Uncle. Blue Umbrella was his favorite and rightly-So. Too often over looked. God bless you John, I hope Lee is with you, and thank you Michael Palmisano for every video you created prior to this that locked me in…this one sealed it. You’re the best, keep being you.
Love your analysis, Michael. John was one of the greatest ever. Your musical insights and teaching are extremely valuable to me and a breakthrough for me in many ways.
The lead guitar lick at the end of "Souvenirs" is what Steve Goodman played when he and John performed this together, I think.