Harry Chapin - Taxi

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  • čas přidán 10. 07. 2011
  • The well famed, (I feel over-rated in-comparison to some of his other songs) Taxi, In original form
    The best live version I'm aware of:
    • Harry Chapin - Taxi
    "I saw Harry Chapin and his band perform this song live on The Tonight Show with Johnny Carson. The audience gave them a thunderous, standing ovation. Carson was so impressed he invited Chapin back the next night for an encore. One of the great story-song writers." -Reddalestew
    -----
    "It was raining hard in 'Frisco,
    I needed one more fare to make my night.
    A lady up ahead waved to flag me down,
    She got in at the light.
    Oh, where you going to, my lady blue,
    It's a shame you ruined your gown in the rain.
    She just looked out the window, and said
    "Sixteen Parkside Lane".
    Something about her was familiar
    I could swear I'd seen her face before,
    But she said, "I'm sure you're mistaken"
    And she didn't say anything more.
    It took a while, but she looked in the mirror,
    And she glanced at the license for my name.
    A smile seemed to come to her slowly,
    It was a sad smile, just the same.
    And she said, "How are you Harry?"
    I said, "How are you Sue?
    Through the too many miles
    and the too little smiles
    I still remember you."
    It was somewhere in a fairy tale,
    I used to take her home in my car.
    We learned about love in the back of the Dodge,
    The lesson hadn't gone too far.
    You see, she was gonna be an actress,
    And I was gonna learn to fly.
    She took off to find the footlights,
    And I took off to find the sky.
    Oh, I've got something inside me,
    To drive a princess blind.
    There's a wild man, wizard,
    He's hiding in me, illuminating my mind.
    Oh, I've got something inside me,
    Not what my life's about,
    Cause I've been letting my outside tide me,
    Over 'till my time, runs out.
    Baby's so high that she's skying,
    Yes she's flying, afraid to fall.
    I'll tell you why baby's crying,
    Cause she's dying, aren't we all.
    There was not much more for us to talk about,
    Whatever we had once was gone.
    So I turned my cab into the driveway,
    Past the gate and the fine trimmed lawns.
    And she said we must get together,
    But I knew it'd never be arranged.
    And she handed me twenty dollars,
    For a two fifty fare, she said
    "Harry, keep the change."
    Well another man might have been angry,
    And another man might have been hurt,
    But another man never would have let her go...
    I stashed the bill in my shirt.
    And she walked away in silence,
    It's strange, how you never know,
    But we'd both gotten what we'd asked for,
    Such a long, long time ago.
    You see, she was gonna be an actress
    And I was gonna learn to fly.
    She took off to find the footlights,
    And I took off for the sky.
    And here, she's acting happy,
    Inside her handsome home.
    And me, I'm flying in my taxi,
    Taking tips, and getting stoned,
    I go flying so high, when I'm stoned."
    /Lyrics from The Harry Chapin Archive at Harrychapin.com\
  • Hudba

Komentáře • 2,9K

  • @BHHartman
    @BHHartman Před 2 lety +125

    “Too many miles and too little smiles”
    I think we can all relate to this line.

  • @jimfalls6583
    @jimfalls6583 Před rokem +36

    "Whatever we had once was gone" Man, that cuts like a knife.

    • @JerryBurns-pf1sd
      @JerryBurns-pf1sd Před 25 dny

      Not really it's our memories that make us wealthy soul

  • @edwardsimpson3238
    @edwardsimpson3238 Před 15 dny +7

    I am now 76 and have loved this song since it was first released...He was a great story teller. The BEST..🙏

  • @user-od5fh3gn4d
    @user-od5fh3gn4d Před 3 měsíci +21

    Harry Chapin is one of those people you don't hear about, but should.

  • @williammclean5040
    @williammclean5040 Před 4 lety +160

    Absolutley timeless. The 70's were the best decade for music.

  • @hehaefele
    @hehaefele Před měsícem +13

    In 1978 I hitchhiked to San Francisco, chasing my first love. I got a job driving for Veteran Cab Co. Smoked pot. The whole bit. I lived this song.
    Perversely, this is my favorite song for karaoke!!!
    Howard, keep the change!
    .

  • @sourisvoleur4854
    @sourisvoleur4854 Před 9 měsíci +44

    "But another man never would have let her go." Chokes me up every time.

  • @user-mz2bd4yy7g
    @user-mz2bd4yy7g Před 6 měsíci +37

    My name is Harry and I drove a taxi in the Hamptons where friends Nick named me Harry keep the change . This song means a lot to me

    • @Tomtom11122
      @Tomtom11122 Před měsícem

      Legend!!! That's a great one..my da was a taxi driver too I'd loved this song that's how I know it..great song..hope you keeping well harry

  • @Jan96106
    @Jan96106 Před 8 měsíci +24

    "I go flying so high when I'm stoned." I don't even take drugs, but I love that line.

  • @jackiestephenbroughton1712
    @jackiestephenbroughton1712 Před měsícem +11

    This song came out when I was 16 and hearing the song can take me back to that time. I am 68 now and magically can take me back to a love lost. Thanks Harry.

  • @rodmcdonough6111
    @rodmcdonough6111 Před rokem +163

    This song is me ... driving taxi at night in S. F. in the 70s, and again in S. F. (now) driving Uber almost 50 years later. It never gets old . I only wish that Harry Chapin was still here to enjoy his life also. His songs are timeless. Thank you, Sir. May you rest in peace, love, and comfort forever

    • @jayanxiety
      @jayanxiety Před rokem +6

      You'll be happy to know that the Chapin name carries on. His neices, "The Chapin Sisters" are making critically-acclaimed music. Doing their family legacy proud, while carving out their own sound as well!

