John Prine - "Paradise"

John Prine finishes out the album with a great performance on "Paradise" from John's 2010 release, In Person & On Stage.
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Lyrics:
When I was a child my family would travel
Down to Western Kentucky where my parents were born
And there's a backwards old town that's often remembered
So many times that my memories are worn
"And daddy won't you take me back to Muhlenberg County
Down by the green river where paradise lay?"
"Well, I'm sorry my son, but you're too late in asking
Mister Peabody's coal train has hauled it away"
Well, sometimes we'd travel right down the Green River
To the abandoned old prison down by Adrie Hill
Where the air smelled like snakes and we'd shoot with our pistols
But empty pop bottles was all we would kill
"And daddy won't you take me back to Muhlenberg County
Down by the green river where paradise lay?"
"Well, I'm sorry my son, but you're too late in asking
Mister Peabody's coal train has hauled it away"
Then the coal company came with the world's largest shovel
And they tortured the timber and stripped all the land
Well, they dug for their coal till the land was forsaken
Then they wrote it all down as the progress of man
"And daddy won't you take me back to Muhlenberg County
Down by the green river where paradise lay?"
"Well, I'm sorry my son, but you're too late in asking
Mister Peabody's coal train has hauled it away"
When I die let my ashes float down the Green River
Let my soul roll on up to the Rochester dam
I'll be halfway to Heaven with paradise waitin'
Just five miles away from wherever I am
"And daddy won't you take me back to Muhlenberg County
Down by the green river where paradise lay?"
"Well, I'm sorry my son, but you're too late in asking
Mister Peabody's coal train has hauled it away"

[@jimmie200]

I am a 69 year old woman. I started listening to John Prine in 1972, just out of high school. Over the years I had the privilege to see him in concert three wonderful times. First time at Armadillo World in Austin with his best friend Steve Goodman. They stood up on the stage with their guitars and gave us a fantastic show. Next time was in an old theater in downtown Miami, FL. Billed as "The Three Johns"; John Prine, John Lee Hooker and Dr. John. Then I saw him in Fort Lauderdale years later. Every time was a fantastic show. He was the most talented songwriter of our time.

[@clarencestubbs1442]

That sad day has come for John-who wrote & sang "When I get to heaven". This 76 yr. old fan is the saddest I've been since the death of close family members. True national treasure is with, Christ, parents & pal Steve Goodman!

[@davidh1927]

Me too.....strange how he had that effect on people

[@scottutube1]

Exactly the same for my wife and I. I was like he was true friend of our family, oiur constant musical companion for more than 45 years, going back to the Earl of Old Towne where my wife first saw him while a nursing student. So glad we made his last New Year's concert in Nashville. He was still at the top of his game. We've seen him more than 50 times and he was never better, and his new songs of the past few years have become many of my very favorites. He's gone too soon, but so thankful we had him as long as we did.

[@SunshineDawn7]

59 here. Heartbroken ! He will be very sadly missed !

[@thehobbster6367]

All the best JP

[@jeanineshiman8228]

We are all connected now an do not know each, complete strangers, but Mr John Prine brought us together as one in sorrow and love for this wonderful soul

[@pdnd7923]

The youngsters you pass this on to as you age will be one of the best things you ever do

[@windwaik3r689]

John Prine has passed from covid-19. Long may his song bring beauty to the world. So say we all.

[@mikehenry5426]

Word is bond.

[@fackinmidgietook6953]

complications from the act of war murdering Chinese communist virus ..he was in poor health

[@MrFretfever64]

think he died after lung cancer and with COPD...got lumped in the corona basket like so many others...phony numbers!

[@freddurbin9106]

Rest In Peace John.

[@cyberhype5495]

Some absolute BS blaming every death on Covid..... America's decay is literally what this song is about yet you push the Leftist agenda..... SMH John would have hated that

[@judithgips2959]

we lost John Prine yesterday, but his music lives forever.

[@brendamacdonald8623]

God must of needed another beautiful singer

[@ruthboykin9873]

What is paradise? It is listening To John Prine sing and his band play! Thank you,ALL!

