John Prine on Austin City Limits "Summer's End"

John Prine performs "Summer's End" during his recent return to Austin City Limits.
John Prine's episode premieres October 13, 2018 on PBS. To check your local listings visit: acltv.com/watch/tv-schedule/
Watch Austin City Limits on PBS. For more visit acltv.com.
About the Episode
Savor an hour-long set with songwriting legend John Prine. The veteran musician performs songs from his critically acclaimed recent album The Tree of Forgiveness, as well as gems from his catalogue.
About Austin City Limits
Austin City Limits (ACL) offers viewers unparalleled access to featured acts in an intimate setting that provides a platform for artists to deliver inspired, memorable, full-length performances. The program is taped live before a concert audience from The Moody Theater in downtown Austin. ACL is the longest-running music series in American television history and remains the only TV series to ever be awarded the National Medal of Arts. Since its inception, the groundbreaking music series has become an institution that's helped secure Austin's reputation as the Live Music Capital of the World. The historic KLRU Studio 6A, home to 36 years of ACL concerts, has been designated an official Rock & Roll Hall of Fame Landmark. In 2011, ACL moved to the new venue ACL Live at The Moody Theater in downtown Austin. ACL received a rare institutional Peabody Award for excellence and outstanding achievement in 2012. Austin City Limits is produced by KLRU-TV and funding is provided in part by Dell, American Airlines, the Austin Convention Center Department and Cirrus Logic. Additional funding is provided by the Friends of Austin City Limits. Learn more about Austin City Limits, programming and history at acltv.com.

[@leeburroughs4219]

My husband says he can't stop listening to this song. It is so beautifully and masterfully written. The world's loss of John Prime is only heaven's gain!

[@DJB66]

This song is one of his best ever. Hauntingly beautiful. Wow!

[@tartisan]

Look up John Prine at House of Strombo. It's a concert inside a house, and at about 26 minutes in he sings Summer's End. He's at his gravelly-voiced best, as Gordon Lightfoot is in the audience. I watched it after he died, and it crushed my heart. Literally the best, most wrenching thing I have experienced in...perhaps ever.

[@arleneiardella9217]

Totally agree... makes me cry every time I listen....

[@dvrsweet1]

@@tartisan Yeah! That House of Strombo set is perhaps the greatest KZbin experience out there.

[@rayflanagan9168]

Wow amazing, the whole video is amazing ❤

[@richardnotman787]

My God, how I will miss him.

[@felixvasquez6210]

I'm man enough to admit that this song makes me shed some tears.

[@bproshek]

same here brother

[@erobed4565]

every time

[@bobbygriz5648]

Facts

[@ska4me]

Glad I'm not only one, since I'm sitting here blubbering!

[@carrieramsey7504]

Love human emotions for you all.

[@DiamondDave10]

Mr. John Prine was in prime form his last years of creativity. This song, and a recent song like I Remember Everything, are as strong melodically and lyrically as Hello In There or Sam Stone to me. This is a remarkable gift John shared with the world.

[@kennethparker1032]

From my teenage years now on into my 60s John Prine has written and performed the soundtrack of my life. A national treasure and a gift to us all.

[@mgcampbell6]

Kenneth Parker amen

[@arleneiardella9217]

Ashamed to say I only now know of him.... love, love, love this song!!! Best storyteller in song I've ever heard!!!

[@gingerjones5931]

Me too! 😣

[@snoffy27]

Saw John perform in Ashland KY in early 2000. The next morning at a hotel across the street from where JP performed, I went out to get some coffee about 9 AM, and there’s John checking out at the front desk. I tell John great show the previous night and then I said, “John I’ve been a fan since I saw you at Milwaukee’s Summerfest in 1971. John then says, “Man, you’re old!” CLASSIC.

[@londorsey9013]

ditto

[@alanmoynihan1174]

R.I.P. John thanks for the music, thanks for the laughs. Thanks for making the world a better place through your art and through your empathy. This morning feels a little darker without you but the world is a better place because you were in it.

[@BromptonROK]

The way the pedal steel guy smiles at John just past 2:00..man, that's exactly how I feel. Love you brother, just beautiful.

[@Timmurphy468]

Good catch. Beautiful fleeting moment.