    • @markhunter8554
      @markhunter8554 Před rokem

      @@jayanxiety If they're critically acclaimed then they must be doing better with the critics than their uncle did.

    • @mmpjama
      @mmpjama Před 11 měsíci +7

      I’m 54 yo woman and it makes me throw my head back and close my eyes while I relive my old life and how it should of turned out…

    • @salvatoregallina7618
      @salvatoregallina7618 Před 4 měsíci

      I love ❤️this Song Especially while driving on A Rainy day or Any Day❤Rip mr Chapin.

    • @TheTimmerall33
      @TheTimmerall33 Před 3 měsíci +1

      Reminds me of better times. My very young years were good. Kind of a Cat Stevens type song pulls at your heart strings.

  • @stevenance7369
    @stevenance7369 Před 6 lety +314

    This is one of those songs that late at night you pour your best bourbon, sit outside by yourself, and get a small smile listening to it...love how it’s so haunting and deep...

    • @winnsitall3138
      @winnsitall3138 Před rokem +8

      I agree with everything everyone has said below.

    • @tarahill2193
      @tarahill2193 Před rokem +9

      Yes you are so right. But damn if I know what to do with all the things it brought back....do you ?

    • @lanster6140
      @lanster6140 Před rokem +5

      Cheers

    • @chokolokoist
      @chokolokoist Před rokem +6

      Everything is right, except that I'm not smilling

    • @charliemeurer880
      @charliemeurer880 Před rokem +5

      The viola haunts

  • @Person12345ism
    @Person12345ism Před 11 měsíci +19

    Its been 42 years today since we lost Harry. RIP to a great artist

  • @RAW-zz7gt
    @RAW-zz7gt Před 4 lety +6

    Who else is remembering Harry Chapin today? 😥💔 12/7/42 - 07/16/81

  • @Smartass_Jedi
    @Smartass_Jedi Před rokem +18

    1972: masterpiece
    2023: masterpiece

  • @cbhighlander2195
    @cbhighlander2195 Před 2 lety +244

    Hard to believe it has been 50 years since this came out. One of my favourites back then and still is.

    • @MoosicandCritters
      @MoosicandCritters Před rokem +8

      A timeless classic. ❤️🎶🎻

    • @jamesgannon6192
      @jamesgannon6192 Před rokem +9

      I was working a bad factory job at when this song was around. I would sing the song to myself I my head while I waited for the plastic mold to open up… it helped me to keep My Sanity 👍🏼

    • @unfluster
      @unfluster Před rokem +2

      I remember hearing this for the first time. It was the early 70's andI was in the upper west side on the top floor of a brownstone well past midnight. I had the radio on and one candle lit. Then this song came on. It blew my f-in mind.

    • @briancatron8381
      @briancatron8381 Před rokem +2

      @@jamesgannon6192 You share a name with a late, great actor. RIP to both Harry and James.

    • @kevinmcdonald951
      @kevinmcdonald951 Před rokem +5

      He was a Genius.

  • @amossnowdaharleyman9179
    @amossnowdaharleyman9179 Před 2 lety +377

    I'm a 61 year old manly man and this song makes me tear up to this day.

    • @Patrick_Cooper
      @Patrick_Cooper Před 2 lety +24

      At 65, it is one of my go to oldies. To makes me feel melancholy, drink a beer, and go to bed.

    • @profil4e
      @profil4e Před rokem +20

      Music transcends human years, it seems. At 30, from a country which was never exposed, influenced, by this type of music, I too had a tear to shead while listening.

    • @daviddragavon7555
      @daviddragavon7555 Před rokem +16

      It is weird that it doesn't play that often.
      You know, this was one of the songs that broke down the 21/2 to 31/2 minutes rule in commercial radio. Even Light my Fire had a commercial edit. There was no place in the song to cut.

    • @daviddragavon7555
      @daviddragavon7555 Před rokem +19

      AMOS, Jeffrey is right on. I was born in 1954... Lost loves still haunt me. Especially a memory anchored by a song. Most recently "Sometimes in Winter" from Blood Sweat and Tears brought back an early heartbreak for me. Bittersweet is a fact of life, now it leaves less sad than wistful.

    • @rickkurtzuba9828
      @rickkurtzuba9828 Před rokem +18

      This is one of the very greatest tunes of the 70s. And I can NAIL it karaoke. I remember as a teen the final words "..takin' tips, and gettin' stoned. I go flyin' so high...when I'm stoned." It was a little rebellious given the times. Loved it then, love it now. Chapin was a MASTER storyteller.

  • @flyoverkid55
    @flyoverkid55 Před 11 měsíci +87

    The storyline is as timeless as the haunting melody. None of us makes it through the years unscathed by disappoinment, loss, and the irony of what we once imagined our lives would be.

    • @hpflax9488
      @hpflax9488 Před 5 měsíci +4

      Well put

    • @flyoverkid55
      @flyoverkid55 Před 5 měsíci +1

      @@hpflax9488 Thanks.

    • @nobelnaylor1102
      @nobelnaylor1102 Před 3 měsíci +3

      it happen to me when I was 20 years old

    • @user-ip8zo7wn6d
      @user-ip8zo7wn6d Před 2 měsíci +1

      Well said 😊

    • @robertmayer2748
      @robertmayer2748 Před 2 měsíci +2

      You are so right about that. I think back on loss, etc. And I guess you could say who doesn't look back with a bit of sadness about certain things? Love listening to all the great music from that period like Harry, Carly Simon, Cat Stevens, Jim Croce, Don Mclean, etc. The list goes on and on.

  • @ronaldpriest9301
    @ronaldpriest9301 Před rokem +131

    This is art! This is music. This is a great talented story teller sharing his life and feelings through his work. I love it. Thank you Harry Chapin.

