Harry Chapin - Bummer (audio)

[elimi]

I love Harry Chapin. He is sorely missed. I wish somebody else could do what he did. Somebody sing me a story.

[CDeanWatcher]

All of our returning soldiers need our help. They gave the best years of their lives, most of them. We should remember those who made the ultilmate sacrifice, and honor those who came back and aren't getting the help they need from our own government that sent them off to war.

[TinyDancer500]

@CDeanWatcher Amen, hon, which is exactly what Harry was going for here, I believe.

[Holz2323]

are there actualy people that think this song is racisit. this man is a legend

[mbap23]

I've never heard this song before, it grabs you by the throat, wonderful. Harry was a great talent, no-one told stories, or could hold an audience like he did.

[victorrob6869]

This song (story) is like all Harry Chapin's work. IT came from his gut and heart. A heart that felt deeply. What is sadder then his untimely death is that radio stations will only play Taxi and Cats Cradle. So much was given to the world by his (IN YOUR FACE) songs. His song The Circle did much for alot of us. At 72 I still turn to it when I need to keep going. Thank you for this song.

[TinyDancer500]

@victorrob6869 Thank *you* for the heartfelt comment. I'm just glad I can share Harry's music, it's all still so relevant.

[Shadow23Cyrstal4]

Skip to about 1:50 for actuall begining of lyrics

[blisflix]

So sad, intense song.................soooooooo­o much analyzing, may we just listen!

[ThePianolover93]

@blisflix i thought the same as my english teacher sayd "analyze this song" 

[wolfmanjim]

Actually, Dwight Johnson (about whom this song is based) is buried at Arlington.

[TinyDancer500]

@wolfmanjim Thank you so much for the info, hon! I had no idea this was based on a real person. I've updated the song info with a Wikipedia link (and credit to yourself).

[onceprodical]

Harry is the best ever one of my favorites thank you

[paragtime]

ain't no need to apologize for posting this..it's real, it's great and should be heard.

My wife has always hated it but it's a true song.

God Bless!

[bierlvr]

This song can't be done with pictures. But if you could have heard him do it live...... the feeling came through loud and clear.

[Etude69]

Haryy Chapin was an amazing storteller and had amazing music to go with it. His songs still stans the test of time!

[time7152005]

Powerful music , This guy is awesome.

[hogangoldberg]

It's a damn shame in this P.C. age we always have to apologize for things that warrant no apology. This song is tremendous and pays homage to a misunderstand minority who served his country without question. It is a great song about someone who was never given a fair shake by his elders, but still looked out for his fellow man when it really mattered. It is an inspirational story.

No one but Harry could write such an amazing piece! And if you can't understand its meaning, well, Bummer!

[jakski]

@hogangoldberg Harry was a story teller in purest form,,he didnt want you to just listen,,he wanted you to be there..i heard Bummer when it first came out,,and was totally blown away..the way he arranged the piece.,,the the lyrics are so well written..that i cant find words to express how well that this minstrel of all humanity affected m own writing and playing...Bummer still gives me chills to this day

[PWitty]

this was arranged by gene page, I highly doubt he would attach himself to a racist project considering he was a black arranger

[TinyDancer500]

Terrific background info, PWitty, thanks so much! Backs up my original theory quite nicely :-)

[paragtime]

one of Harry's best.

[dscjnky]

@paragtime

You could say that about all of Harry's songs... but, this one is special.

[chrisporter1971]

musically its so adept .... makes me feel inept...  not PC... but so very real.

[mandrew81]

my dad used to play this for me way back in the day..timeless stuff

[GuitarGirl100100]

this song is one of his best. i was rased on harry and this one is probably my favorite. thank you thank you thank you for posting it:)

[tragnilrats]

I just mentioned to anyone listening to listen again if they weren't blown away......or something like that...ty for posting..Cheers!

[StroutsInk]

I like it a lot it is peaceful and kind of tropical.

[TinyDancer500]

Thanks, glad you liked it! It does sound a bit like a trip through the tropics.

[troakin]

and no, no pics are needed for this one, and thank you for posting...........

[TinyDancer500]

You're more than welcome, hon, glad other people enjoy it as much as I do! And thank *you* for your great comments, much appreciated.

[troakin]

Having been in S.E. Asia in that hell hole known as Viet Nam, i saw this story in person. The last part had to wait until i got back stateside, other than being called names, i saw a few end this way. Harry nailed it. As he usually does in his own way.

[timstertim1]

@troakin I was in the Marine Corps from 1965-1968. When I was discharged,a friend of mine asked me what I was going to do for a living? The only reply I could come up with was " I don't know, there aren't many employers in civilian life looking for hired killers." Just like there are natural athletes, there are natural musicians, the bummer was a natural hard ass....Met Harry at the Valley Forge Music Fair, It was an honor...

[TonySeoMusic]

I think this one of Harry's finest songs and one of his most under-appreciated. I saw him perform this live about a year and a 1/2 before his death and the intensity of the song just blew me away.

Thanks for posting this

Tony

[TinyDancer500]

You're so welcome, Tony, and thanks! I never had the chance to see him live, so I envy you that, but I'm glad I let his music get under my skin so long ago. It still soothes my soul. Cheers!

[madalyn1990]

wow.good job on the music.i never listened to it before.amazing.i don't get how it's racist.

[TinyDancer500]

Thanks, madalyn1990! Personally, I hear it more as a slam against the military and how we treat our soldiers, but I was worried people wouldn't see past the main character being black. Great lyrics and fantastic music, IMHO, I always have to crank it!