"Souvenirs" - John Prine

"Souvenirs" (LP version)
by John Prine
Diamonds In The Rough (1972)
LYRICS
All the snow has turned to water
Christmas days have come and gone
Broken toys and faded colors
Are all that's left to linger on
I hate graveyards and old pawn shops
For they always bring me tears
I can't forgive the way they rob me
Of my childhood souvenirs
Memories they can't be boughten
They can't be won at carnivals for free
Well it took me years
To get those souvenirs
And I don't know how they slipped away from me
Broken hearts and dirty windows
Make life difficult to see
That's why last night and this mornin'
Always look the same to me
I hate reading old love letters
For they always bring me tears
I can't forgive the way they rob me
Of my sweetheart's souvenirs
Memories they can't be boughten
They can't be won at carnivals for free
Well it took me years
To get those souvenirs
And I don't know how they slipped away from me
written by John Prine

[@patrickwilson7318]

I cried today. At 72, I thought i was all cried out. Until I read in The Times, John Prine died today. RIP, John. You helped me get through some tough times.

[@michaelharves9076]

I'm still crying, he will always bring me tears

[@zack2698]

I am just 40 and crying listening to him. He will be missed!

[@michaelmadden]

Yep, 66 for me. And I cried my eyes out. But I will always have his music, and the memories of enjoying on TV in the UK when I was 20. Plus two live gigs in the US.

[@raymonray5444]

i am wrecked " i hate graveyards and " etc. i used to buy in his albums in the 70s . Shocked .

[@roadking0073]

56 years old over here. I'm with ya Brother. Been listening to John damn near 40 years.

[@mcmurtryfan]

RIP John. He's halfway to heaven and Paradise is waiting....

[@markl2815]

Only 5 miles away

[@carlhielscher448]

The good die young

[@steph_knarr]

Beautiful comment

[@rolfeblive]

Love John Prine, I remember Everything!

[@kurtcole9574]

Was driving down the road yesterday afternoon with my 7 year old son, and this playing at a sensible volume. He was in the back just playing a video game on an old phone. The chorus came around the second time and to my joy my baby boy joined in. I was almost reduced to tears of joy, this is by far my favorite tune of Johnny Prines. We have to keep Johns music alive, I will leave this earth knowing my son will some day play this song and his son will join in some day to. R.I.P. My Friend.

[@mattdatha]

Your son must be a godsend. U R blessed!

[@drewcherry2794]

Our children take to older songs as well, we are blessed! John was something else. I never got to him but I feel I did

[@aimeerocksu]

Music will never be the same without John Prine RIP 💔

[@crumbsmusicmedia]

I LOVE John and still cannot believe he’s left us, but still feel he’s spiritually with us each day what a heritage, thank you sir!

[@turdferguson12]

I think the reason John's death has had such a a dramatic affect on so many of us is because we have the inescapable feeling that a significant part of our childhood pasted away with him.

[@sharonscott3999]

I’m 63, and have always loved John Prine. Very few people knew who I was talking about! Now we can make them know!!

[@libbamacushla]

This song, and the whole album, kept me sane, and perhaps even alive, during a ferocious period in my life. I owe so much to John Prine! I had the album on a constant loop in the car, as I drove at all hours of the day and night, exhausted and grossly stressed out... Luckily, I once got the chance to tell him.. I hope he realised how much I meant it... hard to convey...

[@johnh12string]

THE CONSOMATE JOHN PRINE!!!! I LOVE AND MISS YOU DEARLY SIR!!!!

[@pamelawomack3076]

Nobody could ever describe the sad but beautiful reality of life better than John Prine.

[@carrieorser5644]

I play this music in my head so often he will never leave me. My poor dog listens to me singing them.

[@ronalddregan5782]

Who's watching in April of 2020. If you're with me we really miss you John. This virus sucks and can go to hell. Took me years to get these souvenirs.

[@cecilianall3983]

God speed John, you spoke to my soul, thank you.

[@jeffwilson3363]

Whenever anyone asks what’s your favourite song, I always say souvenirs...it’s sad more and more people don’t know it or him...if I can make someone a Prine fan, I’ve done something right.

[@barrylewis5606]

Same here, which is a little odd as much as I love blues. Never get tired of listening to this song

[@im-already-tired-tomorrow]

Agree agree,my friend said"You'd like this guy".Now i recommend him to all ages,and John makes them fans.R.I.P.

