My dad grew up in Muhlenberg County, but left for Cleveland for work. I have a good friend who loves John Prine. He introduces me to his friends with "his family's from Muhlenberg County and he knows where everything is." I become a minor celebrity. LOL.
I grew up in Rochester about 1 mile from the dam and now live in Muhlenberg County about 3 miles from the Paradise Fossil plant where the town of Paradise was located. I was in a Hard Rock Cafe several states away and this song came on. Everyone in there started singing it. Little did they know, I knew all too well the Paradise area.
I moved to McCrcken County in 1998,had to move back to Tennessee in 2006 & I've been missing Kentucky ever since.I consider myself to be a Kentucky boy now,though I will never root for Wildcats basketball as long as Joh Calipari is coaching them.
i live about 15 miles from were paradise lay and work at the mine that bears it's name. love this song. all thats left of the town is the main roads into and out of the area
I've spent many a night fishing Rochester Dam and we used to swim in one of the old strip pits. I love this song. The old Peabody land is still there and you can hunt and fish on it. This song literally hits home.
John Denver did a great version of this song also. I didnt know it was that song until John Prine sang the first verse. Denvers version had alot of banjo in it.
Western Arkansas where I was born (Logan County, home of an annual butterfly festival and Mt. Magazine) is also a nature lovers paradise. Give big company's too much and they will take more, southern Missouri became Branson and is NOTHING like that area was in the late 60's where our idea of fun was riding in the back of a pick-up truck while cruising up and down the "roller coaster ozark hills. Long since sold to developers just like Dolly Pardon practically bought east Tennessee, God Bless
@emriederek I'm from Logan County too. I live in Harrison now, (Boone Cty.) but Greasy Valley is still my "home" and always will be. I grew up roaming those hills of Mt. Magazine and the valleys of the AR river basin. This song, and others like it, never fail to "bring me back home".
John Prine is my great uncle. His brother is my uncle Dave, whom I used to see every holiday. Never got to meat Johnny though, except for when I was too young to remember. My aunt and uncle still live in Maywood, IL though.
You are right. It is not a paradise...now. It is something that cannot be explained. you had to live it. My grandfather mined coal. But God Bless His Soul. He outlived "coal mine lung", died at 86. Three shots of bourbon and two cigars every day!!
John Prine had a song about a train that I truly loved, I wish I could find it. If someone has it please post it. I love John. He is truly a guy that sings from his heart.
When Bill Monroe was introduced to John Prine, someone told Bill that John was the guy that wrote the song about Muhlenberg County. Bill paused and said, "Really? I though that was a song that I somehow missed from the '20's". John later said it was the greatest compliment ever paid to him.
I'm Tyler, 18 from Kentucky, I go to Western Kentucky University, I grew up kayaking on the green river, its just a normal river to everyone else, but to people like me and John it was the only thing we had, and we learned to love it, as my dad did and his dad as well. I know exactly what John is talking about in this song, such a beautiful river.. makes your heart fill with soul.
And Daddy won't you take me back to Muhlenberg County, down by the Green River where Paradise lay. I'm sorry my son but you're too late in asking. Mr. Peabody's coal train done hauled it away.
I knew John Prine wrote it but had no idea he wrote it in 1980.
You ought to hear Marty Stuart do it with Allison Krause and Gillian Welch singing harmony.......sends chills up your spine.
@MultiBaldEagle It was written prior to 1980. Tom T Hall recorded it on his "MAGNIFICENT MUSIC MACHINE" album which was released in 1976. I don't know how much earlier than that it may have been written.
@MultiBaldEagle It was written prior to 1980. Tom T Hall recorded it on his "MAGNIFICENT MUSIC MACHINE" album which was released in 1976. I don't know how much earlier than that it may have been written.
Some of the best song lyrics ever recorded. " for I knew that topless lady had something up her sleeve" Spanish Pipe-dream. I grew up on this music. And i hated it for awhile now I love it and want my kids to listen. Just like everything else it comes with age and maturity. Thank you John Prine.
Excellent ! This was one of the first John Prine songs I ever heard , and it got me hooked . Since 1973 , I've seen him perform live so many times I can't count. I even got to meet him a couple of times and have a picture taken with him.
The first time I met him , I told him that I felt as if I had known him most of my life because his songs were so personal. I still feel that way.
I was into John Prine pretty heavy back in the 80's, I even went to western Kentucky to see Paradise, and the world's largest shovel, saw it all! Still have Photos of the Mulenburgh county line, green river, Peabody Cola Co.,Etc, I love that guy.
I met John Prine once and showed him a full page picture in a Time Life book, "100 years of pictures" from 2000. It was an article from the 70's. I figured John had seen it before, but he hadn't. John's standing beside a big pile of coal with "the worlds largest shovel" behind him. On the side of the crane it said Peabody Coal Company. John said they asked permission to take the picture, they said no, then they said well we'll just fly over in our helicopter and take the picture, so they agreed.
Amazing. Heard this song when I was a kid, kind of thought it was interesting someone was writing about the next county over from me. Born in Illinois, too, but my heart is in Kentucky.