    • @doreenpower
      @doreenpower Před 8 měsíci +5

      Very Unique Awesome

    • @garysparhawk2698
      @garysparhawk2698 Před 6 měsíci

      ​@@doreenpower😅😊😅😅😅😅😊😊😊😅😅😅😊😊😊😊😅😅😅😅😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊

  • @leonstancliff7218
    @leonstancliff7218 Před 2 lety +187

    The first time I heard this song was soon after it's release. I was working night shift in a factory, my last year of college, like most of the others working there. When this song played over the intercom/radio, the plant slowly came to a stand-still. An entire electronics factory stopped working to hear this song. When it ended everyone seemed to take a deep breath and resume their lives. That was the intensity of these lyrics in 1972. It was the end we all feared.

    • @johnterry64
      @johnterry64 Před rokem +12

      Here's hoping it worked out OK for you, Leon.

    • @brucemckay7828
      @brucemckay7828 Před rokem +3

      I hear you. And him.

    • @bessie1854
      @bessie1854 Před rokem +6

      I was a senior in high school when this song was released in March, 1972 and yes, it was a tune that you stopped what you're doing and listened.

    • @paulorben6830
      @paulorben6830 Před rokem

      I hear yee

    • @paulorben6830
      @paulorben6830 Před rokem +2

      Harry soon met his fate....mines right around the corner.

  • @kevinharris4126
    @kevinharris4126 Před 5 měsíci +16

    My little brother is gone now but he loved this song and could sing every word

  • @eddiemiller2969
    @eddiemiller2969 Před 6 měsíci +19

    Fifty years ago, I was stationed at the Sub base at Groton, CT. A couple of buddies and I rented an apartment in Norwich. A young lady living nextdoor introduced me to a friend of hers. We hit it off right away. She introduced me to so much music. Gordon Lightfoot, John Denver and a guy who had come out with a song called Taxi. Harry Chapin's music blew me away! I love all of his music is great, but Taxi, has to be the best. I listen to it and I'm 50 years younger, sitting a darkened apartment, listening to music with wonderful, young lady. Thanks for the memories Harry Chapin.

  • @zumadale
    @zumadale Před rokem +9

    Got stationed in California mid 70s in the Navy. Drove all over California with Harry Chapin in the cassette player as many miles passed under my car

  • @dianestubbs2332
    @dianestubbs2332 Před 4 měsíci +13

    70.. Found old tapes that played. Wow I'm crying, hugs you guys❤

  • @biteme3456
    @biteme3456 Před 5 měsíci +11

    I REMEMBER DRIVING AT NIGHT HOPING THIS WOUKD COME ON THE RADIO. THE LONG VERSION ONLY CAME ON AT NIGHT. TIMES REALLY CHANGED

  • @WyattIamrolling
    @WyattIamrolling Před 4 měsíci +29

    I too am a 61 yr old manly man, and if this song doesn't choke you up, there's something wrong with you. Amazing storytelling, so relatable, and such tender reminiscing.

  • @feegureeetout
    @feegureeetout Před 10 měsíci +25

    I thought that falsetto interlude was a woman for years. The internet live recording from way back revealed the truth. A heavily bearded musician singing at his highest falsetto ranges. And doing a knock up job. Incredible song. My rule is if i can feel I'm almost part of the story, its a great song.

  • @josiesongs5991
    @josiesongs5991 Před rokem +36

    Even at 10yrs old. I understood the depth of this song. Harry is a legend.

  • @terryclemans2065
    @terryclemans2065 Před 8 měsíci +16

    I'm 68 I'm tearing up now listening to the song

  • @adameckard4591
    @adameckard4591 Před 5 měsíci +19

    Ah the early seventies when music could still be good.

    • @patgalvez4563
      @patgalvez4563 Před měsícem

      Before Fly Robin Fly was considered a song

  • @debbiebrown8473
    @debbiebrown8473 Před 11 dny +3

    Yes I’m 68 old woman. Been searching for this song 🎧 for ages. Takes me back. ❤thank you ❤

  • @michaelulbricht9438
    @michaelulbricht9438 Před 3 lety +177

    Quite possibly Harry's best song. Hard not to be drawn into this wonderful narrative. Music like this never really ages.

    • @paulisaac78
      @paulisaac78 Před rokem +4

      I was just thinking that it’s his best song.

    • @HUBABUBA-il8fn
      @HUBABUBA-il8fn Před rokem +4

      Tough one between Taxi and Cats in the Craddle.

    • @59skupe
      @59skupe Před rokem

      Yes, until Sequel finally came out though that ending wasn't exactly what I was hoping for. I always want to know what actually happens at the end of the story. Also Roses Are Red is an important one for teachers to know about.

    • @danbrock1843
      @danbrock1843 Před rokem

      ​@@HUBABUBA-il8fnso hard to pick one

    • @barbaralenox7092
      @barbaralenox7092 Před 8 měsíci

      @@HUBABUBA-il8fn Yes, for me too.

  • @michaelhughes3273
    @michaelhughes3273 Před 2 lety +72

    He sure could tell a story, could he? Amazing songwriter. He may have left this planet too soon but his music lives eternally

  • @dannyboyd9462
    @dannyboyd9462 Před 8 měsíci +12

    So blessed I was growing up in the Early 70's.

  • @michaellaflamme9635
    @michaellaflamme9635 Před 2 lety +12

    IM 64 YRS OLD LISTENED TO LITERALLY HUNDREDS OF THOUSANDS OF SONGS.TAXI IS IN MY TOP FIVE! RIP HARRY

  • @SaraP.-mi8gg
    @SaraP.-mi8gg Před 3 měsíci +7

    In the hollows of the Appalachians southwest Virginia and northeast Tennessee in '71 am radio this came across like a broadcast from another world... still has the same spell in 2024

  • @Jangocat
    @Jangocat Před 2 měsíci +11

    I'm 58, and Harry still brings tears to my eyes.

