British guitarist analyses John Prine's creative authenticity in the early 70's

[@tjnugent62]

It is hard to find anything more real and authentic then John Prine. He is a master storyteller. I love him.

[@michele21auntiem]

I love him too. He is a master songwriter.

[@sacluvsBM]

@@michele21auntiem Word.

[@johnm3152]

Howdy to Ma Nugent

[@belbrowm7702]

TJ Nugent me too

[@lindaz1290]

Whenever you do an analysis of a song and/or artist that has a serious story, you always handle it with sensitivity and respect. This analysis is no exception. Really nicely done Fil...

[@promerops]

Fil must be an old soul.

[@aylbdrmadison1051]

That's exactly what attracted me to his channel and why I subscribed.

[@lindaz1290]

@@promerops Funny you say that, because I have always said the same!

[@lindaz1290]

@@aylbdrmadison1051 It's a big part of why I stick around...

[@killingsworthgc]

@@promerops I feel the same!

[@kurtisle]

John Prine can make you laugh...and cry. A National Treasure for America. Tells the truth you maybe don't want to hear. Thank you so much Fil.

[@edgarraigoza2092]

kurtisle can agree more. Both my son and I lose ourselves listening to Mr Prine.

[@DrDespicable]

John was an INTERnational Treasure - he was for everyone.

[@GTH8991]

@@DrDespicable Well said.

[@cathynb9205]

@@DrDespicable Prine always had such a love for us eastern Canadian folks. He had been cherished here all throughout his career. Love all of his work. Yes, a National treasure 🤗🇨🇦😎

[@wirenutt57]

@@cathynb9205 Your neighbors to the south can say the same about Gordon Lightfoot. If all I was allowed to listen to was John Prine and Gordon Lightfoot, I'd die a happy man.

[@MP_Single_Coil]

"There's a hole in daddy's arm where all the money goes" is the most painful lyric I've ever heard.

[@jamespennington9719]

Real as it gets! I had drug issues many a year ago, never got into needles but still! Prine can tell it painfully well!

[@johnm3152]

Lyrics branded in cerebellum. You don't forget Prine's. i.e. "Sisters a nun, hot dog bun" - JPrine

[@fractuss]

Almost unbearable to hear.

[@jamespennington9719]

@@fractuss Your comment popped up on my computer actually when watching another vid! Yep it was hard to make yourself listen too because of the absolute raw and dirty truth in it! But sure is a piece of artwork when it comes to songwriting! Rock!

[@maxb6159]

"He eased his mind in the hours that he chose...while the kids ran around wearing other people's clothes." Brilliantly sad and somber.

[@backspace4203]

He has a troubled, sensitive mind. Often drunk in his younger years, he fell off the stool in the mid 70s when a friend saw him live. He was propped back up and soldiered on. One of my favorites of his is "Hello in there". It’s about lonesome old man reflecting on past and present sadness. Definitely influenced how I perceive the elderly throughout my life. I stop, say hi and try to show some kindness. The ghost of the song playing in my mind. It’s not just a song, it’s a lesson.

[@joelsimms4636]

Thanks young man we appreciate that. I'm 72 and getting old isn't for the weak at heart. I always say hello ,how are you fo the last of my Dads generation. They were and are some tough SOBs. They are dieing out real fast. They didn't have all the psychological help of today's vets. Vietnam vets never got any respect and were treated poorly by our country.

[@backspace4203]

@@joelsimms4636 You hold a place of honor in the hearts of myself and many others. Thanks for the kind comment.

[@omwinter145]

Summers End is my favorite !!! 😊

[@sacluvsBM]

@@joelsimms4636 l am 68 and l would like to co-sign that. Thank you.

[@mwhitehead1461]

that's a good way to put it, it is a good life lesson.

[@hitchhikrr]

ive started in listening to john in 1971 and i still do,miss him a lot.i have good bunch of stuff.

[@mikkibaker883]

John Prine has a way with words. The first song I ever heard him do was "Spanish Pipedream". When I heard the line, "I knew that topless lady had something up her sleeve" I was listening to someone who required me to pay attention. I like it when all my senses are required when I'm being entertained. My favorite line? "If heartaches were commercials, we'd all be on TV".

[@danbarber9776]

Yep, that's always been one of my favorites too. There are a lot of favorite lines in Prine's work. Like, "Broken hearts and dirty windows make life difficult to see".

[@sharonhall1067]

Thank you for playing the one & only great John Prine. Always moves me to tears.

