Gone Hollywood Top Ten: Picture Show (#2)
By Four Walls
@FourWalls (89878)
United States
October 30, 2026 9:35am CST
yes, John, I know. I’m hitting all the favorites in this countdown. Well, I hit all the favorites in every countdown. 
Today’s penultimate song about Hollywood features one of my all-time favorites. Enjoy today’s song.
#2: Picture Show - John Prine
Well, today seems to be great songwriters day. In addition to the brilliance of Jim Croce, used in the LA song, we have John Prine here extolling the virtues of Hollywood. Prine was a big movie buff, and it shows in this song. (He also found a way to mention John Garfield in a song on his second album.) “John Garfield in the afternoon, Montgomery Clift at night” sounds like a good double feature!
For a “folkie,” Prine sure rocks on this one. Of course, he has the backing of Tom Petty‘s Heartbreakers on this song.
One of my favorite songs of his from the 90s.
Picture Show
Written by John Prine
Recorded by John Prine
From This Missing Years, 1991
HOLLYWOOD LYRICS:
James Dean went out to Hollywood and put his picture in a picture show
Today’s penultimate song about Hollywood features one of my all-time favorites. Enjoy today’s song.
#2: Picture Show - John Prine
Well, today seems to be great songwriters day. In addition to the brilliance of Jim Croce, used in the LA song, we have John Prine here extolling the virtues of Hollywood. Prine was a big movie buff, and it shows in this song. (He also found a way to mention John Garfield in a song on his second album.) “John Garfield in the afternoon, Montgomery Clift at night” sounds like a good double feature!
For a “folkie,” Prine sure rocks on this one. Of course, he has the backing of Tom Petty‘s Heartbreakers on this song.
One of my favorite songs of his from the 90s.
Picture Show
Written by John Prine
Recorded by John Prine
From This Missing Years, 1991
HOLLYWOOD LYRICS:
James Dean went out to Hollywood and put his picture in a picture showYour browser isn’t supported anymore. Update it to get the best YouTube experience and our latest features. Learn moreRemind me later
9 people like this
9 responses
@teamfreak16 (48639)
• Denver, Colorado
8h
I've never heard this one before. Pretty good stuff. Of course, that should be expected.
3 people like this
@crossbones27 (54103)
• Mojave, California
1h
For some reason, that is reminding me of Kenny Rodgers. Am I the only one who hears that?
2 people like this
@crossbones27 (54103)
• Mojave, California
12m
@FourWalls You have to know when to fold them, know when to hold them. Its more on the chorus.
I love the lyrics, anytime you hear Navajo, is he Navajo, well he speaks of them and they like to do one thing. Not like they coming to get you, but they remember and they will hold you accountable till the earth runs out of days.
Those are some powerful lyrics.
@JohnRoberts (108600)
• Los Angeles, California
10h
John Prine is a favorite of yours? Well dang me again!
2 people like this
@FourWalls (89878)
• United States
9h
Now that you mention it, Roger Miller is another favorite.
2 people like this
@FourWalls (89878)
• United States
10h
I’m glad you liked it. “Unusual” is my middle name when it comes to music.
2 people like this
@JudyEv (390519)
• Rockingham, Australia
10m
Not one of his that I'd heard before but always pleased when John Prine comes along.
@FourWalls (89878)
• United States
10h
Yeah, I’m guessing John Garfield was a favorite actor of his. He was in one of my favorite movies, Gentleman’s Agreement.
2 people like this
