Jim Croce - The Hard Way Every Time.flv

[Jawbreaker424]

This has to be one of my favorite Croce songs, of course I hear others and think the same! I've always heard Jim and Maury worked together to create alot of songs on Jims recordings. I often wonder why Maury is never listed as co- writer of the words and music? I love jc but truly believe Maury was a key to Jims musical success! They were truly a duo and not a solo! Together they were magic and one without the other seems unthinkable. It's was truly a sad night in natchitoches when the accident

[xWookiee]

Maury is one of my favorite guitarists.

[nesnejls]

This geezer had to be writing from the heart. So many songs just cut right to it.

[man4258]

I still remembered every word even though I haven't heard this in at least 20 years. I was in high school when Jim died and I cried soo hard that day I couldn't go to school. He was one-of-a-kind!

[zakery215]

This song should touch everyone! Croce is the DiVince of music!

[Farinadog13]

Sadly, This was Jim and Maury's last television appearance, the "Made in Chicago" series produced by WTTW-Chicago, and the predecessor of "Soundstage" It originally aired on August 13, 1973, my 13th Birthday.

[Farinadog13]

Simply Brilliant! 

[iamharvy]

I always run into this song each time i fail on something, thanks a lot Jim!

[100jules]

...and I've learned at times it's best to bend cause if you don't well those are the breaks ...

[dprosenberger]

@100jules Ouch, that is such a classic truth! :)

[jdwill1959]

my hero/marder

[NYVoice]

What's most interesting about this video is that 1) it's sung in a lower D than in E on the I Got A Name collection.And 2) Jim's hair length and extended moustach indicate this was towards the end of his days as the album's back photo from I Got A Name indicates. There is a Sept 1973 calender on the wall nearby. I don't think it was "pasted" there after the fact. Just my two cents. Otherwise, yes, this is a true understated masterpiece of a song.

[upperdarbybill]

A few weeks before Jim and Maury left us Jim was asked "Do you have a favorite of your songs?" his reply was "tough choice between 'Operator & The Hard Way Everytime'. I find irony on the last album, the last song & the last verse... Looking back @ the faces I've been... I wouldn've done it any other way. That hurt just printing it.

[nickslife61]

jim was not affraid to be simple --just like talking to a best friend from the heart.

[merndemrow]

This post is so awesome...thankyou for posting. What a lost talent. RIP Jim and Maury.

[17865329]

@4my3dogs Ironically, Croce never really made it out of his 20's. He may have just turned 30 when he

was killed. 

[mistermauri]

I do subscribe each and one of it...

[davidtusa]

this is absolutely the best song he wrote and recorded!! listen to the words closely and you will see!!

[TWBee]

This is incredible. I thought I found his last best song with "Next Time, This Time." This song I just came across this morning with Jerry Reed doing a cover of it. Both NTTT and this song voice my feelings for this period of life that I'm going through. I was so glad to hear this song this morning. It lets me know that someone else understands, and that he to found that he wouldn't have done it any other way. Wonderful, wonderful song!

[jrwilson98]

I am 47 and Jim is one of my favorite artists. He left this World way to soon! The combination of Rock, Soul and Folk are unmatched today.

[deadheadkenny]

I want this song played at my memorial service. Thanks for posting this. It's always been one of my favorite songs.

[mistermauri]

truth is, we lost a warrior;

every damn time...

[kayed15]

Another great song! Thank you

[caargoqueen]

Me too Jim, the hard way every damn time

[shellback1978]

i'm 52 as well. First heard his music when I was 15. it was good then...still great now.

[doncorleone2100]

I have loved this song since the early seventies. But it was only about a year ago that I was able to see Jim and Maury perform this song. While watching Jim play and sing, I sense that there was some kind of premonition, that somehow he new something bad was going to happen. Lastly Jim's son is a performer also. He is A J CROCE. His music and style are way different than his father, but he is definitely worth checking out! He is on you tube! Enjoy!

[bamamamacat]

Thank you so much for this video. I love this song on so many levels. Jim Croce was an original, in the best sense of the word. There was nobody like him, then or now. Thank you again.

[younevercall]

First time I am hearing this song! nice.

[doghut101]

i am drunk

[V1cT1M38]

if you know love....you know Jim

[doghut101]

We will always learn the hard way about wat we did wrong.

[lovejoytaytay]

Key words are the last ones; wouldn't have done it any other way.

[ladyfreedom11]

truth, is the truth, is the truth! I hope you all know the truth.

[SamiSpade]

This really takes me back. I haven't hears it in so long. It was on the 1st album I ever bought. Thanks for posting it!

[Colvillecr]

I don't know that I have much to say. He was a wonder, a young guy figuring it out. But he didn't make it after a plane crash. But what a talent he was, with his guitar skills and his creative lyrics. We lost a warrior.

[Colvillecr]

What a loss it was for all of us when he and Maury were killed. It reminds me of George Gershwin's brain tumor. What would they have given us if they'd lived?

