Article: Seasoned songs, classic Prine

The showstopping line, at once classic and familiar, came toward the end of John Prine's show at the Citi Wang Theatre Friday night: "You know that old trees just grow stronger."

It was vintage Prine, from the chorus of "Hello in There," and he's sung those words at least a thousand times since the song showed up on his 1971 self-titled debut.

But as shopworn as the lyric is, it was a poignant commentary on how essential Prine sounds at 63 and how well his songs have aged. You could even argue that, as a grizzled lion in winter, Prine makes more sense as an old man, much like Leonard Cohen does in his 70s. Prine's weathered voice, both gentle and gruff Friday night, now carries the weight of ...

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