Angel from Montgomery

John Prine

About Angel from Montgomery

"Angel from Montgomery" is a song written by John Prine, originally appearing on his self-titled 1971 album John Prine.


Year:
1988
4:16
131 
#1

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I am an old woman named after my mother
My old man is another child that's grown old
If dreams were lightning thunder was desire
This old house would have burnt down a long time ago

Make me an angel that flies from Montgom'ry
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 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 Montgom'ry
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 Montgom'ry
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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John Prine

John Prine (born October 10, 1946, in Maywood, Illinois) is an American country/folk singer-songwriter. He has been active as a composer, recording artist and live performer since the early 1970s. more »

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Written by: John Prine

Lyrics © DistroKid, Warner Chappell Music, Inc.

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind


13 facts about this song

Song Origin
John Prine wrote "Angel from Montgomery" in 1971. It first appeared on his eponymous debut album that same year.
Lyrics Significance
The song is written from the perspective of a middle-aged woman who feels trapped in a lifeless existence and longs for something more.
Popular Cover
Bonnie Raitt popularized "Angel from Montgomery" with her cover version released in 1974. She often describes it as her favorite song.
Cover Performances
Various artists from different genres have also covered the song, such as Ben Harper, Dave Matthews Band, and Susan Tedeschi.
Song Title
Interesting fact: there isn't an actual place called Montgomery in Prine's home state of Kentucky. The town in the song title is assumed to be Montgomery, Alabama.
Inspiration
Prine reportedly composed it after a request from a friend to write a song about older women. The song poignantly describes the character's disillusionment with life.
Legacy
Rolling Stone magazine has lauded "Angel from Montgomery" as one of Prine's most impactful songs and a highlight in his impressive songwriting career.
Live Performances
Prine and Raitt have often performed the song together at concerts, making it a special treat for fans of both artists.
Song Meaning
While it's been widely interpreted, John Prine himself has described the song as about the common human experience of feeling older, stuck, or discontented.
Recognition
The song remains one of John Prine's best-known works, continuing to resonate with listeners and fellow artists decades after its release.
Emotional Connection
Despite being written by a man, many women have reported feeling deeply connected to the song's lyrics and underlying emotion.
Songwriting Skill
The song stands as a testament to Prine's ability to write profound and empathetic lyrics from perspectives vastly different from his own.
Musical Style
"Angel from Montgomery" is predominantly classified as a folk and country song, showing Prine's roots in these genres.

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