John Prine - Far From Me (Live From Sessions at West 54th)

John Prine performs "Far From Me" Live from the Sessions on 54th St.
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Lyrics:
As the cafe was closing
On a warm summer night
And Cathy was cleaning the spoons
The radio played the hit parade
And I hummed a long with the tune
She asked me to change the station
Said the song just drove her insane
But it weren't just the music playing
It was me that she was trying to blame
And the sky is black and still now
On the hill where the angels sing
Ain't it funny how an old broken bottle
Looks just like a diamond ring
But it's far, far from me
Well, I leaned on my left leg
In the parking lot dirt
And Cathy was closing the lights
A June bug flew from the warmth he once knew
And I wished for once I weren't right
Why we used to laugh together
And we'd dance to any old song
Well, ya know, she still laughs with me
But she waits just a second to long
And the sky is black and still now
On the hill where the angels sing
Ain't it funny how an old broken bottle
Looks just like a diamond ring
But it's far, far from me
Well, I started the engine
And I gave it some gas
And Cathy was closing her purse
Well, we hadn't gone far in my beat old car
And I was prepared for the worst.
"Will you still see me tomorrow?"
"No, I got too much to do"
Well, a question ain't really a question
If you know the answer too
And the sky is black and still now
On the hill where the angels sing
Ain't it funny how an old broken bottle
Looks just like a diamond ring
But it's far, far from me
Singer. Songwriter. Poet. Icon.
John Prine was an artist’s artist with a list of admirers and collaborators that cut across musical genres and generations - names like Kris Kristofferson, Bob Dylan, Bruce Springsteen, Bonnie Raitt, Johnny Cash, Tom Petty, Brandi Carlile, George Strait, Kurt Vile, Miranda Lambert, The Everly Brothers, Emmylou Harris, among others.
Though he was born in Maywood, Illinois, in 1946, John declared himself “pure Kentuckian” throughout his life. His parents, Willian and Verna, were natives of Paradise, Kentucky. The family would spend summers there in Muhlenberg County, where John listened to bluegrass music and studied the guitar styles of country music heroes Doc Watson and Merle Travis with his older brother, Dave.
In Maywood, he worked as a postman before being drafted into the army in 1966. It was as a postman that John began to write the songs that would connect with so many. He sang at Chicago folk clubs, where he was introduced to singer-songwriter Kris Kristopherson, who invited John to open for him in New York. It was there that Jerry Wexler, president of Atlantic Records, first heard Prine and offered him a recording contract. His self-titled debut album was released in 1971 and featured a list of songs now regarded as classics, including “Paradise,” “Angel From Montgomery,” “Illegal Smile,” Hello in There,” and “Sam Stone.” Prine received the first of his 13 Grammy nominations in 1972 for Best New Artist. He would record three more albums for Atlantic and another three with Asylum.
His profound impact on American music was amplified in 1981 when John co-founded Oh Boy Records, and independent label where he released most of his subsequent work and which gave voice and respect to so many fellow singers and songwriters.
In his distinguished career, John won four Grammys and the Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award (2020). He was a three-time recipient of the Artist of the Year Award at the Americana Music Honors & Awards, which also honored him with the Lifetime Achievement Award for Songwriting. He won the Pen/New England Song Lyrics of Literary Excellence Award (2016) and was enshrined in the Songwriters Hall of Fame (2019). In addition, John was named Honorary Poet Laureate of Illinois (2020).
John Prine passed away on April 7, 2020 due to complications from Covid-19. The outpouring of grief and love from his fan community was staggering. Over 500,000 viewers participated in an online memorial and tribute that raised more than half a million dollars for Covid-related community causes. In 2021, the Prine family created the Hello In There Foundation to honor John’s spirit of generosity towards those in need. Fiona Prine and her sons continue to operate and expand the reach of John’s independent record label, Oh Boy Records.
#johnprine

[@ktpinnacle]

John Prine is a three-chord Mark Twain. A homespun genius.

[@joanngrunwald6590]

Yes, three-chord

[@ktpinnacle]

@@joanngrunwald6590 Absolutely correct - edit made.

[@lamper2]

it's the notes and story between them that defines his genius

[@davidcarter2720]

With more than a dash of Dylan.

