Harry Chapin - A Better Place to Be

"It was an early morning bar room,
And the place just opened up.
And the little man come in so fast and
Started at his cup.
And the broad who served the whisky
She was a big old friendly girl.
And she tried to fight her empty nights
By smilin' at the world.
And she said "Hey Bub, It's been awhile
Since you been around.
Where the hell you been hidin' ?
And why you look so down ?"
But the little man just sat there like he'd never heard a sound.
The waitress she gave out with a cough,
And acting not the least put off,
She spoke once again.
She said, "I don't want to bother you,
Consider it's understood.
I know I'm not no beauty queen,
But I sure can listen good."
And the little man took his drink in his hand
And he raised it to his lips.
He took a couple of sips.
And he told the waitress this story.
"I am the midnight watchman down at Miller's Tool and Die.
And I watch the metal rusting, and I watch the time go by.
A week ago at the diner I stopped to get a bite.
And this here lovely lady she sat two seats from my right.
And Lord, Lord, Lord she was alright.
"Oh she was so damned beautiful that she'd warm a winter's frost.
But she was long past lonely, and well nigh unto lost.
Now I'm not much of a mover, or a pick-em-up easy guy,
But I decided to glide on over, and give her one good try.
And Lord, Lord, Lord she was worth a try.
"Tongued-tied like a school boy, I stammered out some words.
But it did not really matter much, 'cause I don't think she heard.
She just looked clear on through me to a space back in my head.
And it shamed me into silence, as quietly she said,
'If you want me to come with you, then that's all right with me.
Cause I know I'm going nowhere, and anywhere's a better place to be.
Anywhere's a better place to be.'
"I drove her to my boarding house, and I took her up to my room.
And I went to turn on the only light to brighten up the gloom.
But she said, 'Please leave the light off, Oh I don't mind the dark.'
And as her clothes all tumbled 'round her, I could hear my heart.
The moonlight shown upon her as she lay back in my bed.
It was the kind of scene I only had imagined in my head.
I just could not believe it, to think that she was real.
And as I tried to tell her she said 'Shhh.. I know just how you feel.
And if you want to come here with me, then that's all right with me.
'Cause I've been oh so lonely, lovin' someone is a better way to be.
anywhere's a better way to be.'
"The morning come so swiftly but I held her in my arms.
But she slept like a baby, snug and safe from harm.
I did not want to share her with the world or break the mood,
So before she woke I went out and brought us both some food.
"I came back with my paper bag, to find out she was gone.
She'd left a six word letter saying 'It's time that I moved on.'"
The waitress took a bar rag, and she wiped it across her eyes.
And as she spoke her voice came out as something like a sigh.
She said "I wish that I was beautiful, or that you were halfway blind.
And I wish I weren't so dog-gone fat, I wish that you were mine.
And I wish that you'd come with me, when I leave for home.
For we both know all about loneliness, and livin' all alone."
And the little man,
Looked at the empty glass in his hand.
And he smiled a crooked grin,
He said, " I guess I'm out of gin.
And know we both have been so lonely.
And if you want me to come with you, then that's all right with me.
'Cause I know I'm goin' nowhere and anywhere's a better place to be." "
/Lyrics From The Harry Chapin Archive at Harrychapin.com\

[@brianfromky]

This is one of the best songs ever written. I don’t know how many hundred times I’ve listened to it, but I can say that it gets better each time. Oh Harry, we need you back.

[@Positivekitten]

A true definition of a bard. Shame talent like this doesn’t get recognized anymore.

[@edwardhoehn4278]

we really do

[@journeybrook9357]

So miss his style and story telling. Now days it just formula and same lines then repeat.

[@jackthomas5743]

The greatest ever

[@user-dc1dr9kr8x]

He never left moe....relax, live right and you'll see him again to chat

[@michelleshereck6961]

This is Harry's Masterpiece...The line "She was so damn beautiful that she could warm a winter frost" just caught my heart so perfectly... I have been there​ and I could feel the emotion so easily...How I miss this guy!!!!

[@user-dc1dr9kr8x]

Your correct....what a tune

[@frankseifert658]

The best song ever

[@heronimushertz9256]

I told Harry it was my favorite of his. And, that "it sucks." We had a good laugh over that.

[@dom7399]

Absolutely the best. Miss the guy also

[@user-dc1dr9kr8x]

​@heronimushertz9256 what else did he say?....give the whole story, we got time

[@Mortadulo]

My dad passed on Friday and he had this tape on repeat for most of his life. Great music. Greater father.

[@thayes42]

I’m sorry for your loss, your dad sounds like he was a very wise man.

[@merle1929]

Sorry

[@jag6183]

Prayers for you, your family and your father.

[@timothyogden9761]

Sorry for your loss. I know how that feels.

[@Mortadulo]

Today marks a year since I lost you Dad. Still jamming out to your music ❤

[@mustangpatty1481]

This song is in every single playlist I create. It doesn't matter how many times I listen to it...I catch my breath. The heart break when she is gone in the morning makes my heart ache.