[mistermauri]

Jim, ...you're here!!!

[genecorrado]

I saw him in Lincoln Center in 1972 and this song just slays me every time.

[100jules]

I have listened to Jim since I was a teenager and can't believe I've never heard this song before. WOW.

[princesslehaha]

@100jules Hey Jules, it's on the album I Got A Name.

[princesslehaha]

Jim has been a part of my life starting the summer when he died... I was 14, just moved to Canada, didn't even speak English, and somehow he found my lonely heart and stayed there all these years. Good company indeed... and God bless my brother who bought me my first Croce album (my first album ever), and said 'You're gonna like this guy.'

[BelTriJar]

@princesslehaha Hi I can relate to your words, I am from Holland and I was 14 years too when I had his first album and he found my lonely heart as well and stayed with me untill today, and I hope for many years to come! Greetings from Maja.

[princesslehaha]

@BelTriJar Hey Maja, thanks for sharing that; it's so nice to know someone else had the same experience. I think many people here too, I've loved reading all the comments. Makes me feel like we're having a special little gathering to honor Jim and Maury : )

Lea

[arthurmarinella]

one of the best songs ever written, to bad not many people know of it or of jims music. his music has een a best friend over the years when a friend could not be found, i am 52 and been listening since i have been 16 and jim music never makes me tired of hearing it. i stand the test of time , just as frresh today as it was back then.

[mistermauri]

thank you for your words!

i wish you the best, really!!! :))

[folkmusicgirl]

@arthurmarinella

This is one of my very favourite Jim Croce songs!. It is such a beautiful song and I still remember where I was when I heard about Jim Croce's death from a plane crash. I absolutely loved his music, especially his folkier ballads like this one.

His voice, songwriting and guitar playing is incredible!

[kwprinz1]

@arthurmarinella I'm better because his songs....period...............­.. all of them.

[upperdarbybill]

@arthurmarinella I'm very happy that you found 'Hardway,, it really does me good to read words like yours. We both went to the same public schools and grew up blocks from @ other. Though a few years apart I stay in touch with a cousin of Jims. BTW Go to the fan club site, you'll find that this song was Jims favorite. Listen tothe last verse. It was the last song on the last LP.

[arthurmarinella]

jim wrote sang for the common person. he wasnt above life , but into it. this song is a classic. it should be the story of my life

[arthurmarinella]

Jim wrote and sang for and about the common person he was and is great, not above life but was into life. maury jim lead guitar player brought a special life to jims songs. they played togeather and died togeather, but live on togeather through their music. jim has been a best friend at times when i had none. this song eflects my life

[marybeth830]

Jim's music always leaves me inspired.I am in awe of this great musician.R.I.P.

[81MJT]

This was a song that could have been written by a man twice his age, his wisdom preceded his years

[pout46]

This song is on a 2 cd set.U can buy in another great song is called "age" excellent song.There r a bunch of great songs on that CD set!

[BelTriJar]

I think this is the most beautiful song he ever sung. I love Jim for ever !

[LadyRedCedar]

I have been looking for this song for soooo long.

My life story in a song, and many other folks I know too! lol

All levity aside, play this one at my funeral....

[mistermauri]

...just promise me that if i go first,

you''ll play this one at my funeral.. ;)

[nik2367]

yehaaaa !!!!

[mistermauri]

yes, dobson, i sure do know what you mean...

i guess we couldn't have done it any better;

thank's to Jim, he managed to put it in music

;)

[nik2367]

yheaaaa !!!!

[dobson1202]

I've loved Jim since the early 70's when I was about 10 and discovered two of his albums among my Mom's 8-track tape collection LOL

I remember hearing about his passing on the radio about a year later and was very upset at the time.

This song is one of my all time favorites of Jim's and it has always had a special meaning for me especially now that I'm in my late 40s

This song pretty much sums up my life but as Jim sang "I wouldn't have done it any other way"

Rip Jim you are sorely missed

[flyinelvis69]

of all the songs i've ever identified with, this is the one! still learning thehard way at 46.....

[mistermauri]

thank you!

just enjoy his soul...

[nik2367]

YEHA !!!

[potching2008]

Has this song ever been used in film or tv??

[racernc]

Wow. Just wow. 

God bless you, mistermauri.

[EmergencyIan]

Beautiful song form a beautiful guy! He's sorely missed. Thanks for sharing this with us!

- Ian

[mistermauri]

thank you!  :)

[thecheesburgler]

love this guy

[TiffanyECW]

<3 your not the only one. This man is a hero to many of young men and women.

[mistermauri]

...and to others not that young! ;) thank you for your comment :)

[nik2367]

Yhehaaaaa !!!

[mistermauri]

:))

[time903]

sweet song! love it! one of my fav. songs

[lilyvonschtuppp]

Aweome video! Thanks!

[mistermauri]

yes, ...Jim Croce does it!!!

[pathoger]

What beautiful meaningful song