[@samuelpowys]

@@joanngrunwald6590 well, four.

[@bobmiotto3951]

I found you too late in your life John, I will hear you for rest of mine. Peace be with you.

[@JULIAN-bd4sv]

Well said Bob, a coworker of mine at the USPS tried to get me to his music. Only until his passing a month ago I started to listen to him, shame on me😢

[@georgehower8180]

Amen!

[@gregpeters3689]

I'm from Australia and am sad to say that I only found John after he had passed. He is singing about my life, I only wished I could have lived it with him. Greg Peters

[@vickykarcher7628]

Me too

[@omgkong777]

@@vickykarcher7628 yes.

[@greyhoundgal59]

"Ain't it funny how an old broken old bottle, looks just like a diamond ring?" Be at peace John

[@robertkett3754]

Whether you're feeling down or up, you always feel a little better if you have the common sense to love good old John Prine

[@mikewindisch9021]

John Prine got me through 3 divorces!! It's like he knew me!! Now he's gonna have a cocktail, vodka and ginger ale, and he's gonna smoke a cigarette that's nine miles long.... God bless John Prine!!

[@SwtTrisha8]

❤️🥂⭐️

[@Mom6x03]

@@mikewindisch9021 and go fishin'

[@nashvilleslim]

Just beautiful brother. I hope he's enjoying that cigarette and cocktail in heaven.

[@theresabjorkstrand2718]

So so true😘😘😘😘

[@mmorgansales]

I've still been listening to him daily since April 7th. Every. Single. Day. Miss him something fierce. He's irreplaceable.

[@rickdicl]

I'm with ya

[@amywill9185]

Me too❤

[@nickm1815]

Best you can do is pass his art along to the younger/uninformed folks

[@mmorgansales]

@@nickm1815 I 100% agree & do!!!

[@andyford8359]

Ain't it funny how you appreciate things more when there gone!

[@michaelrice2993]

How can someone cut you to the core with a Martin guitar and some lyrics. Oh man, just melts me.

[@kenevans6665]

"Well you know she still laughs with me; but she waits just a second too long" - GENIUS!

[@blakem2891]

I've always liked " a question ain't really a question if you know the answer too" great quotes, I've used both more than once!

[@jameslittler4151]

Amen

[@wendinixon1609]

My favorite line from all his songs.

[@josephcuningham497]

He noticed the little things that grow to be big things.

[@royglenn2487]

I say the same.

[@zoodwear]

If you spend just a few minutes looking at the recent comments on John's videos-it becomes very apparent that John had an enormous emotional effect on so very many lives. The handsome little mail man from Chicago rose to the very top of a competitive profession. I doubt he will ever be dethroned.

[@Demon__girl]

Ahh has dethrone? Who he ain’t never King, he’s just JOHN PRINE , no need for A CROWN, he is A great songwriter and Poet. Let love, and let the dead just stay dead. He is A person , just like me and you. Love his music and let’s just say goodnight, JOHN PRINE.

[@zoodwear]

@@Demon__girl put away the booze Sherry, thats what makes your crotch stink

[@sandygarcia6684]

If there is a heaven John will be there. Never knew of any other singer/songwriter who was born an old man and who when is gone their music will always be as fresh and as pertaining to life as the air we breathe. John's greatest gift is that he listened when everyone else talked. And then he sang out their secrets and their pain and their fear. Also, their love. Anyone who does not respect this man is a fool.

[@guyhostutler3134]

Truer words were never spoken

[@useroverdrive5249]

The meaning of life can be found in a John Prine song. You just have to listen. :)

[@heatherbrown4632]

RIGHT NOW HE NEEDS OUR PRAYERS HE IS FIGHTING THE VIRUS

[@angusgillingham2323]

From the first song I heard him play, I was hooked. I don’t need any other singer/songwriter.

[@sandygarcia6684]

@[e-mail] Spot on.

[@wilsonhallman5708]

My mom was born in paradise kentucky and as a kid used to play with john prine when he would visit. She said they would swim in the green river and hang out at the post office. She said he was a nice kid and never wore a shirt or shoes.

[@amywill9185]

Thats awesome.