  • @bobmclaughlin7276
    @bobmclaughlin7276 Před rokem +24

    I was in grade 9, this song came on the radio and really "grabbed" me.... In my mid 60's now, still 'grabs' me..... The power of music.....

  • @MrChazz965
    @MrChazz965 Před rokem +50

    This song is a masterpiece!

  • @kevinmccormack4330
    @kevinmccormack4330 Před rokem +93

    A work of art. It reminds me so much of 'Same Old Lang Syne' by the late Dan Fogelberg. The same scenario, two ex-lovers meeting years later, both awkward encounters, both incredibly sad, but yet so different in how they were told. Great poetry.

    • @jeffr9425
      @jeffr9425 Před 10 měsíci +3

      I thought the same thing

  • @justplainjimmy3601
    @justplainjimmy3601 Před 6 lety +542

    Harry died two weeks before I was going to see him in concert at the Holiday Star Theatre in Merrillville, Indiana. I still have the concert ticket today. Harry was an outstanding talent.

    • @sheldontaylor2002
      @sheldontaylor2002 Před 5 lety +8

      The Holiday Star had great acts to perform

    • @davidmeyers3603
      @davidmeyers3603 Před 5 lety +11

      I like him. Grew up with his music.

    • @GravesLilDarkAngel
      @GravesLilDarkAngel Před 4 lety +7

      The Star isn't even there anymore. Such a loss.

    • @Nikki817
      @Nikki817 Před 4 lety +11

      Just Plain Jimmy I liked the way he despised the control money had over people. He never lived a king although he could have. His songs reflect caring about people, not money.

    • @ChubertChug
      @ChubertChug Před 4 lety +3

      The Star was a great venue. I saw Whitesnake there in 2015, and I guess they tore it down just recently. Damn shame, they had consistently great bands there

  • @winstonwolf9252
    @winstonwolf9252 Před 5 měsíci +9

    When an artist can make you feel the way he feels ,
    Is greatness. Harry nailed it!

  • @user-np3tn7sj6r
    @user-np3tn7sj6r Před rokem +8

    I’m 60 years old! And I can still remember where I was wen harry died, 42 years ago!!

  • @harleygal420
    @harleygal420 Před 3 lety +27

    It's worth being older now, to have been young then.

  • @TheJoerutland
    @TheJoerutland Před 8 měsíci +12

    Oh Harry, how you are still thought of and missed. Your music lives on. 😢

  • @beetles2011
    @beetles2011 Před 4 lety +194

    All the mistakes you make in relationships come back to you when listening to this. Priceless memories....

    • @eddriver7815
      @eddriver7815 Před 2 lety +7

      I never made the mistake again ... she taught me a lesson that ironically she never benefitted from ... that's a shame !

    • @wildbill5670
      @wildbill5670 Před 2 lety +11

      And man have I made mine. I lost the love of my life. Not once, not twice but three times from being a total fuck up.

    • @dank6852
      @dank6852 Před 2 lety +5

      Not me, I fly so high when I'm stoned.

    • @johnnj3858
      @johnnj3858 Před 2 lety +10

      And life choices in general, here I am in my 50's lost many loved ones because of cheating, can't stand my job, relationship sucks, but I stay positive, I'm the product of my own demise.

    • @reginaldboaler4887
      @reginaldboaler4887 Před 2 lety +1

      Yes

  • @margiewagner3611
    @margiewagner3611 Před rokem +17

    One of my favorite songs by Harry Chapin. First time I heard this song I cried my eyes out. What a beautiful song.

  • @mrgmail1958
    @mrgmail1958 Před 9 měsíci +15

    I'm 65 I'm a sentimental sort...😢 Reminds me of that one that slipped away....

    • @meemawdragon9964
      @meemawdragon9964 Před měsícem +1

      Same here, healing after decades of “the one who should have got away” but I still have hope 🥰 I have not heard this in decades

    • @thomasupton2664
      @thomasupton2664 Před měsícem +2

      They're never as good as we want to remember them.

  • @markfaris4735
    @markfaris4735 Před rokem +111

    An amazing musician and even better man. I remember the day he died on the Long Island Expressway about fifteen minutes from my house. Any oxygen I had was immediately sucked out. He was humble beyond belief; a performer the equivalent of Dylan and Gordon Lightfoot.

    • @debbiemeldrum9832
      @debbiemeldrum9832 Před rokem +5

      So you so get it. So glad someone else does

    • @debbiemeldrum9832
      @debbiemeldrum9832 Před rokem +4

      Thank you for getting it Mark

    • @fine1229
      @fine1229 Před rokem +11

      I listen to this song almost daily for many years now as it is on my playlist. Time after time it brings back memories that on some level those who are willing to admit it were life-changing. I still morn his loss for the compassionate man talented performer that he was. I'm certain that I am amongst thousands that feel the same. RIP HARRY, we miss you as a man musician and one of societies finest.

    • @themostization
      @themostization Před rokem +5

      sir i only rate certain musicians and this chaps one of them one of the greatest in my opinion

    • @linasveselka7357
      @linasveselka7357 Před rokem

      Sequal to Taxi

  • @MajorBuzzBarrington
    @MajorBuzzBarrington Před 3 měsíci +6

    Had the honor of meeting Mister Chapin in 1977 when I was working at a rock station, he came in for an interview. Unfortunately they were very busy times and I just got to shake his hand and say hello. RIP Sir.

  • @edwardstmarseille-fp7iy
    @edwardstmarseille-fp7iy Před rokem +10

    If you just sit and listen to these songs will take you back in your youth of the 50s and 60s

  • @user-sn8ll2cb9w
    @user-sn8ll2cb9w Před 8 měsíci +6

    Friends and I were to see him live, Hampton Beach NH... There was a note on the door, Mr Chapin passed in bad car crash !!! No one spoke for hours !!!

