Bright Eyes have shared a new cover of the John Prine song “Christmas in Prison.” Conor Oberst, Mike Mogis, and Nate Walcott’s new rendition features a sample of Prine’s “A John Prine Christmas.”
Proceeds from the song will benefit for the late Prine’s charity, the Hello in There Foundation and its 2023 beneficiaries: the Tennessee Immigrant and Refugee Rights Coalition, Porters Call, the National Coalition for Homeless Veterans, and Renewal House. They’re also selling a Bright Eyes and John Prine holiday ornament to benefit the foundation.
“It is strange to get a chance to share a track with a hero of mine who has passed on,” Oberst said in a statement. “Normally not something I would do. I don’t like holograms. But I have so much love and affection for John as a person and his music. He really changed my life on a lot of levels. When I heard the sample of him talking about Christmas just put such a big smile on my face and I couldn’t help but want to share it with other people. A little Christmas gift to a stranger. It’s all about John and his beautiful song. But I am happy to sing in the choir. Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays to everyone all around the world. I wish love and light this season to you and yours.”
Revisit 2020’s “Remembering John Prine, the Ultimate Songwriter’s Songwriter.”