[@st.charlesborromeo9793]

“She said he was a nice kid and never wore a shirt or shoes”. You get the honorary John Prine Lyric Award!

[@Juliamiller56]

I know right! That line right there was Real Special

[@Juliamiller56]

Real special I can just see him

[@ellengallagher5841]

Thank you for your wonderful memories of him as a kid. I know he was for the people even as a child. Very good feeling😊 Nellie

[@carolinemalthus3263]

Like most other John Prine songs, Far From Me is a novel / movie / selfhelp book / TV series in 75 lines. Missing nothing. The man was a genius. What a legacy.

[@gregkleinschmidt8856]

John, You're my best friend I've never met. Thank you for the decades of joy you have given me.

[@ThatGuyThanus]

^^This!^^

[@gregormiller4037]

Nice sentiment Greg, as long as he's in your heart, that's all that matters.

[@philhanlon4339]

Truth!!!

[@LULUAVEIGA]

True beautiful the way you expressed it!

[@robertbeckrealestate7255]

Right on Brother.

[@karla3033]

The phrase: "Well a question aint really a question, If you know the answer too". gives me the chills. I wished I've got to know John Prine and his songs a lot earlier

[@greyhoundgal59]

I found over the years (decades) that that phrase fit not only my life, but life in general and I have quoted it more times than i can remember.

[@krusherking1]

Much better late than never, though. Now you have a gift for the rest of your life.

[@higdonh]

Yes-- agreat line that stuck with me since I first heard it in the 70s

[@theresamelton9686]

Me too

[@pierregervais7166]

It's never to late. He's still healing souls

[@justinsmith3316]

Just heard the news. I came here to have a bloody good cry. We loved you, John.

[@alexnelson8]

And the sky is black and still now On the hill where the angels sing RIP John Prine

[@mudbone01]

Very timely in the sharing of John's words, Dexter. Thank you.

[@shanemac5366]

John, I know this your favorite song and I hope you are playing it for St. Peter right now. Look down on us and smile as we struggle along without you. You gave us so much. Thank you, John.

[@rickdicl]

He's still with us

[@claudiuscampbell2571]

It’s a shame that most people from where I am don’t know about John Prine and whenever I sing his songs they look at me as an old school

[@DK-co2bg]

Can't get enough of John Prine. Keep the faith!

[@mike-ue4wy]

You can get so focused on John's storytelling , you might not notice he's a great singer. This performance is priceless. You'll never be far from me, Johnny.

[@tonyroberts985]

Perhaps the greatest break-up song ever written. Many girls have broken my heart over the years, but I'm happy to say when I look at my wife's diamond ring, those broken bottles pass away.

[@laurareynolds6227]

How very sweet...your wife is a lucky woman

[@tonyroberts985]

@@laurareynolds6227 , you are very kind.

[@John-Johnston]

This is one of the best songs ever written.

[@zulumoonshine]

Totally agree. And I think it's on the record that it's one of his favorite songs of his. It is just so full of beautiful lines, like "You know, she still laughs with me..etc"

[@jerrydonovan7144]

Absolutely destroys me (in the best possible way). Play it again...

[@TheMarpalm]

Love it!

[@Phish1995]

It's genius. Too much to go into.

[@oliverbendt3104]

You have obviously never heard the Goombay Danceband

[@cliffkush]

We've all had a Cathy in our lives. RIP JP

[@jeffdevos5349]

I just sent this to mine.

[@garry_wshld]

Not everyone is an adulterer, and some do everything to save their marriage

[@michaelkyle3086]

" Well a questions ain't really a question, when you know the answer too".

[@quinbagwell7515]

"she still laughs with me, ..but she waits just a second too long" The genius of John Prine

[@johnthomson2164]

Some have it, some don't. John has it.

[@banjopete]

John Thomson , in spades.

[@tommylagniappe5422]

John Prine is the Soul of America....

[@yvesf5355]

I been sitting at my PC, watching Your KZbinVideo's for the last two Day's ,with Tear"s in my Eye's and a Broken Heart ,Rest In Peace John .

[@grafikfeat]

You aren't alone... :' (

[@andychristensen2947]

Still doing the same goddamned thing.

[@dustinwheat5908]

Amen!