[@randyodom3804]

Once again I'll say it> I admire your appreciation and knowledge of various genres of music. You are a true pro!

[@wingsofpegasus]

Thanks!

[@jkoff76]

You dont want to ever miss a lyric he sings. They feel like brush strokes from a Dutch master painter's easel.

[@mike-ue4wy]

You said it best. That's John Prine. I don't know him personally, wish I did. The story about his military that I know about was, he served during the Viet Nam war, but in Germany. Probably did see some addicts,though. He has the ability to just pull it from his imagination.Wherever he gets his inspiration, he can make it into a masterpiece.

[@cindycrenshaw-martin9849]

Fill, I served in the Air Force and survived the September 26, 1980 Munich Oktoberfest terrorist bombing. After the loss of both legs and too many other injuries to list, I will tell you of the strong pull of the morphine song! Not to take away from the suffering of those thousands who came home from Vietnam. I was married to one who passed away last February. This story brought back memories of my own. I love your analyses of musical talents, keep it up! I grew up in the 60's and 70's, and music meant so much to me...still does! Thank you so much for bringing these meaningful songs to life for me!

[@austerereligiousscholar2314]

You never cease to amaze me , Fil, with the gems you come up with. John Prine was a favorite of mine way back then. He is a true wordsmith.

[@jamespennington9719]

Not much of a joiner! But Wings is the place I wanna hang out! Fil does just an incredible job of picking musicians and breaking down their performances and talent! Hard not to appreciate his talent as well! Love John Prine!

[@Dr3amtime]

In the early 80's, a friend gave me a tape of John's first album, and it's been one of my favorites ever since. I play more songs on guitar from that album than from any other. The inspired simplicity of the lyrics and the even simpler folk arrangements (often just 3 chords in G) insures that his catalog will be around for quite a while. I saw him in concert once in the late 80's, and he had amazing audience rapport. Special spirit.

[@mikebare6051]

Thank you for covering John Prine. He's one of our the most prolific song writers. His songs that cover all aspects of living.

[@clanrobertson7200]

Fil, Thank you for a sensitive analysis of John’s performance of “Sam Stone” as well as his style(s) but as an overview of his entire career and album production. Very well done. My wife and I were at the right place at the right time in the 1970s. We were finishing undergraduate school at the university of Georgia and were introduced to John Prine when he toured a small audience theater called “The Last Resort” and we were introduced to Steve Goodman at the same time. A few years later we were able too continue to see John and Steve perform at another small venue theatre called “The Great Southeastern Music Hall”. We returned to graduate school in Athens in the fall of 1974 and continued to see John perform. As John’s recognition grew, so did the venues and we followed along. John, Steve Goodman and Leon Redbone performed at the Atlanta Symphony Hall in the early seventies as we worked and lived in Atlanta. That not only was a great performance because of the artist and because of the acoustics of the Hall, but because we ended up with seats on the 4th row center for a total acoustical performance where each artist played solo, then in pairs and finally all together. We have continued to follow John’s music and tours as well throughout our lives and it turned out to be a journey through life with John, and it has been a thread of our growth while making our journey with John. The old professor

[@Bill-py1fn]

Anyone that gave this a thumbs down has their withered heart under a rock.

[@favoritemommy74]

Appreciate that you choose different types of songs and music to analyze. It’s such a big world and you give us a really special glimpse into it.

[@fredhinckley8630]

Great analysis Fil. This is a song that is timeless. It is still relevant today.

[@rickbarton9130]

Absolutely.

[@mydailybread7]

Yes. Timeless-Relevant-Absolutely. 😔

[@bellesmom238]

I have seen him 12 times and the show is never the same , , he is a great singer and song writer , can totally relate to sam stone , im an old vn vet THANKS FIL

[@handbagjones]

Dennis Lawson .. thank you for your service.🇺🇸

[@michele21auntiem]

Thank you for serving. I have relatives that were in service too. It changed their life.

[@kennyalbert911]

Saw him 6 times at the palace I n Louisville,KY it sits about 2500 people and each time was better than the last just seemed more personal in a small venue or he made it seem so.Authentic,quick witted,and humorous was always my impression.Always had a good story leading into his songs as well and always made sure those on stage with him got their share from the audience.just not too many in this man's league a treasure for sure.

[@zigwil153]

Thank you, sir..... from a grateful American.

[@mrjeh49]

I am as well and need to be alone to listen to this song (and others similar) If I had a glass eye this song would make me tear up. He is (was) incredible!