"When I die let my ashes flow down the Green River, let my soul roll on up to The Rochester Dam, I'll be half way to Heaven with Paradise waitin" just five miles away from wherever I am" One of the first and still one of the best from an All American original: God Bless and Long Live John Prine!
@jordanthecat first time I heard this song, I cried a bit. reminded me of my uncles stories about the time when one could go out fishing and catch 'till your boat was full.
@9erfandex I was born just in the next county in KY. I know where this exact spot used to be because my mom grew up there and as the song goes peabody hauled it away after strip mining out the surrounding areas. Its kinda sad that we are so dependant on fossil fuel
This is a genuine stand-out song .. penned by JP of course. John does it due justice in his wonderful performance, & it would seem it's become his signature tune over the years. There was also another artist .. named Jim Ringer .. who did an excellent tribute cover-version of this famous song, back in 1972 on his album "Waitin For The Hard Times To Go". Jim Ringer injects probably as much feeling into the song as John does .. with a beautiful soulful fiddle lead, too ...
Being born and raised in Muhlenberg County and having family in the coal industry there for over 200 combined years, that's still one of my favorites. My Aunt and grandfather used to operate the "World's Largest Shovel" he sings about too. The odd thing is TVA tore down Paradise the town, not Peabody Coal Company like the song says.
@AviationPhotogBNA Thats True .... TVA is exactly where paradie use to be ... my uncle worked at the TVA for years and some of my others uncles worked at the Peabody Ken mines over in Ohio county ... I love that area ... full of memories
@imdmpimdmp Then you'll love the photo book I'm working on currently. It's due out in the Spring of 2011 and covers all the coal mining machines from Western Kentucky. Atleast all of the big machines. Just jump over to my channel on here and you'll see what I mean. I was around both of the big shovels featured on there and it made a huge impact on me as a child. I love it too!!!!! Book title is "Western Kentucky Coal Mining Equipment". Look for it!
my dad used to play this song all the time for me when i was a kid and you cant imagine how much it affected me musically. if it wasnt for dad and john prine i would never have played guitar.
@MrBeau1982 The exact words could have come out of my mouth. I remember being 4 or 5 and sitting on the bed with dad listening to him playing "Paradise" Both of them, dad and John, are the reason I play guitar now.
This song haunts me. It encapulates so much of what has happened when big companies and greed take over. Where i live it is center pivot irrigation systems...they have tore up ground not fit for farming, they have ruined the natural flow of water...and still they continue. This song isn't just about coal for many of us it is life in America. There are many Mr Peabodys.
I read somewhere Bill Monore or Ralph Stanley heard this song and said they thought it was really old or something to that effect......what is this video from? Thanks for sharing and is there more of it?
love this glimpse into John Prine's life, the radio show, informal setting, and a serious song. With the fight against mountain top removal in West Virginia going on now, this song deserves a comeback!
Thanks so much buddy for sharing this VERY IMPORTANT / SERIOUS Video....It really breaks me up, after seeing Steven Segall's Movie..."FIRE DOWN BELOW" that is specifically about this, and also has the song at the end and shows photos. Knowing all that I know...I am DEEPLY saddened of the number of folks whom died or were displaced because of the ACTIONS of Big Company's. It is a very TEARY EYED experience for me everytime I see/hear this tune. Thanks so much...Ken from Orlando, Fl- REMEMBERS
Fascinating because it's going to be featured in my book about the machines in Muhlenberg County that stripped coal. I had a couple of close family members that worked on the Sinclair Shovel just outside of Paradise, KY.
This is a great song. I got to sing it with Jimmy Buffett one night when he showed up at Margaritaville in New Orleans where I was playing. We ended up playing together for 3 hours. It was a blast. Jimmy is such a class act and a kind person on top of being a great song writer and legend. At the time I had recently been in the hospital and he sure put a smile on my face. Thank you Jimmy "from the bottom of my heart." Rock on John Prine & Jimmy Buffett!
LYNN ANDERSON released this song in 1976 from her "All The Kings Horses" album, and she re-recorded it in 2000 on her Grammy nominated Bleugrass Sessions album!
10-10-2009. He's full of glee at 63. Happy Birthday, John. I saw you in July 1987 at Chrysler Hall in Norfolk, VA. Remember? Arlo Guthrie was with you. Maybe you can come to my area sometime. Columbia, SC and/or Augusta, GA. Maybe the new USC-Aiken Convocation Center. Think about it. Peace out.
I was so glad to find this post. I made this tour in Nashville.......John and Arlo both put on wonderful shows.....It did ny heart well to see your post.
Thanks for the reply. But I made a mistake in my earlier post. It was March, not July, 1987. In May 2010, The Township Auditorium is scheduled to re-open after a major renovation. Maybe John can be the first to perform there.
I saw a totally awesome version of this at an open mic once. They did it considerably slower, kind of dirge-like. These guys could get fantastic sounds out of their instruments. I've since wanted to learn this real bad.
