HArry Chapin sings SIX STRING ORCHESTRA live

The very day I purchased it,
I christened my guitar
as my monophonic symphony,
six string orchestra

In my room I'd practice late,
they'd leave me alone.
My mother said, "You're nothing yet,
to make the folks write home."

I'd play at all the talent nights,
I'd finish, they'd applaud.
Some called it muffled laughter,
I just figured they were odd.

So I went up for an encore,
but they screamed they'd had enough.
Or maybe I just need a group
to help me do my stuff.

Chorus:

And so I'd dream a bass will join me,
and fill the bottom in. And maybe now some lead guitar
so it would not sound so thin.
I need some drums to set the beat
and help me keep in time.
And way back in the distance,
some strings would sound so fine.

And we would play together,
like fine musicians should,
And it would sound like music,
and the music would sound good.
But in real life I'm stuck with
that same old formula,
me and my monophonic symphony,
six string orchestra.

Oh, I write love songs for my favorite girl
and sing them soft and slow.
But before I get to finish,
she says she has to go.
She's nice and says "Excuse me,
I've got to find a bar,
I think I need refreshment,
for I hear you play guitar."

Oh I sent a demo tape I made
to the record companies.
Two came back address unknown,
one came back C.O.D.

Of course I got form letters,
all saying pleasant things.
Like suggesting I should find a trade
where I would not have to sing.

Chorus

And so I'd dream a bass will join me,
and fill the bottom in.
And maybe now some lead guitar
so it would not sound so thin.
I need some drums to set the beat
and help me keep in time.
And way back in the distance,
some strings would sound so fine.
And it would sound like music,
and the music would sound good.
But in real life I'm stuck with
that same old formula,
me and my monophonic symphony,
six string orchestra.

I've been taking guitar lessons,
but my teacher just took leave.
It was something about a break down,
or needing a reprieve.

I know I found my future,
so I will persevere
and hold onto my dream of
making music to their ears.

Chorus.

Category:

Music

Tags:

• harry
• chapin

[efil4own1]

Funny...every time I hear this song, I sing it...but not in my own voice, as Scooter from "The Muppet Show".

[bearznorthCATHY]

"There's a Visene for that!"

Just kiddin',...heh heh good for you!

[bearznorthCATHY]

...and my hubby claims I sing like Kermit the Frog....eeeeeesh!

[Celestino51]

I will always love Harry...

He is the best songwriter ever...

REST IN PEACE , my friend...

[mrbadx19]

this is the definitive version of 6 string orchestra. it makes you sing out loud along with it. makes me want to hook my computer to my 400 watt home stereo system, just to sing along and enjoy!

[nutballgazette]

You know how I feel about Harry

[cbiscuit73]

Happy Birthday Harry... Hope you're flying high somewhere...rest in peace. 

[DotKhan]

Love the song. Saw him about a dozen times. Harry and his band are great in this.

As a professional in live performances, it looks like the spotlight operator was a little sloppy trying to cleanly switch hitting each musician. I was able to do that within the first week at my old job.

[ufuzzY58]

Harry was great I was very lucky to get to see him four times in Kansas City.The first time was mid 70's at the Cowtown Ballroom. It was a very good show.I miss seeing him, I think the world would have been better had he lived.

I hace some old records and listen to them often it bring's back a good time in my life.

[BenjiBets]

Miss you Harry :(

[AcousticPhases]

that was way kool and fun, thanks Harry.

Long may you live in our hearts and ears.

[GaijinBiker]

He's still alive.

[Haroldbeavis1969]

I think it was more than that. Harry was all about personality and passion and I think it was hard for him to show these things in a studio as opposed to playing in front of people. You're right though, it was all good. RIP Harry, we will always miss you.

[timelyshadow]

I agree! But I don't think it was entirely his fault--I don't think he had TOO too much trouble in the studio, it's just that a lot of his studio tracks are a bit overproduced : /

Nevertheless, I love it all.

[Haroldbeavis1969]

Anyone notice this his live recordings are far, far superior to his studio work? He just kicked into another gear when he played in front of people, something he just couldn't duplicate in a studio. Kind of like the Beatles in reverse.