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.
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.
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.
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. ❤
John Prine had an amazing capacity for empathy and human understanding. It comes through in this song and his more famous, Sam Stone, which is filled with compassion for Sam and for his family. He knew humanity in such a profound way.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Watched this again. And still love you two. I don't know many people who love John Prine like I do. And seeing your genuine reaction, which is exactly like mine, I wish I could share this music with you, buy you dinner and listen to Prine, whatever. Keep being awesome.
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....
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.
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!
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.
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.
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
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.
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 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
![John Prine -- Hello In There [REACTION]](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/tSkJ-jEedSc/mqdefault.jpg)
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.
His duet with Iris Demit is beautifully funny - In Spite of Ourselves 🥰
I've been crying to this song for over 50 years.
John Prine was a genius in so many ways, musically and as a human being. It's a gift and he had it in spades.
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.
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 💚
John Prine was amazing ❤
That's Mister... Mr. John Prine.
Respect.
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. ❤
Every word counts with John. He can make you laugh or cry and sometimes in the same song.
John Prine had an amazing capacity for empathy and human understanding. It comes through in this song and his more famous, Sam Stone, which is filled with compassion for Sam and for his family. He knew humanity in such a profound way.
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.
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.
Best choice of music ever!!! C'mon give us more of that good stuff!!!
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.
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.
This is the best reaction to a video by anyone. So emotional and honest.
You never have to apologize for getting emotional when listening to John Prine.
It happens to me all the time
I love this song and Miss John Prine.
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
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.
Two tender hearts I like to visit.
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.
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.
The second song I ever heard from him (angel from Montgomery was the first) absolutely love this ❤❤
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.
Love some JOHN PRINE❤😎
Watched this again. And still love you two. I don't know many people who love John Prine like I do. And seeing your genuine reaction, which is exactly like mine, I wish I could share this music with you, buy you dinner and listen to Prine, whatever. Keep being awesome.
Thank you for your beautiful words 💚
Right there at the end. That was very touching.❤
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....
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.
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?
You are both beautiful people. Have a great day. Tomorrow too.
John's songs make you think, make you feel. This song means more and more to me with each decade that passes. ☮💙🎶
Next song....IN SPITE OF OURSELVES..... those sad tears will turn to tears of joy and laughter. I really like your reactions
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!
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.
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.
Me and the wife got to see John in concert, probably around "84.
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.
I'm so happy you still have your grandmother. =)
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 so admire this talent. His final album "Tree of Forgiveness " is really good 👍 ❤
The best of them can wring the heart, John wrings it out, comforts it and fills it with hope.
No one chronicled the Human Condition like John Prine.
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.
What an artist!!! Gone too early. Love him!!
Had the pleasure to see John twice
Beautiful song and beautiful soul
I knew this one would get you. I was crying watching you cry.
Thanks to Ziggy. What great people you two are!
This reaction really moved me-shared with my wife-you two remind me of us😉✌️🫡🙏❤️
Thank you 😊 Much love to you and your wife 💚
So happy you guys love John prine. Brilliant wordsmith
One of my favorite song writers and singers. RIP John.
Also...
You got Gold inside of you... 🎶
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. 👏🖖
He was such a sensitive old soul.
Miss him so much...😢
My favorite.
Been waiting for this one
One of the first tragic deaths of Covid; the world lost a true treasure when he was struck down.
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.
Yes. ❤
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.
Prine magic
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. ❤
We lost a good friend when John passed. Miss that man
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).
Beautiful, sad song.
To go from crying to laughing with Prine, try 'In Spite of Ourselves'. You owe it to yourselves.
Grandpa was a carpenter is a great and funny song
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.
Check out Brandi Carlisle signing this in the Colbert Show the day after John passed away. Stunning.
His Christmas album is the sweetest you will ever hear.
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.
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.
Shoutout to the great Dave Jacques on bass.
You guys are very bright lights in this dark world. Stay that way. Blessings
Thank you and much love 💚
If you like story telling songs, I think you will appreciate Randall Knife by Guy Clark. You both are lovely to watch! Thank you😊
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.
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 ❤
This dang song makes me cry every time.
John Prine is a treasure. Please you absolutely have the review John with Iris Dement "In Spite of Ourselves".
gem
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.
Lidia is a great song too. He will always be a gift to ages.
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!!
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.
I think he was an old soul from the beginning
Joan Baez did a wonderful cover of this song!
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.
I love this song. If you want something funny then check out "Let's Talk Dirty in Hawaiian"
Listen to Prines late good friend Steve Goodman do his version of The Dutchman for a similar message beautifully done.
Bette Midler did a great cover of this , a must to hear . the live is it!
Make a recording next time you visit and listen to stories ❤️
Brave to take on John, he can destroy anyone with a heart.
Listen to Sour Grapes, he wrote it when was 12 or 13 years old
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.