Songwriter Iris Dement wrote this about John Prine: “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 sums it up for me.
He wrote it in his EARLY 20’s. John Prine was one of a kind, with the ability to say more in a single line than others could in an entire song. And his writing was always in a universally understandable and relatable manner. He is very sorely missed.
Please don't appologize for crying. If the simple beauty of this song does not touch your heart and bring a tear to your eye then in my opinion you don't get it. I was crying before he started singing. And I've heard this song 50 times or more. I'm 64, single & lonely. While this song is definately tinged with sadness, it's also just so beautiful in its simplicity and truthfulness. The combination of these things makes my cry, but also brings me joy because it's so perfectly articulated. Thank you for the reaction. I loved it. ❤
This is a touching song. I am a much older man, but I am blessed to still have my wife of 50 years with me. I did hard physical work most of my life, and I have had many broken bones and serious injuries while working as an electrical lineman. I can now definitely relate to all the physical pain I feel each day, but I couldn't handle being lonely after all these years. You two have beautiful hearts and souls and are really in touch with the feelings and emotions of others.
As you know by now John Prine was a master of lyricism. This song is powerful in its description of what it can be like to grow old and then see the pictures of your life slide by in your mind - so touching and personal. Another beautiful reaction. R.I.P. Mr. Prine - we miss you.
I write poetry and when I hear song writers like John Prine, Bob Dylan, Jackson Browne and Harry Chapin just to name a few I am humbled by their incredible ability to masterfully tell stories. They have a way of being able to touch our emotions, whether with joy or sadness by using words and phrases that reach deep within us and stir our soul. I always find them to be very inspiring. Thank you for your very authentic reactions, I love to see others appreciate great song writing and performance.
What a beautiful reaction. Last year, my wife was diagnosed with lung cancer and I was devastated at the thought of being on my own after 45 years. I was terribly depressed and felt the darkness and loneliness wrapping around me. I had never thought of our relationship ending in all the years we have been together and it never occurred to me that all married couples have to face the fact that nothing lasts forever. Watching your reaction to this song showed me how much you mean to each other and my heart was aching that one day you will also have to say goodbye to each other. By the way, after 11 months of chemotherapy and fighting the cancer, I'm pleased to say she won the battle and is now cancer free. Unfortunately, three weeks ago, I was diagnosed with cancer. I still don't know how bad mine is but I hope we don't have to go through the same battle all over again.
Glad to hear that your wife is better. I lost mine last year to Dementia after 42years. Now she can be there for you to heal with. I know the thought of loneliness starts with the unknown future so stay strong with each other.
I keep telling you, John Prine was among the greatest singer/songwriters lyricists ever. It's like he knew me better than anyone and could write a song that helped me heal or move on. The closest thing to godlike in his humble way.
I love John Prine, I know every song I have ever heard him sing I know by heart. Got to see him 6 or 7 times some of them in very intimate spaces, each time was so special. He is missed.
Absolutely love John Prine. ❤He had so much empathy and that comes through in his songwriting. He also had a great sense of humour and that comes through as well.
John did add, in some performances, "Please don't just go and harass your elderly neighbors because they may not want it." Don't do it for you, do it for them.
You both deserve a BIG hug. Something to consider, visit a care facility to see someone. Doesn't really matter if you know them. Validate thier existence!
Souvenirs is a great one to check out next. Grandpa was a carpenter, please don't bury me, up on bear Creek are more of my favorites from John 👍 I really enjoy watching your reactions,you two are so blessed to have each other. Thanks from the USA.
I have to mention that John Prine wrote a song that seems to perfectly fit you two: "In Spite of Ourselves" with John and Iris Dement. Please try it sometime; I promise you'll enjoy it. "Lake Marie is another tune that actually transmits electric energy to all us older folks. Don't think I am causing trouble. I'm an old guy just trying to find peace in life. Love your reactions.
This made me cry...again. We run a free soup cafe, but the main thing we 'serve' is community, especially for the elderly who come and talk to each other and to all sorts of other folks who come through. Loneliness can be worse than hunger
I am so glad that you have found and get John Prine, He has changed my life and has been an inspiration to me all these years. If you want to hear the fun side of him you should try "In Spite of Ourselves" or "Linda went to Mars" . Beautiful reaction....
