Classic Sesame Street - Trying and Trying Again

From the Classic Days of Sesame Street. This is a song from the late great Joe Raposo. I've had this clip on a tape since I don't know when, and it just doesn't get any credit anymore.
This clip comes from episode 2103, in case you were curious. I don't have footage of the entire episode I'm sorry to say, and this was the only thing from it I copied over to VHS (I had this on Beta).

[@d72jjpilc]

Like 'Somebody Come and Play' and 'Flying,' this brings back memories that only someone named Joe Raposo can do. The cat on the stairs, the girl on the water fountain, the turtle on the rock, and the boy catching the football all display a philosophy that applies to ANYONE at ANY AGE! There's no such thing as being 'too old' for Sesame Street!

[@jenniferhansen3622]

Brings back such sweet memories of my childhood. Nothing beats classic sesame street.

[@mikebasil4832]

When it comes to very special songs like this, I can indeed relate.

[@jenniferhansen3622]

​@@mikebasil4832Thanks for your reply! Now I'll have another listen. 😊

[@mikebasil4832]

@@jenniferhansen3622 You’re very welcome. ☺️

[@derekllewellyn6663]

​@@mikebasil4832Looks like new 50th anniversary celebration party years happy birthday season start show

[@troyhenry1551]

This one still touches my ❤️ to this day! From the cute little 🐈 to the toddler finally catching the 🏈

[@annisaarthur-castro6227]

Thank you so much for reprising one of the songs in the soundtrack of my childhood. These songs resonate in my head over 20 years. My pores are raised and I feel like crying. I think parents should get these clips and share them with there children. Sesame Street was so wholesome and educational. I miss being a child!

[@captainfantastic9158]

How can a song make you want to cry but is happy at the same time? 💔❤

[@AlbieGray]

Maybe because of the happy memories that the song evokes, King Jesse. I know where you are coming from though, my friend. I want to cry as well! :)

[@DreamDancer82]

AlbieGray Agreed. I watch these old Sesame Street clips, as well as the cartoons I watched when I was a kid, and I get misty-eyed. Sweet nostalgia.

[@captainfantastic9158]

It's like, these things are lost to us forever, yet still here. Yeah, I guess that's nostalgia. :-)

[@MrJoshinJosh]

Good Question.

[@MrJoshinJosh]

Thanks for the thumbs up Captain Fantastic. I tried to contact you earlier on my email message, but got disconnected again. Sorry about that.

[@PrincessEli82]

This song is helpful and it helps everyone learn to keep trying and not to quit. What a cute little kitten.

[@ShadesBelow03]

Remembering Joe Raposo today, 25 years after his passing.

[@ininvideos]

The song randomly popped in my head showering. Thanks for the video!

[@AlbieGray]

absolutely. To hear these again, what bliss it would be! Albie

[@70Kenny]

I think my favourite part is at the end when the boy FINALLY catches the football and you can just see the absolute joy in his face. Don't worry about the turtle, folks. They would never be the long-lived creatures they are if they weren't able to flip themselves over. Sometimes it takes them awhile, but they know they just have to keep trying and trying again! This song teaches us that we can learn from them.

[@ineedamirroroferised2844]

The boy catching the ball is my favorite part as well.

[@90srocked22]

That's because when this was filmed the boy was probably really learning how to catch a football and it was caught right on film that's what I miss about the old days of sesame Street it showed real moments no scripts even a lot of the one-on-one moments with the kids and Muppets or kids and the human characters were totally unscripted kids would speak their minds sometimes they'd say something kind of crazy but they wouldn't edit it out. It was all natural moments no acting. The show feels so fake and empty today

[@katsura_animator]

I'd almost forgotten this one. Then when I started seeing it, I remembered the poor turtle! And then I always felt happiest when the kid finally caught the ball. The kid was so excited when he caught it, it's hard not to feel equally delighted for him. Beautiful sketch.

[@claireforestgreendixon8301]

Karla Sub the boy with the football is my favorite part too. I am not a sports fan, but he looks so happy, I like it.

[@TheRacingEarPodcast]

Tears of joy. So many of these classic Sesame Street clips make me cry. Crying and Crying Again.....

