First listen to Harry Chapin - Sniper (REACTION)

Original Video: • Harry Chapin - Sniper
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[@kendavis8046]

I was 7 years old, and my father was stationed at a base in San Angelo in 1966 when the Whitman shootings took place. Having been raised among guns, I could not even imagine (nor can I still) someone doing something so horrific. This song captures, in my opinion, the insanity of a mass shooter. The world is external, the insanity is inside. Chapin kind of captured both worlds.

[@KenBreadbox]

Another Chapin tune you simply must hear is called "The Rock". Thank you for doing this one. It is, indeed, brutal.

[@savinghistory642]

But everyone knows that the rock's been there for a hundred million years.

[@goverlord]

When the event that this song is based on happened, it changed something. it was terrifying

[@debrabiderman4275]

I will never forget this. The first of the bunch of 2nd amendment atrocities that make up my country.

[@georgewodicka4839]

Wow, I've never heard this. This is not just brutal. It is brutal on several levels. A song swirling in the mind of someone desperate for answers, and searching for them in the worst possible way imaginable. You mention the tension, Daniel. It is palpable. Lyrical tsunami.

[@Peter-oh3hc]

Absolutely agree. Never heard this before. Oh my god

[@akshelby33]

I hadn’t ever heard it before, either. It’s heartbreaking that it was written in 1972 and it’s only gotten worse.

[@marykral6463]

It's based on a true story in the 60's. It is a tough song to listen to but just listening to Harry Chapin sing this shows his genius. I saw him do this in concert and wow! He got a standing O and deserved it.

[@alanpeterson4939]

I first heard this while I was in high school in the seventies (almost fifty years ago). It’s still shocking every time I hear it.

[@asc_missions3080]

That the Left cancels such brutally honest art is why you hadn't heard this one. Radio stations risk boycotts, slander and losing their advertisers their licenses for playing it. For all the talk about "mental illness" it doesn't fit their demonizing of the actor and his tools rather than the deed itself. Harry shows us understanding and empathy that no psychology class anywhere in the 56 years since this happened has ever considered. And to enforce their own ignorance upon all of you, they deny you access to the wisdom of his brilliant insight into people.

[@lylewicks4112]

Two of the best story songs ever written are Harry's "A Better Place To Be" and "Mr. Tanner. Both show his mastery of seamlessly moving from narrator to first person to other characters and back again while building a story that takes the listener on an emotional journey that in the end satisfies, yet leaves you wishing it wasn't over.

[@robstoll7542]

Agree wholeheartedly with your two song choices, though I would add a third. The Mayor of Candor Lied is an incredibly lyrical story so descriptive that you can close your eyes and envision the story so vividly in your mind. Thanks for doing another Harry Chapin story.

[@prestonpresley6885]

Yes. And ai would,put Mail Order Annie close behind these. Better Place to Be is sublime.

[@badplay156]

All those listed I really liked but you also should try Shooting Star, I Want To Learn A Love Song (loosely based on how he met Sandy his wide), and She Sings Her Songs Without Words

[@jc296x]

Best "story song" writer in history. I'm really glad you get to experience this stuff. You'll love "A Better Place To Be" (live version from "Greatest Stories Live") and "The Mayor Of Candor Lied" (album version). Both gripping stories performed by a fantastic band. It's amazing how much emotion a cello can add to a song without even noticing it's there.

[@martincorner6273]

Totally agree

[@susanyork5089]

Greatest story teller in song ever

[@treywest268]

Harry saved my life and helped me get through my latter teen years. Even to this day his music still helps me.

[@bjm9071]

Harry was one of my favorite singer/songwriters. I saw him in concert many times. When he died, I was devastated. There is a great documentary about him called "When in Doubt, Do Something!"

[@marykral6463]

Harry Chapin: When In Doubt Do Something, is an amazing documentary showing Harry's life from a young age to his death. It is done in such an authentic way, by Rick Korn, Jason Chapin and others. I say it is a must see. You will smile, laugh, cry then smile again.

[@sherryheim5504]

I love this man and his music. His storytelling is rich and he was truly a one off, nobody like him before him and nobody since. Thank you for this reaction. I am glad you are feeling better, Daniel.

[@barrycohen311]

Kind of sounds like that Texas University shooter from the mid 1960s. Guy went up into the school's clock tower. Charles Whitman. en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Charles_Whitman

[@marykral6463]

Yes, it was about that shooting.