  • @larrycarroll7371
    @larrycarroll7371 Před 3 lety +74

    Hard not to brush away a tear when listening to this song.

    • @eddriver7815
      @eddriver7815 Před 2 lety +3

      yup .... it never goes away , does it

    • @martingallo767
      @martingallo767 Před 2 lety +3

      We all had a similar memory like this song I brushed many tears away when I hear this song

    • @fhowland
      @fhowland Před rokem

      Old flames never die

    • @patgalvez4563
      @patgalvez4563 Před rokem

      @@fhowland i still can remember a pretty girl I knew when I was 16....

  • @jamesgannon6192
    @jamesgannon6192 Před rokem +28

    49 years ago I was working a Bad Factory job when this song was around. I would sing it to myself in my head while I waited for the plastic mold to open up. It Helped Me to Keep My Sanity…. Thank You Harry ❤️🧠

  • @phelan5387
    @phelan5387 Před 6 měsíci +5

    One of the best songs of the seventies

  • @Dave-nk6qz
    @Dave-nk6qz Před 3 lety +56

    Most evocative song I've ever heard. Masterpiece.

  • @markc7540
    @markc7540 Před 9 lety +452

    What a classic song by Harry Chapin. Very weird, you hardly hear this song on either the radio or satellite. Two nights ago, I was pulling into my driveway and Taxi came on, I could not get out of my car until the song was over. What chills were running up and down my spine!!!!!! GR8 Tune......R.I.P.

    • @Chasencharlie13
      @Chasencharlie13 Před 9 lety +16

      Great song, just don't make them like this anymore. I get chills everytime I her this song. Takes me back to so many memories. Thanx Harry, keep the change....Peace and Love...

    • @michaelatoz580
      @michaelatoz580 Před 5 lety +12

      Just add your life story, you have mine and we have Harry's life story in common. Somehow everyone has the same story but a little different. My life is not what I thought it would be, but its not bad!!!

    • @eddriver7815
      @eddriver7815 Před 5 lety +10

      That has happened to me too MARK
      It makes me remember HER ... why can'r we ever shake off those horrible regretful memories ? I can never shut t his song off .. I guess it's how I still punish myself for what I did

    • @Busywave
      @Busywave Před 3 lety +17

      It got a lot of radio play in 1972. What a great year for radio.

    • @pauljackbyrne9439
      @pauljackbyrne9439 Před 3 lety +6

      @@eddriver7815 need to forgive yourself, let go and move on

  • @gregrobertson7932
    @gregrobertson7932 Před 4 lety +287

    One of the coolest songs ever. Tells such a sad song. Makes me cry almost every time I hear it.
    This man is missed!

    • @jeweljackson9573
      @jeweljackson9573 Před 4 lety +4

      Me too!

    • @houdini5910
      @houdini5910 Před 3 lety +3

      Me to

    • @jjr41879
      @jjr41879 Před 3 lety +8

      this, The Boxer, Homeward Bound by S&G, then Waterloo Sunset, the Kinks' acoustic version would all be in my top 10 acoustic songs in my life. I am 68. Great visuals and such sad songs the same.

    • @heavnnnsent
      @heavnnnsent Před 2 lety +6

      Gone too soon what a talent. A special musician and songwriter from another era.... we will never see the likes of him again. He will be forever Young

    • @paulisaac78
      @paulisaac78 Před 2 lety +6

      You just don’t hear quality music like this anymore

  • @ChristineMaloney-vn2ql
    @ChristineMaloney-vn2ql Před 5 měsíci +27

    I am 71 years old and still love his songs. I went to his concert once and he stepped on my foot.

    • @tcl5853
      @tcl5853 Před 5 měsíci +2

      I’m an old guy at 70, never saw him live. I bet he would love your story, and maybe he does.

    • @suecrumley5925
      @suecrumley5925 Před 2 měsíci +2

      I don't know why I thought of this song today. But I had to listen. Met Harry & his band backstage at the great southeast music hall in Atlanta, early 70s. Such a nice person, with a big heart. Sad he's no longer here.

    • @gregrankin8073
      @gregrankin8073 Před měsícem +2

      . . . Well there’s mud in your eye! 😆

    • @josephgrumet
      @josephgrumet Před měsícem +2

      A blessing

    • @josephgrumet
      @josephgrumet Před měsícem +2

      Whatever we had once was gone…. Sad but true for all of us

  • @terryclemans2065
    @terryclemans2065 Před 8 měsíci +7

    To this day I still love the song

  • @terrynecessary2654
    @terrynecessary2654 Před rokem +5

    I am 62 years old just turned 62 in. I am also a manly man and I tear up also want to hear this song.

  • @vivavasquez
    @vivavasquez Před 2 lety +6

    thank you for the memory , had to play it over and over . great music is the cure .

  • @billyg310
    @billyg310 Před 11 měsíci +11

    one of his best what a story teller he was this song is so awesome what a great man RIP Harry you left us way too early

  • @raymondmarshall7857
    @raymondmarshall7857 Před 9 měsíci +11

    just maybe the greatest song ever written and based on a true story. holy shit this is great stuff.

  • @bhbluebird
    @bhbluebird Před 6 lety +333

    Discarded illusions and loss of innocence. This song meant a lot to me, as a teenager, back in the 70s, now it is even more haunting and prescient.

    • @mickjones8757
      @mickjones8757 Před 5 lety +11

      Somhow I've gotten what i asked for. As they say," be careful what you ask for " rings true

    • @jimegnor4442
      @jimegnor4442 Před 3 lety +3

      Please tell me what you meant with your words, please?

    • @tedpittsinger9688
      @tedpittsinger9688 Před 3 lety +6

      Yes! Agreed! "I've got something inside me. Not what my life's about!"

