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John Prine — Please Don't Bury Me
Album: Sweet Revenge
Avg rating:
6.8

Your rating:
Total ratings: 1922









Released: 1973
Length: 2:46
Plays (last 30 days): 1
Woke up this morning
Put on my slippers
Walked in the kitchen and died
And oh what a feeling!
When my soul
Went thru the ceiling
And on up into heaven I did ride

When I got there they did say
John, it happened this way
You slipped upon the floor
And hit your head
And all the angels say
Just before you passed away
These were the very last words
That you said:

Please don't bury me
Down in that cold cold ground
No, I'd druther have 'em cut me up
And pass me all around
Throw my brain in a hurricane
And the blind can have my eyes
And the deaf can take both of my ears
If they don't mind the size

Give my stomach to Milwaukee
If they run out of beer
Put my socks in a cedar box
Just get "em" out of here
Venus de Milo can have my arms
Look out! I've got your nose
Sell my heart to the junkman
And give my love to Rose

Please don't bury me
Down in that cold cold ground
No, I'd druther have 'em cut me up
And pass me all around
Throw my brain in a hurricane
And the blind can have my eyes
And the deaf can take both of my ears
If they don't mind the size


Give my feet to the footloose
Careless, fancy free
Give my knees to the needy
Don't pull that stuff on me
Hand me down my walking cane
It's a sin to tell a lie
Send my mouth way down south
And kiss my ass goodbye

Please don't bury me
Down in that cold cold ground
No, I'd druther have 'em cut me up
And pass me all around
Throw my brain in a hurricane
And the blind can have my eyes
And the deaf can take both of my ears
If they don't mind the size
Comments (237)add comment
This is *so* not what I listen to generally, but this song is just so gosh darn entertaining 😆. Solid 7!.
This is on my memorial set list… that’s for sure!
People giving this a low rating should get free counseling or psychiatric care!
 nomnol wrote:

Anyone know who's singing backup on the chorus?



? Guess ? Iris Dement. They seemed to have had fun singing together and she could really bring the twang to his songs.
ah....the mailman poet from chicago
Brilliant!!
This is a fun song. Love the lyrics. 
best lyrics ever
With due respect to those that dig him…
PSD.
Anyone know who's singing backup on the chorus?
 mattenuttall wrote:


I'm liking this: Dead Flowers by the Rolling Stones needs to be in there. Something from Dylan? Maybe One More Cup of Coffee?



I'll see your Dead Flowers with the original version by Townes Van Zandt and raise you White Gardenias by Justin Townes Earl.
 tgalvinize wrote:


My funeral playlist includes Bird On A Wire (Leonard Cohen) and A Man Needs A Maid (Neil Young).  I'm a woman but I share Neil's sentiment, gender be damned.


I'm liking this: Dead Flowers by the Rolling Stones needs to be in there. Something from Dylan? Maybe One More Cup of Coffee?
God how I hate that twangy Country & Western sound. 
 philbertr wrote:

OMG, what a great idea, a funeral playlist!  These are two excellent choices, what else do you have?


My funeral playlist includes Bird On A Wire (Leonard Cohen) and A Man Needs A Maid (Neil Young).  I'm a woman but I share Neil's sentiment, gender be damned.
 mjbaumann wrote:


C and W? seriously!
 
Sounds like folk to me, and that's a good thing!!!
 Athyrius wrote:

Me either.  More of RP's descent into the mire of Country and Western.
 

C and W? seriously! Bluegrass...maybe. John Prine was a treasure. RIP!
whoo hooo I was just wondering when I will finally hear all the Prine in Bill's playlist. I true treasure I had the pleasure of seeing live.

I wonder if that was what he said that fateful day?

RIP John, smoke that 9 mi long cigarette and enjoy the Happy Johnny!
RIP Mr. Prine!  (an earlier post on a J Hiatt tune suggested Hiatt passed....) though I figured a John had....Long Live RP and short live this damn virus. 
Yes, I agree that John would have appreciated this one being played. He wouldn't want us to mope.
I first saw John Prine in a small auditorium on the UT campus about 1974. He was witty, and humble. Rest in peace, and God speed Mr Prine. 
Godspeed John. Thank you for your perspective and talent. 
RIP John.
Damn you covid.
Goodbye to one of the special ones.
 Pilsenaaa wrote:
Today I ve learned of John's passing RIP
 
Noooo....

