John Prine - Hello In There

"Hello in there" is from John Prine's debut album, "John Prine" (1971)

Old age and loneliness, written about an old couple, is a theme relatively unexplored by songwriters (with the notable exception of Jacques Brel, "Les Vieux".) What's amazing is how it rings so true despite being written by a 25-year old.

This really is a deeply sad and human song. Not just that people work hard their whole lives and then can't even expect acknowledgement of their existence once their greatest accomplishments are behind them, but that time numbs us to life. Even a cut as deep as losing a son eventually is just worn away by the tides of time.

John Prine cuts to the soul of humanity like no other.

[jcavilia]

My wife of 47 years passed away almost a year ago at age 70. She never got old, in my eyes. Though I miss her terribly, I am grateful for the generosity of the universe that brought her to my side and kept her beside me for so many years. I am grateful, too, that she never had to experience the pain of the kind of loneliness that this song portrays. We had our hard times occasionally over the years, but we never got to that stage of "we don't talk much anymore." We loved each other, and we every day said, "hello, in there, " right up to that morning when she stopped breathing, lying beside me in our bed, after a 6-year battle with cancer. This song is a good reminder to treasure every moment, and to do all you can to make the world a better place.

[davidstokes]

Loved all of his songs. Now, I’ve reached the age of the people in this song. Please remember these lyrics. I’m one of the people sitting on those benches with hollow ancient eyes. I am as you are, you will be as I am! I love you!

[tomjeffersonwasright]

If this was the only song John Prine wrote, he would still qualify as a great song writer.

[bobspear]

I’m 77 now and this song brings tears to my eyes, not because my kids are grown and gone, but for all the old people I passed by with no thought when I was young.

[elycewakerman]

He was 24 years old when he wrote this wise and gorgeous song. What a heart, what a person. RIP John Prine.

[u]

I live in india, and had never heard about this great voice ever before. Was reading an obituary to him where they had also linked his song “Hello...” and I can only say that i cried after listening to the song. No song ever before has left such a deep mark on me after just one hearing. His voice has such a warm kindness. Could almost feel as if he was describing the pain of someone I knew. God bless you Sir. R.I.P

[kathleenkjos]

Back in the 70’s this song played on an endless loop in my mind. As I walked to work one day I passed a residential hotel near my office downtown. Sitting in the window, on a flea-bitten and battered couch sat an old man. My 19-year old heart was stricken by this man so I waved as I passed. He sat up and waved back. The next morning there were several men in the window, all waving as I passed. I changed offices shortly thereafter and have long wondered about the men. They had been, after all, someone’s precious baby and now they felt forgotten by time and society. RIP John Prine. Thank you for this timely reminder to be kind.

[sharonreilly]

I thought I was an odd kid cause if I saw an old man on park bench by himself I'd cry. Can still remember one in particular. That was over 50 yrs ago.

[t.n.thomas]

I have told this story before, about 25 years ago living in Nashville, I was off work one day, I was hanging out in a bar in Hermitage. The door opened and a man walked in and sat down at a table. I told the guy next to me "Hey, that's John Prine" He said "Who is that?" I said, "If you don't know, I can't explain it you". I told the bartender that his beers or drinks were on me. I strolled over in introduced myself, He seemed a little down. Yet he was so nice to me. That is a memory I have and will always keep in my heart. R.I.P. John, You will be missed but, you will always be remembered.

[terryburr]

This song really tells how fast time passes. One day you're playing with your kids, not a care in the world. Then one day you wake up and realize the kids are gone, the house is empty, and you wonder where the time went. It seems that in the blink of an eye, your life has passed and you just want to reach out your hand and grab the years backs before it's too late. And you realize, it is. Cherish each day, every minute, every second of life

[mauricechaplin]

It's only when you're old you really understand the true meaning of the song. At 78 I'm almost invisible.

[badhopflyball]

I have listened to John Prine since I was in My twenties. I will be 62 in a few days, I suffer from terminal heart disease and may never see 63. I'm glad to say this song has been a part of my life.

I held my 89 year old Dad's hand all day his last day. I wanted him to know he wasn't going through this alone. He's body was slowly shutting down from kidney failure. He was awake, but could barley talk. We played his favorite music- Polkas. He said he saw butterflies flying all around the room as the toxins fill his mind. I wanted to tell him all about the good times we had together, but didn't want him to be sad. He asked if dying hurts. I said no Dad. Mom will be there to greet you. I miss him everyday. Hello up there!

[johnnyM]

When Bruce Springsteen and Bob Dylan say you are one of the best songwriters ever...then you really are something special

[davidscott]

This song affirms my belief that we all need to take care of each other.

[shawnquinn]

I have congestive heart disease myself and know i haven't got much longer i look forward every day to sitting down with my Martin or Taylor and playing some John Prine it always puts a smile on my face face RIp JOHN

[daviddurkee]

"When old people die it's like a library of stories burning down." - RIP John Prine. Thank you for your words that touched so many hearts.

[jeffwilliams]

My 78 year old Dad is in the hospital right now on a ventilator and we can't even visit him because of this stupid virus. I just want to tell him "Hello in There".. I think my heart is going to break.

[kenglenn]

1000 songs on my I-phone, but without doubt this is the saddest and most soul searching I’ve ever heard.
Sheer brilliance to come up with such words.

[RK-dftk]

A few years ago I had the most pleasant opportunity to see Prine in concert at University of Houston theatre:

Was honestly one of the best concerts I've ever seen. I laughed, cried, smiled and thought about my own life based against his music for almost three hours.

RIP Mr. Prine; you were an absolute gift to this world, a true performer and you will be missed.