[@stevescott9765]

Paradise is a small town on the Green River in Mulenbuurg County Ky

[@KAMB955]

Until about 5-7 yrs ago you would get to an opening of trees as you drove up the Pennyrile Pkwy and the whole sky would be brown from smoke stacks off to the far left. That was Paradise. It was mile marker sadness & almost to Madisonville

[@CKNnewjersey]

THE BEST version of "Paradise" 💯💯 R.I.P. Mr. Prine 😇🎵

[@dianahummel1874]

I did not know John Prine until just after his passing. How is it that I pull up his music every morning on Alexa before I start the coffee pot and every night when I lay down I put him on KZbin on my phone in the dark? I am a 65 year old heavy metal fan after all. Sometimes it is pure comfort and affirmation of lifes struggles that we all have. Sometimes, like tonight, the tears slowly rolling down my face are comforting as I listen to Irish Heartbeat in the light of my phone.

[@keithschmidt6418]

Hahaha, i was the same until i figured out the you and i and John Prine are from the same soul house, read a book called the afterlife of billy fingers, it might make sense, maybe not 🙏😅

[@dianahummel1874]

@@keithschmidt6418 Thank you, Keith. I will read the book. I just saw your response as I was listening to John and having Sunday morning coffee, 1 year after having written that comment. 🙂

[@davalynlasater195]

Sorry for you! He has a treasure trove of music to explore! Enjoy!!?😊😊

[@dianahummel1874]

@@davalynlasater195 coincidently, you send this reply as I listen to Bruised Orange on repeat Alexa device as I contenplate the suffering my grandchildren suffer at the hands of their narcissistic father during a divorce caused by him. This song keeps me strong.

[@greggdilligaffshelly]

You are very fortunate

[@ralphpecora260]

In reading the comments that some people have never heard of John Prine, my wife was one of them. She now knows many of his songs by heart, humming and singing them ever since I turned her on to John. This guy was a class person on top of being one of the greatest singer/songwriter to ever live. I know I will miss him but we all have his in music in our hearts. RIP JOHN.

[@jtodt23]

He's gone; in heaven smokin' cigarettes with those pretty ladies and his new band. I am so sad. Love to his family and to all of you

[@jonsebastian95]

We mortals can listen, Paradise welcomes one of the greatest back home. RIP thanks John

[@morgan7023]

I got no words but his passing sure makes me sad . God Bless you John

[@brianbaird1503]

Paradise is where John is heading...... but not now, he has more tales to tell. John, you are God's gift. Thank you, God.....

[@kevinromig9477]

hes already on the way.....

[@brianbaird1503]

@@kevinromig9477 Yes he is ..... God Bless him ❤️

[@denniseaton5534]

John can see his mom and aunts and sit back and smoke that nine mile long cigarette, RIP John.

[@paigeglaze4832]

Rest in "Paradise" John Prine!

[@kellyjoeraymusic]

Thank YOU John for sharing your music with the WORLD on KZbin...

[@TheBarmbrackthecat]

RIP John you were one of the very best I will miss you...

[@tomscribner5261]

the first time I heard this song was by Johnny cash, and he said John prine was one of the best songwriters he knew, this version I heard later when my older brother bought this album. every time I hear it, takes me back to a time growing up on our dirt farm in Ohio, me and my brothers running beaver creek with our .22 rifles, beautiful, thank you John Prine, :-)

[@kellyjoeraymusic]

What a fantastic song...My second favorite next to Far From Me...This is the first John Prine song I ever learned to play on guitar...it's been part of my repertoire ever since...My Grandpa Joe Wheeler Smith died from Black Lung and the Alabama coal mines...And Salem cigarettes...This song has been covered by EVERYBODY...but none has ever done it like the MAN...Long live John Prine...

[@mikefox2379]

Well said Kelly, John is one hell of a story teller and a song writing master.

[@nikopoa6555]

This one is #1 for me

[@bigmouthgaming4377]

apparently my grandpa just told me that my great grandpa used to play small gigs in nashville with john prine and bill monroe and now i feel different listening to these songs

[@dougstorky3223]

Saw him at the Strathmore, MD 2014, sounded great. I waited all night to hear this, worried he wouldn't do it. I didn't know it was always the last encore, left in tears.