[@dionisioiacobelli6689]

Harry was killed in 1981 driving his VW Rabbit on the Long Island Expessway. His disabled vehicle was on the shoulder. A semi-tracter trailer plowed into his car. He championed causes to feed the poor. RIP Harry.

[@tylerbuckley2092]

First off it was a straight truck no trailer cement mixer mack r7 cab it was very tragic and he was on the jersey turnpike when he died do not go by the false Wikipedia garbage

[@dionisioiacobelli6689]

@@tylerbuckley2092 according to the New York Times artcale Harry was killed on the Long Island Expessway by a tractor trailer.

[@user-cb2xb5tj5d]

I was hoping this was a reaction to the live, soundstage version. His intensity throughout that performance was jaw-dropping. But this is great too. I hadn't heard this recording. Another unusual "departure" song of his is "The Rock." It's fantastic and thought-provoking as well.

[@chrisvickers7928]

I remember this way too well. The moment the song started I knew what it was about.

[@MissAstorDancer]

Same here! Given the era of the song, and the opening lines, it's a pretty obvious reference to any of us Boomers.

[@dagmar.6954]

Another great singer songwriter & storyteller. "Cat's In The Cradle" is his most famous piece. "Taxi" was another big hit for Harry Chapin. Ten years later he followed it up with "Sequel" showing what happened to the 2 people in the story. He had so many great songs such as "W·O·L·D", "Mr. Tanner", "Mail Order Annie", "They Call Her Easy", "I Wanna Learn A Love Song", "30,000 Pounds Of Bananas", "Shooting Star", "Halfway To Heaven", "Six String Orchestra", "Dreams Go By", Remember When The Music", "Story Of A Life". We lost him too young in a car accident in 1981 at the age of 38. He left a great legacy of music.

[@Hartlor_Tayley]

Amazing and powerful song. Great reaction. The tower shooting was a traumatic event in the national consciousness and is alluded to in many other songs like “Keep it Warm” by Flo and Eddie but no one got inside this horrific murder spree like Harry did. This blew me away. Thanks.

[@asc_missions3080]

Mostly true, but this was not a spree, it was a single event occurring in a single place. The 2002 Beltway Snipers, going from place to place to kill random innocent people, that was a spree.

[@Hartlor_Tayley]

@@asc_missions3080 I agree. Not a spree.

[@melissakhalar1842]

RIP Mr. Harry Chapin. ❤

[@jimtuell4076]

A Better Place to Be (on Greatest Stories Live") is absolutely one of his best.

[@Otokichi786]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/g3_daoCep993nNE

[@relayer27]

The live version of Bananas is definitely the best one to do. I'd also suggest Corey's Coming and Mercenaries

[@jasonurroz570]

This song is a masterpiece! It's a little rough in today's world of school shootings... but, it's a masterpiece. The theme changes from the storytelling to the people talking about the sniper, to his responses... it's amazing! Harry is the GOAT

[@jasonurroz570]

Side note: the sniper murdered his parents prior to going to the clocktower to shoot up the campus. Hence the sections where he speaks about his mom in the song.

[@treywest268]

You should look for the live version that he recorded. The emotions he shows on the stage are as intense as the song!!!

[@sidecardog5244]

Harry Chapin doing Prog! I went to University of Texas in the early eighties in Austin. I stayed in a dorm that never replaced a stairway window that had a bullet hole from that day. I wonder if that bullet hole is still there. Try A Better Place to Be…It’s the Harry Chapin I know and love.

[@alanpeterson4939]

I’ve been a Chapin fan for almost fifty years. Saw him three times in concert. A major theme, running through most of his songs, is empathy for someone beaten down by life. It amazes me, in this song, that he can take an evil murderer and make you feel sorry and empathize with him. Astonishing.

[@gregoryroessner9635]

I saw him in concert 1973 at Capital Theater in Passaic and at Alice Tully Hall at Lincoln Center 1974. He was awesome in concert ,involving the audience in singing " All My Life's A Circle' A one of a kind man , full of love for humanity; we need him now more than ever but God took him home way too soon .

[@orangetabby3229]

I saw Harry perform this song live in concert in 1979. I had not heard it before and was stunned.

[@ericanderson8886]

Elton John has a great song along these lines called "Ticking". A really good song.

[@oriolesandravens]

In my humble opinion, the BEST Bernie ever wrote. OK, maybe next to Skyline Pigeon. And possibly Empty Sky.

[@temporarystranger95]

Sorry you were not feeling well. Glad you are feeling better. You are correct, Daniel. Sniper is brutal. It is a psychological portrait of a mass murderer. Am I? How do I know I exist? He found a way to prove he existed. “I was. I am. I will be.” Chilling and tragic. You should watch his riveting live performance of the song. After the conclusion of Harry’s remarkable performance, his guitarist walks over and slaps a devastated Chapin on his shoulder. It’s absolutely gripping. kzbin.info/www/bejne/moWUlKuGaK-HZsU. Great reaction, Daniel. You get it. Thanks for doing this. I’ll see you in the next one. Next essential Chapin: Flowers Are Red. It’s a commentary on the state of public education. Would LOVE your take on it. 🙏

[@TheDetailsMatter]

For your 30,000 lbs Of Bananas experience, I would strongly recommend the Greatest Stories Live version over the Verities & Balderdash version. The latter may be easier on the ears, but the former has more energy. (As well as multiple alternate endings.) Another Chapin tale with the same level of social tension you might become fond of is Bummer. Unfortunately, the song contains a few racially insensitive lyrics, so best you explore that one privately lest KZbin make it's displeasure known upon you. A close second would be What Made America Famous. Best of my knowledge, it contains nothing that would put Susan Wikiwiki's nose out of joint.

[@oldarpanet]

Wow, Daniel. You have reached Graduate Level song reactions. This is a Master Class on songwriting. A friend turned me on to this song shortly after it came out. Strangely, it didn't get a lot of air play!?! lol Also, glad you are feeling better! Cheers.

[@georgewodicka4839]

Well articulated and spot-on!

[@aarongoldstein7614]

This is a brilliant song. At the time, Chapin wrote this song mass shootings were a rare occurence. Had he lived I cannot imagine what he would think of America now. On a lighter note, if you react to "30,000 Pounds of Bananas" then please react to one of the live versions & the audience involvement. It was his most popular song in his concerts. Hope you are feeling better.

[@cherylreichardt]

A Sniper shooting words at the world! I was getting Taxi Driver and Phantom of the Opera cause he sounded so tortured! Amazing how he used his vocals! Well done!! So glad you're feeling better!

[@triem23]

This is Harry's most brutal, brilliant and raw song. I spent the whole video waiting to see your face on "I HATE YOU!" Sadly, still all too relevant. This is Harry's first album, and everything is on point, from the lyrics to the arrangement to the use of processing to highlight the storytelling. Not only do I think it's Harry's best, it's a strong contender for the best story-song of all time. In my last band I always wanted to cover it, but doubted we could do it justice. You should seek out the live version from the TV show, "Soundscape." Somehow, stripped down to two guitars, a bass and a cello it loses none of it's power, and Harry...his some "bum" notes from a purely technical standpoint, but, damn, he just sells every moment. This song is an undeniable masterwork. For "30,000 pounds" seek out any live version (with all four endings). Another great story song, but it's a lot lighter in tone and certainly more accessible and fun. (I've had the "Banana's, 'Harry, it sucks'" tee since I was a wee child - signed - and I will never give that up) Another great "dark" Harry song is "Burning Herself." If you want to try another "experimental" Harry song, "Shooting Star," which is a haunting number about his relationship with his wife.

[@marykral6463]

Daniel, I was hoping you'd get to listen to this song. It's a tough song to listen to but it shows Harry's genius. Listen to Dance Band on the Titanic album. So many great songs. Glad you're feeling better.

[@helenespaulding7562]

Oh god….as soon as he said he had bags and headed for the tower on campus, I bailed. Long before your time Daniel, but not before mine. Don’t want to hear that story again. Love your channel and I’ll catch the next one.

[@gabrieleflannery6504]

Try " I Don't Like Mondays" by the Boomtown Rats.

[@Yosef1952]

I'm glad you feel better. "Sniper" is genuinely disturbing. Hadn't heard this since the 70s. (I remember the '66 sniper incident in Texas.) Somewhat melodramatically rendered, but still a courageous choice of theme.

[@KingoftheJuice18]

I think the melodrama was appropriate for the mental state and situation he was trying to portray.

[@timcaldwell5241]

I was not even aware of this song, thanks for bringing it to my attention! I was, however, very aware of the tragic incident…I was 16 and watched the tv coverage, both live and the subsequent news analysis (back then you could get actual analysis without a lot of agenda thrown in)…I could be wrong, but it seems I remember that the autopsy of the sniper found a brain tumor that could (or not) have been responsible for his horrible actions….

[@gregoryroessner9635]

Correct ... brain tumor may have led to his outrage.

[@marymargaretmoore9034]

Wow, what lyrics and what an intense song (poem).

[@garyarnett1220]

Sorry to hear you were sick, glad you're doing better. The description doesn't say which song, but so glad you chose this. It's a true story. A better (but also long) song off this album is Better Place To Be, a bit happier. Your song choices lately have been phenominal. Great to have you back.

[@Carln0130]

I had never heard this song before and I thought I had heard everything important that Chapin had done. Wow. That's all I can say.

[@Soon2BRev]

One thing I've found over almost 45 years of listening to Harry is the instrumentals are at least as important in telling the story. His use of syncopation and tempo changes draws you into the story. Like you said, the craft makes a 10 minute song seem like a much shorter song. As others said previously, there are so many story songs by Harry that they all touch a different part of a person's soul.

[@musicfan8253]

Next, “A Better Place to Be” - the live version - (for another Harry Chapin song).

[@Otokichi786]

Show, don't just tell: kzbin.info/www/bejne/g3_daoCep993nNE

[@showmoke]

The first few bars with the guitar intro sounded to me like the intro to Tull’s ‘Thick As A Brick’. This was a tremendous song. First time for me this one and if I’m honest, I’ve never heard of Harry Chapin before, so thanks Daniel for this introduction.

[@markoneil2055]

You should really check him out. He was an amazing singer songwriter.

[@RandyHall324]

Hey Daniel, Harry Chapin had a bunch of great story songs, and while this one was the most devastating, there are a number worth checking out, even if they weren’t necessarily radio hits. One that comes close to matching this one’s mood is called Bummer, but Greyhound, Mister Tanner, A Better Place to Be, and They Call Her Easy are all great as well. They’re almost like fables, in that there’s usually a surprise or twist toward the end, and a lesson to be learned. Hope you check out more of his work.

[@richardchilton7311]

If you enjoyed this, you will enjoy the following Chris de Burgh songs: "The Leader", "Crusader", and the combination of "When Winter Comes", "The Road to Freedom", and "Snow Is Falling" from the Storyman Album. Don't judge that singer on The Lady in Red.

[@treywest268]

This is the one that you should check out Daniel. This is a link to the live and complete version of Harry Chapin's "A Better Place to Be". It is one of his most amazing and tender songs. kzbin.info/www/bejne/qJjTk3yGhtFqeaM

[@markanderson9059]

I agree with you as one of my favorite Harry Capin songs. He had so many wonderful story songs. Every time he came to the area, I would go and see him.Another wonderful story song was Dance band on the Titanic.

[@CharlesDunkley]

A tour de force song from Harry Chapin. I see some other comments recommending Dylan's Murder Most Foul (to which I wholeheartedly agree, it is mesmerizing). I'll also recommend Peter Gabriel's Family Snapshot for a song that has a similar POV as this Harry Chapin one.

[@martincorner6273]

Watch this live. Harry face and voice show the anger ands frustration so much its scary

[@kennethkoswener485]

Chapin was a story teller, as well as a singer.

[@KingoftheJuice18]

Powerful song, Daniel. I hadn't known about it. I think the themes he identified musically have since shown up in many shootings like this...The natural follow up might be Bob Dylan's fairly recent song "Murder Most Foul." It's even longer and almost spoken lyric, so one needs a lot of patience for it. But it's a great historical study.

[@easyrolling]

ok.. you did this month's ago but it's the first time I've seen anybody react to this masterpiece.. It is one of the darkest songs ever written , too bad you couldn't watch the live performance of this.. he gave his all there too.. Chapin was one of a kind as you have already reacted to him you know that, but this song, which was the title track to his album of the same name , shows the depth of his writing , singing and just sheer talent on such a dark but real historical event from the 60's.... great reaction ..thank you

[@Lunal73]

Hi Dan, I’m glad you’re feeling better. Thank you for reacting to this song. I didn’t know it and I agree with you when you say: “wow, OMG!” It’s a very good song about a very sad event. I wonder, he says: “she said I’m ugly” and so many insults; is it his mother the evil “she” who was always putting him down? Love, Lu

[@marykral6463]

Yes, his mother did not love him. He blames her. Very sad but such a powerful song. Harry was a genius!

[@edalisauskas7313]

Great choice! Try "Shooting Star" from Harry A bittersweet one If you can find the Live version (from Hamilton Ontwrio) do that one

[@davidgale7384]

One of the most most disturbingly amazing songs. My dad asked me why someone would write about something so terrible. As a lesson .... learn from it! Insils..... Harry brilliantly showed us what isolated young men, with access to military grade weapons can result in... What can you say????? Say ... "Everyone needs to be loved, in some way." Or .... "We need to look at serious gun control."

[@markdraine3571]

Sure ,just what we need. .Let the elites lock us down forever with no guns ..Brilliant suggestion .

[@sjw5797]

Both!

[@mikepetergumball8337]

66 Austin Texas, Charles Whitman. Bummer is equally as dramatic. What a Man Mr Harry Chapin is, looks and sounds impressive on Soundstage watching his every move. Humanitarian. Mr Chapin i first heard in 1987 Dunedin New Zealand. i was hooked. of course commercial Cats in the Cradle.

[@stevemanning331]

A BETTER PLACE TO BE !! , GREATEST STORIES LIVE, THIS WIL BE YOUR NEW HARRY CHAPIN FAVORITE !

[@prestonpresley6885]

I guarantee the second most compelling song by Chapin next to Sniper is 'Better Place to Be.' Just as powerful yet in another direction.

[@CaroleMcDonnell]

Glad you're feeling better.

[@timlynch5710]

Stay healthy Daniel. Stay safe. (Great choice btw. Love it!)

[@robtalbot3852]

Thanks for doing that one: If you want another "very dark but compelling" track by him - review "Bummer". Another song of his in which "consequences vs environment" are explored.

[@denniskelley8974]

We saw Harry three times, and before one of those shows he had a little "meet and greet" thing where he signed autographs. I asked him if he was taking requests for the songs he'd be playing, he kinda laughed and said "Sure, why not?" I said Sniper. He goes, "Sorry dude, that's the one they won't let me do. Every time we play it I get a million complaints afterwards." Yep.

[@ciscomoto]

Anyone getting "The Wall" with the screams and personalities etc - but many years earlier

[@actorJSB]

Was waiting for you to note the name of the album...Sniper and Other Love Songs...

[@sheririos7534]

Awesome song but sad about murders. I live in Texas and old enough to remember that day. He was in that tower for quite sometime before he himself was killed. Great job of storytelling.

[@famat161]

As others below have suggesed, "Mr. Tanner" and "A Better Place to Be" should be next.

[@MissAstorDancer]

I had never heard this song, Daniel! WOW! Really amazing! I did come to love Harry Chapin songs back then, but was not a big enough fan to justify actually spending scarce funds on! When the UT Tower shooting happened, I had just turned 13 years old only 2 weeks prior. It was a huge trauma for Texas for sure, and in fact, the whole country. About Harry's songwriting, I wanted to mention that this song, in particular, either has a lot of influence from, or gave influence to, Todd Rundgren, who was making two of his iconic albums during that time frame. If you ever get around to hearing **certain specific** songs by Todd, I think you will recognize the quirky similarities. Great one, Daniel! I hope you are on the mend! Prayers UP for you and your family! Happy Holidays!

[@blackeagle6268]

He was brilliant in all regards. I saw him live when I was a kid. I could talk Harry for days

[@timwirasnik5878]

It reminds me of the guy (In the 60's I believe) who went up in the Bell Tower of a College campus ( I believe in Texas somewhere) and started picking people off as they walked past

[@dionisioiacobelli6689]

That was the tower on the campus of the University of Texas , Austin.

[@kansas1mjs483]

A Better Place to Be from live album

[@rodneygriffin7666]

Great song.

[@russellsearch7925]

Pure genius from Harry. The lyrics just incredible. Knew you’d love this. Please please please react to Bummer, I know you’ll love it!!!

