“In Spite of Ourselves” by John Prine, featuring Iris DeMent, is a whimsical and honest portrayal of love in its most unfiltered form. It’s about finding perfection in imperfection celebrating the quirks and idiosyncrasies of one’s partner. The song crafts a narrative of two people, unconventional in their ways, yet perfectly suited for each other. Its charm lies in its candid, humorous depiction of their peculiarities. Prine and DeMent deliver a message of enduring love, one that thrives not in spite of but because of their flaws. This song resonates with anyone who’s found love where they least expected it.
Ever wondered how love looks without rose-tinted glasses? “In Spite of Ourselves” gives you a peek. It’s raw, real, and hilarious.
“In Spite of Ourselves” Lyrics Meaning
“In Spite of Ourselves” opens with a depiction of a woman who defies convention – disliking runny eggs and finding humor in crossing her legs. This verse sets the tone, highlighting how love often finds us in the quirks and oddities of our partners. The man, equally unconventional, is described with affectionate humor. He’s not the sharpest tool in the shed but is cherished for his unique traits.
The chorus, “In spite of ourselves, we’ll end up a-sittin’ on a rainbow,” encapsulates the essence of the song. It suggests that despite their oddities, or perhaps because of them, the couple finds a unique, colorful love that defies expectations.
As the song progresses, each verse paints a more detailed picture of their personalities. She enjoys offbeat things like convict movies and unconventional food habits, while he’s described as a whimsical, slightly eccentric character. These descriptions are endearing, highlighting that it’s often the unusual traits that form the strongest bonds in a relationship.
The lyrics repeatedly emphasize the commitment they have to each other. Phrases like “I’m never gonna let her go” and “Never gonna let him go” underscore a deep, unwavering bond, one that looks beyond superficial flaws.
The concluding lines of the chorus, “There won’t be nothin’ but big old hearts dancin’ in our eyes,” beautifully encapsulate the idea that in love, it’s the heart that matters most. It’s a celebration of love that sees beyond the surface, finding beauty in the quirks and foibles of one’s partner.
The Story Behind “In Spite of Ourselves”
John Prine, known for his incisive, often humorous songwriting, penned “In Spite of Ourselves” as a testament to love’s enduring power. This song was born out of Prine’s unique perspective on life and relationships, a perspective shaped by his own experiences and observations.
Prine’s songwriting often reflects a deep understanding of the human condition, with a particular knack for finding beauty in the mundane. “In Spite of Ourselves” is no exception. It emerges from a state of mind that appreciates the quirks of everyday life and the imperfect nature of human relationships. Prine’s lyrics are a canvas on which he paints the everyday with extraordinary hues.
The song’s humor and candidness suggest that it was written during a period of introspection and perhaps personal experience in love. Prine’s ability to craft characters that are so vividly real speaks to his skill as a songwriter and his understanding of the nuances of human emotion.
What makes “In Spite of Ourselves” so special is its authenticity. It’s a song that doesn’t just tell a story; it invites listeners into a world where love is unvarnished and true. It’s a celebration of the kind of love that endures – not in spite of our flaws, but because of them.
This song serves as a reminder that sometimes, the most profound connections are found in the most unexpected places. Prine’s lyrical genius lies in his ability to capture this essence, creating a song that resonates with anyone who’s ever found love in a place they didn’t think to look.