4 John Prine Covers That Nearly Eclipse the Original

John Prine songs have astounded audiences and fellow musicians alike for decades. He is truly deserving of the “musicians’ musician” title. Below, find four covers of Prine songs that prove his peers had a reverence for him.

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[RELATED: “If It’s So Easy, Why Don’t You Get Up and Do It?”: How John Prine’s Sharp Tongue Landed Him a Life-Changing Offer]

4 John Prine Covers That Nearly Eclipse the Original

1. “That’s the Way the World Goes ‘Round” (Miranda Lambert)

Though not everyone will be a fan of Miranda Lambert’s reimagining of “That’s the Way the World Goes ‘Round,” we’re partial to the creative leap. Lambert adds a rock flare to this previously acoustic Prine offering. Both versions of this track aptly depict the laughable irony of life–albeit in very different ways.

That’s the way that the world goes ’round
You’re up one day, the next, you’re down
It’s half an inch of water and you think you’re gonna drown
That’s the way that the world goes ’round

2. “Angel from Montgomery” (Bonnie Raitt)

You can’t make a list of powerful Prine covers without including Bonnie Raitt’s masterful version of “Angel from Montgomery.” This cover has more or less become as known as the original release. Raitt’s stellar vocals deem this redux of a classic track necessary. We can’t image where we would be if we hadn’t had the opportunity to hear this bluesy, up-tempo version of “Angel from Montgomery.”

Make me an angel
That flies from Montgomery
Make me a poster
Of an old rodeo

3. “Paradise” (Dwight Yoakam)

The sentiment behind “Paradise” is one we’d imagine many people who grew up in small towns, dependent on industry would understand. Fellow Kentuckian Dwight Yoakam once covered this track about Prine’s paternal home of Paradise. His roots add an authenticity to this cover that makes it a worthy addition to the song’s history.

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

4. “I Just Want to Dance With You” (George Strait)

“I Just Want to Dance With You” is a unique track in Prine’s discography. It reads more like a Jimmy Buffett song. Nevertheless, it was Prine who delivered this summery, breezy track. George Strait tried his hand at it in the late ’90s. Strait’s low notes add even more sultry tones to this simple love song.

I wanna dance with you
Twirl you all around the floor
That’s what they intended dancing for
I just wanna dance with you
I wanna dance with you

(Photo by David Redfern/Redferns)