John Prine’s “Lake Marie” – A Epic Novel in a Song

Whoa, ah-oh, ah-oh

John Prine’s “Lake Marie” stands out as one of the most literary songs, expanding a tale into a saga. The song intricately weaves together vivid imagery and compelling storytelling, painting a rich and evocative picture, an episodic journey across generations, for the listener. Prine’s masterful use of language and narrative structure creates a deeply immersive experience that resonates long after the final note fades away.

“Lake Marie” is a prime example of how music can transcend mere entertainment and delve into the realm of high art. The song’s lyrical depth and complexity invite multiple interpretations, allowing listeners to uncover new layers of meaning with each listen. This multi-faceted approach to songwriting sets Prine apart as a true wordsmith in the world of music.

Furthermore, “Lake Marie” has garnered critical acclaim for its poetic lyricism and emotional depth. It has been praised for its ability to capture the essence of human experience in a way that is both profound and relatable. The song’s universal themes of love, loss, and redemption strike a chord with audiences of all backgrounds, making it a timeless piece of musical storytelling.

In a world saturated with disposable pop songs, “Lake Marie” serves as a reminder of the power of music to elevate and enlighten. Its enduring appeal lies in its ability to connect on a deeper level, offering listeners a glimpse into the complexities of the human condition. As I listen to “Lake Marie,” I am reminded of the transformative potential of art and the enduring impact of a well-crafted story set to music.

RIP, John Prine

Lyrics

We were standing
Standing by peaceful waters
Standing by peaceful waters
Whoa, ah-oh, ah-oh

Many years ago
Along the Illinois-Wisconsin border
There was this Indian tribe
They found two babies in the woods
White babies

One of them was named Elizabeth
She was the fairer of the two
While the smaller and more fragile one
Was named Marie

Having never seen white girls before
And living on the two lakes known as the Twin Lakes
They named the larger and more beautiful lake
Lake Elizabeth

And thus the smaller lake
That was hidden from the highway
Became known forever as
Lake Marie

We were standing
Standing by peaceful waters
Standing by peaceful waters
Whoa, ah-oh, ah-oh

Many years later
I found myself talking to this girl
Who was standing there
With her back turned to Lake Marie

The wind was blowing
Especially through her hair
There was four Italian sausages
Cooking on the outdoor grill
And they were sizzlin’

Many years later
We found ourselves in Canada
Trying to save our marriage
And perhaps catch a few fish

Whatever came first
That night she fell asleep in my arms
Humming the tune to, “Louie Louie”
Aah baby, we gotta go now

We were standing
Standing by peaceful waters
Standing by peaceful waters
Whoa, ah-oh, ah-oh
Whoa, ah-oh, ah-oh

The dogs were barking as the cars were parking
The loan sharks were sharking, the narcs were narcing
Practically everyone was there
In the parking lot by the forest preserve

The police had found two bodies in the woods
Nay, naked bodies
Their faces had been horribly disfigured by some sharp object
Saw it on the news, the TV news
In a black and white video

You know what blood looks like in a black and white video?
Shadows, shadows
That’s what it looks like
All the love we shared between her and me was slammed
Slammed up against the banks of old Lake Marie
Marie

We were standing
Standing by peaceful waters
Standing by peaceful waters
Whoa, ah-oh, ah-oh
Whoa, ah-oh, ah-oh

Whoa, ah-oh, ah-oh
Peaceful waters
Standing by peaceful waters
Aah, baby
We gotta go now

John Prine performs “Lake Marie” Live from the Sessions on 54th St. Tree of Forgiveness available here: https://found.ee/uuFMSO

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Aaah, baby!