John Prine
John Prine
John Prine
John Prine
John Prine
John Prine
John Prine
John Prine
John Prine
John Prine
John Prine
John Prine
John Prine
In an 2013 interview, John Prine set the record straight –
I have to confess, the song was not about smokin’ dope. It was more about how, ever since I was a child, I had this view of the world where I can find myself smiling at stuff nobody else was smiling at. But it was such a good anthem for dop...
[Verse 1]
When I woke up this morning, things were looking bad
Seemed like total silence was the only friend I had
A bowl of oatmeal tried to stare me down and won
And it was twelve o'clock before I realized that I was having no fun
Ah, but fortunately I have the key to escape reality
[Chorus]
And you may see me tonight with an illegal smile
It don't cost very much, but it lasts a long while
Won't you please tell the man I didn't kill anyone
No I'm just trying to have me some fun
[Verse 2]
Last time I checked my bankroll, it was getting thin
Sometimes it seems like the bottom is the only place I've been
Chased a rainbow down a one-way street, dead end
And all my friends turned out to be insurance salesmen
Ah, but fortunately I have the key to escape reality
[Chorus]
And you may see me tonight with an illegal smile
It don't cost very much, but it lasts a long while
Won't you please tell the man I didn't kill anyone
No I'm just trying to have me some fun
[Verse 3]
Well, I sat down in my closet with all my overalls
Trying to get away from all the ears inside my walls
I dreamed the police heard everything I thought, what then?
Well I went to court and the judge's name was Hoffman
Ah, but fortunately I have the key to escape reality
[Chorus]
And you may see me tonight with an illegal smile
It don't cost very much, but it lasts a long while
Won't you please tell the man I didn't kill anyone
No I'm just trying to have me some fun
[Outro]
Well done
Hot dog bun
My sister's a nun
Illegal Smile was written by John Prine.
Illegal Smile was produced by Arif Mardin.
John Prine released Illegal Smile on Fri Oct 01 1971.