Chicago - Dialogue (Parts 1 & 2) ....... Lyrics

[@steph01879]

Every time I hear these old Chicago tunes, I think of the true greatness and talent of Terry Kath. He left us way too soon.

[@CyndisKrist]

Love this song. My impression is that it's a dialogue between an idealistic young college student and someone who is a little older with life experience. I felt the last verse was the older person being sarcastic when he thanked the younger person for the talk (he knew he wasn't getting his point across), and the younger person didn't realize it was sarcasm. Love Kath's bass voice alternating with Cetera's tenor.

[@robertcook8247]

I think Robert needs a little credit for composing this conversation and putting it to incredible music.

[@robt9466]

The most timeless song ever written.

[@xJRx77]

My favorite Chicago tune! Brilliantly written and performed.

[@do9138]

Even more relevant in 2020 than it was in 1967. The starvation, the pain, the repression are worse than ever. Too many are complacent and think "everything is fine." BUT . . . we can change the world now. WE CAN MAKE IT HAPPEN! LET'S DO IT!!!

[@bobthetvfan]

I remember this song on the charts in 1972. Was it recorded in 1967?

[@do9138]

@@bobthetvfan I'm sorry. Of course you're right. I always confirm dates before I post, but I screwed up somehow. I was in high school in the 1970s, too. This was one of my favorites then, and it still is.

[@jackheintz5143]

I was very fortunete to be born in 52, raised in the 60's, and living, loving, & listening to Chicago in the 70's.. Yes indeed. Blessed.✌

[@karendarke3626]

I absolutely love this song....
and I get it. ....Terry was the heart and soul of this band...miss him

[@robertschroedl9721]

This is as good as it gets. Lots of soul. Lots of truth. It's just sad that the same issues that existed then are just as problematic today 40 years later, especially with kids who need to be saved. The job ain't done yet. Not by a long shot. Diana Ross said it best, with-"We are the children." It's not just them we're saving. We've still got to make it happen.

[@donaldring4650]

YES - leave it to the Hollywood pedos to smooth things over ... Michael Jackson et al.

[@josephmartin3279]

Just turned my daughter on to this "old/current" song
She has a Bachelor of Arts degree...amazing artist
I'm a B.S. degree drafted in 1973 and was going but missed the war by the feather☮of a dove

[@dickjohnson4268]

This song is still relevant. So much for human advancement.

[@cindyasebastian]

It doesn't get better than this song. Terry and Peter we're awesome together.

[@jacquelynclark3782]

Thanks for breaking down the meaning of this song. It’s an outta sight jam !!! Love Terry’s soulful voice !!!

[@michaelvaughn1496]

Hi Peepol. Thanks for this. Really brings back memories; like how great Terry Kath was and how much he was missed. CTA really swerved off course for me when Cetera became the driving force instead of Kath. Not that Cetera wasn't a great musician and singer. Seemed to me Chicago lost its soul when Kath passed....

[@TomTobin67]

I love that bass line. So deep and groovy.

[@jhnstn1]

Look for the "Isolated" version of this on YT.

[@kevintillman7862]

Peter is every bit as good as McCartney.

[@SeaMonster111]

And he is pulling all those bass melodic lines and bass runs WHILE doing those dynamite vocals. I could probably count on my right hand the number of bassists in all of rock who can do that.

[@michaelulbricht9438]

One of my favorite songs of theirs. Chicago started out as a counterculture band. It Better End Soon is another great observational song. Peace

[@onwordjackson604]

I had no idea. My first concert at age 13.

[@skullivan68]

Thank you for this song....I'm a huge fan of Chicago. ...period!!!!! Especially when Terry and Peter were in the band....

[@cathyh8092]

I bet they didn’t think we’d still have all those problems decades later. Sounds like they’re describing our current reality.

[@michaelhall6340]

its always been this way...

[@michaelhall6340]

1000 years ago
100 years-
10 years
aint much different
but it just might be
a whole lot worse
pollution
habitat destruction
starvation
extinction
war
greedy billionaires who want more..more more

[@paulkramer9666]

Turns out, it didn't happen.

[@michaellarrabee4208]

Those who ignore or rewrite history are doomed to repeat it.

[@Solarian-k3s]

Another brilliant piece by the legendary American Band!

[@bzmanatt]

Back when it was the real Chicago!

[@randyharmon717]

Great performance I remembering watching these guys performing this song in concert many many years ago blew me away. After fifty years I remember this as if it happened yesterday. Terry Kaith and Peter Cetera thank you.