[@irmaponcedeleon3302]

One souvenir I lost was John Prine himself. I don't think he was done yet. It took him losing his very life that ended his story telling. I'll remember you until I lose my own life.

[@rjh1226]

I’ve heard of him for years and at 63 ,64 next Month started listening . Then starting playing and singing his songs. I know him now but sadly I missed my chance at seeing one of the greats. I’ve been to hundreds of shows. I’m sorry it took so long. RIP John , keep your eye on US

[@Pops5033]

i met my wife in 87 and she introduced me to john prine and it was love at first (sight and) sound. we spent many years listening to his music until i lost her last sept. and i didn't think anything could ever hurt that bad until i heard john passed away and it was like losing her all over again. i can only hope she finally met up with him and they're writing songs and playing guitars together. when it rains it pours they say but no one warns you about the floods that follow.

[@robertphillips2769]

I don't know who those 47 people are who disliked this video, but they really should just not watch if they don't like it. This guy had more to say in one verse than they probably will have to say the rest of their lives. God bless you John Prine.

[@lincolnpork9357]

You left us this precious, enduring Souvenir, John. *Bless you.*

[@mlaforce321]

Some of his songs make me laugh, some of them hit me right in the gut... Like this one. Beautiful song.

[@JayPooler]

still singing your songs...still in my heart

[@rayhoward8188]

Wish I had known this guy , songs from the heart . Ray twelve strings

[@JuanM759]

The first time I heard this song I thought of my Father. Everywhere he took us he'd always let my sister and I get a souvenir. He was dying of cancer at the time, it made me cry. I miss you Dad, thank you John :)

[@erniesullivan]

Juan Munoz my uncle matt turned me onto john prine. Many late nights. Horseshoes, cigarettes, cold drinks. Ice was always essential. We never could have too much ice. Uncle matt isn't doing so hot nowadays. I miss him. Tjobuadhaigh

[@67loowit_scarab57]

I got my grandpas guitar when he passed. I used to play and sing this song to my dad when he got cancer and now I can't even get through it. I remember driving my way across town to see him as I did every morning and getting the call. Miss you pops, memories are not forgotten. Yours and gramps guitars will go to my kids, you're not forgotten.

[@jamesshartel5839]

I lost my Dad to colon cancer 6 yrs ago and it seems like yesterday. He was my reason for living at the time and I'll never forget him. Anyway when I read your comment it struck a chord in me. It's tough but all we can do is soldier on. Peace Jim

[@tomlund4951]

And I don’t know how they slipped away from me.... thanks John... rest well.

[@dustinsmomma1062]

Rest in Paradise John Prine. Your music will always be in my heart ♥️

[@deanbabcock588]

John you given me lots of souvenirs, tonight it's a very sad night, we have lost the best song writer ever!!● thank you from the bottom of my heart!!! RIP

[@joshuachapman7537]

I've yet to hear a John prine song that didn't just blow me away. Hes a legend no doubt, has to be a gift sent down to us straight from God above!

[@hazalminsin1711]

Joshua Chapman And God took him back today.

[@normandfleury9456]

John lasted a long time, Praise be to God…RIP ..chosen one..

[@Alabama424]

Thank God recording devices were invented so we can all remember songwriters like John Prine and still listen to the music!

[@mistascott007]

Rest in sweet peace Prine. Your words will live on forever.

[@travisryan4341]

my favorite John Prine tune. RIP.

[@mistascott007]

Yep, I think this one is the best. But there are about a dozen others of his that would be in my top 100 of all time.

[@wenelsonjr]

no one like John---ever again

[@sharkbait2day]

Memories, they can't be bought...thank you, John Prine, for all the years of amazing songs.

[@kn8068]

John Prine was my dad's favorite. He was a carnie and he passed away December 18, 1989. This song means more to me than words can express!!!

[@weeirishfriend]

So sorry for you Kn..may he rest in peace.

[@andr00NZ]

The man who could put my thoughts into words and music. John, I'll be listening until I join you there!

[@nickkopp5230]

RIP. Your music will live forever in my heart.

[@neilmeiskey5482]

What a loss, if I remember correctly I heard him at the Cellar Door in the early 70's after I got out of the Navy. At 70 my memory ain't as sharp as it once was, lol. I own that Diamonds in the Rough album (and others), love just about all his music and personality. RIP John.

[@toneman335]

We lost so much with John Prine's death!