[@joanpearl1454]

Thank you for presenting my favorite songwriter! A genuine national treasure. Mr. Prine is recuperating from hip surgery, but promises to be back on the road as soon as possible.

[@sayrerowan734]

John Prine was my father's favorite performer. Growing up in the 70s I listened to all his early albums like they were nursery rimes. They still are just amazing.

[@FoScoJo]

After almost 50 years, That songs still makes me cry. I can't even have in my playlists anymore. I'm so thankful that John seems to be on the mend from COVID-19 and hoping that "everything is cool". ~ Signed Bewildered

[@killingsworthgc]

As other commenters have said, this is great. He's a poet! Fil, you never cease to amaze me with the information you share. Please never stop.

[@kevinhall6099]

Hurray hurray you did the John Prine !!! I do wish you would have commented on his picking style which he says in interviews is a mistake but if you make the same mistake long enough they call it a style. I dont play and dont understand his statements enough to know what exactly he is doing. But great job on the great American treasure.

[@itslizmcmahon]

A biopic movie should be made about John Prine. He has lived an unbelievable life and is a songwriting talent second to NONE. Thanks, Fil.

[@TheGuitologist]

John Prine is greatness personified.

[@myownchannel247]

John Prine IS Americana. I'm glad I heard as much of his Prime Prine album (and others) as I did everything else back then, he's one of the only performers that can literally make you laugh and cry.

[@michele21auntiem]

His latest album is no exception.

[@777sicilia]

True, but Prine is always PRIME

[@myownchannel247]

@@michele21auntiem his Tiny Desk concert a couple of years ago was good too

[@michele21auntiem]

@@myownchannel247 Thanks David.

[@shirleypearson8702]

My brother served in Vietnam. You analyzed this very well and with your usual passion. Drug addiction is a very serious problem with vets. John Prine is a great storyteller and a great man . Thanks Fil!!❤

[@johnmcclintock8004]

Yes, John Prine did serve in the U.S. ARMY during the Vietnam war era, but he was stationed in Europe (Germany) during that time and not in S.E. Asia ; thank God !

[@dalem8332]

John Prine is a master storyteller and writer. Real. Touching Amazing.Wrote from the heart about real things that mattered and designed to make a statement. Also a killer sense of humour in alot of his writing. An artist who deserved far more attention than he got. He is a treasure. So impressive. Thanks for this analysis Fil! 😎🎼🎶🎵🇨🇦

[@ronnie5129]

A TRUE SONG ABOUT A VIET NAM VETERAN, THAT JUST BREAKES YOUR HEART, THIS HAS HAPPENED TO MANY WAR VETERANS, WHEN MY BROTHER CAME BACK TO THE STATES, THEY WERE GETTING OFF THE AIRPLANE, WALKING TO THE TERMINAL, AND THERE WAS PROTESTERS SPITTING ON THEM CALLING THEM KILLERS, YOU KILLERS, WELL HE WAS DRAFTED AND HAD NO CHOICE BUT TO GO TO WAR, UNFORTUNATLY THIS SONG HAPPENED TO MY BROTHER WHEN HE CAME BACK HOME FROM VIET NAM, MR. PRINE IS ONE OF THE GREATEST SONGWRITERS EVER, COUSIN FIGEL

[@StanKindly]

I would suggest you e-mail Jerry Lembcke at The College of The Holy Cross if you have an account of protestors spitting on your brother. BTW why is your comment all in CAP'S?

[@bellesmom238]

they hit us up with so much morphine , for anything , bad years , got clean , lived through NAM and the monkey , good lord kept his hand on me , welcome home brothers

[@bellesmom238]

@@StanKindly ITS A RESPECT THING FOR NAM VETS , MICHEAL

[@colinpettit3448]

Great analysis Fil. Nobody writes songs like John Prine." Hello in there" is the saddest song about old age you will ever hear. Unfortunately John has had to return to the States for medical treatment so has had to cancel his concerts in the UK. I was due to see him in London next week on the 25th. This tour was rescheduled from last September because he wasn't well then either. Get well soon John.

[@michele21auntiem]

Colin the same with me. I was going to travel to Missouri to see him but he had to reschedule. Then on rescheduled date my brother died.

[@colinpettit3448]

@@michele21auntiem Michele,so sorry to hear about your brother. I hope that John at some point will be well enough to go on tour again but I have my doubts. . I did see him in concert here in the UK about 15 years ago so I have that memory.