[@keithjetton4932]

When my wife heard this over the grocery store speakers, she was naturally high for a month.

[@santinocorleone1204]

I was born in Chicago. Got my driver's license in '72. Saw Chicago at the Chicago Stadium in '72.. It was a magical time to grow up.

[@mariagilligan7133]

My favorite Chicago song . I had no idea that's what they were saying. I understand Terry Kath better then Peter. Thank you for putting this on U tube.

[@jasoncarpp7742]

Awesome song! Although the song was written 40 yrs ago, and talk about issues that were relevant for the time, the song could also be relevant today. This song is why I like Chicago's early music. :)

[@skippertthomas]

Totally... Bring this back and Laugh In, when we could pun each other and make ourselves laugh, cry and THINK, without pointing fingers and acting self-righteous...

[@carlacook5181]

I have always thought of Terry's closing remarks as sarcastic remarks about Peter's outlook, not that he was giving in, so to speak.

[@Cookies_crumbs]

I totally agree with you. Peter’s character sounds like a self-centered college student who is either oblivious or apathetic toward the world’s problems. Kind of like “it doesn’t affect me, so why should I care?” attitude.

[@fivelostsoulsorlando6434]

I have not listened to this song in years, but it has always been one of my favorites from Chicago. Your notes at the end of part one are amazing!

[@GustavoPerez-fs1sm]

Excelente después de muchos años la volví a escuchar y es grandioso

[@jakers1517]

Thank you for your great post and comments. This has always been my favorite Chicago tune. Again, thank you.

[@rolojonzun]

I view the last exchange of part 1 as written with a sarcastic tone. The equivalence of how can you be so self absorbed, oblivious to what's happening now. The anticipated response of " if you had my outlook, you'd always think every thing was fine", defining the post 60's mindset that a problem is only a problem if it impacts ME personally !

[@bholaoates1542]

+Rolo Jonzun Yes, I agree and was going to post the same thing myself until I read your comment. Thanks.

[@jhnstn1]

Hasn't really changed much, has it?

[@michaelvaughn1496]

@Jennifer Puhl Hi Jennifer. I was 19 and I guarantee that when we listened we saw it as highly sarcastic. I can't say for sure, but with what we were into and facing--I'm pretty sure Terry wrote it as sarcastic. Hit that spot for me and my buddies,

[@do9138]

Yes, EXACTLY. Chicago obviously saw this self-satisfied complacency as a serious problem that was preventing us from making it happen. But in 2020, there are so many who not only adopt that self-satisfied complacency but are actually PROUD of their coldness. THIS IS A WAKE UP SONG FOR US NOW. Don't think "everything is fine" because YOU aren't hurting (not you, personally, Rolo -- the generalized YOU). Look at the starvation and needless pain, the repression around you. Let's raise our voices as one, and then and only then WE CAN MAKE IT HAPPEN.

[@drjroseman]

Thank you for your eloquent way of posting this song. Their first ,second & fifth albums were my favorites. This song was definitely one their best. Just finished watching their documentary for the third time!! Beautiful.

[@kassiopiawolf7291]

If someone ever asked me "are you optimistic bout the way that things are going?" Id be so excited

[@sandrahawes1739]

Wow I can hear the talent of the outstanding group Chiago

[@Guzzy54]

Thank you so very much for bringing this fantastic "human right's," song back to my memory today!

[@musicman257]

One of my favorite Chicago tunes thanks for sharing Love how you did the video

[@jakers1517]

Thank you for your wonderful comments and post. This my favorite Chicago song. Again, ty.

[@dotM3]

favourite eh... makes us 2 right here... the lyrics... dfescribes the world today... and/or as it always has been!

[@CapMan1249]

Great song

[@user-iw6ru8td1q]

True meaning of what of what life was than and now my favorite Chicago song❤

[@garydelgaudio5364]

Wow awesome tune !!!!

[@saurian11]

My FAVORITE Chicago Song!!! Hate how the radio always seems to edit it, though!

[@bobsarfatty4673]

Great song in every way. Beat , lyrics still up hold up today.

[@darylrubin7269]

What a great duet. I really miss Terry!!!

[@dcurren375]

I love this song/ album and you!

[@tredog884]

Thank you 👍🏾for writing these lyrics down.

[@robertw9437]

This is a great song and it inspired me when I was young. However, I can now say, 50 years later, that we have made no progress.

[@deirdrelozica4992]

Wow!, don’t I wish for those days. What a great time for music ang hu

[@KeithLandryAcoustic]

So timely today.