I think I might try an open D. This song begs, cries, and screams for slide guitar. Sure glad the song's in D, that means anybody can sit in. Bunchof singers know this song.
I'm from this area (Western Kentucky strip mines) I've seen my home and the land destroyed by strip mining here. The only consolation I have is that "the world's largest shovel" toppled into its own strip pit and was covered up with bulldozers. Sing on John!
My parents are from Muhlenburg County, and you are correct; the 'strip mining' by Peabody Coal Co. created hills where there weren't any before. The giant shovel helped bury itself, which was a fitting end to the days of strip mining in this area. This is my father's parents 'resting place', as will it be his when I take his ashes 'home' in November.
Anytime he comes to Portland Maine, (and he loves to come out here) we always catch him at the Merill Auditorium. Paradise is one of favorites to play. Thanks John.
If today's kids all listened to John Prine albums and got rid of rap music, we'd have a better generation of youngsters!! Prine's a lyrical wizard, up there with the iconic greats like Dylan, Lennon and MacCartney, etc.
One day, he did become a big star! One of a handful of who I believe to be the greatest songwriters of my 53 years. John Prine, Bob Dylan, Bruce Springsteen, Jackson Browne, and Chris Knight.
what about that instance back in the 1950s when jehovah witness folk thought that the world was coming to end and they wre all out on their porches in the nude waiting for the end of time. maybe John Prine can write a funny song about this
This is the first song I ever sang to my daughter--I taught it to her when she was about 3 years old. She's 16 now, and plays a pretty mean guitar. Thanks, John.
Just for the record, Paradise was torn down as John stated in the video not flooded in 1969 as the narrative to the right says. The land was bought and the town torn down to provide a place for the Paradise Fossil Plant owned by the Tennessee Valley Authority. Construction began on the plant in 1959 and was completed by 1970.
We USA folks and Germans, sung this in a canoein a river in Hamburg, got lost and I realized this is a widely loved and known song; and we will be late returning the rental boat.
It will be a great show, and he'll play all of your favorites. Don't forget to yell out the word "Shadows!" at the appropriate time- John will be counting on you.
This is amazing. Keep it simple stupid hehe
sneak108 1 month ago
I saw him play in Mobile, AL on Dec 16.......... He had a real bad throat problem. But it was still great.
dlbrown1954 1 month ago
The green river still flows. And paradise can be found all up and down it's banks. Wherever the pollution hasn't got to, of course...
GilgameshEthics 2 months ago
John Prine was born in Chicago
dwhudson33139 2 months ago
This song's a tribute to John's hometown (mine also) and to his past visits to Muhlenberg Co.
His song's (this one ~ Paradise) been done by Johnny Cash and, more recently, Dwight Yoakam.
dianeklinetobe 2 months ago
My dad grew up in Muhlenberg County, but left for Cleveland for work. I have a good friend who loves John Prine. He introduces me to his friends with "his family's from Muhlenberg County and he knows where everything is." I become a minor celebrity. LOL.
tevitts 2 months ago
I grew up in Rochester about 1 mile from the dam and now live in Muhlenberg County about 3 miles from the Paradise Fossil plant where the town of Paradise was located. I was in a Hard Rock Cafe several states away and this song came on. Everyone in there started singing it. Little did they know, I knew all too well the Paradise area.
johndeerefan1176 2 months ago
The lyrics turn these "three chords" into a symphony. Doesn't hurt having John Burns playing along, either.
delamitri100 2 months ago
I moved to McCrcken County in 1998,had to move back to Tennessee in 2006 & I've been missing Kentucky ever since.I consider myself to be a Kentucky boy now,though I will never root for Wildcats basketball as long as Joh Calipari is coaching them.
doughesson 3 months ago
@doughesson I heard that! Lol! Seems we can't get Kentucky out of our soul no matter how far away we move. God bless John Prine!
Saw him play last night and he is STILL awesome :-)
buddyzroadie 2 months ago in playlist John Prine
i voted john prine most likely to be cool to have a beer with...
TheHeliumkid 3 months ago 2
Why is John Prine so underrated?
TheSLAggie 3 months ago
i live about 15 miles from were paradise lay and work at the mine that bears it's name. love this song. all thats left of the town is the main roads into and out of the area
mademoss38 4 months ago
I saw him in concert in Fairbanks, Alaska in the late 80s. Great show! Great musician!
chaoticprime 5 months ago
I've spent many a night fishing Rochester Dam and we used to swim in one of the old strip pits. I love this song. The old Peabody land is still there and you can hunt and fish on it. This song literally hits home.
Braldar 5 months ago
I used to sing my kids this song as a lullaby when they were little.
lynyrdjr 6 months ago
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John Prine is so good it's discouraging. Nonetheless, I recently wrote a song on my channel. If you'd check it out, I'd really appreciate it!
IvantheRevelator 6 months ago
John Denver did a great version of this song also. I didnt know it was that song until John Prine sang the first verse. Denvers version had alot of banjo in it.