Thanks for the great reaction. John was so amazing. I really think you guys might like No Hard Feelings by the Avett Brothers. They are big fans of John and really great song writers like John was.
John Prine the master of simplicity, he will take you on journey's, make you cry, fill your tummy with laughter, make you think. He wrote so every which one of us understood. A major loss when John decided to go fishing in heaven. God bless you John for leaving us some of your gigantic talent. have a listen to Fish and whistle.
Another song from this, his first album, that stands out is Angel from Montgomery. There are many covers of John's recording, maybe the best is the version by Bonnie Raitt, but John's version -- in which he sings from the perspective of a depressed housewife -- is still incredible. It is amazing is how this 20-something year old put together such a wonderful collection of songs that seem to have emerged from the souls of people who don't look at all like John Prine. An elderly couple, a heroin addicted veteran, a middle-aged woman tired of her life, a young shut-in girl longing to live a real life.
Love you two! And he wrote that quickly in the way to an open mic night. Glad you may be doing more Prine. M6 favorite story teller of all time. Once heard him described as having the ability to "Express complex human emotions, simply." And ability to provide such details to the story make the picture he is painting so universally real. Tru Souvenirs, and Sam Stone from this same show. He does light hearted as well, after he makes you cry. Do Summers End followed by When I Get to Heaven.
Thank you for reacting to "Hello in There". I should have said in my message to immediately go and listen to Prine's "In Spite of Ourselves" with Iris Dement, a song that will make you laugh. 'Hello" is such a poignant song and I still get teary eyed when I listen to it. Dominika, your comment about us cherishing and staying with our elders is beautiful. Our elders have much to teach us. I think that's what Prine was trying to tell us. Prine's genius lay in the fact that he could bring us to tears and then make us laugh. "In Spite of Ourselves" is one of his songs that will bring a smile and laughter.
Hi guys, When he was starting out John worked as a mailman. He said later he wrote about the people he met while delivering mail. So his lyrics are about ordinary people and everyday things, which makes them so poignant and relatable.
LAZY SUMMER DAYS IN THE COUNTRYSIDE, WE WOULD SIT AROUND N HAVE JOHN PRINE SING ALONGS. DOMINIQUE, WHEN YOU GO TO SEE UR GRANDMAMA, YOU CAN TELL HER ABOUT ALL THE GREAT MUSIC YOU HAVE DISCOVERED. WAS EMOTIONAL RIGHT ALONG WITH YOU JUST NOW. 👏🖖
I just moved to the Ozarks, an area I know John liked to go fishing. I'm going to find myself a big old oak tree next to the Buffalo River and play this song on my guitar (and try and sing it).
I love this song but it always makes me choke up. You guys would really like Spanish Pipe Dream. It’s a lot more upbeat and quite funny. Or for another tear jerker there’s Sam Stone.
I love your reactions. John was a gift to all of us. I was lucky enough to see him about a dozen times over 45 years. His songs are as poignant as our truest feelings. A lighthearted, fun masterpiece of his is The Bottomless Lake. Also, I Remember Everything is a great bittersweet song that he recorded on video just before he died.Thanks for your open, honest reactions.
Love and miss John Prine. Life is short. Everyone who is young will be old, and they will be old before they know it. It's typical human behavior to shoot ourselves in the foot. Every single thing done in society to minimize the value of the old is minimizing ourselves.
John Prine is Americana, much like Woody Guthrie. I've had the pleasure of seeing him perform several times. I grew up in Chicago and knew of him early on in his career. One interesting note to share: Roger Waters (Pink Floyd) was asked which musicians he likes to listen to and he answered that he doesn't often listen to other musicians, except John Prine.
I’m pretty sure the inspiration for this song came about as he had a job(not sure what), but he would have to visit an old folks home. That’s what I read.
Yes. I started working in Adult Protective Services a few years ago. Even when they’re able to take care of themselves on their own, they’re often still lonely and need someone to just listen and talk with.
John Prine existed to make me feel bad. But he is convincing, in his arguments, so maybe he is right. I'm terrible. But he could open a salt factory with these lyrics.