[@englishpope1664]

John Prine has a voice and sings the lyrics that cut down to the soul. One of his most beautiful ballads for sure. Praying for you and your family John. We love you.

[@englishpope1664]

John. Paradise. Rest in Peace. You have left us all with a great gift that we will always treasure.

[@stonemanblues]

RIP, May God bless a wonderful guy and a giant in music. Great writer, unique lyrics. Thank you, John.

[@robertzigmont4421]

Our imperfect bodies fail, our minds may falter at times, but for the short time that we are here we can listen and find great comfort from your beautiful insights on the human condition. And we can smile and be joyful for what you have gifted to all of us. Thank you, John

[@raf42]

Rest in peace Mr. Prine. Hopefully you're in paradise for real now.

[@theresamelton9686]

John's gentleness radiates with each word. Thank you for the refreshment.❤️

[@watson7583]

I miss him so much, rest in peace

[@rmichaelfuchs]

Oh goodness what a beautiful rendition of this timeless song. RIP John Prine.

[@RodKeels-ex3dy]

I've been listening to this song for over 50 years. The first time I heard it Tom T.Hall was singing it back in 1973. John Prine was a master storyteller. I love listening to this song. I especially like the fiddle 'sawing it out' during the interlude after the second verse. Thomas Wolfe once said: "You can't go home again." As a 70-year-old man, I wish I could.

[@Hapax007]

I saw John play this song live at Tampa Theater around 1977, and I loved it. Then 5 years later, I saw one of the biggest names in bluegrass music ( The Osborne Brothers ) play this at a festival. I loved their rendition as well. Since then I've heard several bands cover Paradise, but no one can quite make it as good as the original.

[@rosemaryb-c4927]

Pray for John Prine, in critical condition this hour, with the Covid Virus 19. Play his songs...

[@mrchildgrownold3852]

Playing them right now 💔

[@shannonburns6724]

Rosemary B-C pray for everyone in the United States. Get back to God.

[@maryoneill1863]

@@shannonburns6724 The world needs more John Prine. Peace to you.

[@englishpope1664]

One of the greatest songwriters of our generation. An American Legend. Lets not let the virus destroy our love of our musical heritage.

[@nolan8336]

God Bless You John Prine, one of the greatest songwriters of our time, no question. Prayers from Ireland 🙏🙏🇺🇸🇮🇪☘.

[@jfever4890]

Every so often I like to just sit back and listen to John's music and withiut fail I get lost and mesmerized in the pictures he paints in my head with his words. I listen to the same song a hundred times and each time it says something different to me. Before john died his music would often bring a teat to my eye and since his passing it brings more than a few. It is a weird set of emotions now for me to sit and listen to his beautifully crafted yet simply worded lyrics. It quite often brings a tear to my eye and a smile to my face at the same time. Miss you John. I hope you are enjoying your little slice of heaven with your family and your cocktail of vodka and ginger ale and you are taking a fine big haul on that cigarette that's nine miles long. Two years now and I wish I could go to just one more show.

[@PamelaLynch]

God Speed master storyteller and songwriter, John Prine. Your music brought great joy and a few tears over the years. You had an incredible way to touch our hearts. Thinking of your family and sending prayers to them.

[@aubreycalliope7355]

Healing Blessings to John's Family. We lost one of the best! :(

[@bettinazwerdling1729]

RIP, soulful and most talented man. Thanks for all the great feelings, the beautiful songs, the community you helped us feel, time and again. With much respect and LOVE -- and comforting prayers for your family.

[@andrewhelfand2534]

There is no beauty in this song. If you listen it’s about a company going out of business leaving a town devastated. So much so that Paradise was gone. Another great composition from Prine reflecting the realities of life.

[@SunshineDawn7]

Lit a candle for you John so that you will find your way home to Paradise in Heaven !Thank you for all the lovely songs XO See you when i get there !

