How lucky
John Prine Lyrics


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One, two
One, two, three

Today I walked down the street I use to wander
Yeah, shook my head and made myself a bet
That there was all these things that I don't think I remember
Hey, how lucky can one man get?
I bronzed my shoes and hung from a rearview mirror
Bronzed admiration in the blind spot of regret
There was all these things that I don't think I remember
Hey, how lucky can one man get?

Today I walked down the street I use to wander
Yeah, scratched my head and lit my cigarette
Well, there was all these things that I don't think I remember
Hey, how lucky can one man get?

Today I walked down the street I use to wander
Yeah, shook my head and made myself a bet
That there was all these things that I don't think I remember
Hey, how lucky can one man get?




Hey, how lucky can one man get?
Hey, how lucky can one man get?

Overall Meaning

In John Prine's song "How Lucky," the singer reflects on their past experiences as they walk down a street that they used to frequent. They express their feeling of disbelief at all the things that they have forgotten, questioning just how lucky they must be to have had so many experiences that they can't even remember them all. The singer uses some interesting imagery throughout the song to describe their feelings - for example, they say that they "bronzed [their] shoes and hung [them] from a rearview mirror," which can be interpreted as a reference to their old age and the fact that they are no longer able to wander the streets like they used to.


The song is ultimately about the fleeting nature of time, and how it is difficult to keep track of all the experiences that one has had throughout their life. The singer is in awe of the fact that they have been lucky enough to have so many experiences, but they are also somewhat saddened by the fact that they can't remember all of them. Overall, "How Lucky" is a poignant and introspective song that encourages listeners to appreciate the moments in their lives and cherish their memories before they fade away.


Line by Line Meaning

One, two
Counting in preparation for the start of the song


One, two, three
Final counting before starting the song


Today I walked down the street I use to wander
I took a stroll on the familiar path I had once frequented


Yeah, shook my head and made myself a bet
I expressed disbelief and wagered with myself


That there was all these things that I don't think I remember
There were numerous things that slipped from my memory


Hey, how lucky can one man get?
I am surprised and grateful for the good fortune I have received


I bronzed my shoes and hung from a rearview mirror
I preserved my shoes and put it on display as a souvenir


Bronzed admiration in the blind spot of regret
I feel admiration for the past, yet I regret not remembering all of it


Well, there was all these things that I don't think I remember
Once again, I acknowledge that there are things I cannot recall


Hey, how lucky can one man get?
I am still amazed by my good fortune


Hey, how lucky can one man get?
I express my amazement once more


Hey, how lucky can one man get?
I still can't believe how lucky I am




Lyrics © Downtown Music Publishing
Written by: JOHN E PRINE

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