[@DreamDancer82]

It's the nostalgia. I get misty eyed myself when I see some of these.

[@claireforestgreendixon8301]

The Racing Ear I like that! Crying and crying again. 👏👍Good one.👏👍

[@forestgreenkingsfoldorgang1077]

DreamDancer82 I especially like the boy catching the football. Reminds me of when I was practicing a new piece on my "organ" (electronic keyboard, I pretend it's a pipe organ) and I finally got the hang of the line towards the end that has a lot of counterpoint. The piece was the hymn tune Abbotsleigh, one of my top ten favorites. So when I finally got the counterpoint in the final measure, I felt like the little boy with the football. I'm going to tell my favorite fellow organ geek that I finally got the hang of Abbotsleigh, and I hope she will be as excited as the little boy with the football. She's the substitute organist, and she and I are like two peas in a pod. I keep changing my KZbin channel because I forget my password. Forest Green and Kingsfold are my most favorite hymn tunes, by the way.

[@claireforestgreenorgangeek7144]

... update: Forest Green and Grafenberg.

[@thelonearranger1]

This kitten has been in my mind since I was little in the 1970s (born in 1971). I am so thankful to see him again! I don't remember anything from this song except that kitten. I did some research and found that this song originally aired on April 1, 1974 in episode 0631. I would have been too young to remember this clip at that time, so they must have incorporated it into episodes throughout the 70s. So amazing that they were still using it in 1985, and if they didn't I wouldn't be able to see it again. The rabbit trick from episode 2103 with Mumford and Grover was first aired on November 14, 1972 in episode 0407. I have faint memories of that as well. Thank you so much for posting this and bringing back one of my favorite childhood memories!

[@DreamDancer82]

They tended to mix the older clips with new clips in the 1980's (born in 1982). This has always been one of my favorite songs. I love the melody, and of course, for me, it's all about the kitten.

[@thelonearranger1]

@@DreamDancer82 For years I thought the kitten was climbing to the song "I don't Want to Walk Without You." A friend of mine recently helped me find this clip that I've been dying to see, and I don't remember that song, only the kitten. I don't even remember anything else shown during the song except the kitten.

[@valenciaorange2000]

My childhood ❤ i miss the old sesame street

[@avonee1976]

The thing I loved about this song was how it encouraged little kids never to give up doing things for themselves. It may take time, but eventually you will succeed. Thanks for posting!

[@megarouge2001]

Where did my life go? It went by so fast. It seems like just a year or so ago that I was watching this, eating my PB and J and my chocolate milk after kidnergarten (which was only a half day back then.) Live as much as you can out of every day. It will be over before you know it.

[@SidJustice1]

Raposo was Sesame Street. This is awesome. Thanks for posting.

[@SMSTERN2]

i sure wish we all could re-live the good old days of old tv.

[@dariaE]

Oh boy - was waiting such a long time for this one to appear! Insane how I remembered every frikkin' lyric and note...the best thing about raposo's songs are the slips into minor keys and the super subtle charming melancholy mixed w. the sweetness...oh the magical strange soulfulness of 70's SStreet! will never be dulpicated...

[@thelonearranger1]

He put some awesome chords in at :24, leaving the original key for just two measures.

[@ashproductions]

Wow I'm sure I haven't heard this song in almost 30 years...assuming I've ever heard it...but it brought tears to my eyes immediately...Joe Raposo is amazing......

[@ClarkieandJoseph]

OMG!!! I LUV THIS!!! I was always happy to see the kid catch that football!! This brought me to tears just now! Joe was a musical genius! god Bless him for making growing up a bit better~

[@claireforestgreendixon8301]

Clarkie and Stephen although sports isn't my thing, the boy catching the football was my favorite part.

[@mstatz]

Back in the mid 80's when I recorded all my segments, I was "TRYING" to get this one so bad but never did. Thanks so much for posting this! I remember the music so well, as well as all the scenes.

[@rcaive0875]

This isn't just for children. I'm 50 now and this song still comes to mind when I feel like I want to quit.

[@DreamDancer82]

I'm glad. This song does have a good message.

