Bright Eyes share cover of John Prine festive hit ‘Christmas in Prison’
Bright Eyes have shared a new festive cover of John Prine’s ‘Christmas in Prison’, featuring a sample from the original version.
The song’s earnings will support the late Prine’s charity, the Hello in There Foundation, and its 2023 beneficiaries: the Tennessee Immigrant and Refugee Rights Coalition, Porters Call, the National Coalition for Homeless Veterans, and Renewal House.
Additionally, the band is offering a Bright Eyes and John Prine holiday ornament for sale, with proceeds earmarked to aid the foundation.
“It is strange to get a chance to share a track with a hero of mine who has passed on,” Bright Eyes’ Conor Oberst said in a statement. “Normally not something I would do. I don’t like holograms. But I have so much love and affection for John as a person and his music.”
He continued: “He really changed my life on a lot of levels. When I heard the sample of him talking about Christmas just put such a big smile on my face and I couldn’t help but want to share it with other people. A little Christmas gift to a stranger.
“It’s all about John and his beautiful song. But I am happy to sing in the choir. Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays to everyone all around the world. I wish love and light this season to you and yours.”
Prine was best known for his songwriting prowess and influence on fellow musicians, including Bob Dylan, who described the singer as “pure Proustian existentialism”.
His song ‘Christmas in Prison’ was first recorded and released in 1973 as part of his third album, Sweet Revenge.
Check out Bright Eyes’ stunning rendition below.
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