A Bittersweet Ballad of Longing and Departure
Ah, Milwaukee Here I Come. Just the title itself, sung by the incomparable voices of John Prine and Iris DeMent, conjures up a specific kind of American landscape, doesn’t it? A landscape of dusty roads, endless skies, and the bittersweet ache of leaving one place for another. This isn’t a song that stormed the pop charts, mind you. For artists like John Prine and Iris DeMent, chart positions were never the true measure of their artistry. Their impact was felt in the quiet moments, in the hearts of listeners who understood the raw, unvarnished truth in their lyrics. So, while it didn’t set the Billboard Hot 100 on fire, its true success lies in its enduring resonance with audiences who cherish authentic storytelling in music.
This particular rendition of “Milwaukee Here I Come” can be found on John Prine’s critically acclaimed 1999 album, “In Spite of Ourselves.” The album itself was a magnificent ode to duets, showcasing Prine’s uncanny ability to connect with a diverse range of female vocalists, each bringing their unique hue to his already vibrant tapestry of songs. And what a pairing Prine and DeMent were! Their voices, both possessing that earthy, honest quality, intertwined with a natural grace that felt as comfortable as an old porch swing on a summer evening.
The story behind “Milwaukee Here I Come” is a fascinating one, rooted in the rich tradition of country and folk music. It’s a song penned by the legendary Lee Howard and Bobby Braddock, two masterful songwriters who understood the human condition with profound clarity. While not an original Prine composition, his decision to include it on “In Spite of Ourselves” speaks volumes about its inherent quality and its perfect fit within the album’s thematic framework of love, loss, and the everyday struggles and triumphs of ordinary people. Prine had a gift for choosing songs that felt like his own, even if he hadn’t written them, imbuing them with his singular perspective and a warmth that was uniquely his.
At its heart, “Milwaukee Here I Come” is a profound exploration of longing and the inevitable pull of change. It speaks to the universal experience of leaving a place, and perhaps a past, behind, while simultaneously looking forward to what awaits. The lyrics paint a vivid picture of a narrator on the cusp of a journey, heading to Milwaukee, a city that represents a fresh start, a new chapter. Yet, there’s an undercurrent of melancholy, a sense of what’s being left behind. It’s not a mournful lament, but rather a quiet acknowledgment of the emotional complexity inherent in any significant transition. For many older listeners, this resonates deeply. We’ve all had our own Milwaukees, haven’t we? Places we’ve moved to, dreams we’ve chased, people we’ve left behind. The song captures that exact feeling – the excitement of the unknown mixed with the wistful glance over the shoulder at what once was.
The genius of Prine and DeMent’s performance lies in their ability to convey this duality without ever resorting to theatrics. Their delivery is understated, allowing the raw emotion of the lyrics to shine through. You can almost hear the rumble of the train, feel the miles slipping by, and sense the unspoken thoughts of the traveler. It’s a journey not just across states, but across emotional landscapes, a gentle contemplation of choices made and paths taken. For those of us who grew up with the sounds of genuine, heartfelt music, “Milwaukee Here I Come” is a comforting reminder of the enduring power of a well-told story, sung with integrity and soul. It’s a song that invites reflection, stirring up memories of our own migrations, our own goodbyes, and our own hopeful arrivals.