[@stephengordon808]

You wern' the only one. It brought Gordon Lightfoot to tears as well.

[@BevDeVoreWedding]

I still am one year and two days later...

[@memphistim2001]

One of the best falling out of love songs ever. RIP John Prine.

[@horsehide3039]

Yup, deliciously heart-breakingly beautiful

[@Lurgansahib]

John Prine, absolute magic 🎻

[@nephromancer]

We should all be happy that John is still is able to force us to, "Rise Up", with his songs and appreciate ourselves and our simple humanity. Some of us are dead, but many of us are alive and we need his simple explanations to move forward to a better humanity. That's all I have to say, and goodbye. Miss you John.

[@vickiquiroz8643]

Love the song

[@richieroma]

And the sky is black and still now On a hill where the angels sing ain't it funny how an old broken bottle looks just like a diamond ring.

[@jimmie200]

On "the" hill "when" the angels sing.

[@mccolez958]

Please get better soon Mr.Prine, you beat cancer twice I believe, I Pray that God gives you fast healing and strength to endure this virus..

[@victoriagovan9677]

Hi John, I think this is about your 12th day in hospital...Please, One more rally! Fiona wants you, Your boys want you too, of course, and all us folks from everywhere are pulling for you. You are the ONE and Only!! We LOVE you. I think you were supposed to go to Mariposa in July? It's just down the road from me in Muskoka.

[@garyclague]

Who is the young gent playing the beautiful electric guitar?

[@richardharrow4361]

Jason Wilbur

[@elgrandetortuga4511]

Damn, what a songwriter. Every line is great.

[@billybutlin3717]

Came across John for the first time in the very early 70s on an Atlantic sampler that had Sam Stone on it. That track ended up on the car tape, and our kids sang along to it over many a mile. They eventually understood the meaning of it and sang it even better. I still listen to it regularly. My daughter has the original vinyl and treasures it. 46..47 years of real music. We thank you, John.

[@sherielee649]

So much truth already expressed But the one about him and Mark Twain is above and beyond.

[@richardbesser9718]

John Prine...America's poet laureate.

[@terryknutson3202]

Thank's for writing such a true song about life John. Brings a tear. "May God keep you, your family, your friends safe. Amen."

[@markphillips199]

John Prine's ability to paint a visual picture through his lyrics is unparalleled as far as I'm concerned. There are in many cases our experiences, he was just able to put them beautifully into his songs for us to enjoy.

[@michaellanum5960]

Couldn't have said it any better than that!

[@chrishall8188]

A question ain't really a question if you knew the answer too..... Any line from prine is just right there it's like he's the voice inside all of our heads stating the things good or bad that we all ponder but don't speak. The gift I got from this man the visions he gives me will always be there.

[@davidderousse9383]

This was when America was America. His simple songs were the best of times to the innocence of my youth in Chicago 1971. God Bless John Prime and the memories he gave.

[@asokanponnusamy]

That the loudest man on the planet Robert Plant says this gentle song is a favorite. Says something, doesn't it?..........

[@tripp8833]

All it means is that he’s got 2 ears!

[@MarkSmith-nw4os]

Plant's right. It is a good song. But did it have to be Kathy?

[@skotwatson9994]

Mark Smith at least it’s not “Karen!”

[@mrtv777]

@@skotwatson9994 😆

[@truenorth636]

No comments for a year ... so every year someone has to say, this is just simply a beautiful, gorgeous, painful, wonderful song.

[@Fatboyee]

What a great song and story from one of the greatest songwriters and storytellers.

[@thomasprice1760]

YEAH I FEEL LIKE PRINE HAS BEEN A FRIEND..SINCE 1976

[@bobzubb]

Steve Goodman and John Prine were the one-two punch out of Chicago in 70's and 80's...and beyond...astonishingly prolific catalog of music!

[@tonymiller6714]

The angels will be singing on the hill but they will be supporting John Prime and Steve Goodman. RIP John.

[@sarahgeary3251]

love ya Jonny Prine!! Changed our lives listening to your music!

[@shana7241]

I payed John's song everybody needs somebody in my high school talent show and got 1st place

[@davidsegers7723]

What a treasure. The day I discovered JP's songs I was blown away. I got to see him and the late Steve Goodman perform in Mobile Al. Awesome!!!

[@dancrowley488]

Three chords and the truth. Nobody did it like John did. RIP

[@TomDaniels1949]

Can't get enough of John Prine. Love this song

[@jimestep560]

This man brings out every human emotion in us.

[@francisryan1845]

John Prine Far from me...Far from us all now. Always in my heart . God bless

[@toddhenderson8093]

Absotively, and he will continue too . ! . Thank you Mr Prine ! ! !

[@marklane2449]

John Prine! My favorite musical artist of all time! Thank You!

[@dutchcasey3828]

I was going to see his concert in Amsterdam in February 2020. It had to be postponed to August because John had an injury. So sorry that he missed his appointment in the Netherlands...

[@tomharvey6961]

If there's one concert I could go back in time to see, this is probably it.

[@gregtaylor8327]

Fantastic. Three very good musicians. The young mans touch on the guitar is amazing. Great Bass as well.

[@bluenoser2952]

Jason Wilber on guitar and Dave Jacques on bass

[@gregtaylor8327]

@@bluenoser2952 thanks. Great band.

[@OhYassYass]

What do you call a person who hangs out with musicians? A drummer. {ducking}

[@alanmcgowan5654]

My only fear is that John never knew, with all the subtle, soft spoken, tongue-in-cheek genius lyrics he put out there,...that he was a complete legend and made a mark on music...without even wanting to or trying to. I miss him now and forever. This man always deserved respect.

[@bobabooey285]

Songwriters hof may have helped

[@williamcole9040]

John you are a no frills genius.

[@tomlund4951]

“...A question ain’t really a question if you know the answer too...” yep.

[@WilliamPatton-qq6vz]

And a Junebug flew from the warmth it once knew... brilliant songwriting

[@bettypeel8757]

I love John Prine

[@paultreadway2617]

Don't grieve when I'm gone, "cause I'not...RIP John

[@tanningpear1162]

All the way from Scotland. You were so talented and humble. RIP John.

[@mekenken5292]

Such a powerful profound song that we can all relate to with a losing love

[@balerjohnson3099]

I have typed for 30 minutes and cant seem to find words ..It occurred to me that is why we need John to find the words ..This post took 30 seconds ..Love and miss John Prine .

[@user-jo5pu1em4d]

I thank god for u my blessing.

[@feliciamareels2990]

Breakin my heart open is just the best thing ever when there is so much truth of feeling in the words and story. Bless your life John.

[@nashvilleslim]

My eyes well up when mr. Prine is writing about my life. I love that man.

[@StonemanRocks]

I swear he wrote most all his songs for me! And everyone else feels the same way! Bye John ! We'll always miss you!

[@michaelmcgrath2482]

Brings me back instantly to my bedroom and playing the vinyl turning the record over. Looking at the sleeve photos. Heart full of longing. Roll on John. 🍻

[@wiscgaloot]

God I miss him. This is the first time since he passed I've even been able to listen to his songs, it hurt so much. My favorite of all time.

[@ericheine2414]

Hello John. My uncle Peter Heine work for Billboard Magazine from 1965 to 1978. He gave me one of your promotional albums marked "not for sale." I used to play it and listen to you. I was young and couldn't hear you. I hear you now. I appreciate you now. Thank you twice.

[@user-ue8lx6vc2q]

I love you John and will never forget any words to your great songs! RIP Darlin...

[@mangalarobertwatling9168]

Really enjoy the interplay between these three musicians. Mutual respect. Thanks for posting this and all the videos from this show.

[@gary.redden6955]

I can't quit listening to his songs; on KZbin and elsewhere. What will we do? He's gone with no one to take his place. As George Jones once sang, "Who's gonna fill his shoes"? Yes a very good question-"when you know the answer, too".

[@Lea99Jones]

The bonus line after each chorus... it's far far from me... Gotta remember that.

[@christinedureau3467]

I've run out of adjectives for his music--always so beautiful

[@keef78]

I'd recently discovered tiny desk and the other week John's gig showed up on my feed, I didn't know who he was but watched out of curiosity at what this old man with a crooked neck had to say and the first song was caravan of fools...... I instantly felt like I'd known the song my entire life, then all his other songs I went on to listen to felt the same, so so familiar, what an artist, then I discover this horrible virus took him, I felt my heart fall, a genuinely nice soul, an everyday man with a tremendous gift has left us.