[@mkwilson1394]

The intro reminds me of 'Thick as a Brick' and CSNY's 'Deja Vu'. I can't believe I've never heard this before! Thank you.

[@alanpeterson4939]

Finally. I have wanted SOMEONE to react to this, and recommended it for a long time. Thank you. Now listen to these Chapin songs: The Rock Shooting Star Changes Tangled Up Puppet

[@asc_missions3080]

That you didn't know what to say about this song says the most relevant thing about it: Chapin said it all. As for me, a horrified high schooler when this event happened in 1966, this song changed my life when it came out---Chapin is the one and maybe the only person in my time who actually showed me that a person who does this kind of thing can be understood. He is why in war I never hated the enemy, only what he was doing, and why in ministry hoped it would be possible, as I finally did, to find the way to reach people in their darkest moments and guide them through until it is all washed away--no temporary relief, no lifelong crutches--just gone. So now I can say that those who would cancel a biographical symphonic masterpiece such as this are only conceding that they cannot comprehend the power in facing reality, and that in their turning to hatred against actors instead of actions, admitting that their education is inadequate and their psychology ineffective if not in itself destructive.

[@IDLERACER]

If you like this, check out Elton John's "Ticking." 💣

[@ritathomas5167]

Yes! Please Daniel! React to "Ticking"! Unbelievable song!

[@janetottomeyer9444]

I remember the tv coverage as this event unfolded. Sadly, it has become more common since then.

[@Vince-lq3ve]

Hey, you haven't tried any Peter Gabriel solo yet!! And as you like a narrative storytell then "Family Snapshot" is the one for you. Similar to this excellent Harry Chapin song in theme but truly Gabriel unique. Very cool and sad song at the end. And it's not too long so if you want, match it up with the song that perfectly follows on the album called; "And Through the Wire". If you liked Peter in Genesis you'll love what he does on his own.

[@gomro]

The closest Harry Chapin ever came to being Van Der Graaf Generator. Heard this on the college radio station when it was released. Stayed with me all these decades. Did you feel the chills at the end, with that insanely deep bass note taking it out...?

[@kevintheindianbluepeacock2359]

Hi D. You know the best thing about having been ill now, is that you are kinda guaranteed to be just fine over the main Xmas holiday :) Loving the leather jacket, with your hair we're getting some excellent Richard Ashcroft (The Verve) rock star vibes! This is a new artist for me, tough going but always good to check out a new singer. Looking forward (fingers crossed) to some surprises Christmas song(s) reaction. Best Wishes, Ian

[@marykral6463]

Check out Harry Chapin. He has a lot of beautiful songs. He should be in the singer/songwriter hall of fame. I've been a fan since the 70's.

[@kevintheindianbluepeacock2359]

@@marykral6463 Hi Mary, will do ... recommend any, as in which is your favourite(s)? Cheers, Ian

[@chetstevens4583]

One of his grimmer songs. Based on the UT shootings. He liked to take snippets from life and make them into song. One of the best examples of this talent is Mr Tanner where he reads the actual review the song is based on into the song. The ending reminds me of The Flesh Failures from Hair where Berger cries That's Me That's Me as he goes off to his death in Nam.

[@michaelcarpenter4309]

You need to see his performance of this on Soundstage

[@klm23.98]

Honest, that's what I like about your reactions. The song is great in it's own right ✅

[@Rob-eo5ql]

Please react to Springsteen’s cover of Harry’s song “Remember When The Music”. It’s from a benefit concert, Harry’s charity called Do Something. Great song and Springsteen tells a great story about Harry and also what the song means to him.

[@michellowe8627]

Listen to “Burning Herself” on the same album. The whole record is dark. BTW, this IS my favorite Harry Chapin song. It surprises you when you laugh at lines in a song inspired by a mass shooter. Harry’s a story teller. This song is not factual on every point. But it’s based on Charles Whitman’s morning of August 1, 1966, when he sniped Austin from the U of Texas clock tower. I was a rising 7th grader and the idea that you could be shot and killed at school was shocking. Seems quaint in 2022, no?

[@IvorPresents]

The only place to go is, "Better Place To Be" off the same album. His funniest song is "Monophonic Symphony Six String Orchestra". I thought" Banannas" was more scary then funny. I might age myself a bit by saying I saw Chapin performing in a DC Georgetown nightclub.