Today I ve learned of John's passing RIP
RIP brother John
Get well soon!
Sing on Brother John. 
When my time comes, someone needs to remember to play this during my memorial party.... for real....
I see the negative ratings for this song -- I get it, it's not everyone's cup of tea. But as a shy geek at the University of Waterloo in the 70's, singing this song in front of my Co-Op residence with my friend Marty M was a breakthrough. With Scott D, the three of us made up harmonies on the chorus -- what a blast. And, of course, the lyrics are hilarious. (Marty would make a joke about encouraging people to sign the Organ Donor portion of their driver's licenses.) :)
This is on my list of songs to sing at the service.
 lizardking wrote:

Considering the title of this tune is "Please Don't Bury Me" Mr. Prine very well could have been filling out the Organ Donor form and then was worried his sickly pallor would expedite the donation (not that the DMV expedites much) - 

I'm liking this, might even go 7 to 8....actually I just did...Long Live RP!!
 
8 --> 9 Love the convo!!!

 Highlowsel wrote:
Sometimes I wonder where the muse for a song comes from, don't you?  I wonder if Sir John of the Prine clan came by this one while standing in line to renew his license at the DMV and filling out the organ donor form while waiting?  Juuuuust sayin'.......

Highlow
American Net'Zen
 
Considering the title of this tune is "Please Don't Bury Me" Mr. Prine very well could have been filling out the Organ Donor form and then was worried his sickly pallor would expedite the donation (not that the DMV expedites much) - 

I'm liking this, might even go 7 to 8....actually I just did...Long Live RP!!
My favorite lyrical tidbit?

Put my socks in a cedar box,
Just get 'em outta here!

Perfection.
Sometimes I wonder where the muse for a song comes from, don't you?  I wonder if Sir John of the Prine clan came by this one while standing in line to renew his license at the DMV and filling out the organ donor form while waiting?  Juuuuust sayin'.......

Highlow
American Net'Zen
I used to go caving in my 20s, this was our unofficial anthem.
 mach-hog wrote:
just think... this same gentleman wrote "Angel From Montgomery"... just saying there's a lot more to Prine than some of his off-the-cuff novelty songs
 
There's also a lot more to his off-the-cuff novelty songs than we might think.
 nagsheadlocal wrote:
Don't know how many times I've sung this out loud while driving. Great to hear it again!
 
How fun for you.  I'll have to try that next time!
 westslope wrote:
If you do not dig John Prine, you are simply not cool.  Period.

 
Well said my friend, well said.
how did he write a song so dumb and so clever at the same time??

john prine is a national treasure.
 maryte wrote:
Got tickets to the invitation-only Austin City Limits taping for tonight!  When it airs in a couple of months, look for my grey-haired bobbing head up front (because that's where I plan to be)!
 
{#Clap} Cool.
Don't know how many times I've sung this out loud while driving. Great to hear it again!
Yes!  Thank you, Bill.
Back when singer song writers are bad asses and singing songs about "the man". 

Now a days, they schill for the "the man". 
Got tickets to the invitation-only Austin City Limits taping for tonight!  When it airs in a couple of months, look for my grey-haired bobbing head up front (because that's where I plan to be)!
One of those cases in which I like the lyrics but do not care for the music, but I can appreciate the whole package nonetheless.
Digging the transition from Dead Flowers.  Tapping my feet at my desk.
Pure Joy
Best organ donor song I've heard today, heck, all week!
Almost everything Prine writes and sings is God-like
Amen
just think... this same gentleman wrote "Angel From Montgomery"... just saying there's a lot more to Prine than some of his off-the-cuff novelty songs
{#Eek}
I taught this song to friends as we went through the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina in southern Louisiana. Funny, the things that stick with you. I think I will always associate this song with that experience.
 Bananda wrote:
Awful.

 

WONDERFUL! FUNNY!


Awful.
 Athyrius wrote:

Me either.  More of RP's descent into the mire of Country and Western.

