“Old House” — Image by kenne
“I am an old woman named after my mother
My old man is another child that’s grown old
If dreams were lightning, thunder were desire
This old house would have burnt down a long time ago”
— from Angel from Montgomery by John Prine
I’m not unlike a lot of Prine fans, most of us have had one of his songs become
identifiable with a memorable life moment. I have a lot, so I won’t begin to list them.
identifiable with a memorable life moment. I have a lot, so I won’t begin to list them.
However, there is one that has become more profound because of the coronavirus.
During this time of shelter-in-place, I’m doing less hiking and a lot more walking through
the neighborhood. When I walk I shuffle through my iTunes songs, many of which
are by John Prine. One that is on my shuffle list is “Taking a Walk.”
Taking A Walk
Taking a Walk
A man came to our house
I believe it was yesterday
I would have invited him in
But I didn’t have a lot to say
His anticipation of me opening the door
Outweighed my apprehension as it never had before
And drove my concentration
Right through that hardwood floor
Oo-oo a-ha
I’m taking a walk
I’m going outside
I’m taking a walk
I’m just getting by
There’s a girl in the white house
I don’t even know her name
Her disheveled appearance
Speaks volumes of shame
It’s an embarrassing situation
But a situation just the same
The way she walks on others
And never takes the blame
Upsets my constitution
Beyond its mortal frame
Oo-oo a-ha
I’m taking a walk
I’m going outside
I’m watching the birds
I’m just getting by
Found a card in the pocket
Of my worn out overalls
From a girl in Cedar Rapids
Now residing in Idaho Falls
I wish you could have been there
When she opened up the door
And looked me in the face
Like she never did before
I felt about as welcome
As a Wal-Mart Superstore
0o-oo – a-ha
I’m taking a walk
I’m going outside
I’m taking a walk
I don’t need a ride
I’m watching the birds
Flying so high
— John Prine
“A true national treasure and a songwriter for the ages.”
— Bruce Springsteen
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