[@michele21auntiem]

@@colinpettit3448 Thank you. He was 64 and supposed to go with us to see John. It has made me realize i need to tell people i love them every chance i get. I sure hope John Prine gets better too. He is such a treasure.

[@philipthon3349]

Thank you for doing this great tribute. I was one of those who requested this. I would ask everyone to pray for John. He is in critical condition right now after contracting the virus. Please get well, John. The world needs your humor and insight now more than ever.

[@stk0308]

A master story teller in song.

[@jamesstuart4037]

I saw him live about 15 years ago. It was a great show.

[@golden.lights.twinkle2329]

Brilliant song by a master story-teller.

[@michele21auntiem]

Summer's End from his latest album is a beautiful song written for the mayor of Nashville's son. His beautiful music has gotten me through every aspect of life. His songs capture the true aloneness that comes through lifes tragedies. But also songs like You've Got Gold is expressing the true goodness of a soulmate.Thank you Fil for covering my suggestion. I really love him.

[@wingsofpegasus]

No problem!

[@carolinej3661]

First of all.....❤❤❤. This man was a national treasure and a gift to all of us. He wrote such truth and reality. I said, if Dylan has been the conscience of our generation, John Prine was the heart. His music comes from a very deep place and will last forever. Thank you for featuring him like this. And thank you for doing such good research and sharing so much of his history that I didn't know...

[@clydeb7713]

Great evaluation as always Fil. This is a really sad song about the fate of USA GI's who survive after their service John Prine is a great story teller and performer. I was lucky enough to see him live in concert one time.

[@jimjoiner]

Fil- I have enjoyed your channel for awhile now. You always show so much respect for other artists. Thank you for spotlighting one of my absolute favorites this time. John Prine is a national treasure.

[@clydeb7713]

Very thorough evaluation as always. This is really a tragic song of our forgotten veterans who lose soo much even if they do survive . John Prine is a GREAT story teller performer. I was lucky enough to see him one time in concert.

[@carlprince2866]

My all time favorite John Prine song has got to be Paradise. The man is just a legend and so many don't even know his name ….hmm that almost sounds like a song

[@danielmeyer1208]

Carl Prince are you familiar with this line from “the late John Garfield blues”? “ old men sleep with their conscience at night, young men sleep with their dreams, while the mentally ill sit perfectly still and live thru life’s in betweens”. Pure Prine genius.

[@carlprince2866]

No iv never heard it but its full of truth isn't it

[@davidcantwell2489]

Hi Fil !!!! John Prine The pride of Maywood Illinois .... God bless ya son. He once told the crowd at Austin City Limits "Well have you guessed which one of us ain't from Texas".

[@billykelly1013]

David Cantwell I’ve heard XRT play his music. But till now I’ve never seen the person behind the voice.

[@magnificentfailure2390]

Hallo Fil! You're a saint for exposing people to the wonderfulness of Prine. :)

[@VarikM]

Thank you for covering John Prine! Comprehensive and sensitive on your part. Excellent! Just saw JP at the Durham Performing Arts Center in North Carolina. Thought it was good idea to take the opportunity to see him while he and I are both still on the planet. So glad I did. The production and performance was so wonderful with long time band mates. Then to top it John threw his guitar off his neck and literally danced around the stage during the encore. Wow!

[@Charhartman1988]

It's amazing to me how much insight you have and how much you pick up watching these videos. Brilliant.

[@wingsofpegasus]

Thanks!

[@katherinea.rodgers8366]

John Prine is a National Treasure. I have been a fan for a long time. No one tells a story like he does. I listen to his music at least once a week. Thanks, Fil for featuring him.

[@luckyhiker3434]

You are incredible in your knowledge and your sensitivity to this great icon of American music! If you are just half the man you appear to be on camera you are greatly admired.

[@wingsofpegasus]

Thanks!

[@Ok-Mardy]

Another good analysis Pegasus! Your diversity of the different music styles you review are refreshing!!!

[@lawrencetaylor4101]

Having grown up during the tail end of the American War (that's what they call it in Vietnam) each lyric bought up dozens of memories, of experiences....and then came the next lyric. Kinda makes you want to count the bubbles in your beer, but I hate watered down beer, especially when it's with my own tears. He kept it timeless when he said "foreign conflict" meaning it's a song for the ages. The time has come for today's John Prine to sing us into Peace.

[@jamespennington9719]

Damn good comment!

