DID HE KNOW HOW MUCH TIME HE HAD LEFT?! First Time Hearing Jim Croce - Time In A Bottle Reaction!

[@danastearns7939]

My husband selected this song for our Wedding Dance back in '83. For our 20th, my husband secretly composed and presented me with a CD of 20 romance songs, and of course, this was on it - the last song on the CD. Beautiful song.

[@sammcbride2149]

This great song doesn't need a music video. It stands alone.

[@thomastimlin1724]

I'm a retired music teacher. An entire 2 generations listen to music with their eyes...another way of the dumbing down of America...this entire video cartoon is an unnecessary distraction from the emotional content of Time in a Bottle. How STUPID! Those who have been raised on music videos as part of the musical composition have been brainwashed and robbed of their true intellectual capacity to understand poetry, music and anything else. I know these two are way smarter than this.

[@jamesanderson5268]

Beautiful song with lead guitar by Maury Muehleisen, Jim's lead guitarist. Maury died in that plane crash too. Amazing guitarist and a great loss.

[@susanjones4904]

Close your eyes, imagine Jim singing.

[@kevincaulder96]

Wrong video. There is a video showcase of his wife and son.

[@Hippiemetalhead-h9k]

There is a video for this song that shows him with his son. His son sings and plays as well. He goes by AJ Croce these days. Jim was a very lovely man. He's sorely missed. You just don't find talent like this very often. Yall keep up the good work. God bless yall.

[@christianmattison6096]

That cartoon did nothing to enhance the music for me. I much prefer letting Croce paint the picture in my heart and mind!!

[@maverickmac1797]

Excellent words: "...let Croce paint the picture in my heart and mind." That is an excellent description, well worded.

[@kevinhowell5808]

I agree

[@thomastimlin1724]

A Song like this needs no video....most songs worth an artistic damn like this one need NO video, and are better off, as obviously evidenced here if one has any brains at all. People have been robbed of their intellectual ability by succumbing to this garbage ever since MTV came out in 1982. While big corporations made billions from it.

[@benntura]

There’s a video to this song with Jim and his wife and son. It always makes me 😭

[@skeeterinnewjersey5256]

This is my favorite Jim Croce song! It reminds me of my late husband.

[@barsandbarbells2022]

So sorry for your loss but glad to have revived his memory today!

[@robertmason1357]

So sorry for your loss!

[@charlier711]

Beautiful, melancholy song made even more moving knowing that his own lifetime was short and ended so abruptly in a plane crash. RIP Jim.

[@Ken-h5d]

Another along this vibe would be "Photographs and Memories". Totally different is "You Don't Mess Around With Jim" and "Bab, Bad, Leroy Brown". Upbeat yet bluesy is "Roller Derby Queen" or "Rapid Roy". Croce and Chapin were 2 of my faves in the day.

[@Jude_196]

OMG - HOW did I MISS THIS ONE!?!?! SO LOVE JIM CROCE!!! RIP, JIM - YOU are MISSED, SIR!!! ENJOY, SAM & PHIL!!!

[@uncledavesbrigade7106]

Many video directors have no clue as to how create a video for a thoughtful song. This was one of them.

[@gpxo11]

Photographs and memories is another haunting good ballad by Jim.

[@anthonysteinberg4853]

Video is a joke. Bummer that you played that one. Just close your eyes and listen.

[@bgallagher8129]

Yea, what's up with that kindergarten video !!! absolutely ruined the song. Apology is necessary.

[@thomastimlin1724]

Thanks for the warning, I won't watch this reaction.

[@GilbertHorn1]

This was my wife’s and mine wedding song 48 years ago . Later I had the lyrics done in illumination. Great song writer, another gone before his time.

