A Tender Duet Across Generations: Reflecting on Shared Humanity and Enduring Legacy
There are some songs that, upon first listen, feel instantly familiar, like a long-lost conversation with an old friend. Such is the case with “How Lucky,” a poignant duet that brings together the idiosyncratic charm of Kurt Vile and the timeless wisdom of the late, great John Prine. Released on November 12, 2020, as part of Vile’s EP “Speed, Sound, Lonely KV (ep),” this collaboration, though posthumous for Prine, quickly resonated with audiences, carving out a special place in the hearts of many. While it didn’t storm the mainstream charts in the way some pop anthems do, its impact was felt deeply within Americana, folk, and independent music circles, consistently appearing on critics’ year-end lists and gaining significant traction on platforms dedicated to roots music. For those of us who grew up with Prine’s voice as a comforting presence, hearing him alongside Vile felt like a beautiful, unexpected gift, a bridge across time and musical styles.
The story behind “How Lucky” is as touching as the song itself. The original version of “How Lucky” first appeared on John Prine’s 1979 album, “Pink Cadillac.” It’s a testament to the enduring quality of Prine’s songwriting that a track from over four decades ago could find new life and renewed relevance. Kurt Vile, a self-proclaimed admirer and long-time friend of Prine’s, had long harbored a desire to collaborate with the legendary songwriter. This aspiration became a tangible reality when Prine, in a serendipitous twist, extended an invitation for Vile to record at his Nashville studio, The Butcher Shoppe, in the autumn of 2019. It was during these sessions, just months before Prine’s untimely passing in April 2020 due to complications from COVID-19, that “How Lucky” was re-recorded. The version we cherish now is a raw, unadorned testament to that shared musical moment, capturing the authentic warmth and camaraderie between the two artists. It feels less like a polished studio production and more like an intimate performance, two kindred spirits simply enjoying the act of making music together.
At its core, “How Lucky” is a reflection on contentment, a quiet acknowledgment of the simple joys and good fortune in life. It’s not about grand achievements or material wealth, but rather the profound luck of having loved ones, of experiencing moments of peace, and of simply being present in the world. Prine’s original delivery carried a characteristic understated wisdom, a knowing wink that suggested he understood the inherent beauty in the mundane. Vile, with his languid vocal delivery and signature guitar style, doesn’t try to imitate Prine; instead, he complements him, adding a layer of contemporary melancholy and introspection that deepens the song’s emotional resonance. The interplay between their voices—Prine’s gravelly and warm, Vile’s hazy and contemplative—creates a dialogue across generations, a conversation about the shared human experience of finding solace in the everyday. For many older listeners, this song evokes memories of simpler times, of appreciating what you have, and of the enduring power of human connection. It’s a reminder that even in the face of uncertainty, there is always something to be grateful for, always a reason to feel, well, how lucky. It’s a song that wraps around you like a well-worn blanket, comforting and familiar, whispering truths we’ve always known but sometimes forget.