Paint Me An Angel That Flies From Montgomery
Introduction
"Paint Me An Angel That Flies From Montgomery" is a popular song written by John Prine. The song was first recorded by Prine in 1971, and has since been covered by several artists. The song tells the story of a woman who is stuck in a small town in Alabama, dreaming of a better life. She asks for an angel to come and take her away from her troubles.
Meaning Behind the Song
The song is a powerful expression of longing for something better. The woman in the song is trapped in a small town, with no prospects for a better life. She dreams of an angel coming to take her away, to a place where she can be free and happy. The song speaks to the universal desire for freedom and the search for something better.
John Prine's Inspiration
John Prine wrote the song after visiting his friend, the country singer-songwriter, Blaze Foley. Foley was living in Montgomery, Alabama at the time, and Prine was struck by the poverty and hopelessness he saw in the area. The song is a reflection of the struggles and dreams of the people he met there.
Lyrics
The lyrics of "Paint Me An Angel That Flies From Montgomery" are simple and poignant. The chorus, "Oh, the last time that I saw her, she was standing at the back door, crying. 'Paint me a picture of an angel and fly it away from here,'" captures the longing and sadness of the woman in the song. The verses tell the story of her life, and her dreams of something better.
Cover Versions
Over the years, "Paint Me An Angel That Flies From Montgomery" has been covered by many artists, including Bonnie Raitt, Susan Tedeschi, and Miranda Lambert. Each version has its own unique interpretation of the song, but all capture the longing and hopefulness of the original.
Bonnie Raitt's Version
Bonnie Raitt's cover of the song is perhaps the most well-known. Her version was released in 1974 and became a radio hit. Raitt's soulful voice and bluesy guitar playing give the song a new energy and emotion.
Susan Tedeschi's Version
Susan Tedeschi also covered "Paint Me An Angel That Flies From Montgomery" on her album "Wait for Me" in 2002. Her version is more stripped down than Raitt's, with just an acoustic guitar and Tedeschi's powerful voice.
Miranda Lambert's Version
Country singer Miranda Lambert covered the song in 2010 on her album "Revolution." Her version is more upbeat than the others, with a driving rhythm and twangy guitar.
Conclusion
"Paint Me An Angel That Flies From Montgomery" is a beautiful and timeless song that speaks to the human desire for freedom and something better. Its simple lyrics and haunting melody have resonated with listeners for decades. Whether it's Bonnie Raitt's soulful version, Susan Tedeschi's stripped-down version, or Miranda Lambert's upbeat country take, the song continues to inspire and move people.