[@russellcastine2914]

I like watching the kitty climb the stairs at the beginning and sad knowing he's playing at rainbow bridge right now.

[@bobby70077]

Russell Castine Yeah, I remember this when I was little and I'm almost 50. I loved that kitty!

[@menslady125eif2590]

Aww, don't be sad, guys. That little kitty's in Heaven, and he's waiting for us to come and join him.

[@thelonearranger1]

That makes me sad, especially thinking of all the cats I had as pets since childhood.

[@gsnman]

@@thelonearranger1 I'm already crying.

[@dondimarzan631]

Tears welled in my eyes..

[@RikiYamashita]

Brings back memories. Thanks!

[@kevseb66]

Oh this makes me so teary cause it's like a time capsual of my childhood.

[@khavigoback]

I love this clip so much - and I'm glad other people do! None of my friends remember it.

[@wdwnutjm]

back in the days when parents didn't try to protect their kids so much that they didn't let them figure things out by themselves. great video - I miss Joe Raposo

[@WilliamCharlesRamez]

HOAH!!!!!!!!!!! the last time i saw this i was still in prep school.... Total Flashback!!!

[@markshazam]

That's a shame that it doesn't get anymore credit. This song can be inspirating. Joe Raposo was a lgend.

[@torontonian1978]

this sends chills up my spine. there is nothing like the feeling of true and unexpected nostalgia

[@noodlefix]

There's something about Joe Raposo's voice and musical arrangement that drapes you with a blanket of assurance and certitude.

[@claytonthomas1980]

Got to love the classic Sesame street songs from back in the day, timeless as ever, good to go.

[@DreamDancer82]

Beats the heck out of me. I was only three years old when my parents taped this clip.

[@weprin2]

I always loved the kitten at the beginning of this segment.

[@meowpoint1403]

Same.

[@unimatrixzed]

This song was in my head when I was learning to ride a bike in the 80's. I kept at it all afternoon and the next day until I maintained balance. No one was around when I achieved balance and rode it. A victory I celebrated alone. Good song to guide you through anything you do. Sesame street is a great guide book through most some people for some strange reason can't grasp today.

[@zildjian888]

great! thanks for uploading this video

[@lionsden6457]

Why is this making me tear up?

[@DreamDancer82]

Because it's sweet nostalgia.

[@dragondancer1814]

Nice to know it's not just me!

[@menslady125eif2590]

Childhood memories. What else? My eyes feel like they want to take one Hell of a leak!

[@MrJoshinJosh]

Probably the turtle's front has a cut and was bleeding a little.

[@jeopardy60611]

I have been getting very emotional myself when I see these videos. When I met Carroll Spinney (performer of Big Bird & Oscar) at a Comic Con, I started crying my eyes out when he sang "I Love Trash" in Oscar's voice. My mother thought I was weird for getting so emotional over that. There's just something about the real guy performing as Big Bird and Oscar in person and hearing how it sounds exactly like the show.

[@briangallagher1147]

It's great seeing the joy in the boy's eyes when he catches the ball. Now he can spike it!

[@claireforestgreendixon8301]

Brian Gallagher That's my favorite part!😃😄👏 I am not a sports fan but I love how happy he was.

[@forestgreenkingsfoldorgang1077]

Brian Gallagher Did he say ? I make that sound when I am happy.

[@russellcastine2914]

The cat lover in me loved watching the cat trying to climb the stairs. Thanks for the awesome clip, DreamDancer82!

[@thudor1]

My sentiments exactly! Joe Raposo was no less than an innovative genius whose life and music left this world a better place than before.

[@MsLandlubber]

I'm 36 and I still need to hear this message. Besides all the trippy weird shit, Sesame Street had some really valuable info for us back then.

[@ashproductions]

8 years later how do you feel?

[@UHUO]

thanks for posting this ... the song always came to my mind during difficult moments growing up. I'm trying to get my kiddies to appreciate it too

[@Tejaye777]

no matter how hard something is keep trying and you will get it.

[@AlbieGray]

It means I LOVE it! :) I miss these songs, and it galled me that they yanked them from the show! These are classics!

[@jeopardy60611]

It’s interesting how seeing these videos makes me remember all the things I misunderstood about them when I saw them for the first time.