[@marciavendrametto7649]

ficou ótimo Peter cetera e terry Kath em dueto eles eram a alma do Chicago perfeitos

[@lindah5202]

This sure took me back to the day.

[@kraigsternquist919]

I can’t stop listening to this song. I was 12 when it came out, but it seems so much more relevant to me today, as it should to our college age kids in our current day…

[@michaellarrabee4208]

Same problem today as then. Kids don’t listen and are doomed to repeat the mistakes of the past.

[@michaelhall6340]

One ofmy favorite songs of all time-put it right up there with some from Mason Profit,The clash, Soundgarden and Temple of the dog...

[@richarddelgado2723]

This song just blows me away every time I hear it I love the Internet so much get all those lyrics that I never knew for years to many songs this tune contains some haunting brass sections and Terry Caths seemingly clumsy or awkward guitar note bends but they really make the song come to life

[@normaboehm9825]

I totally agree with you. Gives me chills

[@aureliosolomon1701]

Peepol70 you are beautiful but your "taste" for Chicago makes you more beautiful. Thanks for the video.

[@kingcassius2586]

Those horns from 1:54-2:16!

[@mskisimms]

Kevin Smith BELL YEAH!!!!

[@Lengo67]

Nicely done! This is blue ribbon material! You get 5 stars from me for this great video!

[@aeromamakinforever]

Very well done! Thank you

[@wmt3115]

Outstanding!
Thanks for the commentary.
Great post !

[@rondmc44]

This song is very relevant in 2020. Period.

[@midtownjohn]

Who's here in 2020 . The millennials still say "Everything is fine".

[@marymcwright8980]

Thank you Tube for clearing up a long ago argument. Did we not have some Hell a fired Band way back then. Whoo still sounds Good.

[@markbowles2382]

You go ms. Mary.

[@theartoftravelinglight1139]

boy if this song wasn't prophetic, huh? NOW look at US

[@Lengo67]

We can make it better!

[@joejones5653]

After this album happened, the band went south.... Bubble gum AM type stuff that was commercial

[@rebelgator57]

Nice job Thanks

[@stevenseul361]

peepol70 Thank you so much for this. WOW

[@gym_bob]

Sadly, the problems discussed in this song, still exist in today's world......

[@patmcpee]

Re: Terry sympathizing or ‘seeing’ Pete’s perspective is highly doubtful.
If you listen to every line and thought of Terry’s points (vs Pete’s ‘counterpoints), there is not a shred nothing short of a miracle could get those views to change.
Meaning, if you think that he is somehow relieved by the things that Peter is telling him- enough that it brings him some sort of solace- knowing that “everything gonna be alright” (Thanks, Bob!), it could not be more untrue.
I’ve seen Terry sing this several times (going back to when it was brand new) and the feelings are so strong that I’d swear to God that he wrote it (sorry, Mr. Lamm).
And it came at such a tumultuous time in our history; the battle for civil rights, racism, the Vietnam war, idiot politicians and ignorant neighbors which you can (unfortunately) compare to the present time.
Any song whose relevance can live on for a half century is as prophetic as Dylan’s “The Times They Are A’changin’.”
Surely, Peter’s ‘counterpoint’ telling Terry that there’s nothing much to worry about is only showing the point of view that so many still have to date; If you close your eyes to it, your feelings WOULD be numb. And like they say, “ignorance is bliss.”
I always felt a little sorry for Peter having to play that part.
But in his defense-
He KILLS it.
Anyway, that’s my take on it.
It could be #1 this very day.
“Don’t it make you angry-
the way war is dragging on?”
“
Don’t you feel repression-
just closing in around?”
Met with-
“What is this power you speak of and the need for things to change?
I always thought that everything was fine.
Yeah, Yeah, Yeah, Yeah!”

[@Elpuma1374]

Pat, You are absolutely correct: Democrats vs Republicans. Liberals vs Trumpism. Reason vs Stupidity.

[@patmcpee]

Hic Nuntio Thanks, Hic. I think that Floyd had it ‘absolutely correct.’- “Us---and Them.” It seems people are looking at things from only their perspective (which they naturally think is correct) and there’s no one willing to bend.

[@shariklein5883]

Oh! If only today's campus were very very free. Sigh

[@sandyhultgren4140]

Perfect for this day as of the veiled cloud of darkness is being lifted off of our country. Perfect song for the day.