[@rayhug60]

I remember mentioning this song a year or so ago in a comment to you and am so glad that you’ve put it out there to your audience as the perfect introduction to John Prine, A Master of his art. Thank you

[@wingsofpegasus]

Yes the list is long, but I get there eventually!

[@JBravoRebel]

John Prine just passed; may he rest in peace and his memory be eternal.

[@Hickbilly9]

I've met John personally a few times. He lives in Nashville now and is still writing songs. The first time I met him was 1986/87. I met him at a family reunion and I wasn't even family lol. His cousin invited me and I've attended two or three more reunions after that and each was a pleasure to even be there. Met him, wife, brother and other family members. In Paradise/ Mulhenberg Co. Ky the first time I met him and he came down from Chicago for the family reunion. Good times back then. Thanks for sharing. Keep the great videos!

[@sector7g549]

I never heard any of Johns music before today, thanks for the information. I did a little research this morning and Im glad to say that this man is well worth looking into. He's got some tear jerkers for sure. I just watched a video from recently and it was dope! Good times!

[@MichaelT199]

Thanks Fil for highlighting this particularly influential and gifted artist.

[@j.francismacdonald1506]

John Prine was once asked about his style, he responded ; I don't know that I have a style... well, I suppose if you make the same mistakes, often enough, and at the same time, they call it a style! His soul and self-depricating humour were often not understood. Far and away my favourite artist. RIP -John Prine

[@beemanrunning977]

I had the pleasure of seeing John perform numerous times. You did a very great job of analyzing John's wonderful and unique songwriting and singing talent. He was the best.

[@ianshortall3356]

Love John Prine, he is such a good songwriter and performer, and he is still going... I could listen to him all day every day... he is such a inspiration to my song writing and playing style :)

[@bekind6763]

Ian Shortall, I can see that for sure! ✌

[@ianshortall3356]

@@bekind6763 thanks Kathy

[@michaelswami]

I was in my car today, driving and singing this song and wishing Fil would analyze this song. Wow. Thank you sir.

[@johnbates5118]

Thanks for this one, Fil. Prine has been my go to music muse for 40 years. Anyone who can write Sam Stone and Linda Goes to Mars is my kind of guy.

[@safespacebear]

Thank you thank you thank you for doing something on John Prine. He deserves more attention from folks. He's such a treasure. I got to see him in concert three years ago. I think I held my breath the entire show. It was amazing.

[@wingsofpegasus]

No problem!

[@frankmorrow5080]

I saw John in 1980 and it was one of the best performances I have seen. This was about the time the Bruised Orange album came out. The Fabulous Thunderbirds opened for him. A night I will always remember.

[@toddblackburn3116]

John was a bucket list artest for me to see and I was fortunate enough to see him a few years ago, The whole show one song after another was pure magic.

[@adg1017]

I’m not crying, YOU’RE crying! But seriously... what a song. What a message. I’d never heard this song before. I’m glad I have now.

[@thomasjacks4287]

I love your videos by the way it’s always nice to hear an expert give his reaction

[@JLHunter61]

Wow. Talk about bringing up old memories... This song is so sad, but real. My dad came home from Vietnam a changed man. "Stoic" was his middle name, and the only time that I ever saw him cry in my life was when I was a teenager and was very ill. He cried and said how hopeless he felt. He did not turn to drugs but, rather, to alcohol. And though he usually only drank on the weekends, it was always a nightmare for the rest of our family. He was a true Jekyll and Hyde. My sister and I used to hide when we would hear his car coming and would PRAY that he would not wonder where we were until he would pass out. He could be as jolly as Santa Claus or angry enough to kill you; and he could go back and forth between the two. Also, eventually, my parents had to buy separate beds because my dad would have nightmares and wake up to my mom's screams while he was trying to kill her. He almost killed me one time when I made the mistake of trying to wake him from a nap on the couch by gabbing his shoulder to shake him. He knocked me unconscious and across the room. I woke up sometime later and found out that they didn't take me to a hospital because of what might happen to my dad's career in the U.S. Navy if they thought that he was "shell-shocked," which he clearly was, or that he was hitting his family. He NEVER could listen to John Prine's music once he heard "Sam Stone" at a Navy-sponsored barbecue. It hit too close to home, I guess, and reminded him of his time in Vietnam, and of what happened to guys in his own unit with whom he was friends. I always loved Prine and his music, but couldn't listen to it unless my dad was not nearby. Also, I guess that I learned from the best and almost drank myself to death. I was in Intensive Care in a hospital, dying, when I decided that if I lived, I wanted to be done with drugs and alcohol for good. So my sobriety date is July 9th, 1994. I have been sober ever since. At least part of that is thanks to John Prine. BTW, FIL, thanks for the memories and for the gentle, sincere way that you handled a song and its singer, both of which (and who) are close to my heart.