VoodooPolitico 7 months ago
Western Arkansas where I was born (Logan County, home of an annual butterfly festival and Mt. Magazine) is also a nature lovers paradise. Give big company's too much and they will take more, southern Missouri became Branson and is NOTHING like that area was in the late 60's where our idea of fun was riding in the back of a pick-up truck while cruising up and down the "roller coaster ozark hills. Long since sold to developers just like Dolly Pardon practically bought east Tennessee, God Bless
emriederek 7 months ago
@emriederek I'm from Logan County too. I live in Harrison now, (Boone Cty.) but Greasy Valley is still my "home" and always will be. I grew up roaming those hills of Mt. Magazine and the valleys of the AR river basin. This song, and others like it, never fail to "bring me back home".
xLeonydesx 3 months ago
When I was stationed in Kentucky in '80, you could see the top of "the worlds largest shovel" It was big, orange and ugly.
PoppaBlue59 7 months ago
One of my absolute favorite Prine tunes. Music trivia while I'm here: The Everly Brothers were from Muhlenberg County, Kentucky.
SockMonkeyPro 7 months ago
John Prine is my great uncle. His brother is my uncle Dave, whom I used to see every holiday. Never got to meat Johnny though, except for when I was too young to remember. My aunt and uncle still live in Maywood, IL though.
GuitarFreakReegs 8 months ago
You are right. It is not a paradise...now. It is something that cannot be explained. you had to live it. My grandfather mined coal. But God Bless His Soul. He outlived "coal mine lung", died at 86. Three shots of bourbon and two cigars every day!!
irocZ421 8 months ago
As God is my witness, I wish that I could go home
Browncoat56 9 months ago
John Prine musical force.respect
Anthonytheory 9 months ago
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
Anthonytheory 9 months ago
Great song by a great singer. I just heard it on Steven Seagals, Fire Down Below movie..great movie. Probably the last decent one he made (1997)
jimbronxny 9 months ago
John!!! i love you!!!!
mary0mca0gypsy0eyes 9 months ago
aww 70s
ernest671 9 months ago
John Prine had a song about a train that I truly loved, I wish I could find it. If someone has it please post it. I love John. He is truly a guy that sings from his heart.
nshattles 10 months ago
@nshattles was it "He was in heaven before he died"?
cptnphil 8 months ago
AMEN!!
delamitri100 11 months ago
You gotta love this guy....I mean, you just Gotta!!!
delamitri100 11 months ago
When Bill Monroe was introduced to John Prine, someone told Bill that John was the guy that wrote the song about Muhlenberg County. Bill paused and said, "Really? I though that was a song that I somehow missed from the '20's". John later said it was the greatest compliment ever paid to him.
maxfrost68 11 months ago
Get the audio from this clip at thetunify doht cohm.
BunniePetrarch052 11 months ago
Get a job you tree hugging hippies. Coal mining is a great industry that employs millions world wide.
eaxnitro 1 year ago
@eaxnitro
you dont appreciate the earth for shit... That was home to thousands of people for a reason. Now beauty of their home is scarred forever
mse4123 11 months ago
@mse4123 Yeah and eat shit and die that it happened. Hope someone sinks a mine shaft under your house you shit eating hippie
eaxnitro 9 months ago
I'm Tyler, 18 from Kentucky, I go to Western Kentucky University, I grew up kayaking on the green river, its just a normal river to everyone else, but to people like me and John it was the only thing we had, and we learned to love it, as my dad did and his dad as well. I know exactly what John is talking about in this song, such a beautiful river.. makes your heart fill with soul.
Italiansolid 1 year ago 2
@Italiansolid awsome man. u definatetly know what lifes about
06hrhillbilly 1 year ago
And Daddy won't you take me back to Muhlenberg County, down by the Green River where Paradise lay. I'm sorry my son but you're too late in asking. Mr. Peabody's coal train done hauled it away.
I knew John Prine wrote it but had no idea he wrote it in 1980.
You ought to hear Marty Stuart do it with Allison Krause and Gillian Welch singing harmony.......sends chills up your spine.
MultiBaldEagle 1 year ago
@MultiBaldEagle It was written prior to 1980. Tom T Hall recorded it on his "MAGNIFICENT MUSIC MACHINE" album which was released in 1976. I don't know how much earlier than that it may have been written.
MrOldSurveyor 11 months ago
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@MultiBaldEagle It was written prior to 1980. Tom T Hall recorded it on his "MAGNIFICENT MUSIC MACHINE" album which was released in 1976. I don't know how much earlier than that it may have been written.
MrOldSurveyor 11 months ago
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It is a good day try to find good Latino girl rockmycity.info
MakenaOntariyo 1 year ago
lol im from muhlenberg county and it's certainly no paradise.
johnnbevier 1 year ago
DAMN HIPPIES, THAT IS WHAT IS WRONG WITH OUR COUNTRY!
jehovahuponyou 1 year ago
Some of the best song lyrics ever recorded. " for I knew that topless lady had something up her sleeve" Spanish Pipe-dream. I grew up on this music. And i hated it for awhile now I love it and want my kids to listen. Just like everything else it comes with age and maturity. Thank you John Prine.
mastermarcus1974 1 year ago
Excellent ! This was one of the first John Prine songs I ever heard , and it got me hooked . Since 1973 , I've seen him perform live so many times I can't count. I even got to meet him a couple of times and have a picture taken with him.
