John Prine was a country and folk singer known for his clever and honest songwriting. He started in the 1970s and became well-loved for songs that told everyday stories with heart and humor. Over his career, he won two Grammy Awards and received a Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award. Many artists looked up to him and covered his songs.

Even after many years, his music stayed meaningful to people of all ages. He was seen as a storyteller who helped shape American folk music.

About the Song

This song expresses a desire for someone to return home. It feels soft and gentle, like a quiet talk with someone you miss. John Prine sings it in a calm, kind way. The music is simple, and the message is clear. It became a well-loved song near the end of his career, and many people felt comfort by it.

Summers End John Prine

Verse 1

Summer’s end is around the bend just flyin’
The swimmin’ suits are on the line just dryin’
I’ll meet you there per our conversation
I hope I didn’t ruin your whole vacation

Verse 2

Well you never know how far from home you’re feelin’
Until you’ve watched the shadows cross the ceilin’
Well I don’t know, but I can see it snowin’
In your car, the windows are wide open

Chorus

Just come on home
Come on home
No you don’t have to be alone
Just come on home

Verse 3

Valentines break hearts and minds at random
That old Easter egg ain’t got a leg to stand on
Well I can see that you can’t win for tryin’
And New Year’s Eve is bound to leave you cryin’

[Chorus]
Come on home
Come on home
No you don’t have to be alone
Just come on home

Verse 4

The moon and stars hang out in bars just talkin’
I still love that picture of us walkin’
Just like that old house we thought was haunted
Summer’s end came faster than we wanted

Chorus

Come on home
Come on home
No you don’t have to be alone
Come on home
Come on home
You don’t have to be alone
Just come on home

Similar Songs Like Summer’s End

You’ll likely appreciate these heartfelt and thoughtful songs, which carry his signature warmth and gentle storytelling.

• Hello in There: This song gently reminds listeners to care for older people who may feel forgotten, using kind words and soft music.
• Angel from Montgomery: Written from a woman’s view, it shares quiet pain and lost time with strong, honest lyrics that many deeply connect with.
• Souvenirs: Memory is the theme here, as John sings about holding on to moments that can’t be touched but never fully fade.
• Clay Pigeons: Prine’s cover of Blaze Foley’s song has a peaceful sound, talking about starting over and moving forward after a hard time.

Similar Artists Like John Prine

If you enjoy John Prine’s honest storytelling and simple tunes, here are some similar artists you might like. Their songs also focus on real life, gentle humor, and heartfelt lyrics.

• Kris Kristofferson
  Genres: Country, Folk, Americana
  Top Albums: Kristofferson (1970), Jesus Was a Capricorn (1972), A Moment of Forever (1995)
• Guy Clark
  Genres: Folk, Country, Singer-Songwriter
  Top Albums: Old No. 1 (1975), Boats to Build (1992), Workbench Songs (2006)
• Townes Van Zandt
  Genres: Folk, Country, Blues
  Top Albums: Townes Van Zandt (1969), Delta Momma Blues (1971), Live at the Old Quarter (1977)
• Steve Goodman
  Genres: Folk Rock, Country Folk
  Top Albums: Steve Goodman (1971), Somebody Else’s Troubles (1972), Say It in Private (1977)
• Lucinda Williams
  Genres: Americana, Folk Rock, Country
  Top Albums: Car Wheels on a Gravel Road (1998), Essence (2001), Down Where the Spirit Meets the Bone (2014)

Award for The Songs

Frequently Asked Questions

What Tragedy in Prine’s Life Impacted the Summer’s End?

John wrote this after his wife’s passing, putting his grief into the song’s gentle, sad tone.

Did John Prine Write Summer’s End Alone?

He wrote it with Pat McLaughlin, his longtime friend and collaborator on songwriting.

How did the Song’s Meaning Change After Prine’s Death?

After Prine died in 2020, fans heard it as his farewell, lending it new meaning.