[@stellashepherd844]

Ace Hall Thank you for sharing your story.

[@JLHunter61]

@Wendy Pastore Thank you. I only wish that my story could have been full of fun and happiness...but life gives us what it will, whether we want it, or like it, or not. My dad, stoic as always, stood at my mom's bedside and neither shed a tear nor had a change in his voice as all of us stood and watched her pass away--he, after 55+ years of a loving marriage. He was as healthy as a horse, and still strong, yet just one year and six months later he too died, lost and alone (not because we weren't there, but because he didn't recognize any of us) in a mind that suddenly refused to work properly or remember anything. It was terrible for me, but my sister, whom I have long since disowned, broke into their house (which I was caring for and living in until probate), and stole EVERYTHING, including both of my parents credit cards. She took anything and everything of value, including the few things that she knew I wanted, things that I bought for my parents as gifts and which held lots of memories. She also stole all of my clothes--in the dead of winter--and all of the dozens of photo albums that told all of our lives, including mine, from the house while I was out working--something that she hadn't done for years. She lived in my parents' house, rent free, until they died, eating takeout food every meal with their money. She got up to about 400 lbs before my dad finally told her that it had to stop. It didn't, but she did get food stamps and got fatter off of those. Eventually, while trying to complete probate alone--which turned out to be nearly impossible--the house was foreclosed on and lost, while she ran up over $100,000.00 in bills on my parents' credit cards in just six months! She also used a card that I loaned her for emergencies long before this stuff happened, and ran up a rental car bill in my name of about $20,000.00 on the rental of a new Lincoln Navigator. The last words that I had with her was to tell her that I called the police and reported the Lincoln stolen. It was found abandoned a week later after almost six months of being missing. See, she was just as much of an addict as any of us, but her things were food and spending. She refused to seek help since I was a sick teenager and her problems came to light during family counseling sessions that were held to help me deal with my illness. She told the counselors that SHE was fine: it was the rest of the world that was crazy... Sorry for the book, but since you were kind enough to read my post above, I felt that you might want to know the denouement. I left out a lot, but I'm sure that you get the picture. Anyhow, thanks again for even reading the first post. Dare I hope that you'll get down this far? Best wishes, Ace

[@jimmayors2315]

John Prine and Steve Goodman were really close friends. Both, individually and as a team, were some of folks best story-tellers. The story of how John had introduced Steve Goodman to Kris Kristofersen is inspiring. I love them both! I'm glad you did a video on Steve Goodman also!

[@kevinhall6099]

Actually, Steve drug Kris back to the bar after a show to see his friend John.

[@tjnugent62]

A friend of mine now passed Barry Byrd Burton worked at Sunn in the early 70's as a producer and guitarist for Sam. He put together The Amazing Rhythm Aces with James Hooker and Russell Smith from back in Knoxville where we lived. Byrd went on to win the Nashville Super Picker award several times and passed 10 years ago of Leukemia. Great guy and incredible guitarist.

[@TheMarkEH]

I was 17 when this song came out and it blew me away, it is definitely a song of its time that is drenched in pathos. I'd only ever heard the studio recording, but this performance was great. Not sure that a song like this would get much/any air play today.

[@ronnie5129]

FIL, YOU PICKED THE FIRST SONG I EVER HEARD JOHN PRINE PERFORM LIVE, , AND I HAVE NEVER HEARD OF JOHN, THIS WAS AT THE CHARLIE DANIELS VOLUNTEER JAM IN NASHVILLE I 1977, HE CAME ON STAGE DID THIS SONG, AND I WAS ASKING PEOPLE NEXT TO ME, WHAT IS THIS GUYS NAME, HE BLEW ME AWAY, I WENT HOME AN BOUGHT THE ALBUM, HE WON ME OVER, I HAVE BOUGHT EVERY RECORDING THAT HE HAS EVER DONE, WHAT A GREAT SONGWRITER AND PERFORMER, I SAW HIM IN TUCSON ARIZONA 4 YEARS AGO, HE DID A GREAT SHOW , CONSIDERING THE HEALTH PROBLEMS HE HAS HAD OVER THE YEARS, HE STILL DOES A GREAT CONCERT, THE SONG HE WROTE, ANGEL OF MONTGOMERY, HE DID A DUET WITH BONNIE RAITT, THIS SONG IS JUST AWESOME, YOUR GREAT COMMENTS AS USUAL, THANKS FOR COVERING MR. PRINE, COUSIN FIGEL