[@futuropasado]

a classic masterpiece

[@jennygamble2553]

Beautiful song

[@randybridges7365]

By far the best

[@gracie.arnold]

to my sister, velda ,, this one was ours... many there were.. but this one... we knew it in our souls.. may she rest in peace

[@jeremyreagan9085]

As a musician myself and songwriter this song By John prine is my favorite to play and sing. It sums up my thoughts on this life. I include it in all my concerts. John wherever you are now know we love you and will miss your heart and spirit but that in me and countless other artists your music and lyrics will be played and sung this I vow!

[@emilymason4593]

This song gets to me in a way no other song ever has . . .

[@alanmartin4466]

I saw John prine at the ripe age of 15 around nineteen 76 my first concert I'm 57 now I've seen him live about a half a dozen times his lyrics never gets old he has always been an old soul anyone that can bring you to tears has an extraordinary talent

[@lauriesilva4901]

I just came to know John Prine. I am almost 70 and I am really glad I did.

[@michaelharves9076]

a legend has left us today, RIP John

[@spokelseX]

Broken hearts and dirty windows...best line written anywhere.

[@hazalminsin1711]

“If heartaches were commercials we’d all be on TV”

[@pamelabeimers1208]

Another best line (from _Angel from Montgomery_) that fits these surrealistic times: "Just give me one thing / That I can hold on to / To believe in this living / Is just a hard way to go."

[@jeffphilips9279]

Going to be tattooed on my arm in memory of john

[@spokelseX]

@@jeffphilips9279 Outstanding!

[@jimdoyle7690]

Music never same John Prine RIP

[@stevecharlemagne5441]

Betty Lavette did a really great soul cover version of this classic song in 1972 at muscle shoals which was not released until 2000. RIP John Prine.

[@00028hisao]

All our buddy Steve Goodman's voice and guitar behind specially when you see live one on stage at another video then Stevie's lovin' smiling to John that Stevie is all 'bout Why? Cuz I know him well very much Thank you John and Steve and Steve I missing you!

[@RamseyMcV]

RIP John. You made this world a better place brother.

[@frederickwritt4615]

Outstanding. Thank you for putting that together. 😊❤😊

[@billbazinet5075]

I can relate to every line! John Prine my hero since 1972

[@peterichards6720]

bill bazinet89

[@robertcronin6603]

Great video...put together with love 🔥

[@banjodr1]

A song that has some emotional content. A rare thing nowadays.

[@stephenedavis7]

I am so sad. I hate graveyards and old pawn shops too brother. RIP

[@rumham3454]

This is how you know you find good music over 400,000 views and less than 250 comments. Music so good no words are needed

[@nickvagni2626]

Nick Vagni 1 second ago That first picture of John and Steve Goodman is absolutely fantastic ! John loved Steve Goodman so much. Steve died way back in 1984 from Leukemia when he was in his mid thirties and for the rest of his life John would say at the beginning or sometimes at the end of doing Souvenirs, 'That was for Steve Goodman'. That's a beautiful picture of the 2 of them. John Prine and Steve Goodman are doing "Souvenirs" together again on some stage in heaven.

[@jefferymatuszak4988]

John and Steve....2 most talented musicians ever on 1 stage....who knew?

[@jeremyreagan9085]

My favorite song.

[@ghostmail]

I sing this at the end of every winter

[@Sofspot1]

I didn't know about John until a few months ago, I've acquired his discography and I feel blessed to have been able to share space in this world with this man

[@asgolden123]

So much being said here. I CAN'T LOVE this song anymore. But who is listening?

[@spokelseX]

John Prine, Gordon Lightfoot and Jerry Jeff Walker. I grew up on this music and revisit regularly to remind me of my roots.

[@brucemargot7970]

A 64 yr old fart from Kalbaskraal, South Africa

[@ronaldnanni298]

I am

[@teresarice6080]

The notes are very beautiful! Don't listen only the words! Bye

[@annewhite4028]

I'm still listening here in Perth, Western Australia, December 2019 !!!

[@genehenrylindgren]

It was over 30 years ago when I first this song and it still holds a special place in my life

[@clairepesarik4897]

Miss you So much my friend RIP ❤

[@JoMoMoss]

Great song from a great musician & songwriter.

[@declanwilson8864]

Sad to say this is the first ever John Prine song I've ever listened to, it won't be the last.