[@eslinden2770]

All my lonely hearts need are met with john prine's music. Thankfully, ESLinden

[@rreganjjohnn]

RIP John you changed my life back there in the days of Americana

[@heatherseamons9507]

RIP Mr Prine. Ever the gentle man. Ever the gentleman. Songs live for ever especially in my memory.

[@williamtopper6727]

I know this is nuts but I just (at 70) heard John Prine. Where the hell have I been? Was lost in the city but now found in Country🇺🇸

[@ivan3168]

You still have a lot of time left to catch up William.

[@svejagre]

Well, I am 69 and have just heard of him. He write very meaningful lyrics. That`s not often found in today`s country music.

[@stevelongstaff5921]

If you like Prine you might also like Guy Clark@@ivan3168

[@ivan3168]

@@stevelongstaff5921 Thanks Steve, will have a look at him later.

[@nolan8336]

William Topper, So glad I'm not alone, I'm 63, and a friend sent me 'Souvenirs' by John Prine, about 2 months ago, I had never heard of him. Absolutely floored, have not stopped listening since, he's up there with Dylan, Wille Nelson, and Johnny Cash, if not better. Thank you God for John Prine.☘🇺🇸.

[@mattmuch6373]

RIP John Prine... Paradise awaits you... 😔

[@brendabrown7864]

My heart is breaking 💔 as so many people are. My prayers are with his family and fans. I followed John Prine since 1973. Can’t stop crying he will be so missed and loved. He is now. R.I.P. John 🙏🏽🕊 Jesus will be back to take us all home🙏🏽🕊🌹. John was the best song writer and singer there ever was.

[@robertlinton5966]

Hearing him sing Paradise as an old broken man is so much more poignant than the original version. The loss is in his voice. I feel it on a more personal level.

[@babka22]

tears & prayers ongoing.....so much love & gratitude for his irreplaceable spirit!!!

[@alboliska942]

Every John Prine concert I was at I felt like I was sitting on his porch listening to him sing. Thank You for the music Mr. Prine.

[@potluckpicker]

Great album, thanks Prine family for donating the sounds to raise cash for the foundation. Y'all are good people.

[@lanathibeault6198]

John's music has had a profound impact on my life...love him...REST in peace dear John...

[@PhilFeedback]

Rest In Peace John, you were one of a kind and you will be missed! He is a National Treasure!!!!

[@jimnolongertendsbar2771]

i'm heartbroken. get better. ty for the music I've listened to my entire life.

[@Treehugger43]

RIP John and condolences to the millions who loved him and are grateful for all his contributions.

[@tjinnes]

This might be the best version of this song. Loving it!

[@morgan7023]

I agree.

[@abefielding5909]

Hang in there, John. Our thoughts and prayers go out to you and hope you will pull through this crisis like you have in the past. I sing this song while planting native plants on the Peabody mine in Arizona every fall and often finish up in the evening drinking a beer down the road a spell....and listening to more of your great works. Thanks, John

[@JD-yz8cn]

"In accordance with Prine's wishes as expressed in his song "Paradise", half of his ashes were spread in Kentucky's Green River. The other half were buried next to his parents in Chicago."

[@sporky212009]

R.I.P. Mr Prine. Never will be forgotten

[@robertguatelli9178]

This has to be one of his best versions. Love this song. Can't get enough

[@keithschmidt6418]

RIP.John Prine.

[@mikeknowles6571]

RIP JOHN PRINE! We will always have the music.

[@briandougherty148]

Had the pleasure to see and hear John in concert in Sydney in March last year. I'd waited a long time for the chance and was not disappointed. Many tears have passed listening and singing along to his songs. Enjoy the trip on the Green River John...........

[@bradleyframes2074]

RIP John I will always think you when down on the Green River fishing for a big o catfish!

[@mistascott007]

John's in paradise tonight.

[@marymayer8160]

This is and has always been my favorite song of his...I feel joy whenever I hear it

[@robertmayer1497]

Mary No relation that I know of but one of mine too.

[@marvf78]

Amen!!!!

[@thomasbarrett9928]

Thanks john for doing what you do

[@richardkerr007]

Been listening to Prine all my life. I am 67 . Going to heaven with him on my mind.....