When I was a kid , I used to hang around with the old folks at family gatherings and listen to their stories . I learned so much from them .I will be 79 next week , our kids are scattered all over the country with no grandchildren . I have lots of stories about what I consider to be an interesting life , but no one wants to hear them. The greatest problem of modern society is that unlike human life for tens of thousands of years , when wisdom was passed down to the young from older generations , the pace of change is so rapid now that the experience and knowledge of past generations is considered to be irrelevant. All culture now is passed on by sexual perverts in Hollyweird or the internet .
May I suggest that you write down the stories from your life. Take them one at a time. Treat each one as a chapter in the book of your life. Your experience has value. It is said that we will never be a prophet in our hometown, but the day will come when there are questions that will want to be asked and we won't be there to answer them. Tell your stories.
I am 66 but very similar experience as you. Even as a young kid I always loved listening to my elders be it parents, aunts, uncles or grandparents or even older work colleagues. I would try and ask a few questions to get them started then sit back and soak it all in. And like you I believe I have had some interesting experiences to share but find children and grandchildren not much interested.
@@757optiminteresting reading your response/suggestion as that is something I have been considering doing. I have stories and experiences but those who should be my audience don’t show much interest. I will write them down for my own benefit and hope one day they come across them and find them worth their time to read.
@@bradsense7431 Excellent. They can't read them if you don't write them. May you enjoy the effort and may the fruits of your labor bring you closer to your loved ones. Amen.
As a mailman he would see police doing welfare checks and they would knock on the doors and yell "hello in there. Hello." In some cases the person had passed.
Songwriter Iris Dement wrote this about John Prine: “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 sums it up for me.
❤❤❤❤
John and Iris were great together on 'In Spite Of Ourselves." Very humorous song.
He wrote it in his EARLY 20’s. John Prine was one of a kind, with the ability to say more in a single line than others could in an entire song. And his writing was always in a universally understandable and relatable manner. He is very sorely missed.
Please don't appologize for crying. If the simple beauty of this song does not touch your heart and bring a tear to your eye then in my opinion you don't get it. I was crying before he started singing. And I've heard this song 50 times or more. I'm 64, single & lonely. While this song is definately tinged with sadness, it's also just so beautiful in its simplicity and truthfulness. The combination of these things makes my cry, but also brings me joy because it's so perfectly articulated. Thank you for the reaction. I loved it. ❤
His duet with Iris Demit is beautifully funny - In Spite of Ourselves 🥰
John Prine was amazing ❤
That's Mister... Mr. John Prine.
Respect.
I've been crying to this song for over 50 years.
This is a touching song. I am a much older man, but I am blessed to still have my wife of 50 years with me. I did hard physical work most of my life, and I have had many broken bones and serious injuries while working as an electrical lineman. I can now definitely relate to all the physical pain I feel each day, but I couldn't handle being lonely after all these years. You two have beautiful hearts and souls and are really in touch with the feelings and emotions of others.
Thank you. Much love from Romania 💚
I believe John worked for the postal service when he was young and would have experiences with older folks that made him mature beyond his years.
As you know by now John Prine was a master of lyricism. This song is powerful in its description of what it can be like to grow old and then see the pictures of your life slide by in your mind - so touching and personal. Another beautiful reaction. R.I.P. Mr. Prine - we miss you.
I write poetry and when I hear song writers like John Prine, Bob Dylan, Jackson Browne and Harry Chapin just to name a few I am humbled by their incredible ability to masterfully tell stories. They have a way of being able to touch our emotions, whether with joy or sadness by using words and phrases that reach deep within us and stir our soul. I always find them to be very inspiring. Thank you for your very authentic reactions, I love to see others appreciate great song writing and performance.
What a beautiful reaction. Last year, my wife was diagnosed with lung cancer and I was devastated at the thought of being on my own after 45 years. I was terribly depressed and felt the darkness and loneliness wrapping around me. I had never thought of our relationship ending in all the years we have been together and it never occurred to me that all married couples have to face the fact that nothing lasts forever. Watching your reaction to this song showed me how much you mean to each other and my heart was aching that one day you will also have to say goodbye to each other. By the way, after 11 months of chemotherapy and fighting the cancer, I'm pleased to say she won the battle and is now cancer free. Unfortunately, three weeks ago, I was diagnosed with cancer. I still don't know how bad mine is but I hope we don't have to go through the same battle all over again.