[@kviggie1660]

Rest in Peace, John. Thank you for all the joy you gave us.

[@Recycledhooligan]

I think when we get some miles on & distance between youth & foolishness of aging we get sentimental cause we slow down just enough to the past we like the past it’s familiar & of course the present is here with us but the future well we don’t know him at all. Thank you John for being the soundtrack to my favorite memories you’re missed

[@carolduerig2710]

Thanks for sharing. I will always luv John Prine. I don't need therapy, I just need to listen to JP.

[@greggbaker7120]

Absolute Genius.

[@gregcameron155]

I'm not sure where to go from here. I feel so lost Love you John. Always will. 4/7/2020

[@garywilkinson1804]

Best version of this song, absolutely awesome!

[@stevemcintyre1262]

May God bless him and keep him.

[@hazalminsin1711]

Thanks for the souvenirs Mr. Prine. My dad is up there waiting for you to sing this to him. Rest In Peace.

[@postacorona6746]

I’m so sad I didn’t hear about John Prine until shortly before he died, but I’m happy I heard of him the same, but now his soul’s rolled on up to the Rochester dam

[@jessehuisman1189]

Rest In Peace John. One of the nicest men to walk this earth.

[@thomascox7179]

There will be no other, a Legend in his own time love you Brother John

[@deadlaszlow9142]

Sweet.. as well as sad. Like so many of his songs. Much like the duality of existence. RIP John TY for all the music. A great legacy!

[@orkycathcart6397]

I'M 75 SO I MUST BE THE GRAND DADDY OF ALL SO FAR COMMENTING ABOUT THE LOSS OF JOHN . I CAN'T EVEN IMAGINE NOT BEING ABLE TO SEE HIM PERFORM LIVE AGAIN , WHAT A THRILL THAT WAS FOR ME SO MANY DIFFERENT TIMES BUT I DO HAVE SO MANY OF HIS LIVE CDS I LISTEN TO EVERY WHERE I DRIVE AND THAT WILL HAFT TO DO TILL I MEET HIM UPSTAIRS ONE DAY !!!!!!

[@sonnyboybluesharpfargo8705]

1979...Walkin past the local record shop with my friend, Tim Roy. He says, "Hey theres a record you need to have." In we went and two minutes later we walked out...me clutching the first of many John Prine records. Now thats good friend! And a great Souvenir.....BTW give Johns, "Crooked Piece of Time" another listen"

[@roberthill1166]

Goddamn it. RIP, John.

[@davelynch3064]

Thank you John for your Gift of Music you left for us all, to Treasure Forever.... Rest in Peace

[@annmaria]

Well, I knew the man existed but I never sought out his music. I regret that now but will ensure his music becomes part of my canon. May he rest in peace.

[@angrytroll555]

Thank you for the music Mr. Prine. RIP

[@robertphillips2769]

One of the top American songwriters of all time.

[@theresajv5055]

December 26th. Perfect.

[@sillydude3048]

My dad showed me this song

[@jimday]

Time march's on..Sad but true. "Don't let yesterday use up too much of today"..We will be known forever by the tracks we leave"..

[@christinewakelin]

This song brings back some good memories. :) I love it.

[@neworleansbarbaralan]

Many life experiences and enough years makes songs like these...an old one I keep close...still...love! New Orleans born Barbara Lane

[@genehenrylindgren]

New year's eve 2020 this is a good way to end a bad year

[@ludlowlivingston2129]

It good times and bad we had John prine.... He lives on forever through his music

[@randybridges7365]

He is the best

[@MrFLeeF]

Broken toys and faded colors. Goodnight John Prine. Thank you for the great music!

[@DavidFowler51]

Love John Prine music. Been listening to John Prine for 40 years. I believe I first seen him in Baton Rouge at one of those Willie Nelson get together's. It was so long ago but there were lots of bands there every year.

[@donntodd9976]

wow this brings back down memory lane I'm 56 now!

[@shanesmith9289]

Banana cream pie will always be our time...

[@ccirishgal]

Greatest poet of our time. I've loved JP since I first heard him in the late 60s/early 70s.

[@kn8068]

This is my favorite song by my Dad's favorite singer. It's worth mentioning my Dad died December 18th 1989 and was once a carnie. All the feels!!

[@sheilashepard397]

I've cried more than I did when my Mom Died. I sure loved that man and understood him. Maybe he's the only one I had left that understood me. :(