On April 7, 2020, acclaimed singer-songwriter John Prine sadly died at the age of 73, due to complications connected with the coronavirus. Even though mainstream commercial success has eluded Prine, it is hard to deny his considerable influence. He is the favourite singer-songwriter of your favourite singer-songwriter. His work also possesses a keen social awareness. Right now we will consider a small sampling of twelve of his socially conscious tunes.
Sam Stone (1971)
John Prine exceptional self-titled debut featured a couple of songs written in response to the Vietnam War. One of the tunes, “Sam Stone” tells the story of a purple heart receiving soldier who becomes addicted to drugs and dies of an overdose. The song is a poignant cautionary tale of the often tragic aftereffects of the war on those that fought in them.
Paradise (1971)
This song was inspired by a newspaper clipping that his father sent him, detailing a Kentucky town called Paradise that was devastated by strip mining.
Your Flag Decal Won’t Get You Into Heaven Anymore (1971)
Another song off Prine’s debut, dealing with the Vietnam War. The song is a scathing indictment of blind patriotism. “But your flag decal won’t get you into Heaven anymore. They’re already overcrowded from your dirty little war.”
Take the Star out of the Window (1972)
From his sophomore album, Diamond In The Rough, it is another tune that addresses the Vietnam War. The song deals with a decorated soldier who, instead of viewing his medals as a badge of honour, looks upon them with guilt.
The Great Compromise (1972)
Another song that eloquently deals with the disillusionment over America’s involvement in the Vietnam War.
Common Sense (1975)
The self-titled track off his fourth album deals with how the quest for the elusive American dream can result in disillusionment.
Living In The Future (1980)
This tune off his seventh album, Storm Windows is a satirical tune about how predictions from fifteen years ago never came into fruition. Despite the optimism, in the future, people are still “standing in soup lines.”
People Puttin’ People Down (1984)
This tune off his eighth album, Aimless Love, is a poignant examination of American isolationism during the Reagan era. It critiques those who take pleasure in the misery of others.
Quit Hollerin’ at Me (1995)
This song is off Prine’s twelfth album, Lost Dogs and Mixed Blessings. One of the more rocking tunes in his catalogue the lyrics addresses Prine’s frustration with consumer culture.
Some Humans Ain’t Human (2005)
This tune off his 15th album, Fair Warning, includes a sharp rebuke of then-US President George W. Bush. “Some cowboy from Texas. Starts his own war in Iraq.”
Caravan of Fools (2018)
This song is off Prine’s eighteenth and final studio album, The Tree of Forgiveness. It is a powerful thesis statement on the weakness of those in power. It is not as a direct indictment as “Some Humans Ain’t Human” was with Bush, but the lyrics could easily apply to the Trump administration.
Unwed Father (featuring Margo Price) (2019)
Originally appearing on his 1984 album Aimless Love, this reworked version is a duet with Margo Price. The song was released as a single in order to raise fund for the ACLU in the wake of Alabama’s passing a law that would ban most abortions. The lyrics also exposes gender bias which stigmatizes unwed mothers, while giving a free pass to the father. “Kept under cover. Like some bad dream. While unwed fathers, can’t be bothered. They run like water, through a mountain stream.”