    • @robertschoonmaker750
      @robertschoonmaker750 Před 2 lety +1

      In TC

    • @markhollenbeck9965
      @markhollenbeck9965 Před 2 lety +3

      I remember seeing him in 1976, Grand Valley University in Allendale, Michigan ! Timeless ...

  • @jackmcmuscles
    @jackmcmuscles Před 7 lety +109

    "And she said we must get together,
    But I knew it'd never be arranged."
    Too real

    • @kmslegal7808
      @kmslegal7808 Před 3 lety +2

      I Always sing that if I hear a fake intention of getting together

    • @paulhenk8186
      @paulhenk8186 Před 3 lety

      NERD

    • @MT-px7re
      @MT-px7re Před 3 lety

      @@kmslegal7808
      He knew it. She was just a bit stuck up, and she said it, just to say it!

  • @keithstowing16
    @keithstowing16 Před 2 lety +26

    One of my favorite songs of all time! I'm 45 now and have a 20 month old son... I have sang this song to him even when he was still in his mommies tummy.. probably the first song he ever knew lol love it!

    • @oldschoolruler
      @oldschoolruler Před rokem +3

      I sang this for my son when I put him to bed as a child. He called it 'Hard', as in, 'sing "Hard" for me Papa '. I always did. I texted him just now, he's 34 we shared the days events...I had to link this to him, yes I still tear up.
      RIP Harry

    • @jamesgannon6192
      @jamesgannon6192 Před 10 měsíci

      What a Beautiful Memory ❤️

    • @jamesgannon6192
      @jamesgannon6192 Před 10 měsíci

      Xs 2❤️❤️

  • @keithepley2132
    @keithepley2132 Před rokem +30

    Love the arrangement, the message, the delivery. And the evocative background sounds.

  • @paulisaac78
    @paulisaac78 Před 6 lety +64

    There was nobody like Harry Chapin before him and most likely will never be another singer like him again. Trying to put a finger on what's so likeable about him and his music is not easy. But, genuine, unquie and engaging definitely come to mind!

  • @cindygray2994
    @cindygray2994 Před 7 lety +759

    Beautiful. "Another man might've been angry, and another man might've been hurt. But another man never would've let her go. I stashed the bill in my shirt." Pure poetry.

  • @QuietRefl4378
    @QuietRefl4378 Před 10 měsíci +9

    The lyrics, the music. Perfect song.

  • @boblynch7348
    @boblynch7348 Před 2 lety +18

    What a crying shame that such a talented man was taken from us far, far too early in his career. God rest you, Harry, and thanks for all the memories.

  • @imjunipernow
    @imjunipernow Před 9 lety +452

    It's a shame that all the radio stations over-play Cat's in the Cradle and basically ignore this song. His best.

    • @wrwallpi
      @wrwallpi Před 4 lety +13

      Taxi at 6:49 vs. CITC at 3:49. "Editing for time. Radio edits often shorten a long song in order to make it more commercially viable for radio stations. The normal length for songs played on the radio is between 3 to 4 minutes.
      "
      Radio edit - Wikipedia
      en.wikipedia.org › wiki › Radio_edi

    • @jamesgeiger4795
      @jamesgeiger4795 Před 4 lety +14

      Back in 70 or 71 they did play it quite a bit, but not as much as Cats In The Cradle. It was my favorite of his, also.

    • @chrishinnant3924
      @chrishinnant3924 Před 3 lety +1

      @@wrwallpi I think on the DJ copy, the song is edited. But the full version is on the stock copy.

    • @akbarlebowitz8151
      @akbarlebowitz8151 Před 3 lety +2

      "Laugh Man" is another great song him.

    • @Roy-G-Biv
      @Roy-G-Biv Před 3 lety +1

      yesssssssssssssss

  • @garysimms6412
    @garysimms6412 Před 6 lety +108

    This is a song that really gets deep into your soul

  • @annmalleybooks
    @annmalleybooks Před 2 lety +34

    Love this song, Chapin's sound, and the melancholy truth of the lyrics. Life goes fast.

  • @silverking1764
    @silverking1764 Před 3 lety +99

    He burst upon the scene when I was in high school. Greatest Stories Live was the first album of his I bought while in Grad school. He became one of the first socially active rock musicians. He died in a car accident seven months after John Lennon, with little fan fare. But Harry Chapin's activism to combat world hunger eventfully lead to the Foundation in his name and the Harry Chapin Food banks. Today, they are feeding so many Americans during the Covid Pandemic, and that makes him much more relevant.

    • @uranuslad9855
      @uranuslad9855 Před 2 lety +6

      I waited on him once and I managed not to make a comment about "keeping the change", which was pretty good for my younger self.

  • @suzannesellers7383
    @suzannesellers7383 Před rokem +16

    Not just a great son, but absolutely perfectly produced.

  • @UltraDroid1
    @UltraDroid1 Před 7 lety +120

    We lost a great storyteller and a great human being when Harry died. Like the Billy Joel song - Only the good die young.

  • @mollykasprzycki7226
    @mollykasprzycki7226 Před 11 měsíci +6

    70's Absolutely Best Era Ever!

  • @fly_speck_cafe
    @fly_speck_cafe Před 7 měsíci +5

    Absolutely nothing like violins to reach right inside your soul.

  • @jeromemurphy2572
    @jeromemurphy2572 Před 2 lety +21

    His best song by far. This is a classic no doubt in my mind. They will be listening to this 100 years from now.

    • @rockvilleraven
      @rockvilleraven Před 2 lety

      Sequel is good too, where it takes the characters years later.

  • @CaptainNicBlake
    @CaptainNicBlake Před 7 lety +91

    I'm a metalhead, but this song is so awesome! I actually heard this as a Lost Classic on WOUR in Utica, NY one afternoon, and I was shocked at how nice this song is. Harry Chapin certainly knew how to tell a story in his songs.

