The Great Compromise

John Prine

About The Great Compromise

The Great Compromise is a song written and performed by John Prine. The song was included on Prine's album Diamonds in the Rough which was released by Atlantic Records in 1972. It is an anti-war song and a protest song. Its theme is the disillusionment of the country during the Vietnam War era. In the liner notes to his 1993 anthology Great Days, Prine writes of this song, "The idea I had in mind was that America was this girl you used to take to drive-in movies. And then when you went to get some popcorn, she turned around and screwed some guy in foreign sports car. I really love America. I just don't know how to get there anymore." Chorus: 'I used to sleep at the foot of old glory And awake in the dawn's early light But much to my surprise When I opened my eyes I was a victim of the great compromise' 


Year:
1993
4:56
142 

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I knew a girl who was almost a lady
She had a way with all the men in her life
Every inch of her blossomed in beauty
And she was born on the fourth of July

Well she lived in an aluminum house trailer
And she worked in a juke box saloon
And she spent all the money that I give her
Just to see the old man in the moon

I used to sleep at the foot of old glory
And awake in the dawn's early light
But much to my surprise when I opened my eyes
I was a victim of the great compromise

Well we'd go out on Saturday evenings
To the drive-in on Route 41
And it was there that I first suspected
That she was doin' what she'd already done

She said, "Johnny won't you get me some popcorn"
And she knew I had to walk pretty far
And as soon as I passed through the moonlight
She hopped into a foreign sports car

I used to sleep at the foot of old glory
And awake in the dawn's early light
But much to my surprise when I opened my eyes
I was a victim of the great compromise

Well you know I could have beat up that fellow
But it was her that had hopped into his car
Many times I'd fought to protect her
But this time she was goin' too far

Now some folks they call me a coward
'Cause I left her at the drive-in that night
But I'd rather have names thrown at me
Than to fight for a thing that ain't right

I used to sleep at the foot of old glory
And awake in the dawn's early light
But much to my surprise when I opened my eyes
I was a victim of the great compromise

Now she writes all the fellows love letters
Saying "Greetings, come and see me real soon"
And they go and line up in the barroom
And spend the night in that sick woman's room

But sometimes I get awful lonesome
And I wish she was my girl instead
But she won't let me live with her
And she makes me live in my head

I used to sleep at the foot of old glory
And awake in the dawn's early light
But much to my surprise when I opened my eyes
I was a victim of the great compromise

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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 © Warner Chappell Music, Inc.

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind


10 facts about this song

Background Information
"The Great Compromise" is featured on John Prine's third studio album, "Diamonds in the Rough," released in 1972.
Songwriting Process
John Prine is the sole writer credited for the song, reflecting his personal songwriting style that often combines folk, country, and rock influences with poignant lyrics.
Song Meaning
The song uses the metaphor of a failing love relationship to comment on the socio-political climate in the United States, with the character in the song representing America.
Track Listing
"The Great Compromise" is the ninth track on the album, which includes other fan favorites like "The Torch Singer" and "Souvenirs".
Live Performances
Prine often performed "The Great Compromise" live, with many recordings available indicating its status as a fan favorite.
Album Reception
"Diamonds in the Rough" is often considered one of Prine's best albums, with "The Great Compromise" often praised for its clever lyrics and poignant message.
Song's Duration
The original album version of "The Great Compromise" has a duration of 5 minutes and 2 seconds.
Prine's Legacy
John Prine is one of the most revered songwriters in the American music scene, with "The Great Compromise" embodying his knack for combining everyday experiences with deeper societal commentary. He passed away in 2020 but his music continues to inspire many artists and listeners.
Awards and Honors
While "The Great Compromise" didn't win any awards, John Prine received many awards and honors throughout his career, including multiple Grammy Awards and a 2019 induction into the Songwriters Hall of Fame.
Covers
A number of artists have covered Prine's songs over the years, including "The Great Compromise," allowing new generations of listeners to discover his music.

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