[@charliekufs9939]

I have a different interpretation. I think Terry’s lines represent people who want society to be more ideal, without war, hunger, and social ills. Peter’s lines represent people who trust their leaders to do the right things, a holdover from the mindset of the 1950s. They aren’t connected to the world because they are totally engaged with their own lives, minding their own business, and keeping “a steady high.” Today, Terry’s character would be considered “woke” and Peter’s character would be like an apathetic non-voter. I see Terry’s “thank you for the talk” comment not so much as sarcasm as an acknowledgment that he won’t change Peter’s mind. However, the theme of the song IMO is that we should be more like Terry’s character and care about these things.
“We can save the children.” “We can change the world now.” “We can make it better.” “We can make it happen.” These lines don’t make sense if Terry adopted Peter’s apathy.
I was in college in the early 1970s and had many conversations like this.

[@Mona-rg9xg]

Don’t see any woke in this

[@keithclark6318]

Remember to drop the clip first, then clear your weapon. Double check and make sure that it's cleared.

[@markbowles2382]

Amen to that Mr.Keith - just thinking the pittiful irony of someone who could handle an instrument so well being or acting foolishly with another instrument in a careless moment and gone, forever, I grew up with this jam and if anything Terry Kath ever accomplished (for me anyway) was how assumption and or carelessness regarding firearms was no joke - thanks for having the nads to say what Im sittin here thinking while this great timeless jam repeats itself for the going on fourth time.

[@yamahog7997]

One musically tasteless person does not like this.

[@TomTobin67]

It's up to 10 losers now.

[@randyjordan5521]

@@TomTobin67 Maybe they're just assholes.

[@debbrajoseph3934]

Hell yeah babie

[@debbrajoseph3934]

The truth hurts them nothing's changed Sence Jr high

[@davedenny4925]

I respect your right to your opinion. Even if we disagree.

[@theresalux7394]

I believe the band sold out in 1976 when they started making songs if you leave me now Terry Kath's was fighting with the band and planning on going solo unfortunately Kath's was killed in a gun accident

[@bholaoates1542]

+Theresa Lux I loved them from their very first album until Terry Kath died, then I lost interest in them. The others are very talented, but Terry gave them that exploratory edge and some black soulfulness that made them more interesting and appealing. One of the most soulful white dudes ever, along with Gregg Allman.

[@jhnstn1]

Management and label pressure plus the change in the public's musical taste dictated the direction the band had to take to remain popular. Kath was particularly upset about this.

[@aarontrainor9918]

​@jhnstn1 If Kath didn't mess with guns,XIV would been his last Chicago Album

[@michaellarrabee4208]

This song and For What It’s Worth both expressed the frustration of the inability of youth to understand what life was going bring to them and the arrogance to say we don’t need any advice from you old people.
Seems that not much has changed. 😢

[@TrailToughTrailers]

I'd like to point out that Terry's character could see there WAS/is a problem where Peter's couldn't/wouldn't. Without acknowledging there IS a problem, nothing gets fixed!!! Too many Peters in this world and not enough people listening/believing Terry's clear, honest, CORRECT perspective. But... I don't think this point, as true as it is... will change a Fool's mind/heart.

[@jeffreyiaia8592]

would be a great read in an English class. A dramatic reading or a very short on act play.

[@DCarver803]

awesome Im crying

[@jimmitchell694]

I've always thought that Kath's line at the end of part 1 was meant to be sarcastic.
As in "thanks, you've been a big help."
That's supported by part 2 lyrics "we can make it better, we can help the children."
Peter's lyrics in part 1 doesn't seem to recognize any problem.

[@kommonsense4508]

Kath wants to appear with a revolutionary Profile, while he was a fanatic collector of weapon and final y shot in his own Head! Please do not tell Tales, we are pretty grown ups!😢😢😢

[@donaldring4650]

MESSAGE: Stay un-informed and there are NO PROBLEMS. Keep a steady high and your head up your arse.