[@copasetic216]

This one cuts all the way down, even better live. Damn man

[@l2string]

The song was written for the son of Nashville Mayor Megan Barry, who died in 2017 due to a combination of drugs, including opioids. John considered Max a part of his extended family and performed at his memorial.

[@bobbygriz5648]

Very cool story

[@l2string]

@@bobbygriz5648 Yes it is, but did you expect anything less from John? I'll miss him for the rest of my life.

[@bobbygriz5648]

@@l2string ❤❤

[@rodneyhone2220]

Great entanterer thanks alot for the music buddy missing you lucky enough the past to present 🎁🎁🎁🎁🎁🎁🎁🎁🎁🎁 life is beautiful and very different from the past so many people

[@TL_RC]

This live version is better than the video for the song. The guy is a master songwriter!

[@oscartovar9990]

TL :(

[@Hollyrock712]

The video is heart wrenching 😔

[@johntownsley6596]

RIP John Thanks for all the great songs "come on home"

[@kristifitzpatrick485]

Was probably the only teenage girl in the 80's who listened to John Prine frequently. Got the honor to watch Mr. Prine play this beautiful song last night at the Fox in Oakland. The crowd was absolutely mesmerized. This man is an incredible talent, a true gift. Thank you for the amazing show.

[@benjaminmatte5225]

Good on you Kristi, proof you got a pretty damn good soul

[@Skybluewarrior]

Probably the best song ever. We miss you John!

[@cced4418]

It's 9/22/20 Summer 2020 has ended with 200k Americans and John Prine claimed by the pandemic. No end in sight. This beautiful song is overwhelming my heart

[@stevetrezise3330]

John Prine is a miracle. Three chords and a strum. He once said something about a song he wrote "I thought is was jazz, but no, it was the same three chords." First and I think only singer/songwriter to be invited to perform at the Library of Congress. By the then national poet laureate.

[@joequigley2404]

You're home now you beautiful soul.

[@TheRomeerome]

One of the greatest songwriters ever! RIP Mr. Prine

[@WickedKingLycoan]

You were a brilliant gift to humanity Mr. Prine. Our world has gotten a little darker without the light and love that you gave. I hope that Your Family has the strength, health, peace and quiet they need to heal during this time.

[@DC632A]

I wish I knew of John 20 years ago. 😌

[@jon-francis9289]

What's goin' on? Somethings got to be wrong somewhere. Over the years I've seen all the greats, Deep Purple, Black Sabbath, Led Zeppelin, Pink Floyd, Joe Cocker etc etc..... Now look at me. I'm sitting here tears rolling down my eyes listening to this. It was only the recent death of Nanci Griffith (who I'd never heard of) that I discovered John Prine, Kate Wolf and so many others. True artists all of them. Wonderful songwriters who could just reach in and touch the heart. RIP

[@treywest268]

Check out Bill Morrissey too. Look for "Birches" and "These Cold Fingers". Also "Party at the UN" for his funnier side. Welcome to the world of Folk Music! Get in touch and I will give you more like John Hartford, Bill Staines, and Harry Chapin.

[@howardgreenwood2120]

Better late than never my friend

[@halblanchette2444]

Just count yourself fortunate that you did find them.

[@jon-francis9289]

@@treywest268 It's taken a while but have followed your arrows of direction. I've always been a folkie but sometimes in life there is just so many other things. I knew Harry Chapin but not the others. The skills of musicians and the souls of poets. Best of luck.

[@treywest268]

@@jon-francis9289 There is a fellow that is alive and well that is a singer/songwriter the name of Hayes Carll. He is an excellent songwriter. Same type of writing style like John Prine. Soulful, meaningful, funny, sad. He has written a ton of songs and all are great! Check out "She Left Me for Jesus" and "Easy Come Easy Go". The first will leave you laughing, the second one in tears. He is more Folk/Country Western. Another couple of great singers and players are Pop Wagner and Bob Bovee. They are both more of the traditional Cowboy Country/Folk music. More traditional cowboy and folk songs from the mid to late 1800's. Another great artist who was more Folk/Delta Blues was Leon Redbone. Stay in touch on here and I will let you know of even more if you like the new ones I have mentioned.

[@DC632A]

Sad day when John left this world.

[@tommaso1savoia]

a legendary common man, writing and singing masterpieces. RIP

[@arleneiardella9217]

Ashamed to admit I didn't know of John Prine until he passed..... best storyteller in song Ive ever heard! I've been listening to this song over and over and cry every time. Mister Prine is a real Legend!! Rest in Peace John Prine... sending love to you

[@catiebird6477]

You know him now, thats what's important

[@kathypiazza7228]

@@catiebird6477 share him. I have with the young people in my life, not all listen at first but eventually the other kids encourage them to give him a chance & they of course get hooked. His style of song writing has encouraged about 3 of the kids& one now an adult who is raising daughters with John Prine & a vast mixture of music, it’s a great thing!

[@johndarling8945]

No shame for things not under your control. Just come on home.

[@MerGirl62]

What a songwriter and singer. RIP, John. We love you.

[@billsmith2041]

The only bad thing about a John Prine song is that it ends.

[@dianapeterson9690]

I couldn't love this song more. I would love to sit with John and listen to every story he has to tell. May God bless you John.

[@lancetaylor7398]

Absolutely wonderful. Pulls your heart in

[@brewster84067]

Campfire music. #1 on the campfire list. Admittedly tear up a bit.

[@j_t_p]

I am five years younger and the song resonates. Thanks and hope you can inspire with your songs wherever you go to higher places.

[@RedDog56]

The look on John's face as he sings, the muted sound of the base strings on his guitar. Not to mention the subtle lyrics....Love you John.

[@jackshannonmusic7564]

That steel guitar is so haunting!

[@forrestschaeffer9379]

This song touches my soul. Not sure why, but it does!!!

[@dougshreiner1564]

I so do miss this American legend.

[@rodneyhone2220]

Great music 😅😅😅😊

[@treywest268]

My heart breaks every day for the loss of John. Imagine all the songs he had left in his mind that never came to be.

[@richardbono5540]

He was always... great And as my appreciation grew he only got better. I miss knowing he was here, and now his music only makes me miss him more

[@jamessanchez2486]

There's not enough paper in the world for this amazing song writer

[@luisalonsoecheverria]

God I miss John Prine!

[@lindaschilling6850]

This man wrote so many songs that still follow me to this day! He was a Rare Gem in this crazy life and so deeply missed 💔😓

[@lindazdepski]

Love Love ❤

[@jonrhall]

Never heard of him until a week ago. This is one of my favorites.

[@davidfarley4375]

So miss him

[@kparsa1]

How am I hearing this just now... amazing artist.

[@jimcaldwell7559]

Fantastic version of a wonderful song. JP you are a down to earth legend. Love you RIP 👌

[@soultylive]

The 2 consecutive lap steel notes @ 1:41/1.43 (7th and 3rd of an E minor) just bring that song into a whole new haunting moment. Killer. Thank you from France Mr. Prine.

[@Transformyourmind1]

Rest in peace John Prine

[@connieferrell3861]

Three of the greatest men died in 2020...my daddy...Charlie Daniels and John Prine.

[@ClydeHUC]

Such a pretty song

[@longdec2]

I will miss you forever.

[@shanerowe3069]

I am way too late to comment but this song and Concrete Angel's(Martha McBride) bring me to tears every time. Having a daughter that I would lie my life down for gives you perspective on life.

[@desolation2row]

Stunningly superb, elegant and graceful, a pure joy to watch.

[@vikingblood0408]

Genius.

[@juliananton7800]

One of my favorite songs he ever wrote. Thought of it yesterday while at a funeral of a dear friend who died the same age as John was.

[@ClydeHUC]

Come on home. Beautiful

[@meomiah9]

Seems so humble too

miss him, great song. fU Covid...

[@theresaloos1485]

JP wrote some of the best songs ever. This one breaks my heart in more ways than one. We have lost so many to the opioid epidemic including those I loved and now so many to the pandemic including JP. I sure wish you could all come on home.

[@MsBeth0825]

Brought my husband and me to tears.....we had just finished playing Norman and Ethel Thayer in ON GOLDEN POND, and had all at once become aware that we were not so much younger than the two characters. Suddenly we realized we'd been together almost 40 years, even though we met in college during a summer that seemed like yesterday. Now we feel this is how it will be for us, whichever of us goes first. My grandma died 25 years to the day that my grandpa had, and I swear I believe that he came for her and said these words, come on home, Honey, we've been apart long enough.

[@MsJ7795]

Goodbye John - RIP- thank you for all the wisdom and laughs and realness of your music.

[@mikew3494]

EVH passed away today... I can just imagine John giving Ed a big hug in heaven.... ♥️

[@saundersaldridge3033]

Truly a treasure

[@MaxWrightiskl]

Incredible song, thanks JP

[@waynehearst317]

RIP, Mr. Prine

[@traebee333]

i can't stop listening to this song after watching the John Prine special on Austin City Limits last night.

[@connieferrell3861]

And I was also privileged to see the great John Prine play at Chrysler Hall in Virginia way back in 1979. One of the greatest shows I ever saw.

[@stephenhatchell4957]

This was covered on and irish talk show and I'm kinda hooked on listening to this video since

[@patrickwolf4373]

Sure miss JP. What a beautiful song, from a beautiful soul.

[@2ndflash]

Damn, I love this song.

[@mattymoi]

Remembering you today, beautiful John Prine, sadly gone one year. Never forgotten. 🎶❤

[@jamesskahill323]

beautiful

[@enzogiargia8857]

thank you for this posting, from Italy 🍇

[@seanmcglynn3638]

Man what a songwriter no one left quite like him

[@erikkibler3466]

as a songwriter this song leaves me gently in the middle of feeling hugely inspired and at the same time not wanting to write again as it simply doesn’t get better than this.a real masterpiece.

[@joygreen9398]

I have a daughter in recovery. She has 2 small boys and we've watched the relapses....I pray the boys future doesn't include this except as a lesson....John prine was an excellent, songwriter and I loved his voice. They gotta love you up there ❤ but you'll continue to play on my TV and car and everywhere ❤ thanks for the words and music 🎶

[@robbratcher4675]

Prayers for your and your family from Louisville, Ky. Lord have mercy on your family, and heal your sweet daughter.

[@shawnlidstermusic]

A Beautiful Song and Performance

[@wendyjoubert]

Beautiful

[@tartisan]

One Human Ain't Human.

[@scotteinarj]

AMEN....enough said !

[@TheWaltm]

I have tears in my eyes right now!

[@lorrieradford319]

I miss You John.

[@1965kid]

If you don't like John Prine, you can burn in hell.

[@nightmoves7989]

When giants in the music industry that have been revered for years and experienced mainstream success and I'm talking about singer/songwriters of the past, not push button, digital scrubbing someone's voice artists of today that are slobbered over and inducted into the cool kids club. I'm talking about Kristofferson, Bob Dylan and the like, people with musical talent and the ability to construct a song that can reach inside you. When people of that caliber say the things they have been saying since the 70s that Prines ability to paint such a clear and vivid picture with a minimum of words. Bob Dylan described Prines music as "Midwestern mind trips to the enth degree." Bob Dylan also said that he wishes he had the ability John Prine had. That's some serious recognition.

[@Jerry1w2]

wonderful song

[@markstatman7740]

que descanses en paz, cantautor, con los ángeles.

[@catchinbass86]

RIP John

[@renots365]

This song hits different when you've lost family to the opioid crisis

[@benjaminmatte5225]

Any man that didn’t cry a bit needs to look in a mirror and ask yourself why

[@chrissawyer4060]

I was trying to learn to play this. Seems like a very simple progression, but for some reason.. I. Can't. See. The. Lyric. Sheet... 😭

[@leeburroughs4219]

Typo...sorry. Meant to say John Prine...

[@giancarlofina9432]

Rip

[@KyleRoku]

Put up the Americanafest 2018 version - a little better capture of this aong

[@oddarnegram4679]

vakert ja

[@SuperSergiosj]

👍💥🌈💜💥😇

[@jasper_north]

Travis picking is not easy trust me. Hi John how r you?

[@MrHeybill]

is this about a dtr or wife?

[@klyde171]

He's popular but I only like a few songs but him

[@klyde171]

Buy him

[@leemcfall4344]

Keep Listening. Learn the stories behind the songs. You'll fall in love with a lot of them