The first time I met him , I told him that I felt as if I had known him most of my life because his songs were so personal. I still feel that way.
LJH70122 1 year ago 2
who are the six people who disliked this? are they retarded?
351cleveland 1 year ago
I saw this on a Soundstage out of Chicago. Their answer to Austin City Limits. This is a great episode and I remember this exchange well.
skjdave 1 year ago
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some progress...I tell you what, I wouldn't mind some regression...God's honest truth
belleobscurytee 1 year ago
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belleobscurytee 1 year ago
john prine has to be the coolest cat to ever grace the earth
augieguillermo 1 year ago
johns lyrics and outlook on the world are 1 of a kind a true american treasure right up there with faukner franklin dylan morrison name it
blueberryman 1 year ago
fabulous video - this song is incredible. thank you for posting
Pstanich 1 year ago
I was into John Prine pretty heavy back in the 80's, I even went to western Kentucky to see Paradise, and the world's largest shovel, saw it all! Still have Photos of the Mulenburgh county line, green river, Peabody Cola Co.,Etc, I love that guy.
fayettadog 1 year ago
the three chord songs somtimes sound the best.
BeeHappya 1 year ago 2
@BeeHappya keep it simple
sneak108 1 year ago
Say anything you will but this is PURE music.
DammitDrag 1 year ago 2
@DammitDrag agreed
sneak108 1 year ago
Where the air smelled like snakes and we shoot with our pistols.....Man, I do miss my old Kentucky home.
coolpharmer 1 year ago
@coolpharmer Gotta love the commonwealth. i cant believe you left here. its more beautiful then ever
sneak108 1 year ago
The Oil companies are trying their best to stop free energy ideas from spreading to common people.
We need to put an end to this corruption ,start generating your own electricity now.
Look for the LT MAGNET MOTOR in youtube video search. Join the Revolution!!
affluenceclm 1 year ago
Mr.Beau I can totally identify with that...my Dad played John Prine when I was a kid too...reminds me of a simpler time.
jesuschrysler123 1 year ago
Oh, I love it!!
MtnSmoky 1 year ago
This song makes me think of my late father. He was born on Green River in Adair county KY.
Ltucker68 1 year ago
thank the lord above i was born and raised on the Green River. spent many a good day (and night ;-) ;-) ) on that river.
bonscott01 1 year ago
i love how when john prine is in a good rhythm on his guitar he will strum it all the way up the neck and back....
sneak108 1 year ago
Being a displaced Ky Boy, I sang this song to my boy every night to before he went to bed.
stuw650 1 year ago 2
this should be in the smithsonian. what a beauty this is!!
sneak108 1 year ago
I was reminded of, and had to hear this song when I read that peabody coal contributed over 80 grand to Mitch Mcconnell this year...
Still.. great song and this is an awesome video.
monkeyink 1 year ago
I was reminded of, and had to hear this song when I read that peabody coal contributed over 80 grand to Mitch Mcconnell this year...
Still.. great song and this is an awesome video.
monkeyink 1 year ago
I still rock his old LP's.
marydwyer14119 1 year ago
love me some Prine!
lowell191 1 year ago
wat a great song first heard this song on a film wiv steven segal love it
masanderson 1 year ago
I met John Prine once and showed him a full page picture in a Time Life book, "100 years of pictures" from 2000. It was an article from the 70's. I figured John had seen it before, but he hadn't. John's standing beside a big pile of coal with "the worlds largest shovel" behind him. On the side of the crane it said Peabody Coal Company. John said they asked permission to take the picture, they said no, then they said well we'll just fly over in our helicopter and take the picture, so they agreed.
tybrady64 1 year ago
Amazing. Heard this song when I was a kid, kind of thought it was interesting someone was writing about the next county over from me. Born in Illinois, too, but my heart is in Kentucky.
ruderocker 1 year ago
"When I die let my ashes flow down the Green River, let my soul roll on up to The Rochester Dam, I'll be half way to Heaven with Paradise waitin" just five miles away from wherever I am" One of the first and still one of the best from an All American original: God Bless and Long Live John Prine!
9erfandex 1 year ago 34
@9erfandex: Agreed. God bless and long live John Prine!
jordanthecat 1 year ago 7
@jordanthecat first time I heard this song, I cried a bit. reminded me of my uncles stories about the time when one could go out fishing and catch 'till your boat was full.
