Added: 4 years ago
From: Lewismadmax
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  • He was the Odysseus of the American Middle Class during his too short life. This song, like "Cat's In The Cradle", illustrates all too well the hollowness of most peoples' lives during this era. It reminded me of the profound quote of Kurt Vonnegut, Jr. during the same Era: "Americans look for love in places it never exists, and in forms it never takes. Perhaps this has something to do with the end of the Frontier..."

  • What the words say about life, are awesome!

  • Yes Harry chapin was a tragic loss for the musical world and also for all the world hunger proceeds he gave away and sponsored ! Harry got some quality time in the spotlight. I do agree with the last comment about Jim Croce and his finest guitarist Maury muehleisen, their tragic death was awful and before they really hit star status!

  • The greatest musical tragedy of the last 50 years was the passing of Harry Chapin. How much he would have told us of the human condition...

  • @alanparsonsfan I don't know if I would say the "greatest". But it was great loss.

    I would also add the death of Jim Croce in a plane crash in 1973 as another great musical tragedy.

  • OMG Love this song!!!

  • In the late 1970's, I was working part time security at the Springfield Civic Center in Springfield Massachusetts. Harry Chapin was playing that night. About 2 hours before showtime, a station wagon pulled up to the service entrance and a guy rolled down the window. "Hey buddy, where can I park?".....said Harry Chapin. I pointed out the place, he said thanks, parked, opened the back of the wagon, took out his guitar case and walked alone to the dressing room area. True story.

  • Correction, was not this show. Bigger stage.

  • I remember when pay t.v. first came out, (with the box that sat on coffee table with cable running too the t.v.), and this and Chris Deburge were played in a endless loop for months. I was about 14, and I loved it. great band, tight, and great man. S~ Harry

  • I'm 55 this year i'll be watching this when i'm 64

  • Great song Taxi .. what a writer

  • Anybody remember Chapins Album Greatest Stories Ever Told live, and the song 30,000 pounds of bananas. Sounded like Harry was fighting just to sing the song and not bust out in laughter. very funny

  • Harry Chapin and Jim Croce. If ever ther were two mucians that could

    recreate life in a song, these are the ones. Both gone way to soon. RIP

  • @maxquad21 Oh so right, if I could add one it would be Bill Chase. Lots more but these 3 had such an influence on my music and life.

  • Harry Chapin died in the summer of 1981. In a car accident.

  • This is one song that is sad and happy in one. Its sad the harry isn,t here any more, and happy that we are able to apreciate it.

  • Wow! Loved this song dozens of years ago but this live clip is awesome. 

  • she was gonna learn to be an actress, and i was gonna learn to fly. dammit.

  • I remember when this song came out. How could we have known it would stand the test of time so well?

  • @ThePhotobug561

    It's got significant meaning for me as well. Beautiful song.

  • That makes me want to drive a taxi. Life seems simpler there.

  • What a likeable guy. He's like that elusive uncle that everybody is happy to see at family functions.

  • I've really never understood this song.

    "Driving my taxi one night, I picked up a woman, who I soon realized was my ex."

    "Man, I really should have let my inner self flourish, rather than letting life tie me down."

    "NAKED DRUG-FUELED EXISTENTIAL MELTDOWN IN FALSETTO"

    "Welp, see ya! *toke*"

  • that's a MAN singing that part???

  • Heard this on the way home from work tonight. I had the whole Harry Chapin collection... Damn Hurricane Katrina took it....it's in Lake Pontchartrain now... must replace!

  • at 3:42 Thats funny as hell.

  • harry thank you for the memories.peace man.

  • I'm probably the only 14 year old that legitimately likes Harry Chapin

  • @Tuxiam you sir are incorrect i have liked him since i was 9

  • @12331261 no I mean I'm 14 currently

  • @Tuxiam I'd love to prove you wrong but I am a year older..

  • @Tuxiam Smart kid. lol

  • @Tuxiam.. nah mate .. first time i heard this song i was around the same age.. wonderful story/song..

  • @Tuxiam I'm 19 now, but I was raised on Chapin, my man.

  • Happy Birthday Harry.

  • I heard this on the radio this morning....prompted me to listen again and as I read 'bigharry' and 'fyeaviation,' wow such full lives.

    Hope the song makes you reflective happy.

  • This is a great song but this version is faster then the others

  • Harry Chapin is so gorgeous.

  • Great song, and great that a song other than Cats in the Cradle has more than a million hits here!!!!

  • Wonderful storyteller. Gone too soon, Harry....gone too soon.

  • Some day Hollywood will make a movie based on the fantastic piece! I wish and hope it will be me.