[@andythrush3341]

This is a true story about a Texas sniper who killed 14 people and wounded 31 others in 1966!

[@markoneil2055]

Next. The Mayor of Candor Lied. Another great story by Harry.

[@marykral6463]

Definitely. The Mayor of Candor Lied is such a great story song!

[@cathart1c777]

Please check out the soundstage performance of this song, so much emotion. Great content, keep it up!

[@mrnobody3161]

Wow! The ballad of a mass murderer? I think it's incredibly proggy as well.

[@Yaktahbay]

I'd never heard this. Very well done! In this same vein, albeit more fictional, is Elton John's "Ticking". I think you'd really like it.

[@bobbrown5951]

A masterful piece of songwriting and storytelling, albeit about a very unfortunate topic and also unfortunately about a real event i.e. Charles Whitman shooting at people from a clock tower at the University of Texas in 1966. I watched it on television the day it happened. Mass shootings weren't so common back then. Having said all that, this is my favourite Harry Chapin song even though I hate what guns can do in the wrong hands. There is a live performance of this on KZbin. There are also a number of documentary shorts on KZbin about this event.

[@ricknelsonm]

Great news that you are well now, stay and be well,

[@JoshuaC0rbit]

I think you and I would have a blast in the studio jamming out

[@darcysalas3042]

Sorry that you were sick but I happy you are back. That song was going up and down and what I mean by that it seemed to get dark at times in the song.

[@rhinehold4268]

There are 3 other songs of his that are similar to this one that I feel you would really love. Bummer The Rock What Made America Famous Please keep up the journey of this impressive and wonderful man who made people feel, have empathy and worked so hard to feed the people of the world through his altruism.

[@Darius58x]

A similar song is by Elton John Ticking which is just as horrific For those who may not know Elton has another side beyond the poo and singles and it is very profound When his lyricist Bernie Taupin tackles serious subjects it is quite chilling

[@JohnWesleyDowney]

Stephen "Sweeney Todd" Sondheim wrote an entire musical about american ASSASINS, called ASSASINS. It wasn't a successful musical but it did win quite a few awards. TRUE FILM FAN

[@GoodCorporateRobot]

I’m not versed in Chaplin. Seems like I should spend some time on it. Excellent request as is your reaction.

[@marykral6463]

Harry Chapin....was an amazing story teller. He has some really wonderful songs a bit softer than this but I happen to think this shows Harry's genius. Try Taxi or Cat's in the Cradle, those were hits, then really dive in. I think you will be a fan.

[@glenndespres5317]

Holy crap, I have never heard this and it’s flashing me back big time. This is Richard Speck? The clock tower shooter? This followed the JFK assassination but gave us a breather before RFF and MLK were gunned down in 68. All those lovely childhood memories. Guess it never got airplay, understandably.

[@williamosborne6866]

The shooter was Charles Whitman.....

[@glenndespres5317]

@@williamosborne6866 Thank you. It was long ago. So I was thinking of another mass murderer from 1966… Richard Speck Richard Benjamin Speck was an American mass murderer who killed eight student nurses in their South Deering, Chicago residence via stabbing, strangling, slashing their throats, or a combination of the three on the night of July 13-14, 1966. One victim was also raped prior to her murder.

[@orangetabby3229]

Not about Speck

[@glenndespres5317]

@@orangetabby3229 yes. Someone corrected me yesterday. Whitman.

[@roslynsavage836]

Unfortunately, Harry was freebasing all the time and he had a heartache before he was hit. My BF who knew the band, told me that he thought he could write a song, knit a sweater, and save the world at the same time. Still. His music was incredible. Glad to see you appreciate it. Does me good to know someone sees the unusual passion.

[@savinghistory642]

Sadly this is a true story.He was an engineering student killed his wife and mother before he went to tower. It is rumored He been going to a psychiatrist for having mental problems and they put him on medication. He left a note at his mothers house that said he loved her and asked for an autopsy. The police asked for pretty much anyone with a gun to come and help stop him. As I recall it was a civilian who brought him down and a policeman walked up to him and shot him in the head. A large brain tumor was found during the autopsy and he would have been dead in 6 months. Not defending him but can only pray for all the souls of those who died that day-including him. So many layers in life. This guy is called by name in Full Metal Jacket at the shooting range.

[@jamesvomsaal3814]

Try The Dance Band On The Titantic