John Prine has left us – it doesn’t seem real. I was pondering this when I read Donna’s post in our fan group.
Jesus was a Capricorn – Owed to John Prine.
The ODE/OWED variation will become obvious later. Donna’s note was about this song.
It says ..
The title of this song is “Jesus Was a Capricorn (Owed to John Prine).” John Prine recently passed away from COVID-19. He was a songwriter whom Kristofferson discovered. The song itself was recorded in the early 70’s so the players may have changed a bit, but it still rings true.
Everybody’s gotta have somebody to look down on
Who they can feel better than at any time they please
Someone doing something dirty descent folks can frown on
If you can’t find nobody else then help yourself to me.
The album contains a couple of religious songs: “Help Me” written and sung by Larry Gatlin, and “Why Me” which is the only one of Kristofferson’s many lyrical jewels that hit the charts with HIM singing it. I often wonder the story behind “Capricorn” being “owed to John Prine.” I imagine Kris asking John, “Well, what would YOU write about Jesus?” and John answering, “I don’t know. Late December is his birthday. Jesus WAS a Capricorn.”
Donna Fiser Ward
A bitter-sweet moment, for sure. I just HAD to add this above the following tribute that another member wrote for John Prine on the occasion of one of his birthday.
Friendships don’t count cost. Prine / Kristofferson are a pair that go back a long way. Kris Kristofferson’s Jesus was a Capricorn is owed to John Prine. This Ode to John Prine is a gift – with a nod to Kris.
John Prine celebrates his birthday on 10 October. Kris often remembers his friends. Michael Danyluck is songwriting fan of both of these iconic wordsmiths. He wrote this song (as songwriters do) to remember Mr John Prine’s birthday this year.
I hope you enjoy it as much as as we do – and that we get to hear it performed one day.
Savin’ a Seat – A song by Michael Danyluck
Michael says, “Here is my birthday present to Mr. John Prine. I hope to record it by Christmas and maybe sing it in person ….Someday.”
“Savin’ a Seat”
Well its truly been an honor, it really has been swell
Listenin’ to the songs, and stories that you tell
And the angels in heaven, have made you a sign
Sayin’ this place is reserved, for Mister John Prine.
“So sing a thousand songs, and dance a jig for fun
Yesterday is done, and tomorrows still to come
Heavens Door Whiskey, is sold out I hear
But I promise to save you, some Calabogie beer!”
God bless the storytellers, Willie, Bob and Kris
They don’t make ’em like they used to
…I don’t need to make a list
And some day we’ll all go fishin’, and have a real good time
And we.ll always save a seat, for Mister John Prine!
Happy Birthday from all of us, John. With a tip of the hat to Willie, Bob and of course … Kris. Thank you for saying it for us, Michael.
Prine /Kristofferson – Sharing a Stage
Footnote : Calabogie is a small town about 500 residents(near Ottawa) and the brewery, AND lake are very closeby – I am now 65 yrs. young 🙂 When I was about 16, I started writing and playing…Kris and Bob Dylan were my faves, and the first songs learned – John Prine shortly thereafter. “Heavens Door Whiskey” (by Bob D) is not available in Canada, and sold out in August as I was hoping to grab one for my “Official” (semi) retirement bday-oh well. Regards, Michael D
John Prine and Bill Murray Swap Stories
About … the early days in Chicago, crossing paths with John Belushi, Steve Goodman and Kris Kristofferson.