[@dewman0269]

I wouldn't pay any attention to the video... It detracts from the lyrics of this song... The lyrics are everything...Jim Croce was one of the best songwriters of our time in my humble opinion... This song came out when I was 17 years old and just getting ready to enter the military... I am 68 years old today and when I listen to this song it still manages to pull some tears from me over 50 years later... I was actually under the impression that " Lover's Cross " was his last song released after his death... I very well may be wrong about that... Please give that one a listen to as well if you have time... Jim Croce was just hitting his stride in his career and had just put out a string of hits and then he was taken away from us... All of us that were fans and his peers in the music industry felt our hearts break after he passed... Thank you very much for reacting to this song and bringing back some wonderful memories in my life...Again, please react to " Lover's Cross " if you would... Great reaction guys...Keep Being Awesome !!!...

[@richardbetz5531]

Such a chilling song. The outro gives me chills every time. We lost him way too early. The success Jim had in just a few year span was amazing.

[@terri2494]

This song was on an album he released in 1972, the year before he died. It was released as a single shortly after his death. His song “I Got a Name” was released the day after he died. He actually didn’t write it. The lyrics are ironic, given the timing. Jim’s son, A.J., is also a singer and he’s covered some of his dad’s songs. “I Got a Name” takes on a whole new meaning coming from him.

[@garybradford8332]

You "wished it was longer" is kind of the message of the song. Croce, with the accent on Cro, was my new favorite artist as an 19 y o kid and his death was soul crushing to me. A small correction: this song was released on his album "You Don't Mess Around With Jim" in April, 1972. It reached number one after his death in September, 1973. I think you need an uptempo fun song next from Croce. "Bad, Bad Leroy Brown" was his first big hit. "You Don't Mess Around With Jim" is similar and just as enjoyable. "I've Got a Name" is another great song of his, but there are many to choose from.

[@freyjabeth4372]

One of my old time favorites !

[@jeffbeaver4419]

Jim Croce was my favorite singer when I was in high school. This song came out my senior year of high school. I remember where I was when I heard that he died.

[@jonm1114]

You are correct that when this song came out, we (now) old fogies heard it on the radio or on a record player and never saw a video. This is one of the most beautiful songs of that era, so the audio was more than enough! Just my opinion, but I think it would have gone to number one on the charts even if Jim had been alive and well. If you haven't done it yet, his song "I've Got a Name" is very good and very inspirational.

[@jimcrawford3221]

Our class song in 1974. Another artist gone before his time just trying to get from one gig to another.

[@bofusnco]

I've met his son AJ and his widow at a couple of AJ's concerts. AJ is very good too, not his dad, but still, I enjoy his music. Ingrid (his widow) super sweet person

[@johnmathieu3430]

His wife got the message about his death, before his letter he wrote to her about quitting working so often. He wanted to spend his time with her. One of the saddest stories I have ever heard.

[@ameyer1970]

AJ Croce was just a few days shy of his second birthday when Jim died.

[@rayvanhorn1534]

This is a very strange video, never seen it before. The one I've seen has images of Jim, his family & moments of life. What a beautiful song with such meaningful lyrics. (I agree, it's too short)

[@skyhawksailor8736]

Jim wrote the song in December 1970 upon learning his wife was pregnant, and the song debuted 1972 and Jim Croce died September 20, 1973.

[@hopeklemann1]

🌸 the song always makes me so sad every damn time

[@michellec8841]

Had this sung at our wedding!

[@firemedic5100]

A favorite Jim Croce hit for me. Of course I loved all of Jims music.

[@onechess]

My older sister LOVED Croce...had all his albums and as I remember this one one of her favorite songs!

[@patswanson2870]

The video is just a distraction. It’s not necessary.

[@JamesBond-ib9tq]

Whoever made this nonsensical crap did a disservice to the music.

[@athos1974]

Videos are important for the 80's decade music, otherwise not so much.

[@geraldarsenault275]

true hated that video

[@richardkint6531]

Agree, Music videos were not a big thing before the 80's. There was no music television that. IMO, didn't really need it.

[@EricSmaug]

REALLY ITS PART OF THE SONG WHO CARES?

[@markhodge7]

My favorite Croce song. Not even close. My eyes are too watered up to see the vid.

[@scottromer8584]

One less set of footsteps is my favorite, so many great songs with great lyrics.