[@TrueCourse]

Yes... rare it is. It IS a good thing your Beta worked. Thanks so much for posting this. Reminds us of our childhood... and as a matter-of-fact, when we feel things fail... this video's a great reminder to keep trying, even as adults. :)

[@werewolfantipaladin]

I agree that I first thought the kitten was climbing the side of a house, especially since mine had clapboards that looked like stairs to a 4 year old. Little wonderful songs like this are what Sesame street were all about, try and name one that plays now that inspires such wonder and emotion.

[@claireforestgreendixon8301]

werewolfantipaladin My favorite part is the boy catching the football. I'm not a sports fan but he looks so happy. I like that.

[@bluquail]

That kitten is so adorable.

[@kevseb66]

My entire childhood in 2:06 minutes.

[@avinashjagdeo]

:)

[@hortensehomer]

Oh this lives deep in my heart.

[@TheBrokeTeacher]

you are, and we thank you, and thank you again.

[@Lgykas]

Beautiful

[@tomservo5347]

I remember watching this and my Dad sitting down beside me and putting his callused farmer's hand on my shoulder and saying "That's a good song and message." It resonated with both of us and I'll always remember that moment with my Dad.

[@DreamDancer82]

Thanks for your story. It made me smile.

[@ShadesBelow03]

When i was young, we lived in an old house with a massive staircase in the front, and watching this back in the day made me think of the old house. I like when the kitten (when he's at the next-to-last step) thinks "How many more ARE there!?!?" before he climbs up.

[@Crichtonator1982]

I remember this one. This is so cute.

[@Thumbelina83]

This made me cry.

[@bobblehead67]

This song can stand toe to toe with anything Bachrach/David or Sondheim did in the same era.

[@werewolfantipaladin]

it's all about the kitten and turtle isn't it? Glad to see I am not the only one who couldn't figure out what it was the kitten was climbing. That camera is so tight on the stairs it is difficult to see.

[@DreamDancer82]

It was purely dumb luck, actually. It just happened to be in the clip of the episode when my mother (or maybe even father) set the timer for Sesame Street that day in 1985.

[@thelonearranger1]

I'm thanking your parents now for setting the timer.

[@sheepwolf2004]

that gray kitten is cute

[@lawknoxville]

Great memories!!

[@live.laugh_nirvana]

This brings up so much memories, I would watch the Sesame Street potty training ep so much as a kid. It's crazy how I still remember it.

[@dorourke105]

I was cheering for that turtle when I was young,and the kid catching the football at the end.

[@doloreshuntoon7698]

Hey! That's neato! I love it!

[@DanaAbel30]

This song certainly has a great message. That when it comes to achieving success, having talent is just the tip of the iceberg. It takes education, dedication, perseverance, and responsibility to be successful. If you work really hard and believe in yourself, you can be anything you wanna be.

[@AlbieGray]

To this end, it still strikes me as a tearjerker! Even to this day!

[@UKPB2Owner]

My brother still gets emotional while watching this...and he's 32! lol

[@muziklvr7776]

I'm sure he still does at 44.

[@heatherferreira4225]

Final 10 seconds of film and song = tears factory

[@MrJoshinJosh]

There should also be tears factory for the little turtle as well. Did you know that the turtle's front had a cut and was bleeding a little?

[@heatherferreira4225]

+Josh Berman Yeah :'(

[@MrJoshinJosh]

Thank you Heather. Sorry to make you cry a bit more than before, but I have to let more people know about this sweet touching film somehow.

[@claireforestgreendixon8301]

Heather Ferreira I fervently agree.

[@claireforestgreendixon8301]

Josh Berman Aww, poor turtle, I didn't notice that, I just noticed it was trying to turn over.

[@whitewitchoz]

I'm crying too. It makes me want to help them.

[@sha11235]

I haven't heard this in years, but I remember the title. Good advice in this song.

[@mstatz]

The end of 1985 was when I made a conscious effort to record many Sesame Street segments. I recorded everything on SLP mode (super long play) and my parents didn't have cable. That is why none of my posts sound that great. Looking back, I would have recorded on SP mode (standard play) and recorded MANY more than I did, as well as record a lot more often than I did.