Thank you for your words...pleased to hear your wife is healthy now. Sending you both warm wishes, and praying for you to get good news as well 💚
Glad to hear that your wife is better. I lost mine last year to Dementia after 42years. Now she can be there for you to heal with. I know the thought of loneliness starts with the unknown future so stay strong with each other.
I keep telling you, John Prine was among the greatest singer/songwriters lyricists ever. It's like he knew me better than anyone and could write a song that helped me heal or move on. The closest thing to godlike in his humble way.
Every word counts with John. He can make you laugh or cry and sometimes in the same song.
You never have to apologize for getting emotional when listening to John Prine.
It happens to me all the time
Several years ago i lucked into front row tickets for John Prine. When he played this song i think i held my breath the entire time
Two tender hearts I like to visit.
I love John Prine, I know every song I have ever heard him sing I know by heart. Got to see him 6 or 7 times some of them in very intimate spaces, each time was so special. He is missed.
Absolutely love John Prine. ❤He had so much empathy and that comes through in his songwriting. He also had a great sense of humour and that comes through as well.
The second song I ever heard from him (angel from Montgomery was the first) absolutely love this ❤❤
This is the best reaction to a video by anyone. So emotional and honest.
First heard this song in my early 20's and now in my 70's it has a whole different feel. Now it's about me. How did John Prine know me so long ago?
John did add, in some performances, "Please don't just go and harass your elderly neighbors because they may not want it."
Don't do it for you, do it for them.
You both deserve a BIG hug. Something to consider, visit a care facility to see someone. Doesn't really matter if you know them. Validate thier existence!
Souvenirs is a great one to check out next. Grandpa was a carpenter, please don't bury me, up on bear Creek are more of my favorites from John 👍 I really enjoy watching your reactions,you two are so blessed to have each other. Thanks from the USA.
Definitely Souvenirs, and Dear Abby to lighten things up.
Next song....IN SPITE OF OURSELVES..... those sad tears will turn to tears of joy and laughter. I really like your reactions
I love this song and Miss John Prine.
Love some JOHN PRINE❤😎
I have to mention that John Prine wrote a song that seems to perfectly fit you two: "In Spite of Ourselves" with John and Iris Dement. Please try it sometime; I promise you'll enjoy it. "Lake Marie is another tune that actually transmits electric energy to all us older folks. Don't think I am causing trouble. I'm an old guy just trying to find peace in life. Love your reactions.
This made me cry...again. We run a free soup cafe, but the main thing we 'serve' is community, especially for the elderly who come and talk to each other and to all sorts of other folks who come through. Loneliness can be worse than hunger
That is beautiful! We would definitely stop for soup and to listen to some stories. All the best ☺️💚
I am so glad that you have found and get John Prine, He has changed my life and has been an inspiration to me all these years. If you want to hear the fun side of him you should try "In Spite of Ourselves" or "Linda went to Mars" . Beautiful reaction....
You are both beautiful people. Have a great day. Tomorrow too.
Thanks for the great reaction. John was so amazing. I really think you guys might like No Hard Feelings by the Avett Brothers. They are big fans of John and really great song writers like John was.
No Hard Feelings. OMG. I want that song played at my funeral.
Best choice of music ever!!! C'mon give us more of that good stuff!!!
No one chronicled the Human Condition like John Prine.
John Prine the master of simplicity, he will take you on journey's, make you cry, fill your tummy with laughter, make you think. He wrote so every which one of us understood. A major loss when John decided to go fishing in heaven. God bless you John for leaving us some of your gigantic talent. have a listen to Fish and whistle.
I so admire this talent. His final album "Tree of Forgiveness " is really good 👍 ❤
I'm so happy you still have your grandmother. =)
Been waiting for this one
John's songs make you think, make you feel. This song means more and more to me with each decade that passes. ☮💙🎶
Me and the wife got to see John in concert, probably around "84.
I knew this one would get you. I was crying watching you cry.
Also...