 
Singer-songwriters you don't either I guess.
"Have you ever noticed, when you're feeling really good
There's always a pidgeon, that'll come shit on your hood
Or you're feeling your freedom, and the world's off your back
Some cowboy from taxas, starts his own war in iraq"

Mr. Prine's a Joy!

 westslope wrote:
If you do not dig John Prine, you are simply not cool.  Period.

 
His songs are so well crafted I'm puzzled how anyone could dislike him.
Interesting how "Hello in there" is not played on RP.  
If you do not dig John Prine, you are simply not cool.  Period.
 ckcotton wrote:
I did not enjoy that
 
... I sure as hell did...
Ok, don't bury him but please bury this song  {#Sick}
 ckcotton wrote:
I did not enjoy that
 
Me either.  More of RP's descent into the mire of Country and Western.
I did not enjoy that
 oldfart48 wrote:
LOTS MORE PRINE PLEASE, BILL......{#Sunny}..( .iris too )...{#Dance}  {#Bananajumprope}

 
Oh yes, their album together is wonderful.
 oldfart48 wrote:
" TIME "  ( Has Come Today )  Chambers Brothers
 
'Bury Me Deep' by Poi Dog Pondering
'Dance On My Grave' by Seconds Flat 
When he says "look out, i got your nose' I laugh out loud every time.  Love me some John Prine!
 philbertr wrote:

OMG, what a great idea, a funeral playlist!  These are two excellent choices, what else do you have?

 
" TIME "  ( Has Come Today )  Chambers Brothers










LOTS MORE PRINE PLEASE, BILL......{#Sunny}..( .iris too )...{#Dance}  {#Bananajumprope}
 tiggers wrote:
This sort of music is uniquely American or rather as a UK resident I wish it was!

 

because u brits only copy? or just KIDDING......because JP is a treasure.....
john prine is always worth a listen... and this is a brilliant tune.
Loved it! Keep playing please!!
one of my favorite Prine tunes
 RobRyan wrote:

Funny, I don't even consider this to be "country music" per se. But DO keep playing it!

 

IF COUNTRY MUSIC WAS ALL THIS GOOD I WOULD MOVE THERE{#Dancingbanana}
This sort of music is uniquely American or rather as a UK resident I wish it was!
Man, I just love singing this song. How many organ donor songs do you know? Actually, how many do we need? Why, just this one, thank you very much... Your mileage may vary however. Thank you John!
Yeeeee haaaaaww. Thigh slapping.
 mostling wrote:
I think John Prine got this one done well before Willie Nelson's "Roll Me Up and Smoke Me When I Die". I'll put both on my future funeral playlist.

 
OMG, what a great idea, a funeral playlist!  These are two excellent choices, what else do you have?
If Bob Dylan was to have a child with Arlo Guthrie...
I think John Prine got this one done well before Willie Nelson's "Roll Me Up and Smoke Me When I Die". I'll put both on my future funeral playlist.
Oh man. This is funny funny funny. {#Roflol} John Prine must keep a big pot of irony on the back burner.  Would love to see him live.
Saw him recently here in Austin. Still got it.
Oh Goodie!!!! my funeral song fer sure!!!!!!!!!!!!
One of the best songwriters, if not THE best songwriter, alive today.

What a freakin classic.

man, I hate t think this style of music dies with people like Prine, Dylan, etc.
I'm gonna say "Yahoo" to this 'cuz I've been listening and playing some of his songs, lately.
Brain to toes—-" Get to tapping, get in gear"—-   Toes to brain— " We are miles ahead of you just look in the mirror"

Put the E in eclectic.  Good spicy addition.
 DanO-1 wrote:
Wise choice John. You made the right decision. Delivering mail in Chicago in January must suck. It could bury one in the cold, cold ground.  Stick to music.
 
Plus if I remember the story correctly, he really wasn't much of a postal carrier. Probably broke some federal laws along the way. Good thing he turned to songwriting instead...
Prine is one of the most consistently funny and entertaining singer songwriters around. This isn't country music, but he's adopted the lovelorn lonely storytelling of that format to sound off with serious satire. 
Love it!!!
everyone here be tappin' their toes
 AndreasL wrote:
No country-music, PLEASE!
 
Funny, I don't even consider this to be "country music" per se. But DO keep playing it!
 AndreasL wrote:
No country-music, PLEASE!
 
No comments from AndreasL, PLEASE!  (See how silly that looks? {#Wink} ) RP is all about variety, diversity, and magic. Open your mind and if you don't like what's playing, let it flow through you until the next song. It's not so difficult, and it makes the ride so much more fun!

I've said it before here....but this is the song I want at my funeral!!!!!!!!!!! 

"Some Humans Ain't Human" by John Prine:

uuum-huuum ummm-huuum
uuum-huuum ummm-huuum

Some humans ain't human, some people ain't kind
You open up their hearts, and here's what you'll find
A few frozen pizzas, some ice cubes with hair
A broken popsicle, you don't wanna go there

Some humans ain't human, though they walk like we do
They live and they breath, just to turn the old screw
They screw you when your sleepin', they try to screw you blind
Some humans ain't human, some people ain't kind

You might go to church, and sit down in a pew
Those humans who ain't human, be sitting right next to you
They talk about your family, they talk about your clothes
When they don't know their own ass, from there own elbows

Jealousy and stupidity, don't equal harmony
Jealousy and stupidity, don't equal harmony
uuum-huuum ummm-huuum
uuum-huuum ummm-huuum

Have you ever noticed, when you're feeling really good
There's always a pidgeon, that'll come shit on your hood
Or you're feeling your freedom, and the world's off your back
Some cowboy from taxas, starts his own war in iraq

Some humans ain't human, some people ain't kind
They lie through their teeth, with their head up their behind
You open up their hearts and here's what you'll find
Some humans ain't human, some people ain't kind

uuum-huuum ummm-huuum
uuum-huuum ummm-huuum
uuum-huuum ummm-huuum
uuum-huuum ummm-huuum

What fun!

 AndreasL wrote:
No country-music, PLEASE!
 
Make that: More country-music, PLEASE!

I ran into JP at the Kroger supermarket here a little while back and we discussed Squamous Cell cancer.  I am still having my Agent Orange related SC's removed.  He's fine and dandy, as usual; he had a SC cancer chopped out in 1998, btw.  What a guy.



I left my heart in Papworth General... :o)
This is not country music!

 
AndreasL wrote:
No country-music, PLEASE!
 


My buddies, Barry, Guido, and Chuck, and I played this among others during some amazing years in university. We played several campuses back then; I was never into blue grass, but I was pulled along by the masses and had fun doing it. This tune was a prominent part of the set. Thanks for the memories, Bill. Good times back in the day.
No country-music, PLEASE!
Thank you Thank you Thank you I love anybody who likes a good JP tune - and this one is one of the best.
John Prine got run over by a reindeer, walking home from my house Christmas eve.

Norah Jones - That's The Way That The World Goes 'Round, Live

Norah Jones performs the John Prine song "That's The Way That The World Goes 'Round".

"I get the chills when Miss Jones sings the part about the "naked eyes of a clown"  "  nineadamsrecords

 




You think Elizabeth Taylor ever heard this one? 
 Cynaera wrote:
Fire bad.  Tree pretty.  I love John Prine's music. {#Sunny}
 
He's a treasure.  Sometimes Bill lets his KPIG/KFAT roots show, and I'm glad for it.

I like "give my knees to the needy"

More Prine please.
Please stop playing this country stuff ...{#Puke}
Thank goodness I can take my RP with me here to Taiwan!
This guy is top shelf, he's been making great records since 1971...............Please play more
Ahhh, that's who sings that song. I have great memories of that Monty Python song... used to close a radio show every morning at 10 am, just as I was waiting for the bell to let us out of metal shop class in HS. Play it Bill, Play it!

btw, this is a great anthology if you want to check out more JP.

 
fineweber wrote:
At my funeral, this followed by Always Look on the Bright Side of Life by Monty Python. Yessss...
 

DAMN FINE PICKIN' AND DAMN FINE TUNE.
too much like Honky Tonk: not my cup of tea...
 dkwalika wrote:
Funny, I think John Prine is about as real as you can get. Not a phony bone in is body or his music.
 
Yep.

Fire bad.  Tree pretty.  I love John Prine's music. {#Sunny}

Love it!
This song has great memories attached to it for me.