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John Prine & Bonnie Raitt – Angel from Montgomery

Bonnie Raitt, John Prine Sing 'Angel From Montgomery': Watch

About the Song

“Angel from Montgomery,” brilliantly crafted by the legendary songwriter John Prine, gained renewed warmth and profound depth through the unforgettable duet featuring Prine and iconic blues artist Bonnie Raitt. Originally penned by Prine in 1971 and featured on his groundbreaking debut album John Prine, the song found its deepest resonance and emotional power when embraced by Raitt, whose soulful interpretation elevated its poignant narrative, eventually making it a timeless classic cherished by mature listeners around the globe.

This evocative ballad tells the heartfelt story of a woman trapped by the routine disappointments and quiet desperation of her life, yearning for escape, adventure, and deeper meaning. The song’s narrator wistfully calls for an angelic intervention—symbolizing hope for liberation from the mundanity and emotional exhaustion that everyday life can sometimes bring. With lines like, “Make me an angel that flies from Montgomery / Make me a poster of an old rodeo,” Prine masterfully captures the universal yearning for freedom and renewal, expressed in a language of quiet longing that touches listeners deeply.

When performed together, the pairing of John Prine’s gently rugged, storytelling voice with Bonnie Raitt’s rich, expressive vocals created something extraordinary. Raitt, who famously introduced the song to wider audiences with her deeply moving 1974 cover, connected profoundly with the song’s emotional core. Her expressive interpretation transformed the track into an anthem of quiet resilience, beautifully complemented by Prine’s honest, earthy sincerity.

The beauty and power of “Angel from Montgomery” lie in its remarkable simplicity and heartfelt lyricism, qualities that both Prine and Raitt convey effortlessly. The collaboration between these two celebrated musicians emphasized their unique abilities to breathe emotional honesty into every note, resulting in an enduring classic that resonates deeply with listeners who have weathered life’s ups and downs.

Over the decades, “Angel from Montgomery” has become synonymous with the soulful, reflective storytelling that defines American roots music. Today, it continues to inspire and comfort listeners, offering reassurance that the human spirit, even when burdened by life’s trials, forever seeks—and deserves—the chance to soar. Through this remarkable partnership, John Prine and Bonnie Raitt gifted audiences a timeless musical treasure, one whose resonance only deepens with each passing year.John Prine and Bonnie Raitt - Angel Of Montgomery (Live)

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Lyrics: Angel from Montgomery

I am an old woman named after my mother
My old man is another child that’s grown old
If dreams were lightning, thunder were desire
This old house would have burnt down a long time agoMake me an angel that flies from Montgomery
Make me a poster of an old rodeo
Just give me one thing that I can hold on to
To believe in this living is just a hard way to go

When I was a young girl well, I had me a cowboy
He weren’t much to look at, just a free rambling man
But that was a long time and no matter how I try
The years just flow by like a broken down dam

Make me an angel that flies from Montgomery
Make me a poster of an old rodeo
Just give me one thing that I can hold on to
To believe in this living is just a hard way to go

There’s flies in the kitchen, I can hear ’em there buzzing
And I ain’t done nothing since I woke up today
How the hell can a person go to work in the morning
And come home in the evening and have nothing to say

Make me an angel that flies from Montgomery
Make me a poster of an old rodeo
Just give me one thing that I can hold on to
To believe in this living is just a hard way to go

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