Griffinator666 1 year ago
@jordanthecat triple that !!!! god bless and long live you john prine. some of the most beautiful music ever written is by this man...
sneak108 1 year ago
@9erfandex I was born just in the next county in KY. I know where this exact spot used to be because my mom grew up there and as the song goes peabody hauled it away after strip mining out the surrounding areas. Its kinda sad that we are so dependant on fossil fuel
bulldawg12471 1 year ago
This is a genuine stand-out song .. penned by JP of course. John does it due justice in his wonderful performance, & it would seem it's become his signature tune over the years. There was also another artist .. named Jim Ringer .. who did an excellent tribute cover-version of this famous song, back in 1972 on his album "Waitin For The Hard Times To Go". Jim Ringer injects probably as much feeling into the song as John does .. with a beautiful soulful fiddle lead, too ...
colindominy 1 year ago
Being born and raised in Muhlenberg County and having family in the coal industry there for over 200 combined years, that's still one of my favorites. My Aunt and grandfather used to operate the "World's Largest Shovel" he sings about too. The odd thing is TVA tore down Paradise the town, not Peabody Coal Company like the song says.
AviationPhotogBNA 1 year ago
@AviationPhotogBNA Thats True .... TVA is exactly where paradie use to be ... my uncle worked at the TVA for years and some of my others uncles worked at the Peabody Ken mines over in Ohio county ... I love that area ... full of memories
imdmpimdmp 1 year ago
@imdmpimdmp Then you'll love the photo book I'm working on currently. It's due out in the Spring of 2011 and covers all the coal mining machines from Western Kentucky. Atleast all of the big machines. Just jump over to my channel on here and you'll see what I mean. I was around both of the big shovels featured on there and it made a huge impact on me as a child. I love it too!!!!! Book title is "Western Kentucky Coal Mining Equipment". Look for it!
AviationPhotogBNA 1 year ago
my dad used to play this song all the time for me when i was a kid and you cant imagine how much it affected me musically. if it wasnt for dad and john prine i would never have played guitar.
MrBeau1982 1 year ago 18
@MrBeau1982 Pull your guitar and your video camera out and play us a Prine song!!!
jordanthecat 1 year ago 3
@MrBeau1982 cool for you. sucks for me. my dad only played james taylor song--and he fucking sucks. so i never played guitar.
bigdckrick 1 year ago
@MrBeau1982 The exact words could have come out of my mouth. I remember being 4 or 5 and sitting on the bed with dad listening to him playing "Paradise" Both of them, dad and John, are the reason I play guitar now.
jeffgrotte 1 year ago
@MrBeau1982 Me too sir. I'm twenty, and was a metal musician, years later, I'm folk and only folk, thanks to my pops, prine, and others.
that1machine 1 year ago
This song haunts me. It encapulates so much of what has happened when big companies and greed take over. Where i live it is center pivot irrigation systems...they have tore up ground not fit for farming, they have ruined the natural flow of water...and still they continue. This song isn't just about coal for many of us it is life in America. There are many Mr Peabodys.
Corgiwoman1 1 year ago
So good, so good, so good.
rpashoukos 1 year ago
It would make sense that the Everly Brothers would also do this song as they are from Muhlenberg County. I now have to find their version....
wspurlin 1 year ago
@wspurlin Not exactly. Don was born in Muhlenberg, but Phil was born in Chicago. and they grew up in Iowa.
drgnslyr1962 1 year ago
I read somewhere Bill Monore or Ralph Stanley heard this song and said they thought it was really old or something to that effect......what is this video from? Thanks for sharing and is there more of it?
nochu2 1 year ago
love this glimpse into John Prine's life, the radio show, informal setting, and a serious song. With the fight against mountain top removal in West Virginia going on now, this song deserves a comeback!
katonahgreen 1 year ago
john prine is timeless and from the heart.
ekimslaw 1 year ago
Thanks so much buddy for sharing this VERY IMPORTANT / SERIOUS Video....It really breaks me up, after seeing Steven Segall's Movie..."FIRE DOWN BELOW" that is specifically about this, and also has the song at the end and shows photos. Knowing all that I know...I am DEEPLY saddened of the number of folks whom died or were displaced because of the ACTIONS of Big Company's. It is a very TEARY EYED experience for me everytime I see/hear this tune. Thanks so much...Ken from Orlando, Fl- REMEMBERS
JacobsOompa 1 year ago 12
Forty years after he wrote the song, "Paradise" is one of the encore songs John Prine sings to close his concerts.
jordanthecat 1 year ago
THANKS,THE EVERLY BROS SING THIS ALSO
tickyreal 1 year ago
great to hear and see John Prine singing the song PARADISE.
wich I only heard before done by The Everly Brothers
tickyreal 1 year ago
Hi jordanthecat, loved this clip and admire John so very much.
MrsLarnche 1 year ago
what a hidden gym this is!
sneak108 1 year ago
I'm proud to say I was born and raised in Muhlenberg County.
Truly is, once you learn to appreciate the simplicity of it, 'paradise'.
:)
saintmartika 1 year ago 4
cool, i've spent just a little time in Muhlenberg county, but i am proud to say that i helped demolish the last of that big shovel.............
1975bean 1 year ago
@1975bean
Fascinating because it's going to be featured in my book about the machines in Muhlenberg County that stripped coal. I had a couple of close family members that worked on the Sinclair Shovel just outside of Paradise, KY.