  • the days of feelings....when we cared!! the days of light love and laughter

  • @TheZenuc I still care! check out my tunes if you fancy. Its folk, but not necessarily as upbeat as Chapin.

  • His best song. Thanks for posting the Baby's so high lyric. I could never figure out what he was saying.

  • I suspect that those of us who were fortunate enough to have been of a certain age during this decade, while loving the great music that seemed to be coming from almost "everywhere" in terms of the incredible number of unforgettable artists around in those days, perhaps didn't really appreciate how lucky we were and simply and unwittingly assumed that this was the norm.  How wrong we were!!!

  • @paqumike was right there with you didnt really notice untill the sounds got away from us into the disco age.heavy metal punk rock then rap its all about the money

  • Harry Chapin sang about the opportunistic in life we miss and lose. After hearing this song again, I resolve to live the rest of my life to the fullest. Rest in G-ds' hands, Harry...

  • @paqumike You expressed your self so well. My wife and I absolutely loved Harry Chapin. Such a talent and such a caring person. We are less because of the loss at such an early age. Thank you for your comment.

  • @paqumike I think its music like this that I have learn to except my age and proud of it! First saw this on on the little crappy ON TV box before cable!

  • this is probably already in my lineup but it so fits today...

  • usmc diabled at 34

  • 30000 lbs bananas true storyteller

  • The last great protest singer, RIP Harry.

  • you never know were life takes you ,my story is the same. god bless

  • ive got every thing inside of me .

  • saddest reunion song ever...

  • I was looking for another song but this is good music.

  • i've loved this man as long as I can remember. It's almost an obession. His face, his hair, his entire being, back in a day that we had no idea how innocent compared to today's world. Taken from us so very too soon so very long ago. I love you Harry Chapin. And all you stood for , believed in...

  • My dad sang this to me when I was a kid :)

  • @sweetcareyline Amazing...I sang this to my kids at bedtime too...there were several songs I sang for them, this was always a favorite. My oldest called it 'Hard', as in ''It was raining HARD in 'Frisco...'

  • Depends on the bear, and where you get it from. And the size. :)

  • What can you buy a bear for twenty dollars?

  • I used to listen to this song on the radio while I was driving my taxi. That was decades ago, but the memories are still there.

  • Agreed Sporty04..this song is a true classic!

  • This song brings back so many great memories!!

  • I was 12 when this song came out. Loved it then and love it now.

  • Chapin, Croce,Denver,Lightfoot, all helped to make growing up easier. Wish that the kids of today would listen, I think that they would find that some music and themes are timeless. Listen to lyrics and you will see.

  • One of the greatest storytellers, could really identify with this song.

  • Sorry to hear grandpa died of dust in lungs, so do miners. I have many photos I took in Korea, also from Bhutan and Bangkok in later years. Write me at bigharry31@gmal.com if you'd like, Harold

  • try not to drink to much to this one. it'll fuck ya up

  • Thank you, I love songs that tell a story. Harold

  • July 16, 1981 was the date of Harry's death..... Yes indeed The greatest person to fight world hunger!!!! ~love**evol~

  • Why does your description quote the worst part of the song? I'd have gone with "You see, she was gonna be an actress..."

  • This is to bigharry31. I live in Dubuque, Iowa and would like to visit you to personally thank you for your service to our country. How can we get together?

  • @TheGregreddick - If you want to reach bigharry you should use the reply button on the far right of his post. That way YouTube will send him an e-mail with your message. He may never see your recent post if he doesn't come back to this page. You're doing a good thing; I hope you and Harry connect.

  • Beautiful music, before my time but I am glad my parents shared it with me in my youth.

  • Harry was THE MAN. Fantastic song; legendarry. Thanks for posting.

  • Just saying... Great old tune...

  • its my first time hearing this guy, and boy does he have a voice!

  • I prefer Stephen Lynch's version.

  • Thank you for uploading this! I adored Harry's music in the Seventies. Question: Was this captured from an old TV appearance, I'm guessing, and what was the date of it?

  • Hits home then and now. Busted out at home IRS took everything, Wife left, Dad died, dog died lost license couldn't fly crop dusters anymore and out of jail on bail. Came to Las Vegas and drove a Taxi. Loved that song and several times old friends and lovers would appear in the back seat. Strange. "One more fare to make the night". Only a taxi driver would say that.

  • @fyeaviation3n

    drove 4 over 20 yrs......still hits me home!

  • @fyeaviation3n sorry to hear man...

  • @fyeaviation3n I feel you bro.. more than you know.. ..stay strong

  • I love his song that tells a story. I also started to learn to fly but instead drove a 6x6 truck in the Korean war, hauling bombs and ammunition. Later sold sewing machines, was a deckhand on Great Lakes ore boats an later had a welding shop. At age of 80 live ian asst living home near Madison WI.

