A Humorous Ode to Unpretentious Love: When John Prine and Iris DeMent Celebrated the Beauty of the Ordinary.
“(We’re Not) The Jet Set,” a delightful duet by the incomparable John Prine and the wonderfully authentic Iris DeMent, is a charming and wryly humorous celebration of a love that finds its contentment not in the whirlwind of celebrity and extravagance, but in the simple pleasures of everyday life shared together. Released in 1999 on Prine’s Grammy-winning album “In Spite of Ourselves,” this track, while not a traditional charting single, became an immediate fan favorite and a highlight of the album, showcasing the unique chemistry between Prine’s folksy wit and DeMent’s heartfelt sincerity. The song’s meaning is a playful and affectionate declaration that the couple in question are far from the glamorous “jet set,” finding their happiness in the unpretentious joys of their ordinary lives, emphasizing the depth and authenticity of their love amidst the everyday. It transforms a simple acknowledgment of their non-celebrity status into a warm and humorous anthem for unpretentious love.
Imagine a cozy kitchen, the smell of coffee brewing in the air, and the sound of John Prine’s gravelly charm blending perfectly with Iris DeMent’s pure, honest voice, creating a musical portrait of a love that’s real, comfortable, and utterly unconcerned with the trappings of fame. Prine’s wry delivery and DeMent’s earnest harmonies perfectly capture the gentle humor and underlying affection of the lyrics. Featured on the wonderfully titled album “In Spite of Ourselves,” a collection of duet love songs, “(We’re Not) The Jet Set” stands out for its down-to-earth charm and its celebration of a love that finds its strength in its ordinariness. The simple country arrangement, with its acoustic guitars and unadorned instrumentation, perfectly complements the honest and relatable nature of the lyrics, making the listener feel like they’re eavesdropping on a genuinely sweet and humorous moment between two people deeply connected. It’s a song that reminds us that the most valuable things in life are often the simplest.
The story behind “(We’re Not) The Jet Set” is a testament to John Prine’s ability to find the extraordinary in the ordinary and to his gift for collaboration. The “In Spite of Ourselves” album was a project filled with wonderful duet pairings, but the chemistry between Prine and Iris DeMent on this track is particularly special. Their contrasting vocal styles – Prine’s world-weary drawl and DeMent’s clear, almost childlike sincerity – create a delightful dynamic that perfectly underscores the song’s humorous and heartfelt message. The song’s enduring appeal lies in its relatable portrayal of a love that finds its richness not in extravagance but in the genuine connection between two people who are perfectly content in their unpretentious world.
For those of us who have found the deepest joys in the simple, everyday moments shared with a loved one, “(We’re Not) The Jet Set” by John Prine and Iris DeMent evokes a warm and knowing smile. It reminds us that the most authentic and lasting love often thrives far away from the spotlight, in the comfortable rhythm of ordinary life. Their charming duet and the song’s gentle humor offer a moment of shared appreciation for the beauty of unpretentious love and the richness found in the simple act of sharing life with someone special, even if that life doesn’t involve private planes or glamorous parties. It remains a delightful and heartwarming classic, a gentle reminder that true love is often found in the most unexpected and ordinary of places.