[@12stringibson]

RIP John. You will be missed.

[@dennisbarnes7966]

Between John Prine and Jim Croce; they were always part of my evening performance. RIP

[@collette333]

The world is a sadder place today..RIP John.

[@bobbybailey3057]

Such a sad loss. NEVER will be another like him. Genuine, uncompromising, appreciative and witty.

[@tracykraft8450]

John Prine is one of my favorites I have playing and listening to his music since 1976 tracy kraft

[@sherrykropidlowski7923]

There will never be another. Such a legend. RIP. 💔

[@PelhamJohn]

Will never forget the time I was travelling through the part of Kentucky where the town of Paradise is located. (It was still on the map.) I was looking at the map to get my bearings while looking for the site of a Civil War battlefield- and noticed a river, the Green River of course. Saw the name "Paradise." That was enough to jog my memory of the song. I looked then for the name of the county. And, yes, it was none other than Muehlenburg. That all gave for me an actual place for the song that it would not otherwise have had. John Prine, an American original, one of the great ones. Rest in peace.

[@jessroberts4111]

Never met him. But he was a good friend.

[@lawrencetaylor4101]

John had to look at life and sing about it, to keep from crying.

[@englishpope1664]

As John Prine fans, it is essential.

[@andsmith3780]

Shed a few tears this morning

[@tonimarosok5163]

So sorely missed, Great man, Great Music-Thank you John. RIP

[@kristersunryd5692]

Thanks for all fantastic music John RIP

[@michaeltighe9365]

RIP john- you are missed

[@hoodoodino2335]

We'll miss you for just a short while John... We're being called home ya know ? Of course you do but I know you're smilin' down now and are hopin' some of your "besties" make the right choice for time is short. We'll sing up a storm when we meet up again, John... April 7th, 2020

[@danielmurphy8308]

Just saw John at Red Rocks in September. Spectacular!!! Get well soon.

[@19591960joe]

We love ya John!!!

[@shannonhutcheson5998]

Get well John. I don’t remember life without you in it

[@mrchildgrownold3852]

Yes, it's been a long time for me 40+ years

[@meganruchwatercolors7186]

Love you John Prine!!!!

[@maryruthbatchelder4849]

Farewell John; I hope your in Paradise and I hope to see you on the other side. Thank you for the music and joyous sprite that delivered to to the world.

[@hartmanzach420]

John prine is amazing.

[@ElainaDeva]

Rest in Peace. Having a sip of Jack for your homegoing

[@1Hochst]

Love this music!

[@paintmonster1]

Get your tissues ready...very sad news is coming... One of the best songwriters ever!!

[@whayneneal]

Godspeed, music man.

[@conniemullins4257]

It breaks my heart that we've lost John Prine. It also makes me damn mad it was due to this coronavirus. RIP dear man.

[@DELTA19ACTUAL]

John, my prayers are for you we old folks are dropping like stones... I pray GODS PROTECTION FOR YOU..... the joy you gave me since 1970, I will give my life to save yours, this damned virus does not play fair, it wants us all

[@mrchildgrownold3852]

Yep, 75-76 for me💔

[@judyjudy8564]

I never heard of him either. Saw him at a local venue and was blown away. And his guitar player, Jason Wilber is amazing too!

[@bjtild]

Brilliant!!

[@rogerdeschenes6749]

“. . . wrote it all down as the progress of man”. Yep. That’s good writing

[@sheilabarron5532]

God Bless You John Never Will Be Forgotten Prays and Hugs to Your Family and Friends

[@mikehenry5426]

Keep the Prine going!!!

[@snuffyballparks6501]

Damn I do like me some John Prine.

[@narbootsoner9435]

R.I.P a True Legend.

[@dona6606]

Deeply saddened here....God speed John Prine!

[@bpitts4401]

Welcome all you newbies. We can talk Prine. Been listening since.... glad you are here.

[@johnnieworthington1507]

RIP John,,,,your music will carry on

[@jameskenney4078]

RIP John, one of the greats!

[@hunter121257]

What a hole you have left in my heart JP. RIP Man....