[@LonskiBig]

...I'm glad to see these guys go from "mailman" to a full- time singer/songwriter, and Johnny Cash from "Fuller Brush salesman" to singer/songwriter also.....I think Florida/Georgia Line were janitors...anybody with this kind of creative talent needs to be doing what they do best and the world needs to hear...

[@billykelly1013]

Lonnie Christopher There is something about musicians that once had real jobs that’s missing from so many today.

[@filianablanxart8305]

I'm not Billy Kelly , but I think his point was about their life experiences as " normal " people , before later falling into the music business . ( As opposed to those who had a career focus as an ( aspiring ) musician from the get go .

[@billykelly1013]

Filiana Blanxart Sorta. Music was always the goal. But it didn’t come at 17 or 20. They held actual jobs. Performed on weekends or when good. Then reached point where music was their career.

[@MrManalishi]

You summed it up almost immediately Fil. A great songwriter. Thanks for sharing.

[@shirleymuhleisen683]

That powerful light melody with tragic lyrics. Many happy friends became battle-scarred casualties. Beautiful picking here too. Thx for this Fil

[@wingsofpegasus]

No problem!

[@richeaton7436]

National Treasure.

[@Skye1176]

This song always make me tear up. So real and so heartbreaking. I work in a nursing home, and his "Hello in There" has a message that I try to live up to everyday.I love John Prine.

[@greenworm7915]

One of the greatest singer song writers ever!! True meaningful lyrics. Some comedic! Always a great show! Have seen him a few times. A true legend! Songs like "Speed Of The Sound Of Lonliness" wow! Thanks Fil! Another great one!!

[@SKB1955]

Quite the storyteller ! . I’ve never heard of him! Thanks Fil!

[@petermccarthy3046]

sandra brinker I envy you going down the John Prine rabbit hole! He has been making great songs for 50 plus years!

[@petermccarthy3046]

Ok Fil! How about some John Hiatt now!?

[@KStewart-th4sk]

@sandra brinker You need to check John Prine out then! He has written a pile of great songs during his long career. Entertaining to watch him perform on stage although i have never had the fortune to see him live.

[@lildeena1]

Finally! John Prine!!

[@ceresmary206]

Hey Fil, John PRINE, thank you!!!! This man has our hearts. We met him in 1993 at the end of a concert and Sam Stone is an incredibly beautiful, haunting song and sad as well. John stood with us and others the night of the concert being very patient with the fact we were there, for us, to talk. It was a couple of years later we found out about his cancer. This man does NOT stop! Fiona his wife, is an amazing lady working with him, and we wonder where he gets all his energy from! But seriously, a nicer man, you'll never meet, a true gentleman and an amazing songwriter. We were pleased as punch that he got his induction into the Songwriters Hall of Fame this year. It couldn't happen to a nicer guy. "Paradise" was one of the first (that I know of anyway) environmental songs discussing the loss of Appalachia land to Peabody Coal company and warning folks of how severe this loss is by strip mining.

[@belinda35_77]

John is such a beautiful human.

[@michaelswami]

Might be my favorite folk song of all time. Thank you for this.

[@kurtisle]

Actually I need to thank you Fil. This is the first time I've been able to listen to John since his death. It hit me hard. I didn't intend on watching your it but walked out of the room and came back to John singing Sam Stone. (It's July) I guess when you're older...like me at 68, your heros go down hard for you. At least it's been my experience. Thanks for helping me break through, Fil. I didn't mean to ignore John, it wasn't my intention. Maybe now I can pull out some more. I have everything he ever released. Hey, I might even go back to playing John's songs myself again.

[@kyledoxstader2731]

Weird to not see you smiling from ear to ear during a video. Great choice here, thanks Fil.

[@futuredirected]

I played with John Prine many years ago at the Old Town School in Chicago. Just jamming after a show. He wasn’t one to share a spotlight, generally. I’m a bit surprised he’s still alive, to be honest. Great video, Dear Fil! One of my favorites, for sure. 😘

[@waterfordrs22]

John Prine is one of my heroes. Simply a treasure. That first album of his is a masterpiece.

