The Great Compromise
John Prine
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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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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.
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Songwriting ProcessJohn 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.
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Song MeaningThe 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.
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Track Listing"The Great Compromise" is the ninth track on the album, which includes other fan favorites like "The Torch Singer" and "Souvenirs".
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Live PerformancesPrine often performed "The Great Compromise" live, with many recordings available indicating its status as a fan favorite.
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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.
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Song's DurationThe original album version of "The Great Compromise" has a duration of 5 minutes and 2 seconds.
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Prine's LegacyJohn 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.
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Awards and HonorsWhile "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.
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CoversA 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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Citation
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"The Great Compromise Lyrics." Lyrics.com. STANDS4 LLC, 2024. Web. 28 Apr. 2024. <https://www.lyrics.com/lyric/2557007/John+Prine/The+Great+Compromise>.
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