  • @bigharry31 Sounds like you've been living quite a life. I have a very good friend whose Dad was an ore boat captain in the Lakes a long time ago. His name was Capt Donald McRae..heard of him by chance?

    Be well big harry

  • @bigharry31 Hey, bigharry31, I read your post and I dug it. My Gramps sold Singer sewing machines. My best bud is a deckhand up here on the B.C. coast. I would like to hear about your adventures if it doesn't bother you too much. I know a lot of guys who fought and don't want to talk so I understand if it's too sensitive. Maybe you could tell me about the times you spent on the Great Lakes. Okay. Bye for now.

  • @bigharry31 Harry was truely a great artisit. Sounds like you have seen alot in your days.

  • @bigharry31 I would like to tell you Sir, one vet to another, that the younger generations look to you for guidance. Thank you for your service, you have my respect brother. God be with you always.

  • @bigharry31 love ya man

  • @bigharry31 aye my grandfather was also in Korea, never really knew what he did there he was just a tec 3, he died before i knew much around 14,.. I really wished I knew more about his past as I ventured into the military. I never seen war time but honor those who have. he was buried in Wausau WI of what they called oats disease, of a type of cancer from his old work from cement dust.

  • @bigharry31 I do work welding now, I find it a great profession at a great company up in northern Wisconsin and really enjoy it! its a new profession to me only been 3 years into it but its always a learning curve of new projects.

  • @bigharry31 God bless you and your service.You are one of the reasons we do not speak a different language today..I hope you have care givers that really do help you..If you do not please advise,RAnderson U.S.M.C. Take care my friend. You Tube is a great thing! P.S.You have the best horseradish on the planet in your area.You probably all ready know that though.

  • @bigharry31 god bless you

  • @bigharry31 i just got back from being stationd in korea

    thanx for serving

  • @bigharry31 Thank you for your service and my Freedom !!!!

  • No disrespect to uploader, but Harry passed away on July 16, 1981. The result of a terrible car crash. Love this tune & Love Harry & his music. Love "Taxi The Sequel" also, just to name a couple that really take me back.No one better than Harry, as a musician, singer-songwriter & most impressive to me, his humanity & humility. R.I.P. Mr. Chapin.

  • Classic Harry! I remember talking with him several times and he was so wonderful. he had such a great rapport with his fans and his concerts were special times for so many of us. I can't believe he's been gone 30 years! Hugs and happiness to Sandy and their family. RIP Harry.

  • Thank you for posting this; this song has haunted me since I first heard it a long long time ago.

  • THIS IS AN ARTIST WHO NEVER SOLD OUT HIS MUSIC FOR MONEY HE DID WHAT HE WANTED, HE WAS HIS OWN MAN. HE DID SO MUCH FOR SOCIETY THROUGH HIS MUSIC, AND HIS GOOD DEEDS, HE DID SO MUCH FOR WORLD HUNGER. DONATING A LOT OF HIS MONEY AND TIME TO FEED STARVING PEOPLE.

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  • @dalotel Your an idiot.

  • @dalotel I bet you're single.

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  • Whoa, he died the year I was born.

  • @Anon5241 me too the exact date.weird =)

  • Lewismadmax: your rhymes are supper cool.

  • Yes, we all have a girl named, Sue -- way back when. Keep flying low...

  • Always, "Keep the change," if you know what I mean. I believe many of you do. If you don't know, I'm afraid I can't explain. Not your fault, I just can't.

    Peace.

    Rock

  • had a chance to do security for his concert in my college days and had the pleasure to meet and talk with a truly remarkable man

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  • THIS REMINDS ME OF A GIRL I LOVED IN HIGH SCHOOL. WISH TO THIS DAY WE COULD'VE RECONNECTED THRU THE YEARS. GUESS WE'LL NEVER KNOW...

  • This guy exudes "cool"!! this is such a classic, freakin great tune!!!!!

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  • my girlfriend in high school turned me on to Harry,so now everytime I hear it I think of her and how she was my first.

  • Thank you Harry from all of us in the "Cheap Seats!"

  • I loved Harry. One of my all time favorites. So sorry he is no longer with us. I feel the same about Jim Croce and Eva Cassidy, as they all had such talent. I was at the Cape Cod Melody Tent which had a sign stating that Harry was coming soon when I heard he had died.

  • A Great man , singer , musician, poet in his own way ,We will all see him again if you believe ,one day ... God Bless You Harry

  • a heart rending song. as i get older i realize how much this means.

  • @ladylad7181 how true.