[@Flatwoodsdad]

I remember when this was new. Was powerful then and just as powerful 50 years later. I don't know how far up the charts it went back then but it was played on the radio where I lived constantly.

[@BOOMNERD51]

Thank you, once again, Fil for your wonderful analysis one one of my all-time favorites. I turn 69 today, and consider John one of the best of my generation. He can plunge into sadness and amaze you with his sly wit. He just had a hip replacement yesterday, but he's talking to about getting right back on tour. Thanks Fil, you two combine big hearts and great talent in a challenging world. Love you both!

[@beachgirl4583]

Marcia Hess, Happy birthday! 🎉

[@wingsofpegasus]

Have a great day! Happy Birthday!

[@BOOMNERD51]

Thanks Beach Girl and Fil!

[@benpowersguitar]

That was unexpected. Thank you Fil for addressing things in an informed and respectful way.

[@jackm4457]

John Prine left us yesterday. It's hardly fair -- he'd bravely defeated cancer and continued on, and he was great at being a wise old sage, as well as a wise old fart. His music has been with me for nearly 50 years, but, selfishly, I wanted more. Thanks again, Fil, for this articulate appreciation.

[@wingsofpegasus]

Sad news!

[@williamaker7803]

A truly great singer/songwriter who I feel deserved alot more fame than he ever got or probably wanted. He always seemed to be a very humble person who just wanted to make music and he did it very well. As always great video Fil.

[@colmcasey1794]

Hi Fil,John always said the first three songs he wrote were Sam Stone,Hello in There and Paradise and I believe him totally.

[@marcusreed3841]

I've seen John Prine so many times over the decades and every performance is memorable. Just a great storyteller and superb entertainer as well as a creative guitarist.

[@ziggymarlowe5654]

We lost John Prine April 2020 from complications of COVID19. He is mourned by his many fans. RIP John, you made us think, you made us laugh and you brought us beautiful songs.

[@ginariffe5525]

Thank you, Fil, for this one. John Prine is one of the best story tellers of all time. A lot of guys came back from Vietnam Nam with heroin addiction. It was cheap and easy to get over there and it helped them to cope. Good analysis!

[@daphneestes8694]

Love John Prime. You always seem to bring up a performer whose old albums I have (that's vinyl for you youngsters), and I end up digging them out, dusting them off, and reexperiencing them. Another fabulous analysis, dear sir.

[@kevinadair9525]

Wow, the ending of this video is so sad to hear. Yes, he was on tour in Europe, and his wife and he came home with COVID19. RIP John Prine. You were one of the greatest ever.

[@wingsofpegasus]

Amen.

[@kevinadair9525]

So, all of this inspired me to adapt a tribute to JP. kzbin.info/www/bejne/o5rbe6NtfMt6o9k

[@johnbutler5650]

“Sam Stone “ always tears me up.

[@tnmoppylaura5476]

I remember those Vietnam veterans coming home to a place where they weren't always welcomed. Such a sad song, but really very accurate. This is beautifully sad. Thanks for sharing this Fil.

[@lawrencetaylor4101]

What's amazing was the resistance from the soldiers during the Vietnam War. Eyes Left has some concert footage and if people knew that they were trying like hell to stop the war also, things might have been different. The Puppet Masters know how to play us all off each other. Remember Fred Hampton was a Black Panther and when he started talking with Far Right Groups and they agreed with his ideas, the FBI murdered him.

[@CAPTWESS-nd8ep]

John is the most prolific songwriter i personally have ever seen. About as genuine as they come. If you have ever seen one of his concerts you are definitely the better for it, Thanks Fil, i thouroughly enjoyed this and your research is tremendously accurate! Way to go!

[@DeansMayhem]

Just the other day I was thinking about requesting that you review John's "I guess I wish you all the best", so it's really great to see you do a video on John Prine. To me, he's a treasure.

[@virginia3619]

Wow! Such a fantastic analysis of a stunning song. I'd never heard the song before. Thank you for discussing the relationship between music and lyrics. The song talks about experiences that need to be revealed; at the same time, the music belies the lyrics and, in so doing, adds to their poignancy. War isn't pretty and it's very rarely the solution. I wish more musicians today would continue making socially conscious art. I'm going to go listen to the song again.

[@lawrencetaylor4101]

We could have a Billboard top 140 of Anti-War songs. Great idea whose time needs to come.