    • @eddriver7815
      @eddriver7815 Před 2 lety +1

      IM CONFUSED ... you like this song .. but ... your a metalhead .... as a metalhead ... have YOU ANY IDEA HOW MANY MORe SONGS ThERE ARE LIKE THIS ... that you passed up for metal "stuff" ////

    • @tomsawyer5736
      @tomsawyer5736 Před rokem

      Same here!

  • @johnrandle8365
    @johnrandle8365 Před 9 měsíci +3

    Because our hearts are moved when we feel something that can be a real experience we can all hide a broken heart many have .

  • @jamesslick4790
    @jamesslick4790 Před 5 lety +194

    ..."There was not much more for us to talk about....whatever we had once was gone...."... That line still gets me 40+ years later.

    • @johnsteele5264
      @johnsteele5264 Před 3 lety +5

      "tears" pay a visit indeed...

    • @RBAILEY57
      @RBAILEY57 Před 3 lety +4

      Me, too.

    • @IamsTokiWartooth
      @IamsTokiWartooth Před 3 lety +4

      @@RBAILEY57 every time

    • @rickwatson7997
      @rickwatson7997 Před 2 lety +9

      Like Dan Fogelbergs Auld Lang Syne
      The beer was empty, and our tongues were tired
      And running out of things to say
      She gave a kiss to me as I got out
      And I watched her drive away.

    • @eddriver7815
      @eddriver7815 Před 2 lety +8

      ohhhhhhhhhhh god ....... it's 55 years for me !
      and it still affects me ... this is song is about 20 times repeated .
      .... and I bet she never thinks of me
      but as in Love and war ...
      the winner never remembers .............
      and the loser never forgets ....
      c'est La vie isn't it ?

  • @norfleetg5659
    @norfleetg5659 Před 8 lety +686

    Listening to this song again is like being haunted by a melancholy, yet kindly, ghost.

    • @jimjimyaitshim
      @jimjimyaitshim Před 8 lety +12

      +Norfleet g Well said!

    • @Laceykat66
      @Laceykat66 Před 6 lety +10

      A lot of his songs were like that. FOr a successful musician he had a lot of sad, "if only" kind of songs.

    • @DRSic-cl6tn
      @DRSic-cl6tn Před 6 lety +1

      Norfleet g yet life has a funny way.some call it Carma? I believe it's FATE or others spirits in the bottle. K mean what in Italion. D

    • @brody1able
      @brody1able Před 6 lety +5

      Brilliantly Spoken

    • @mrttrn0012
      @mrttrn0012 Před 5 lety +1

      Do you still remember her name?

  • @jackiestephenbroughton1712

    Too many miles and the too little smiles, I still remember you. Still haunting!!

  • @jarodcarnarvon5198
    @jarodcarnarvon5198 Před 4 lety +33

    He had a great voice, loved his music. Some of the best music ever was produced in the early 70s.

  • @JDarr-ym4hy
    @JDarr-ym4hy Před 7 lety +484

    Harry Chapin died too young. A fantastic songwriter and artist. Taken away too early through a tragedy. Jim Croce, Otis Redding, Stevie Ray Vaughan, Buddy Holly... All lost by accident. A loss to all of us.

    • @Timlinthomasp
      @Timlinthomasp Před 7 lety +20

      Rick Nelson

    • @blueasblueis
      @blueasblueis Před 7 lety +19

      Sam Cooke

    • @wayne6066
      @wayne6066 Před 7 lety +18

      Ronnie Van Zant

    • @terryaltman6765
      @terryaltman6765 Před 6 lety +7

      J. Darr I was reading what you wrote about the great songwriters and singers that were taken way too early most definitely in my opinion Otis Redding had the greatest hit. If not the greatest it would be the second greatest hit that was ever recorded when you listen to them lyrics and listen to what he sings this it is just unbelievably great just excellent

    • @DasGoravaniJyotish
      @DasGoravaniJyotish Před 6 lety +11

      It may not have been the accident that took Harry's life. It could have been a heart attack that caused him to swerve. The accident should not have killed him. It was a surprise that he was unresponsive when pulled from the car. His death was caused by Cardiac Arrest, which could have been why he swerved through two lanes ultimately in front of the truck that hit him. The doctors could not determine if the heart attack occured before, during, or after the accident. When you know all these facts, that it was midday two, put it all together, and it seems our dear Harry had a heart attack on the road, got hit in the rear of his car, the front area was not crushed, the fire did not get him, yet they pulled an unresponsive man from the car, who was later determined to have had a heart attack. Put it all together, and you have a very young heart attack victim. I have not heard any mention of cocaine so I assume it was a "your time has come" natural heart attack. After all, he was extraordinarily busy as a person...very much on the go. Whatever it was we lost one of the greatest musician, singer, songwriters, activists of all time that day.

  • @GryllsAutumn
    @GryllsAutumn Před 9 lety +41

    It gives me shivers when they greet eachother in the car.

  • @carolyndamico2924
    @carolyndamico2924 Před 4 lety +60

    Every time I hear this song . Makes me think of my first love. Even though it’s been 50years, still can remember how he made me feel. A love tucked into my heart forever. ❤️❤️

    • @JoJoGunn1956
      @JoJoGunn1956 Před 3 lety +5

      Then maybe you'll see him on the Other Side.

    • @battleaxe93
      @battleaxe93 Před 2 lety +2

      how beautiful

    • @eddriver7815
      @eddriver7815 Před 2 lety +5

      that ... just gave goose bumps //// first REAL LOVE ....tucked away in my heart forever

    • @davidspradlin7153
      @davidspradlin7153 Před rokem

      I know how it is...

