Introduction
John Prine was an American country folk singer-songwriter who passed away in April 2020. One of his popular songs is “In Spite of Ourselves,” which is a duet with Iris DeMent. The lyrics of the song tell the story of a couple who are deeply in love despite their flaws and imperfections. The humorous and playful tone of the song makes it a favorite among fans of country music.
Verse 1
The first verse of “In Spite of Ourselves” describes the physical appearance of the couple. Prine sings, “She thinks all my jokes are corny, convict movies make her horny. She likes ketchup on her scrambled eggs, swears like a sailor when she shaves her legs.” These lines showcase the unique quirks and preferences of the couple, which they embrace and love about each other.
Chorus
The chorus of the song is catchy and memorable. It goes, “In spite of ourselves, we’ll end up a-sittin’ on a rainbow. Against all odds, honey, we’re the big door prize. We’re gonna spite our noses right off of our faces. There won’t be nothin’ but big ol’ hearts dancin’ in our eyes.” The lyrics emphasize how the couple’s love will triumph over any obstacles and challenges they may face.
Verse 2
The second verse of “In Spite of Ourselves” dives deeper into the personalities of the couple. Prine sings, “He thinks that I’m a saint, but he knows that I’m a stranger. I’m good at cookin’ and cleanin’, I’m a God-fearin’ angel in a dress.” These lines show how the couple complements each other despite their differences.
Bridge
The bridge of the song provides a moment of reflection. Prine sings, “We’re gonna be holdin’ hands forever, all of these flames will burn out. We’re gonna be still a-sittin’ on our front porch, two old farts a-doin’ what old farts do.” These lyrics express the couple’s commitment to each other and the longevity of their love.
Verse 3
The third verse of “In Spite of Ourselves” is particularly humorous. Prine sings, “She’s got more balls than a big brass monkey, he’s a whistlin’ wonder with a love song. He’s a-playin’ when he oughta be a-workin’, she’s a-lovin’ when she oughta shove.” These lines showcase the couple’s playful banter and how they balance each other out.
Conclusion
“In Spite of Ourselves” is a beloved song among John Prine fans and country music enthusiasts. The lyrics tell a heartwarming story of a couple who love each other despite their flaws and differences. The playful and humorous tone of the song makes it a joy to listen to. Prine’s legacy lives on through his music, and “In Spite of Ourselves” is a testament to his talent as a songwriter.
