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Sam Stone Trivia Quiz

This is a classic John Prine song which has been covered by many. My first quiz on Funtrivia.com, so I hope you enjoy it.

A multiple-choice quiz by cyanidemum. Estimated time: 3 mins.

Author
cyanidemum

Time
3 mins

Type
Multiple Choice

Quiz #
278,641

Updated
Dec 03 21

# Qns
10

Difficulty
Average

Avg Score
8 / 10

Plays
365

Awards
Top 20% Quiz

One at a Time - Single Page - Timed Game

Question 1 of 10

1. Where *exactly* was Sam Stone serving, according to the song? Hint

Vietnam

abroad

Korea

overseas

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Question 2 of 10

2. What great accolade did he come home with? Hint

Purple Heart

Victory Medal

Victoria Cross

Distinguished Service Cross

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Question 3 of 10

3. The author describes children in an unusual fashion, although using a common saying. What is the term he uses? Hint

small people

little pitchers

ankle biters

rug rats

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Question 4 of 10

4. Sam took to illegal activities to pay for his habit. According to the song, what was the monetary value of his habit? Hint

$10

$100

$50

$150

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Question 5 of 10

5. "And the gold rolled through his veins
Like a thousand __________
________," Hint

soldier men

army tanks

bomber planes

railroad trains

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Question 6 of 10

6. According to the song, what did Jesus Christ die for? Hint

to save us from sin

nothing

he didn't really

so we would be rich

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Question 7 of 10

7. Sam Stone was alone when he died.

True

False

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Question 8 of 10

8. Sam felt that life had lost something important. What was that? Hint

fizz

heart

meaning

fun

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Question 9 of 10

9. Where was Sam buried? Hint

the family grave

on a local heroes' hill

he was cremated

side by side with his sweetheart

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Question 10 of 10

10. Which album did this song first appear on? Hint

Sweet Revenge

Diamonds in the Rough

Bruised Orange

John Prine

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Quiz Answer Key and Fun Facts

1. Where *exactly* was Sam Stone serving, according to the song?

Answer: overseas

The author doesn't actually mention the name of the war, although it is widely assumed that he has returned from the Vietnam war which ended in 1975.
"Sam Stone came home,
To his wife and family
After serving in the conflict overseas."

2. What great accolade did he come home with?

Answer: Purple Heart

"With a Purple Heart and a monkey on his back."
The Purple Heart is awared to those serving with the U.S. military who have been wounded or killed in service. It is a very honorable award. Sadly, he also returned home with a heroin addiction which is referred to as the monkey on his back.

3. The author describes children in an unusual fashion, although using a common saying. What is the term he uses?

Answer: little pitchers

The phrase used is "little pitchers have big ears" which means that young children often overhear something they should not. The shape of a pitcher's handles are likened to ears.

4. Sam took to illegal activities to pay for his habit. According to the song, what was the monetary value of his habit?

Answer: $100

"He went to work when he'd spent his last dime
And Sammy took to stealing
When he got that empty feeling
For a hundred dollar habit without overtime. "

5. "And the gold rolled through his veins Like a thousand __________ ________,"

Answer: railroad trains

"And the gold rolled through his veins
Like a thousand railroad trains,"
This is quite a dramatic description of the hit from his drugs.

6. According to the song, what did Jesus Christ die for?

Answer: nothing

"Jesus Christ died for nothin' I suppose."
When Johnny Cash covered this song, he changed this line to "Daddy must have known something, I suppose".

7. Sam Stone was alone when he died.

Answer: True

"Sam Stone was alone
When he popped his last balloon"
This line conjures up a very sad picture. He returned home to his family but was alone when his life ended.

8. Sam felt that life had lost something important. What was that?

Answer: fun

"But life had lost its fun
And there was nothing to be done"

9. Where was Sam buried?

Answer: on a local heroes' hill

"But trade his house that he bought on the G. I. Bill
For a flag draped casket on a local heroes' hill."
Even after his overdose, he was buried as a hero.

10. Which album did this song first appear on?

Answer: John Prine

Released in 1971. This album launched John Prine into the limelight after being "discovered" by Kris Kristofferson. Album reviews hailed him as the next Bob Dylan.

Source: Author cyanidemum

This quiz was reviewed by FunTrivia editor ertrum before going online.
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