You got Gold inside of you... 🎶
Another song from this, his first album, that stands out is Angel from Montgomery. There are many covers of John's recording, maybe the best is the version by Bonnie Raitt, but John's version -- in which he sings from the perspective of a depressed housewife -- is still incredible.
It is amazing is how this 20-something year old put together such a wonderful collection of songs that seem to have emerged from the souls of people who don't look at all like John Prine. An elderly couple, a heroin addicted veteran, a middle-aged woman tired of her life, a young shut-in girl longing to live a real life.
Right there at the end. That was very touching.❤
Love you two! And he wrote that quickly in the way to an open mic night. Glad you may be doing more Prine. M6 favorite story teller of all time. Once heard him described as having the ability to "Express complex human emotions, simply." And ability to provide such details to the story make the picture he is painting so universally real. Tru Souvenirs, and Sam Stone from this same show. He does light hearted as well, after he makes you cry. Do Summers End followed by When I Get to Heaven.
Thanks to Ziggy. What great people you two are!
To go from crying to laughing with Prine, try 'In Spite of Ourselves'. You owe it to yourselves.
My favorite.
He was such a sensitive old soul.
Miss him so much...😢
Thank you for reacting to "Hello in There". I should have said in my message to immediately go and listen to Prine's "In Spite of Ourselves" with Iris Dement, a song that will make you laugh. 'Hello" is such a poignant song and I still get teary eyed when I listen to it. Dominika, your comment about us cherishing and staying with our elders is beautiful. Our elders have much to teach us. I think that's what Prine was trying to tell us. Prine's genius lay in the fact that he could bring us to tears and then make us laugh. "In Spite of Ourselves" is one of his songs that will bring a smile and laughter.
Thank you so much...as you probably noticed, the song touched us deeply. He was such a beautiful soul 💚
@@MerchantOfAlba Your reaction reflects your beautiful souls. ❤
One of the first tragic deaths of Covid; the world lost a true treasure when he was struck down.
The best of them can wring the heart, John wrings it out, comforts it and fills it with hope.
We lost a good friend when John passed. Miss that man
Hi guys, When he was starting out John worked as a mailman. He said later he wrote about the people he met while delivering mail. So his lyrics are about ordinary people and everyday things, which makes them so poignant and relatable.
LAZY SUMMER DAYS IN THE COUNTRYSIDE, WE WOULD SIT AROUND N HAVE JOHN PRINE SING ALONGS.
DOMINIQUE, WHEN YOU GO TO SEE UR GRANDMAMA, YOU CAN TELL HER ABOUT ALL THE GREAT MUSIC YOU HAVE DISCOVERED. WAS EMOTIONAL RIGHT ALONG WITH YOU JUST NOW. 👏🖖
Yes. ❤
I just moved to the Ozarks, an area I know John liked to go fishing. I'm going to find myself a big old oak tree next to the Buffalo River and play this song on my guitar (and try and sing it).
Grandpa was a carpenter is a great and funny song
One of my favorite song writers and singers. RIP John.
I love this song but it always makes me choke up.
You guys would really like Spanish Pipe Dream. It’s a lot more upbeat and quite funny.
Or for another tear jerker there’s Sam Stone.
Beautiful, sad song.
Shoutout to the great Dave Jacques on bass.
Prine magic
Had the pleasure to see John twice
Beautiful song and beautiful soul
So happy you guys love John prine. Brilliant wordsmith
Your emotional pauses were so telling about the two of you.
We should all be grateful to get to listen to this man, a songwriter unlike anyone else.
Some of the greatest lyrics ever. After John Prine’s death Brandie Carlisle did a cover of this as a tribute. It will absolutely rip your heart out ❤
I love your reactions. John was a gift to all of us. I was lucky enough to see him about a dozen times over 45 years. His songs are as poignant as our truest feelings. A lighthearted, fun masterpiece of his is The Bottomless Lake. Also, I Remember Everything is a great bittersweet song that he recorded on video just before he died.Thanks for your open, honest reactions.
Love and miss John Prine.
Life is short. Everyone who is young will be old, and they will be old before they know it. It's typical human behavior to shoot ourselves in the foot. Every single thing done in society to minimize the value of the old is minimizing ourselves.
gem
Check out Brandi Carlisle signing this in the Colbert Show the day after John passed away. Stunning.