[@patrickthames8853]

And that... Is why I teach elementary music! Expect the unexpected and fun jamming with the kids!

[@themoderatescorner7643]

The one with the kitten makes my heart always melt. Good memories when i was a kid back in the 70s.

[@DreamDancer82]

As someone said a long time ago when I first posted this, "It's all about the kitten."

[@DreamDancer82]

Thanks! Unfortunately, this is the only one I can post, because all my other Raposo footage has the Noggin logo on it. Man, I still can't get over the response to this video!

[@MITOGEN]

Great song by the great man. This song should be life's philosophy: just keep on trying and trying again and don't be afraid. :)

[@pokinsmot]

i always felt bad for the poor turtle

[@christopherjudge1138]

One of those sentimental songs from '70s Sesame Street!

[@DianaDeLuna]

As a kid I was all about the turtle. But tonight my heart's going out to the kitten because I've been mothering 4 sweet wonderful kittens that were orphaned by a feral in our backyard. After 2 weeks of high maintenance and fun, I gave them over to a reputable animal rescue group today. The tykes were just that age, or even a bit younger, just learning how to jump and climb! I miss them already, my feisty little monsters.

[@judysosweetgarcia1869]

So sweet

[@julieerin115]

I love watching that cat!

[@meowpoint1403]

+Julie Erin me too.

[@DreamDancer82]

It's all about the kitty.

[@MrJoshinJosh]

Back then it was a kitten.

[@DreamDancer82]

Man, I never thought of the response to this video when I decided to post it! This must be a rare song because I have not seen it since . . . . geesh, how long HAS it been since they last played this? I was so ticked off at Noggin when they used to air the old episodes, and they NEVER played this one! I was just thankful my family's old Beta was still working!

[@exnyer72]

I remember this one from being a child, and just the other day it popped into my head and I couldn't resist but to try to find it. Thank you for sharing.

[@mustaki7620]

great song with a great message

[@adhfan75]

Yeah I remember thinking the same thing about the turtle back in the day whenever I saw that video too. Cute video and great message too.

[@DreamDancer82]

Music must run in the family.

[@claireforestgreendixon8301]

DreamDancer82 I am an enthusiastic amateur organist.

[@50lbsofheadlines]

Joe Raposo-for my money the best two-minutes and under composer in all Western music!

[@JeffK1980]

This is a beautiful song. It's from Episode #631 (Season 5) which aired on April 1, 1974.

[@MrJoshinJosh]

I like to hear more recording artists of today sing a lot more Classic Joe Raposo Songs and a lot less Disney Crap.

[@MrJoshinJosh]

Thanks Buddy. Happy Holidays.

[@MrJoshinJosh]

Thanks Guys.

[@MrJoshinJosh]

Thank You Heather.

[@MrJoshinJosh]

Thanks Austin.

[@MrJoshinJosh]

Thanks green. I'm tickled pink by your thumbs up.😀

[@MrEd30]

@MITOGEN you said it beautifully, thank you!

[@patriceanderson8239]

Great memories

[@verkaforever]

I remember seeing this on the show. That kitty is so cute.

[@DreamDancer82]

OK, thanks for clearing that up.

[@d72jjpilc]

I would say so, to an extent. Some Raposo tunes had a more 'exciting, fast-paced' nature to them, and others, like this one and the two you mentioned, have a more 'mellow, easy-going' pace. While I'm not a music expert, I think I see what you mean.

[@mohinderbauer]

I really was afraid the turtle wouldn't make it.

[@DreamDancer82]

There's something I've been wondering for awhile. Am I the only one here who got this on tape?

[@DimeraFan28]

Awe, That Kitten Is So Cute.

[@gsnman]

The kitten wins my heart...and my tears.

[@bernardw4842]

Doesn't it just make you want to give the kitten a hand up the stairs? Was always melancholy

[@faelismaegnus]

The part I remember the most from my childhood was that upside turtle. I remember wondering what those splotches on the bottom of his shell were, and if they hurt. ;) Guess we'll never know!

[@jtomally9681]

@megarouge2001 So in other words, stay with youtube and you can relive your childhood until your time comes.