[@ricodeleon7870]

"Dialogue Part I"
Terry
Are you optimistic
'bout the way things are going?
Peter
No, I nver ever think of it at all
Terry
Don't you ever worry
When you see what's going down?
Peter
No, I try to mind my business,
that is, no business at all
Terry
When it's time to function
as a feeling human being, will your
Bachelor of Arts help you get by?
Peter
I hope to study further,
a few more years or so. I also hope
to keep a steady high
Terry
Will you try to change
things, use the power that you have,
the power of a million new ideas?
Peter
What is this power you
speak of and this need for things to
change? I always thought
that everything was fine
Terry
Don't you feel repression just
closing in around?
Peter
No, the campus here is very, very free
Terry
Does it make you angry
the way war is dragging on?
Peter
Well, I hope the President
knows what he's into, I don't know
Terry
Don't you ever see the starvation
in the city where you live, all the
needless hunger all the
needless pain?
Peter
I haven't been there lately,
the country is so fine, but my
neighbors don't seem hungry 'cause
they haven't got the time
Terry
Thank you for the talk,
you know you really eased my mind
I was troubled by the shapes
of things to come.
Peter
Well, if you had my
outlook your feelings would be
numb, you'd always think
that everything was fine

[@robertdillon9989]

You spelled Pete Cetera’s name wrong when you first introduced him! By the way you failed to point out the whole point of the song, it’s a satire, they’re making Light of the views that being numb in the 60s and 70s solves nothing, activism without action, getting high without any goals solves nothing. Hiding in school, being egocentric, elitist.these are not in enlightened viewpoints. This is the goal of the song.Thank you I lived during that time.

[@lisamcdougal6390]

Yes feel like I'm 16 again!

[@chetstevens4583]

Peter Catera?

[@monkeyface777]

If you need to explain this song then Chicago "Failed" in writing and performing it!
Btw, the dialogue is between two college students!
I had to exit the song because of the lame comprehension of it!

[@jillbowers3776]

thank you

[@nehpets5591]

great post! However, it's "Cetera".

[@mskisimms]

Stephen Kush Don’t hate on Terry Kath, Dude is “The Shit”!!!

[@patmcpee]

Stephen, if you mean that the song is only great because Peter is singing much of it, contraire, my friend.
Love me some ‘Pizza Tera,’ but Lamm, wrote it, the horns are slammin’, Terry sings the shit outta his part (he’s not just acting for his character) and his guitar parts (both rhythm & lead) are killer.
If you don’t believe that, ask “JIMI.”

[@michaelroywaters2832]

It's Cetera and Terry's being sarcastic

[@roberthedges4585]

Words are still meaningful today. In 40 years from Viet Nam war to Trump, we have not learned much from our mistakes.

[@tinoguerrero3120]

Here is an even sadder thought about then and now: yes, the problems still remain and yes it is relevant , unfortunately. Think about this: had a president back then committed treason- the ENTIRE country would have banded together- and it would be inconceivable that 35 percent would have sided with the traitor to our country. This is how much russia succeeded the past 7 years. I laugh now at that movie in the 80’s when russians attacked Colorado and local rt wing kids banded together to save us from communism. Those same fair skinned heroes of the 80’s imagination- all grew up and when russia actually attacked our elections and our country and helped install their guy- these same rt wing heroes OPENED the door and greeted the russians and blamed other americans for this “hoax” and basically said- russia before dems and non-white people! Where did the young hero patriots disappear to when the usa was truly attacked?

[@swami1]

Idealistic activist vs apathetic stoner.

[@margaretsinclair1465]

Great song, but TMI here.

[@moonlitrn1]

Well.....looks like you couldnt make it happen

[@victorrodriguez2424]

Liberal Jerry.. Lol

[@Elpuma1374]

Victor, Liberal, as intelligent and curious?.. I agree.

[@Thekennel177]

The country elected Trump. So much for advancement.

[@johnmccarthy4134]

Then came Joe Cornpop Biden. I wonder who’s next?

[@tomkrym8801]

One can see how meaningless is Trump's "Wall" !

[@tixximmi1]

No you can't. The wall is more than a 30' barricade on our southern border. It's much larger than that. Don't be submerged like Peter's lines in this song. The final chorus about making it better and saving the children are part of Trump's wall. Trump will get it done.

[@tixximmi1]

@@instantkarma1511 I didn't vote for Obama.

[@tixximmi1]

@@instantkarma1511 Those pictures of the kids in cages were from when he was President. He did it, not Trump.

[@tixximmi1]

@@instantkarma1511 And they kids did get necessities. Food, Shelter, Medical. What else, a smart phone too. You need to understand the truth and quit listening to the lies of Fake News.

[@tixximmi1]

@@instantkarma1511 And I have a bridge for sale. No one killed babies. And most definately Obama did rip families apart. You are so submerged. And those cages were Obama's not Trumps.

[@GuadalupeMartinez-ti1im]

Odio esa canción

[@RichLamb]

Awful audio quality. Go look for it somewhere else.

[@Elpuma1374]

Rich, Sounds like you need to get better equipment: that's all.

[@MarshaFlorim-qf3ck]

Great song