3 of the Best John Prine Songs for When You Need a Good Cry

John Prine was known for his wit. Many of his most famous songs had a playfulness about them, that made the truth he was dishing out more tolerable. However, he did have a fair few songs that were on the somber side. Check out three such songs below, if you’re in need of a good cry.

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3 of the Best John Prine Songs for When You Need a Good Cry

1. “Blue Umbrella”

“Blue Umbrella” sees Prine reel in the wake of losing a love. One can nearly see Prine sitting in a darkened room, not sure what to do next. Instead of making any hard decisions, he decides to write this song instead. It reads like a stream of consciousness from someone who’s mind is foggy with doubt.

Blue umbrella, rest upon my shoulder
Hide the pain while the rain makes up my mind
Well, my feet are wet from thinking this thing over
And it’s been so long since I felt the warm sunshine

Just give me one good reason
And I promise I won’t ask you anymore
Just give me one extra season
So I can figure out the other four

2. “Clay Pigeons”

“Clay Pigeons” isn’t a Prine original, but he sings it like it is. It feels autobiographical, which is a testament to Prine’s performance style: authentic and discerning. It’s a folk classic for a reason, with Prine’s rendition being one of the most famous. If you feel stuck in life, this is the track for you.

I’d like to stay
But I might have to go to start over again
I might go back down to Texas
Might go to somewhere that I’ve never been
And get up in the mornin’ and go out at night
And I won’t have to go home
Get used to bein’ alone
Change the words to this song
And start singin’ again

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3. “Hello In There”

Prine had his eyes and ears open to the world around him. Many of the people he came into contact with ended up in his songwriting. He created a plethora of characters throughout his tenure. In “Hello In There,” Prine shines a light on people in our society who often get overlooked: the elderly. The sentiment of trying to connect with our elders will prompt a swell of emotion in most listeners.

You know that old trees just grow stronger
And old rivers grow wilder every day
Old people just grow lonesome
Waiting for someone to say
“Hello in there, hello”

(Photo by David Redfern/Redferns)