You guys are very bright lights in this dark world. Stay that way. Blessings
Thank you and much love 💚
Beautifully performed, cant make my mind up between this and the Kristofferson and Baez version.
Now that I’m 65, I see it’s true…old trees just grow stronger, we have no other choice!!
Yes, John Prine was very smart in a way that very few people ever are. He is incredibly missed
One of my Favorite song writers, a fantastic storyteller, i think you would like Jerry Jeff Walker also a great storyteller.
His Christmas album is the sweetest you will ever hear.
If you like story telling songs, I think you will appreciate Randall Knife by Guy Clark. You both are lovely to watch! Thank you😊
This dang song makes me cry every time.
John Prine is Americana, much like Woody Guthrie. I've had the pleasure of seeing him perform several times. I grew up in Chicago and knew of him early on in his career. One interesting note to share: Roger Waters (Pink Floyd) was asked which musicians he likes to listen to and he answered that he doesn't often listen to other musicians, except John Prine.
Thank you for allowing me to share in your tears with you. ❤🫂
💚
I’m pretty sure the inspiration for this song came about as he had a job(not sure what), but he would have to visit an old folks home. That’s what I read.
Lidia is a great song too. He will always be a gift to ages.
John Prine is a treasure. Please you absolutely have the review John with Iris Dement "In Spite of Ourselves".
Joan Baez did a wonderful cover of this song!
I think he was an old soul from the beginning
Yes. I started working in Adult Protective Services a few years ago. Even when they’re able to take care of themselves on their own, they’re often still lonely and need someone to just listen and talk with.
Brave to take on John, he can destroy anyone with a heart.
Make a recording next time you visit and listen to stories ❤️
I love this song. If you want something funny then check out "Let's Talk Dirty in Hawaiian"
Bette Midler did a great cover of this , a must to hear . the live is it!
Listen to Sour Grapes, he wrote it when was 12 or 13 years old
Listen to Prines late good friend Steve Goodman do his version of The Dutchman for a similar message beautifully done.
Please listen to souvenirs by John Prine and you will see more of his love of people and emotions
John Prine existed to make me feel bad. But he is convincing, in his arguments, so maybe he is right. I'm terrible. But he could open a salt factory with these lyrics.
A Song Smith would be a good title for John...................Legend would be another :)
Please listen to his album Bruised Orange and his album Sweet Revenge
Listen to them all!
When I was a kid , I used to hang around with the old folks at family gatherings and listen to their stories . I learned so much from them .I will be 79 next week , our kids are scattered all over the country with no grandchildren . I have lots of stories about what I consider to be an interesting life , but no one wants to hear them. The greatest problem of modern society is that unlike human life for tens of thousands of years , when wisdom was passed down to the young from older generations , the pace of change is so rapid now that the experience and knowledge of past generations is considered to be irrelevant. All culture now is passed on by sexual perverts in Hollyweird or the internet .
May I suggest that you write down the stories from your life. Take them one at a time. Treat each one as a chapter in the book of your life. Your experience has value. It is said that we will never be a prophet in our hometown, but the day will come when there are questions that will want to be asked and we won't be there to answer them. Tell your stories.
I am 66 but very similar experience as you. Even as a young kid I always loved listening to my elders be it parents, aunts, uncles or grandparents or even older work colleagues. I would try and ask a few questions to get them started then sit back and soak it all in. And like you I believe I have had some interesting experiences to share but find children and grandchildren not much interested.
@@757optiminteresting reading your response/suggestion as that is something I have been considering doing. I have stories and experiences but those who should be my audience don’t show much interest. I will write them down for my own benefit and hope one day they come across them and find them worth their time to read.
Thank you for your wise words. If we were living closer, I'd be happy to listen to your stories. Much love from Romania 💚☺️
@@bradsense7431 Excellent. They can't read them if you don't write them. May you enjoy the effort and may the fruits of your labor bring you closer to your loved ones. Amen.
As a mailman he would see police doing welfare checks and they would knock on the doors and yell "hello in there. Hello." In some cases the person had passed.
John Prine is one of the greatest songwriters of all time. This entire concert 'Sessions on West 54th St' is on RUclips.....check it out.