  • cat should be allowed to perform in the us.hes the only one left of the 70's

    trio of greatness.

  • One of the greatest songs of all time. Saw Harry at Melody Fair near Buffalo, I think it was 1977. What an amazing singer/songwriter. RIP Harry Chapin, what a tragic loss.

  • Great song. Would buy all his music.

  • Harry Chapin was a great songwriter for sure

  • who disliked this? come at me, bro.

  • I seen Chapin in Vancouver,heard he died in an accident less then a year later,a big loss to the world of music.

  • One of the first concerts I ever went to. Harry Chapin at Valley Forge Music fair. Great story teller.

  • Definitely a classic. RIP, Harry.

  • This song has special meaning to me. Harry was at Ferrum College in the Spring of 1977 and I had the amazing opportunity of singing this song WITH HIM!! It was a high point in my life.

  • I remember seeing Harry at the Westbury Music Fair in LI, NY. I think it was 1977 - what a great night. What a great concert. I miss the story-songs we never got to hear.

    Cat In The Cradle came to fruition in my life.

  • Hey Harry  good one

  • But another man never would have let her go. I stashed the bill in my shirt. - this has been my fav musical line since I was like 5.

  • we all have a harry inisde us - losing something early with life long regrets

  • A great song, but I wish he hadn't done a sequel. It didn't need one, the story was complete as it was.

  • @danning1 I choose to pretend that the sequel never existed.

  • When I was in college way back in the 70's, Harry Chapin came during orientation week to sing at our school in New York. I was asked to come on stage with him and sing the high part in Taxi. What an experience! He was so sweet and even said I had a good voice. I remember thinking at the time that someday I might be able to tell my kids and grandkids about this experience. I have told them and shown them who he was and the part I sang. Always remember to grab the moments in life we are given!

  • Thumbs up ^.... smile :-)

  • A wonderful musician, an even better man...

  • my drum teacher is his brother

  • was in in 72 that he got killed in a car accident

  • @510rotten It was 1982.

  • @510rotten July, 1981

  • 41 people have zero taste in music!

  • 40 people don't know what real music is

  • Harry (RIP) and keep the Change ! Tony !

  • Can someone tell me the name of the song he wrote for Feed the Children?

  • @KathyHamann my guess would be "the shortest story"

  • We'd both gotten what we asked for such a long time ago. Great line. Even better all these years later.

  • Makes me hungry.

  • A classic! Now, don't ask me why; but, to me, this is 'Casablanca In A Cab'.. Of all the cabs, in all the towns, in all the world, she got into mine!' Yea, and I knew my way around Frisco, fairly well..

  • ok

  • love this song and wondering how anyone could dislike the song

  • Harry's death is one of those memories where I remember exactly where I was when I heard the news. Harry wasn't the biggest star but he touched lives. Harry is buried in Huntington Rural Cemetery, and the plaque on his grave says "Oh if a man tried to take his time on earth and prove before he died what one man's life could be worth, I wonder what would happen to this world". Fitting epitaph for Harry's life.

  • This song is a masterpiece

  • 30 years ago today. Still like it was yesterday.  Miss you Harry!

  • It was 30 years ago today that we lost a great folk singer and human being.Rest peacefully HARRY.God Bless

  • Harry Forster Chapin (December 7, 1942 - July 16, 1981) R.I.P.

  • Among the songs of the past, this is one of the few which lingers most.

  • Put your headphones on, close your eyes, and you can go back to a time when a song meant something. This song has a special meaning to me, A friend of mine was in a band, and whenever I went to see them, he would always dedicate this song for me. A time when music was real music, and friends were real friends.

  • @Penmaker99

    And to a time when you could understand what the words were. Yes there were a few groups where the singer shouted into the mic,but Harry Chapin,Jim Croce,Harry Nilsson etc sang clearly. Nostalgic? Yes I am,if I had a time machine i'd go back to this era and stay there. Happier times.

  • Harry, Cat, Jim Croce, the 70's was the greatest decade in music.

  • @jaclyn123451 im 19, im into electronic music, rock, alternative, even occasionally pop..

    even with all of this, you simply cannot deny that this statement is correct. the 70's had a way with beautiful music.

  • @jaclyn123451 Don't forget Paul Simon and James Taylor!!!

  • Be sure to hear part 2 of this song if you like to hear more of the story.

  • You can always tell the great one by their live performances. This is so good it's stunning. No, good is not nearly stong enough, even great doesn't do this justice.

  • Too many smiles, too many miles, I will never forget you !

  • Awesome song....wish he would have deleted that weirdness from 3:40 to 4:10 though...bizarre.

  • The last time I went to SF and I took a taxi, this song got stuck in my head for weeks!