AviationPhotogBNA 1 year ago
i love you!
SeijiMutoEX 1 year ago
@saintmartika im in kentucky! go cats! this song rocks about muhlenberg cty.
sneak108 1 year ago
this is such a cool video clip, thanks for sharing. what a great guy
hollowbodyguitar 1 year ago
This is a great song. I got to sing it with Jimmy Buffett one night when he showed up at Margaritaville in New Orleans where I was playing. We ended up playing together for 3 hours. It was a blast. Jimmy is such a class act and a kind person on top of being a great song writer and legend. At the time I had recently been in the hospital and he sure put a smile on my face. Thank you Jimmy "from the bottom of my heart." Rock on John Prine & Jimmy Buffett!
headpirate4u 1 year ago
i never even met john prine
and hes still one of the best friends ill ever have
saw him once in a wooden opera house
in woodstock illinois
maybe 200 seats everyone of em sold
and im tellin you it was a 2hour long
sing-along
i wished i coulda put the good feeling in that room inna bottle 'cuz believer me itd cure anything that ails you me & the whole big world too
JustAintthatWay 2 years ago 4
LYNN ANDERSON released this song in 1976 from her "All The Kings Horses" album, and she re-recorded it in 2000 on her Grammy nominated Bleugrass Sessions album!
glcmolly 2 years ago 2
amazing
grassic 2 years ago 3
awesome
pjberry1 2 years ago 3
Looked older......Sounded Great!!
backinthesaddle936 2 years ago
Just saw him on R.F.D. TV. Great to see him. Looks a hellava lot older. or is it just me?
juano1953 2 years ago
yea i watched him on the marty stuart show lol. Good show
AK47cowboy 2 years ago
great footage!
BarreraMusic 2 years ago
Once you discover John Prine, your whole attitude towards songwriting changes, and hes songs stay with you forever.
Joeyland 2 years ago 28
@Joeyland
FOREVER
ELVIS4221 1 year ago
what is this from? Can you get the DVD?
harville61 2 years ago
Great to see Prine having so much fun, and sounding great!
BarreraMusic 2 years ago 3
Pure heart - love Prine - saw in concert few years ago - St. Louis
scimoni1 2 years ago
Never get tired of hearing this one...
GumboRon 2 years ago 6
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rdrich55 2 years ago
Although I own the DVD that this vid comes from I think 100 of the "Hits" for this vid have been me viewing it.
Thanks Jordanthecat, great to know another kindred soul.
parrothead04578 2 years ago 3
sweet music and such a good person
hipoldlady57 2 years ago 2
10-10-2009. He's full of glee at 63. Happy Birthday, John. I saw you in July 1987 at Chrysler Hall in Norfolk, VA. Remember? Arlo Guthrie was with you. Maybe you can come to my area sometime. Columbia, SC and/or Augusta, GA. Maybe the new USC-Aiken Convocation Center. Think about it. Peace out.
mkl62 2 years ago 4
I was so glad to find this post. I made this tour in Nashville.......John and Arlo both put on wonderful shows.....It did ny heart well to see your post.
Peace
StephNGreg 2 years ago 2
Thanks for the reply. But I made a mistake in my earlier post. It was March, not July, 1987. In May 2010, The Township Auditorium is scheduled to re-open after a major renovation. Maybe John can be the first to perform there.
mkl62 2 years ago
This is soooooooooooooooooooo cool! God bless John Prine!
SianReynolds 2 years ago 3
Comment removed
pwnzor3000 2 years ago
John Prine did!!! It's on his 1971 debut album.
At the end of this video when he says "Well that's pretty close to the way the fellah that sings the song sings it," he's just joking around.
jordanthecat 2 years ago
I thought so lol.
My friend say he didnt originally sing this, and wanted me to ask.
He's a dumbfuck lol.
pwnzor3000 2 years ago
I saw a totally awesome version of this at an open mic once. They did it considerably slower, kind of dirge-like. These guys could get fantastic sounds out of their instruments. I've since wanted to learn this real bad.
I didn't have a good "green" song...
uggligr 2 years ago
You can learn it! It's only three chords.
jordanthecat 2 years ago
I think I might try an open D. This song begs, cries, and screams for slide guitar. Sure glad the song's in D, that means anybody can sit in. Bunchof singers know this song.
uggligr 2 years ago 3
@uggligr agreed with jordanthecat!!!!!! its easy to play!!!!!!!! and always remember music is in you soul, not you hands!
skully4795 1 year ago
Two women introduced me to John, in Sonoma, CA, in August 1995, and I never forgot those awesome women, for the gift.
Lisa Hemenway and Janice.
Suffice it to say I never forgot John Prine.
I accomplished sh*t in Sonoma, back then, but holy hell I learned from this great man's music!
I've done mighty fine since then, and I'll take John Prine's sweet, subtle teaching as a gift along the roadway forever.
Vengeance509 2 years ago 2
who says progress is always good..?
