John Prine and Iris DeMent – In Spite of Ourselves

About the Song

John Prine & Iris DeMent – In Spite of Ourselves is a beautifully crafted song that captures the essence of love, vulnerability, and the complexities of relationships. The duet between John Prine and Iris DeMent brings a raw, honest quality to this track, making it feel both timeless and relatable. Their voices, distinct and complementary, work in perfect harmony, reflecting the song’s themes of enduring love despite all its imperfections.

John Prine, a legendary figure in American folk music, is known for his insightful lyrics and his ability to convey deep emotions with simplicity. His songs often explore themes of human connection, loss, and the nuances of life, and “In Spite of Ourselves” is no exception. The track stands out in his extensive catalog as it brings a bit of humor and light-heartedness to the table while still maintaining a sense of emotional depth. Prine’s storytelling shines through in this duet, painting a picture of two people who are deeply flawed but find something beautiful and enduring in their shared imperfections.

On the other hand, Iris DeMent, with her hauntingly beautiful voice, brings an element of tenderness to the song that balances Prine’s more cynical tones. Her performance in this track is understated but profoundly moving, lending an almost ethereal quality to the duet. Together, they tell a story of two people who know that love isn’t always perfect, but they choose to stick together anyway. The chemistry between Prine and DeMent creates a genuine sense of connection that transcends the typical love song.

The charm of “In Spite of Ourselves” lies in its simplicity and its refusal to romanticize love. It’s a song that acknowledges the messiness of human relationships but embraces that very messiness as something worth celebrating. This is a track that will resonate with anyone who has ever been in a relationship—whether it’s the first, the last, or somewhere in between—because it speaks to the heart of what makes us human. In a world that often tries to perfect love, John Prine & Iris DeMent remind us that there is beauty in the imperfections, and perhaps, that is where true love resides.

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Lyrics: In Spite of Ourselves

She don’t like her eggs all runny
She thinks crossin’ her legs is funny
She looks down her nose at money
She gets it on like the Easter Bunny
She’s my baby I’m her honey
I’m never gonna let her go

He ain’t got laid in a month of Sundays
I caught him once and he was sniffin’ my undies
He ain’t too sharp but he gets things done
Drinks his beer like it’s oxygen
He’s my baby
And I’m his honey
Never gonna let him go

In spite of ourselves
We’ll end up a’sittin’ on a rainbow
Against all odds
Honey, we’re the big door prize
We’re gonna spite our noses
Right off of our faces
There won’t be nothin’ but big old hearts
Dancin’ in our eyes.

She thinks all my jokes are corny
Convict movies make her horny
She likes ketchup on her scrambled eggs
Swears like a sailor when shaves her legs
She takes a lickin’
And keeps on tickin’
I’m never gonna let her go.

He’s got more balls than a big brass monkey
He’s a whacked out weirdo and a lovebug junkie
Sly as a fox and crazy as a loon
Payday comes and he’s howlin’ at the moon
He’s my baby I don’t mean maybe
Never gonna let him go

In spite of ourselves
We’ll end up a sittin’ on a rainbow
Against all odds
Honey, we’re the big door prize
We’re gonna spite our noses
Right off of our faces
There won’t be nothin’ but big old hearts
Dancin’ in our eyes.
There won’t be nothin’ but big old hearts
Dancin’ in our eyes.

[Spoken:]
In spite of ourselves