About the Song
Few songs in the realm of folk and Americana music have touched hearts as deeply as John Prine’s 1971 masterpiece, “Angel From Montgomery.” A hauntingly beautiful ballad, this song is a testament to Prine’s unparalleled storytelling ability, blending vivid imagery with raw emotion to create a narrative that feels both deeply personal and universally relatable. It’s a track that has been covered by countless artists, yet Prine’s original remains the definitive version, a timeless classic that continues to resonate with listeners across generations.
From the opening lines, “Angel From Montgomery” draws you into the world of its protagonist—a weary, aging woman reflecting on her life with a mix of regret, longing, and quiet hope. Prine’s lyrics are nothing short of poetic, painting a picture of a life that feels both ordinary and extraordinary. Lines like “How the hell can a person go to work in the morning / And come home in the evening and have nothing to say?” capture the quiet desperation of a life unfulfilled, while the chorus’s plea for an “angel from Montgomery” to save her speaks to a universal yearning for redemption and escape.
Prine’s gentle, conversational delivery adds an extra layer of poignancy to the song. His voice, with its raspy warmth, feels like that of an old friend, sharing a story that is both heartbreaking and deeply human. The sparse acoustic arrangement, featuring Prine’s fingerpicked guitar, allows the lyrics to take center stage, emphasizing the song’s emotional weight. It’s a reminder that sometimes, the simplest melodies can carry the most profound messages.
What makes “Angel From Montgomery” so enduring is its universal appeal. While the song is written from the perspective of a woman, its themes of lost dreams, resilience, and the search for meaning resonate with anyone who has ever felt trapped by their circumstances. It’s a song that speaks to the human condition, offering both a mirror to our struggles and a glimmer of hope for something better.
For fans of folk music and timeless storytelling, “Angel From Montgomery” is a must-listen. It’s a song that showcases John Prine’s genius as a songwriter and his ability to connect with listeners on a deeply personal level. With its poignant lyrics, haunting melody, and unforgettable delivery, this track remains a shining example of why Prine is regarded as one of the greatest songwriters of all time. Whether you’re hearing it for the first time or revisiting it after many years, “Angel From Montgomery” is a reminder of the enduring power of music to touch the soul.
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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 goWhen 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 damMake 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 goThere’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 sayMake 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