[@creekwalker62]

Speaking for every John Prine fan; Welcome. I don't think anyone can put into words why they are a Prine fan. His music speaks to you, one only has to listen to a handful of songs and they will become a life long fan of his. Although you got to the dance late, you can still enjoy his entire catalogue of music. Idk how many songs he wrote, probably 700 or more, and every one of them, a gem. I personally have been a fan since the mid-80's. I had an opportunity to see him in 1994. I'll never forget it. Anyway, RIP John, I miss you already.

[@gusipiddy1]

Once you have heard one John Prine you want to hear them all. Even the ones you aren’t that crazy about are the truth. He didn’t write any bad music. A person like you was bound to find his music, it’s a big ole goofy world!

[@patriciapaquette1998]

John was and remains one of our National Treasures. RIP

[@jaxxonwilcox9566]

John you're the G.O.A.T!

[@joepro3562]

"A question ain't really a question, if you know the answer too." One of my favorite lines by John, simple and complex all at once.

[@jbdmed]

yes , and also " you know we still laugh together , but she waits just a second too long " a simple but telling line

[@stevehelton997]

First time I heard John Prine I said I wanna keep listening to this .

[@moondancer3157]

I love this song. It feels so REAL.

[@Billma48]

The first song I learned on the guitar was Paradise. More than 50 years ago. I will learn this one today. Thanks John. Will see you soon.

[@leftybass5860]

Been been thinking for a few days which Prine tune to cover. Settled on this one. Miss you, John.

[@yellolab09]

Always loved his music He reminded me of Dylan without all the attitude Now I can see his roots so clearly In the pantheon with the greats, including the great Appalachian music pioneer ,Jean Ritchie Thank you, John

[@robbiebeck22]

Well said.

[@mikemcnamara6119]

Boy have I been there when a question aint really a question

[@stephanie3389]

Love you john prine.nothing better to listen to no matter how you feel he can relate.you make us all feel like your best friend

[@trustbirthaugusta]

So danged brilliant and will always be brilliant like a star from far far away where you are now John, love you man and know we have what we have but that's what you gave us...all you had and every ONE was a masterpiece, YALL AGREE?

[@virginialawler7725]

Lynn Reed Absolutely. Thanks for the lovely comment....

[@rodneyhone2220]

Great entanterer thanks alot John

[@sugarmagnolia1475]

He was one of us.

[@paulworthington8666]

A great man has left us. But left us with a huge range of brilliant songs. RIP John. You were good.

[@dano184]

..and the sky is black and still now. RIP John.

[@bobspez]

she still laughs with me, but she waits a second too long...nobody writes these songs like John. RIP.

[@jbdmed]

great line , speaks so much with so few words

[@sandrabogan859]

John Prine: Pure singer-songwriter poetic genius...that's all.

[@LJH70122]

One of my all time favorites. I’m sure gonna miss this guy.

[@DewieJohnson]

Thanks Mr.Prine

[@robertlopez6276]

Robert Plants favorite John Prine song, I can see why... how moving. Beautiful.

[@juliemoss2758]

This and “ Blue Umbrella” are my favorites!

[@monteanderson8703]

Monte Anderson Was introduced to johns music in 1972 loved listening to his touching lyrics spent many years with tears and smiles just marveling at how he can touch ones soul God bless your family i will miss you but will never forget your charming music

[@BuffaloC305]

Since 1970... high school friends and I wandered into this club on a Tuesday, and he started a week-long gig there. We came back with a couple of more friends for each night. When Prine left us, we all wrote and called, recalling that first ever week with him. Two weeks later, it was John Hartford with Vassar Clemens for a week... then the next week, Prine returned. Those were heady years.

[@momo1momo]

This masterpiece stands alone. John, stands alone.

[@andybowen1249]

What kind of wizardry is this?Stella song writing from one of the best.

[@uncleandyguitarherbst1157]

Magnificent, thank you for your fabulous music John Prine.