Dewdaahman 2 years ago 2
I'm from this area (Western Kentucky strip mines) I've seen my home and the land destroyed by strip mining here. The only consolation I have is that "the world's largest shovel" toppled into its own strip pit and was covered up with bulldozers. Sing on John!
danbowlds 2 years ago 2
My parents are from Muhlenburg County, and you are correct; the 'strip mining' by Peabody Coal Co. created hills where there weren't any before. The giant shovel helped bury itself, which was a fitting end to the days of strip mining in this area. This is my father's parents 'resting place', as will it be his when I take his ashes 'home' in November.
seaangelrainqueen 2 years ago 4
Anytime he comes to Portland Maine, (and he loves to come out here) we always catch him at the Merill Auditorium. Paradise is one of favorites to play. Thanks John.
billybillyband 2 years ago 3
Nice video featuring one of the greatest environmental songs ever written.
DavidDozier44 2 years ago
If today's kids all listened to John Prine albums and got rid of rap music, we'd have a better generation of youngsters!! Prine's a lyrical wizard, up there with the iconic greats like Dylan, Lennon and MacCartney, etc.
johnny991965 2 years ago 4
One day, he did become a big star! One of a handful of who I believe to be the greatest songwriters of my 53 years. John Prine, Bob Dylan, Bruce Springsteen, Jackson Browne, and Chris Knight.
freetickeys 2 years ago 3
i just have to send this on out to John ... thanks for the music.
dearydarling 2 years ago
At the beginning of this video, John just drove past the Baptist Retirement Home - where I had my first job (hey, I grew up in Maywood, too).
dianeklinetobe 2 years ago
what about that instance back in the 1950s when jehovah witness folk thought that the world was coming to end and they wre all out on their porches in the nude waiting for the end of time. maybe John Prine can write a funny song about this
atfatw 2 years ago
Glad to say I'm also from John Prine's hometown - raised in Maywood. He lived very close to Proviso East High School.
dianeklinetobe 2 years ago
This song means more to me than I can put into words. John is an amazing songwriter, and seems to really love what he does.
Squiggles1109 2 years ago
John Prine is amazing.
surferbabe675 2 years ago 2
is it only me or doesent this song sound were alike with johnny cash song ring of fire?:s
Djkyckling 2 years ago
As John Burns says just before they start playing the song, "one of them three-chord songs, right?"
G, C and D. Same as "Ring Of Fire" and a ton of other songs we all know and love.
jordanthecat 2 years ago
Worrying about the melody to a John Prine song is like worrying about what flavor of cool aid Jim Jones used.
The genius of John's songs are in the lyrics and his delivery; the melody is just the carrying agent.
436YO9 2 years ago 16
That's true, man, sorry.
Spenvo 2 years ago
John Denver's got nothing on this.
Spenvo 2 years ago
C'mon now, that's a harsh statement.
marblemason1 2 years ago
I just spend my weekend in Muhlenburg County. :) Can't wait to get back there.
yourgirlkels88 2 years ago
This is the first song I ever sang to my daughter--I taught it to her when she was about 3 years old. She's 16 now, and plays a pretty mean guitar. Thanks, John.
maxfrost68 2 years ago
I always like this song the best. JP is awesome.
fantastic video
endless starz
mommarox2 2 years ago
Just for the record, Paradise was torn down as John stated in the video not flooded in 1969 as the narrative to the right says. The land was bought and the town torn down to provide a place for the Paradise Fossil Plant owned by the Tennessee Valley Authority. Construction began on the plant in 1959 and was completed by 1970.
rmartin77 2 years ago
all you have to do is listen to anthology to understand how superb he is!!!!
hemislammer1966 2 years ago
He's got a great sense of humor John. Love this song.
FlashbackBlues 2 years ago
I like the comment about this being a "3 chord song". As I listen to this song again, I can here "Dear Abby", another Prine favorite.
hagmartha 2 years ago
i just saw him in concert 4 days ago.
INCREDIBLE. he's an amazing songwriter, he's hilarious, and he loves what he does
louisalime 2 years ago 3
John Prine's shows are always full value. He really must love what he does- surely he doesn't need to tour any more, financially speaking.
jordanthecat 2 years ago
We USA folks and Germans, sung this in a canoein a river in Hamburg, got lost and I realized this is a widely loved and known song; and we will be late returning the rental boat.
GregoryGerard 2 years ago 2
soo excited i just got tickets to se him in concert i cant w8!!
brendanpig7 2 years ago 5
It will be a great show, and he'll play all of your favorites. Don't forget to yell out the word "Shadows!" at the appropriate time- John will be counting on you.
jordanthecat 2 years ago
Agree with TwinMountain.
What a great version of this -- and the context of the intro makes it all the better. Huge thanks for the post.
alphuez 2 years ago
Hard to believe this great stuff is available on YouTube. Man!
TwinMountain 2 years ago 3
I appreciate you putting this up....RiflemanRay
RiflemanRay1 2 years ago
A family favorite! :)
ks1can 2 years ago
first exposed to this song by John Denver, then Country Gentlemen, finally got it from the source
christopherallendunk 2 years ago