    • @susanm7925
      @susanm7925 Před rokem

      Really, I remember being date raped in a white van by Ron Hugo. Cheers!

  • @josephdoxe9410
    @josephdoxe9410 Před 2 lety +19

    One of the best ever written. Brings back many memories and tugs at the heart. Thanks Harry RIP

  • @buzzguy72
    @buzzguy72 Před 8 lety +421

    I've been a taxi driver for 18 years, and I love this song. Beware, sometimes there is no "Sequel". We burn through woulda beens and shoulda beens in our lives. That doesn't just apply to taxi drivers, by the way...

    • @buzzguy72
      @buzzguy72 Před 8 lety +13

      Lenny Fortes Well Lenny, you can at least count yourself a thoughtful person to even ask "What if?" I suspect you are rich with friends and family who appreciate who you are, whether you know it or not. Denying that we have regrets is denying our humanity. Peace to you...buzz...

    • @montgomerydenzer8805
      @montgomerydenzer8805 Před 8 lety +7

      +buzzguy72 It applies to us all who's SOUL tells us we have not achieved what WE came to this planet to achieve -I wait on tables man He got stoned and I got whiskey

    • @buzzguy72
      @buzzguy72 Před 8 lety +14

      +Montgomery Denzer You are quite right. Obviously I'm happy driving a taxi or I would have changed that long ago. At my noblest, I'm not on Earth to make a ton of money. I'm here to leave a positive difference in the lives of those who know me. As far as why we're really each here, it beats me. I'm still figuring this out after 40. "Taxi" gets me thinking about these things, so the song did its job. I bet you're a damn good waitress, by the way.

    • @lenmumma3899
      @lenmumma3899 Před 8 lety +3

      +buzzguy72 try reading the Bible my friend,the reasons there.

    • @montgomerydenzer8805
      @montgomerydenzer8805 Před 8 lety +11

      I got 25 years of waiting on tables- so WE got a PHD in human relations

  • @nicegentleman3166
    @nicegentleman3166 Před 8 lety +35

    GOD REST YOUR SOUL HARRY !!! July 16, 1981. YOUR GREATNESS, KINDNESS, CARING, GIVING HEART, IS STILL A BLESSING TO US ALL !!! We had tickets too your next two night concerts at The Hampton Beach Ballroom. We still LOVE AND MISS YOU !!! YOU WERE THE BEST !!!!

    • @jamesspencer1691
      @jamesspencer1691 Před 4 lety +1

      A musicians. Musician

    • @miketocci
      @miketocci Před 3 lety

      40 years this week. I miss him dearly and I never even met the man.

  • @greglapointe1311
    @greglapointe1311 Před 5 lety +20

    A great story teller who died on his way to give a free concert. Bummer is another great story from this wonderful musician.

  • @copperman752
    @copperman752 Před 5 lety +95

    Jeez... 1972, Vietnam, I was 18, in the military and heard this song during a thunderstorm in my barracks. His words were lost on me back then, I was too young and dumb. But it has a universal bittersweet truth. "Harry -- Keep the change..." As the song faded out every guy there just sat silent.

    • @instantkarma1511
      @instantkarma1511 Před 4 lety +5

      It's very sad. Thank you for your service!!

    • @copperman752
      @copperman752 Před 4 lety +11

      @@instantkarma1511 Then for him to die in a freeway collision in 1981 was just pure hell. His wife won a settlement against the trucking company, oh well. He was one of the few people back then who was trying to make the world a better place, read his bio on Wikipedia.

    • @rickflood8360
      @rickflood8360 Před 3 lety +4

      Copper...yes..it has that effect......thank you for your service.....former Marine here '75-'79

    • @copperman752
      @copperman752 Před 3 lety +5

      @@rickflood8360 Semper fi, Dude.

    • @rickflood8360
      @rickflood8360 Před 3 lety +4

      @@copperman752 thanks...back at ya

  • @Skydawg909
    @Skydawg909 Před 8 lety +55

    And she walked away in silence, it's strange how you never know. But we'd both gotten what we asked for, such a long....long time ago. Some days I feel like every man who's ever felt that way. RIP Harry, you were truly one of a kind.

    • @matthewhanlon4765
      @matthewhanlon4765 Před 3 lety

      You got that right Jeff.. I'm one the most blessed person you know.i hung with Grcce before she passed After almost 20 years.You go Harry😀😀😀

  • @barrys4922
    @barrys4922 Před 5 lety +27

    I was 15 when this song came out and loved it. What I remember most is how music critics HATED Chapin. Some of the attacks were personal, especially from Rolling Stone magazine.
    From everything I know Chapin was an altruist who performed for charity a lot and was a great musician.
    Those critics' names are lost to history, but Chapin and his music will live on forever.

    • @trfesok
      @trfesok Před rokem +3

      Yes, he wasn't "rock" enough for RS, plus he didn't have any critic pals like, say, Jackson Browne did.

    • @jamesbowen8960
      @jamesbowen8960 Před rokem +3

      Two of his best friends were Alice Cooper and John Lennon. That tells me that was a great guy.

    • @susanm7925
      @susanm7925 Před rokem

      Never listen 2 the "critics". Haw haw haw

  • @gordonchassin8202
    @gordonchassin8202 Před rokem +2

    I grew up on Long Island during the seventies I saw him many times including my high school just a really good guy

  • @markphillips8097
    @markphillips8097 Před rokem +3

    You never forget your first love,but for one reason or another very few stay with their first love , song's like taxi take you to a place that puts a smile on your face, sleep well Harry

  • @mcguire4u1
    @mcguire4u1 Před 9 lety +39

    I think a lot of people have a story like this....that is why this song was such a incredible hit....we could relate.....Harry Chapin had a gift of reminding us of the loneliness of the Human condition......love the guy