Donald And Lydia
John Prine · Other Songs - John Prine
Pinballs and pool halls flashing their lights.
Making change behind the counter in a penny arcade
Sat the fat girl daughter of Virginia and Ray.
Lydia!
Lydia hid her thoughts like a cat -
Behind her small eyes, sunk deep in her fat.
She read romance magazines up in her room,
And felt just like Sunday on Saturday afternoon.
Chorus:
But dreamin' just comes natural
Like the first breath from a baby
Like sunshine feedin' daisies
Like the love hidden deep in your heart
Bunk beds, shaved heads, Saturday night -
A warehouse of strangers 'neath 60-watt lights.
Starin' through the ceiling, just wanting to be,
Lay one of too many, a young P.F.C.
Donald!
There were spaces between Donald...
And whatever he said.
Strangers had forced him
To live in his head.
He envisioned the details of romantic scenes
After midnight in the stillness of the barracks' latrines.
(Chorus)
Hot love, cold love, no love at all
A portrait of guilt is hung on the wall
Nothin' is wrong, nothin' is right,
Donald and Lydia
Made love that night.
Love!
They made love in the mountains,
They made love in the streams,
They made love in the valleys,
They made love in their dreams.
But when they was finished,
There was nothin' to say -
Cause mostly they made love
Ten miles away.
(Chorus)
Donald And Lydia
John Prine's "Donald And Lydia" stands as a quintessential example of his storytelling prowess, blending folk and country influences with a warm, conversational tone. The song features the recurring character Donald, a figure often associated with Prine's whimsical yet poignant narratives about everyday life and human connection. Released during a period where Prine frequently performed live, the track showcases his signature ability to weave complex emotional landscapes into simple, accessible melodies. While specific album placement varies across different compilations and live recordings, the song remains a staple of his discography, reflecting his deep engagement with social commentary and personal anecdotes. Its enduring appeal lies in Prine's unique voice and his capacity to transform mundane observations into universal truths, cementing his status as a master of narrative songwriting.