[@susanjones4904]

See if you can find a video of him performing. That would be more appropriate. Time in a Bottle is a phenomenal song. The cartoon video just distracts from the lyrical beauty.❤

[@creamsiclem4433]

"I've got a name" is another great song, he also had more light hearted tunes, "Rapid Roy" still gets played at NASCAR

[@maverickmac1797]

Nothing is greater than love. And we all are at the mercy of time. We must use them both wisely. We should never shy from spending time with those we are close to and telling them that we love them. Make these people your absolute priority because nothing else matters. I know. I made the mistake of taking time for granted and not telling people how much they mean to me, and now I can't, as they are gone now. Our time together wasn't enough. I live on with the memories, and the regrets. If you have love you are as rich as anyone can be. If you and the people you love are together, healthy, and happy then knowing how blessed you are. Not all the gold, silver, and precious stones on earth and in the heavens are so valuable.

[@kimzwolinski9919]

Beautiful song ❤ Heartbreaking knowing his story 😢

[@stevenseul361]

This has to be his biggest song. Jim is a Legend. Not here long enough but what a talent. Jim is not the only guitarist. Maury Muehleisen played with Jim on all shows and most song.. He died in the crash also.. It's a sad story.. If you pick a next song I would like to suggest "Don't Mess Around with Jim". I love that song. it will give you a different side to Jim. Thank you Phil and Sam I enjoy you two so much. ❤

[@barsandbarbells2022]

Thanks Steven! Such a sad story but such a wonderful talent! Blessed us while he was here!

[@stevenseul361]

@@barsandbarbells2022 Absolutely

[@RegenaCox-yy1rl]

All of Jim's songs are fantastic. Next try I Got A Name, or It Doesn't Have To Be That Way, or Bad Bad Leroy Brown, or so many others. All good.

[@claytondietl8136]

That animation was, well…stupid. It takes away from the message of the song. The best way to listen to the song, is to close your eyes and let the words and music wash over you. Beautiful song. My Mom LOVED Croce. She was devastated when he died.

[@tristanoleary7595]

I was first introduced to this song in the 80’s when it was on one of the Muppets Soundtrack album and sung by Kermit lol. Great track and sad for Jim Croce and Maury Muehleisen who played guitar on all his songs with that flight from Louisiana to Texas

[@mikeconway9849]

Great reaction, Sam and Phil! I've always thought of this as a romantic song written to his wife.

[@DanEcho67]

The animation distracts from one of the most powerful love songs ever written. Just close your eyes and listen. If there's anyone in your life who you truly love, it will resonate with you. The haunting sound has a lot to do with the key the song was written in. D minor is sometimes called "the saddest of all keys." That juxtaposes with the very heartfelt and positive message in the lyrics.

[@GeraldWalling]

Actually, Time in a Bottle was on the You Don't Mess Around with Jim album in 1972. It was after his death that ABC decided to release it as a Single that went to number 1.

[@RaymondBCrisp]

This isn't even the original video, even though it says it's from the Jim Croce channel. No idea who runs that, but Jim Croce's been dead for over 50 years, and I guess that was released as a tribute or something for the 50th anniversary of his passing last year. Hard to believe he's been gone since '73, but time keeps marching on. Anyway, there were certainly other recordings of this song out there on KZbin before that weird ass vid.

[@JimFlickinger]

Sometimes the album is just best!!!

[@kidpoker007]

Stupid cartoon, takes away from the music

[@yeahboiii6640]

Great song! Those cords are so haunting and the echo on his voice. One of those songs that makes me feel a certain way that can't be articulated. Perhaps he was unknowing in tune with his untimely death somehow.

[@danielgeorge2735]

The song "AGE" is a must to listen to

[@kengunter6903]

I totally agree about this video. IMO reactors should always do lyrical or studio versions first as u guy's thought u were. Example this one talking about the video instead of totally talking about the Song. It's about the Song. Hopefully this makes sense & doesn't come across as chastizing or being critical. L u guys always!!

[@benatone5633]

This song was not released after he died. I Got A Name (another great song) was released the day after he died. His career was already at it's peak when he died.

[@donuttech635]

If you got married in the late 70’s early 80’s, this song was either played at your wedding or at the reception/dance.

