About the song
Have you ever heard a song that seems to reach deep into your soul and tug at your heartstrings? John Prine’s “Sam Stone” is one such song. Released in 1971 on his self-titled debut album, this haunting ballad has resonated with listeners for generations.
Prine, often hailed as one of the greatest American songwriters, has a unique ability to weave intricate tales of everyday life. In “Sam Stone,” he paints a vivid picture of a war veteran struggling with the aftermath of conflict. Sam, a man broken by the horrors of war, finds solace in the numbing effects of morphine. The song follows his descent into addiction and its devastating consequences on his family.
The lyrics are both heartbreaking and hopeful. Prine’s masterful use of imagery, such as “a purple heart and a monkey on his back,” creates a lasting impression. The recurring line, “There’s a hole in daddy’s arm where all the money goes,” is a stark reminder of the destructive power of addiction. Yet, amidst the despair, there’s a sense of compassion and understanding. Prine doesn’t judge Sam; instead, he offers a glimpse into the human condition and the challenges we all face.
“Sam Stone” is more than just a song about addiction; it’s a commentary on the human cost of war. Prine’s ability to capture the emotional toll of conflict is what makes this song so enduring. It’s a reminder that the scars of war can last a lifetime, even after the fighting has ended.
Over the years, “Sam Stone” has become a staple in the folk and Americana genres. It’s been covered by countless artists, each bringing their own unique interpretation to the song. But it’s Prine’s original version that remains the most powerful. His raw and emotional delivery, combined with the poignant lyrics, creates a timeless masterpiece that will continue to resonate with listeners for years to come.
Video
Lyrics
Sam Stone came home
To his wife and family
After serving in the conflict overseas
And the time that he served
Had shattered all his nerves
And left a little shrapnel in his knees
But the morphine eased the pain
And the grass grew round his brain
And gave him all the confidence he lacked
With a purple heart and a monkey on his back
There’s a hole in daddy’s arm where all the money goes
Jesus Christ died for nothin’ I suppose
Little pitchers have big ears
Don’t stop to count the years
Sweet songs never last too long on broken radios, mmhmm
Sam Stone’s welcome home
Didn’t last too long
He went to work when he’d spent his last dime
And Sammy took to stealing
When he got that empty feeling
For a hundred dollar habit without overtime
And the gold rolled through his veins
Like a thousand railroad trains
And eased his mind in the hours that he chose
While the kids ran around wearin’ other peoples’ clothes
There’s a hole in daddy’s arm where all the money goes
Jesus Christ died for nothin’ I suppose
Little pitchers have big ears
Don’t stop to count the years
Sweet songs never last too long on broken radios, mmhmm
Sam Stone was alone
When he popped his last balloon
Climbing walls while sitting in a chair
Well, he played his last request
While the room smelled just like death
With an overdose hovering in the air
But life had lost its fun
There was nothing to be done
But trade his house that he bought on the GI bill
For a flag-draped casket on a local hero’s hill
There’s a hole in daddy’s arm where all the money goes
Jesus Christ died for nothin’ I suppose
Little pitchers have big ears
Don’t stop to count the years
Sweet songs never last too long on broken radios, mmhmm