Bright Eyes Share Benefit Cover Of John Prine’s ‘Christmas In Prison’

Bright Eyes shared a cover of John Prine’s “Christmas In Prison.” Proceeds from the holiday track will benefit the Hello In There Foundation, founded by the Prine family after John’s passing on April 7, 2020.

John Prine was a friend and hero of Bright Eyes frontman Conor Oberst. The band — Oberst, Mike Mogis and Nate Walcott — included a sample of “A John Prine Christmas,” from the legendary singer-songwriter’s 1993 EP of the same name in their version of “Christmas In Prison.”

Oberst spoke about Bright Eyes’ covering the Prine holiday song:

“It is strange to get a chance to share a track with a hero of mine who has passed on. 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.”

– Conor Oberst

Proceeds from Bright Eyes’ “Christmas In Prison” will benefit the four major 2023 grantees of the Hello in There Foundation: Renewal House, Tennessee Immigrant and Refugee Rights Coalition, Porter’s Call and the National Coalition for Homeless Veterans. Fans can also buy a special Prine x Oberst holiday ornament benefitting Hello In There, which comes with a download of “Christmas In Prison” and a Christmas card to send to family and friends.

Listen to Bright Eyes’ “Christmas In Prison” below: