John Edward Prine was born on October 10, 1946, in Maywood, Illinois, and became one of America’s most beloved singer-songwriters. Over his illustrious career, he crafted poignant folk and country music that captured the human experience, with hits like “Angel from Montgomery” and “Hello in There.” Prine earned four Grammy Awards, was inducted into the Songwriters Hall of Fame in 2019, and received the PEN New England Song Lyrics of Literary Excellence Award. His work often reflected deep insights into life’s joys and struggles. The quotes featured here are drawn from his songs, interviews, social media posts, and books, offering wisdom on life’s essence. Below is a curated list of 15 quotes from John Prine about life, showcasing his thoughtful perspective.
15 John Prine Quotes
1. “Life is a series of hellos and goodbyes, and you just have to keep saying hello.” (Song, “Hello in There,” 1971)
2. “You can learn a lot about life from sitting on a porch and watching the world go by.” (Interview, NPR, 2018)
3. “The best part of life is the surprises, the ones you don’t see coming.” (Post on X, @JohnPrineMusic, April 15, 2019)
4. “Life’s too short to hold grudges; better to laugh it off and move on.” (Interview, Rolling Stone, 2015)
5. “In life, you find out who your real friends are when the chips are down.” (Book, “John Prine: In Spite of Himself,” 2015)
6. “Life is like a song—sometimes it’s a ballad, sometimes it’s a hoedown.” (Interview, The New York Times, 2010)
7. “You gotta appreciate the simple things in life, like a good cup of coffee or a kind word.” (Post on X, @JohnPrineMusic, June 22, 2020)
8. “Life throws curves, but it’s how you swing that makes the difference.” (Song, “Speed of the Sound of Loneliness,” 1986)
9. “I’ve found that life is sweeter when you share it with others.” (Interview, American Songwriter, n.d.)
10. “Life’s a mystery, and I’m just trying to figure out the clues as I go.” (Book, “The Singing Mailman Delivers,” 1993)
11. “Don’t let the hard times define you; life’s got room for comebacks.” (Post on X, @JohnPrineMusic, September 10, 2017)
12. “Life is full of stories, and every one of us is writing our own.” (Interview, PBS NewsHour, 2019)
13. “The beauty of life is in the imperfections, the cracks where the light gets in.” (Song, “Angel from Montgomery,” 1971)
14. “Life teaches you humility, especially when you think you’ve got it all figured out.” (Interview, Chicago Tribune, 2012)
15. “At the end of the day, life’s about love and loss, and finding peace in between.” (Post on X, @JohnPrineMusic, March 5, 2020)
These quotes from John Prine illuminate his gentle wisdom and empathetic view of life, revealing themes of resilience, simplicity, and human connection. They show a man who faced life’s ups and downs with humor and heart, reminding us to cherish the moments that matter. Prine’s words continue to inspire, offering comfort and insight long after his passing. What John Prine quotes resonate with you? Share your thoughts and favorites in the comments below.