‘Tis the season for holiday music, and Bright Eyes have contributed to the festivities with a new cover of the John Prine yuletide classic “Christmas in Prison.”
For their rendition of the song, Conor Oberst, Mike Mogis, and Nate Walcott give it a bit of a beefier instrumental, though the spirit of Prine’s original is still very much present — especially since the recording boasts a sample of his voice from 1993’s A John Prine Christmas. (The singer-songwriter died in April 2020 of complications stemming from COVID-19.)
“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.”
What’s more, proceeds from Bright Eyes’ “Christmas in Prison” will go towards 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. You can also pick up a Bright Eyes and John Prine holiday ornament to gift to your more melancholic loved ones.
Stream Bright Eyes’ “Christmas in Prison” below.
Next March, Oberst will commence “Conor Oberst and Friends,” a run of 2024 residency shows going down in Los Angeles and New York City. Grab tickets here.
