“Paradise” is a song by John Prine released in 1971

About the song

John Prine, a beloved folk singer and songwriter, penned “Paradise” as a heartfelt tribute to his hometown of Paradise, Kentucky. This poignant ballad, released in 1971, became a popular addition to Prine’s live performances and a beloved song among his dedicated fanbase.

With his distinctive voice and introspective lyrics, Prine explores the themes of nostalgia, loss, and the enduring power of home. Through emotive vocals and evocative imagery, listeners are invited to reflect on their own experiences and the places that hold special meaning in their lives.

The opening lines, “I’m from Paradise, Kentucky, a place I’ll never see again,” set the stage for a song that explores the bittersweet memories of a lost hometown. Prine describes the beauty and simplicity of Paradise, while also acknowledging the challenges and hardships that forced him to leave.

Throughout the song, Prine uses vivid imagery and relatable anecdotes to illustrate his love for Paradise. He references the “old familiar faces” he remembers and the “simple pleasures” of small-town life. The lyrics evoke a sense of nostalgia and longing, while also highlighting the importance of home and the enduring power of memories.

“Paradise” is more than just a nostalgic ballad; it is a testament to the human spirit and the enduring power of place. Prine’s heartfelt lyrics and soulful performance resonate with listeners of all ages, reminding us of the importance of home, community, and the memories that shape our lives. This timeless classic continues to inspire and uplift audiences worldwide, serving as a reminder that even when we’re far from home, the memories we cherish can always bring us comfort and joy.

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Lyrics

When I was a child my family would travel
Down to Western Kentucky where my parents were born
And there’s a backwards old town that’s often remembered
So many times that my memories are worn.

[Chorus:]
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

Well, sometimes we’d travel right down the Green River
To the abandoned old prison down by Airdrie Hill
Where the air smelled like snakes and we’d shoot with our pistols
But empty pop bottles was all we would kill.

[Chorus]

Then the coal company came with the world’s largest shovel
And they tortured the timber and stripped all the land
Well, they dug for their coal till the land was forsaken
Then they wrote it all down as the progress of man.

[Chorus]

When I die let my ashes float down the Green River
Let my soul roll on up to the Rochester dam
I’ll be halfway to Heaven with Paradise waitin’
Just five miles away from wherever I am.

[Chorus]