[@firedoc5]

Jim was killed on my 8th birthday, Sept. 20, 1973, in Natchitoches (Nak-a-tish) Louisiana. He had just finished a show at NSU which was the last on the tour and he wanted to get back home. As his plane was taking off, it struck a pecan tree at the end of the runway killing all on board. You may have got more out of the song if it was different video.

[@fairydust-weepthewildwinds]

this song has a different video , there is a video of Jim walking around with wife and his little boy…. which fits the song.👍R.I.P. Jim🩵

[@justmoose6534]

Videos weren't a thing until MTV came along in the 80s. Stuff before that usually has videos made later that is some director trying to get noticed and little to do with the Artist or the music.

[@allendesalme197]

Accent on the first syllable of his surname, not the last. CROW-chee. The singer died in a plane crash in September of 1973. The song had been recorded years earlier and appeared on Croce’s first album, You Don’t Mess Around with Jim. It was re-released as a single after his death.

[@TheMerryPup]

Everyone’s talked about the bad video already so all I’ll say is beautiful song! You should also try Salon and Saloon. Written by Maury Muehleisen, (Jim’s lead guitarist), about running into an old friend.

[@GrinningDwarf]

Good reaction to what you had, but what too many reactors don't seem to understand is that videos really did not exist pre-MTV. We did not experience these songs this way. We heard the song on the radio first. Most of the videos I've seen for pre-MTV songs really change the way the songs are received by people experiencing the songs for the first time.

[@merlinathrawes746]

That accompanying video is a terrible distraction, taking away from the beauty of the song. I had to move my screen to the comment section because it was so bad.

[@christianm7220]

I did the same thing, very annoying. BTW great character!

[@paulrietveld7949]

Video has a totally different vibe. Takes away the focus on the song and thereby the emotion I normally feel so strong hearing this

[@skeeterinnewjersey5256]

Why the weirdo cartoon?

[@damanfromtn]

I had to move the browser window down to hide it, the song produces it's own visualization. I agree that the song seems much shorter than we would like it to be.

[@anthonysteinberg4853]

Next one.. Bad Bad Leroy Brown

[@RaymondBCrisp]

I have to guess it was released by Croce's estate (mayhap the very son sung about in the song?) as a tribute for the 50th anniversary of his passing. The channel is titled Jim Croce after all. Don't think some random Joe Shmoe could get away with using that name.

[@stlmopoet]

Great review. Great song. Disastrous video.

[@charliebeaton3976]

This was my Wedding song.

[@362chop]

Photography & Memories needs to be done.

[@richardkint6531]

Finally unblocked 👍. Got to play some of his more fun recordings like "Bad, Bad Leroy Brown" , "You Don't Mess Around With Jim", & "Workin' At The Carwash Blues". Thanks.😊

[@bofusnco]

This video REALLY takes away from the beauty of the song...

[@punkydoodle4774]

I think it was a song for his wife. You don't tell a child that you've "looked around enough to know, you're the one I want to go through time with." That's your spouse.

[@debbiekousmat6101]

Bad, Bad Leroy Brown, you can not miss that one!

[@ChrisKrolak]

Whoever decided to put a video to this song, they should have played clips from the 1973 T.V. movie where this song was, prominently, featured -- "She Lives" with Season Hubley and Desi Arnaz Jr.

[@MrCRayAnderson]

Definitely check out "Bad, Bad, Leroy Brown", it's a banger! Love your reactions!

[@karenschieferstein5998]

Next Jim Croce song should be Bad Bad Leroy Brown (to show a different style) or “I Have to Say. I Love You in a Song.”

[@jeffdetmer4681]

Hi guys. Okay this caught me offguard. I did a bit of a search on the video drawings, and apparently the animation was done by Jim Henson who created the Muppets and is an animator as well. I'm thinking Henson may have been inspired by the song and did the animation to go with it?????

[@tristanoleary7595]

That makes sense. Kermit goes a version of this song on one of the muppet album soundtracks

[@nadiakent4082]

I personally believe it is about his wife. According to his wife, when he found out she was pregnant he knew he had to become a professional musician so he wrote the song as a way to start working on his occupation.

