Prairie Wind

Album: Prairie Wind (2005)
Play Video

Songfacts®:

  • Young wrote this song about his father, who had recently died. In his last months of life, Young's dad suffered from Dementia, which Neil said was very hard to deal with. His little cousin told Neil at the funeral that his daddy was fine and knew what was going on because when they were in the car and a police car pulled up behind, he yelled "Cop." Neil found a lot of comfort and humor in the story.

    Neil speaks a bit more on his dad's dementia in his 2005 documentary Neil Young: Heart of Gold. He describes it, bittersweetly, as "seeing your loved ones living in the moment." >>>
    Suggestion credit:
    David - Oakville, Canada

Comments: 1

  • Stefanie from Rock Hill, ScGood song! Good album! Sad story though.
see more comments

Editor's Picks

Pam Tillis

Pam TillisSongwriter Interviews

The country sweetheart opines about the demands of touring and talks about writing songs with her famous father.

Rock Stars of Horror

Rock Stars of HorrorMusic Quiz

Rock Stars - especially those in the metal realm - are often enlisted for horror movies. See if you know can match the rocker to the role.

Frankie Valli

Frankie ValliSong Writing

An interview with Frankie Valli, who talks about why his songs - both solo and with The Four Seasons - have endured, and reflects on his time as Rusty Millio on The Sopranos.

Part of Their World: The Stories and Songs of 13 Disney Princesses

Part of Their World: The Stories and Songs of 13 Disney PrincessesSong Writing

From "Some Day My Prince Will Come" to "Let It Go" - how Disney princess songs (and the women who sing them) have evolved.

Kip Winger

Kip WingerSongwriter Interviews

The Winger frontman reveals the Led Zeppelin song he cribbed for "Seventeen," and explains how his passion for orchestra music informs his songwriting.

Stephen Christian of Anberlin

Stephen Christian of AnberlinSongwriter Interviews

The lead singer/lyricist for Anberlin breaks down "Impossible" and covers some tracks from their 2012 album Vital.