Angel From Montgomery Lyrics

“Angel from Montgomery” is a song written by the celebrated American folk singer-songwriter John Prine, famous for his insightful and often humorous approach to songwriting. This particular song, one of Prine’s most covered, was originally released on his eponymous debut album in 1971. It’s a poignant reflection on middle-aged despair, the yearning for escape, and the longing for something more in life.

Many artists have covered “Angel from Montgomery,” with perhaps the most famous version being by Bonnie Raitt, whose interpretation has been widely praised for its emotional depth and vocal nuance. The song’s enduring popularity attests to John Prine’s legacy as one of America’s most influential songwriters, capable of crossing generational and gender lines with his insightful lyrics.

Lyrics

[Verse 1]

I am an old woman
Named after my mother
My old man is another
Child that’s grown old

If dreams were thunder
And lightnin’ was desire
This old house would’ve burnt down
At a long time ago

[Chorus]

Make me an angel
That flies from Montgomery
Make me a poster
Of an old rodeo

Just give me one thing
That I can hold on to
To believe in this livin’
Is just a hard way to go

[Verse 2]

When I was a young girl
Well, I had me a cowboy
He weren’t much to look at
Just a free ramblin’ man

But that was a long time
And no matter how I tried
Those years just flow by
Like a broken down dam

[Chorus]

Make me an angel
That flies from Montgomery
Make me a poster
Of an old rodeo

Just give me one thing
That I can hold on to
To believe in this livin’
Is just a hard way to go

[Verse 3]

There’s flies in the kitchen
I can hear ’em they’re buzzin’
And I ain’t done nothin’ since I woke up today

How the hell can a person
Go to work in the mornin’
And come home in the evenin’
And have nothin’ to say

[Chorus]

Make me an angel
That flies from Montgomery
Make me a poster
Of an old rodeo

Just give me one thing
That I can hold on to
To believe in this livin’
Is just a hard way to go

To believe in this livin’
Is just a hard way to go

Useful Links

Spotify – Deezer