[@jamesbickerton2475]

This song is particularly relevant that he died in a plane crash a little later on.

[@rubroken]

how about loving the work you do so much that the time at work passes by so quickly? Half of your waking hours, you spend at work so you might as well find work that you love

[@HRConsultant_Jeff]

worst video every for a great song and nothing to do with the song at all. Not even a real video for the song because they were not doing videos when he was around. Live version would be more interesting to watch.

[@robertfindley921]

One of the best songs of all time. Jim is a poet, an amazing song writer and great musician. The video is distracting.

[@DavidSingerSongwtr]

Why would you pick this video?

[@kylesummers1565]

Not a fan of the video, but great song. Peace, Love!!

[@Ender4212]

The fact that you're devoting any of your time to talking about this ridiculous video is a shame. Once you saw it wasn't a lyric video, you should've stopped the video and found an actual lyric video or one that just shows Jim's face or something.

[@joyceellis9722]

go away. why so nasty?

[@lilamuzik3385]

"I Got A Name".....get video of himself and his backup singer. This was released right after he d I ed as well.

[@susanlawens3776]

Reality is a cruel teacher sometimes, Jim Croce writes the masterpiece "Time in a Bottle", then dies in a plane crash right after. Okay, okay, I get it, I need to stop wasting time and spend what time I have left doing stuff that matters with my loved ones, no need to break my heart about it, jeez. But I guess it isn't cruel if we need to be hit over the head so we actually get the message sometimes.

[@darryldavidson4824]

Wow that is a terrible video!! 100% fan made video, I'm actually surprised it's on KZbin at all. Great reaction y'all

[@reaver707]

How did this drop two days ago and I'm just now seeing it?

[@stevefoulston]

Memento mori and memento vivere are Latin phrases that mean “remember that you have to die” and “remember that you have to live” don't waste the time you have as if it will last forever it won't being 77 it goes fast. Peace out.

[@kidpoker007]

I'm sure this can't bethe offical video...or I doubt there was a video since it came out so long ago

[@anitawright7169]

This video is not a good one. You should react to the official video. Love your reactions!

[@sonny0888]

The song was like a love letter to his wife and too personal to release, which is why it was released postmortem.

[@JohnnyC60]

Love the song and the artist, the video not so much. As many have commented already, the vast majority of songs released before the 80s had no related video at the time; if anything it was simply the musician's performance from a live show or TV appearance. Even after MTV was introduced, too often the video was a creation of the record company or director with a dubious connection to the lyrics, or none at all. With a first listen it's generally best to concentrate on the song itself: the lyrics, melody, arrangement and artistry, and don't try so hard to interpret whether the video relates or not. If an accompanying video is HIGHLY recommended to you, fine, hopefully you received good advice. If not, focus on what you hear. Most of us who follow reactors are way more interested in what they think about the song and couldn't care less about a video, no matter how good it might be, with rare exceptions. (e.g., the Prince live performance of While My Guitar Gently Weeps with Tom Petty, Jeff Lynne, et al.; Peter Gabriel/Sledgehammer.) Love you guys, keep it up!

[@scsu5085]

- - - this song belongs out there alone, with your eyes closed. It's a masterpiece. I found that the UNofficial Music Video (cartoon) to be typical of modern audiences always need to see a clip to keep their attention. I found the cartoon to be very distracting.

[@RADone65]

The person who "animated" this video didn't necessarily have anything to do with Jim Croce or an exact idea of what he was thinking when he wrote it.

[@MrRondonmon]

I think he wrote this when he heard his wife was pregnant, but I always thought it was really about the wife, and if she's saying it was about the son, may e at the time, she just wanted to move on and not have everyone saying, I LOVE THAT SONG ABOUT YOU. JMO, but it very well could be about herm AND the Child, he wants to spend eternity with both of them.

[@757optim]

What the...

[@CapAnson12345]

I hate the cartoon.. but I can always just close my eyes and listen.

[@mikeobrien2451]

Cro-chay

[@GS-xt8fu]

Who attached that video to the song? Silly

[@bigdog341ify]

sounds like Crocay