[@NickNicometi]

😂

[@alanbedell8127]

Harry was a great story teller, philanthropist, and human being. Whenever I see a VW Rabbit (which he past in), I think of that day. I stopped for a beer after work and heard the sad news. I met Harry at the Oakdale Theater. When I was waiting for him to perform, something told me to look back from my aisle seat to the control room, there he was with his cup of tea nodding at me. When he was introduced, he walked down that aisle. stopped and said " Hey, I'm Harry" I said I'm Al, and he said, enjoy the show as he shook my hand. One of the most important times of my life. He was, and alwayswill be the very best in music. RIP my freind

[@gregorscorgie3685]

What an amazing story, thanks for sharing it, really shows just how down to earth he really was

[@algolightly115]

A-men!!!

[@jeffpeterson47]

I was going to go to one of his concerts the year he died. I never got to see him in person, but I still listen to his music.

[@bridgetkelly8617]

I saw Harry Chapin at Oakdale when I was going to Central Conn. State University back in the 70's. It is, to this day, still the best concert I've ever seen. He came on at 8 PM and sang until 12:45 with one 20 minute break. We were on our feet and singing along for so much of it. I still miss him-he was an incredible performer and such a gifted storyteller.

[@DrMike430]

What an awesome memory for you. Thank you for sharing.

[@eimagine]

Forty-three years later, and I still miss you Harry. Thank you for all you did to make the world, a better place to be.

[@ZosiaZawistowska]

I cannot listen to this song without crying great wracking, gasping sobs. This song touches me like no other song.

[@kevmar6102]

First time I heard this Song , walking with my headphones on , Down the street in Hoboken nj , Balling ,Tears Running down my Face , powerful Song , Life Changing Stuff , R.I.P. Harry , God Bless You 🙏

[@Positivekitten]

Same, I just posted that I pretty much ugly cry whenever I hear this!

[@laurencelance586]

My father was a midnight watchman at a steel fabrication plant. I think, after the divorce, there were a couple of girls like this one.

[@user-dc1dr9kr8x]

Not everytime....but I've been there...... I know you either found or will find good love

[@theplanetruth]

I listened to this album repeatedly as a kid. I’m a truck driver now and when I drove upstate NY and saw signs for Watertown I was elated. I finally understood what “spent a week there one afternoon” meant-it’s so small towny going through all the shops takes one day, as opposed to a week, say, in Ny. Love this song.

[@thayes42]

I spent a week in Constable, NY one afternoon.

[@a2ndopynyn]

Actually, I think it means that the place is so boring that one day there feels like a week.

[@dancer2424abc]

The amazing balladeer, song writer, singer, His concerts were amazing. 💙

[@betsyslattery3061]

2021. I still listen to Harry's Greatest Stories. The best Sunday morning music with the family gathered around. Thanks Mom

[@morrismcgrinder1072]

I have seen Harry both just acoustically and with his full band.They are an amazing group of musicians backing an amazing lifetime teller. The world lost a great songwriter that day on the highway

[@fredlunau]

@@morrismcgrinder1072 Yea i was a big groupie back in the late 70s. Changed my perspective on many things. His solos were the most magical experience I call recall witnessing in my 64 years.

[@dalejones2574]

If you have ever been so lonely that you didn’t know how to go on then you can relate to this ballad. One day you will realize that anywhere is truly a better a place to be!

[@karenbaker5352]

Dale Jones, I hope you're ok.

[@tcpsolid]

This is all I got left from all the pain and hurt I've endured.

[@tcpsolid]

The best thing I can do is go find a better place to be

[@maryquallo5324]

​@tcpsolid I know exactly what you mean.

[@madelinebronstein8104]

This is true any place is a better place to be

[@johnaddeo2251]

The saddest song ever written. If this doesn't rip your heart out, you're not human.

[@kayaknuri]

Harry had rare and precious ability to understand the human condition . His stories touch us because they resonate with all of our fears,struggles and joys.

[@Elvis68spec]

I agree.

[@janekwiatkowski5923]

bang right

[@b1bmsgt]

Is that Oakdale in Wallingford?

[@kevintytel7870]

Lol

[@kevinford9994]

Well said.

[@aisforapple2494]

Harry Chapin was the first concert I ever went to. Louisville, Kentucky 1980. I had the privilege of shaking this wonderful man's hand and got his autograph. It was about 6 months later that he died. This is my all-time favorite song of Harry's. R.I.P. Harry Chapin This world could use more people like you.

[@janetiler8343]

As a teenager, I worked at the MaCauley Theatre, now The Brown. I heard many concerts over the years, but Harry Chapin was the absolute best and such a gentleman. Amazing singer and storyteller. All these years later, I still listen to his music. Incredible talent.

[@aisforapple2494]

@@janetiler8343 The Macauley is where I saw him.

[@janetiler8343]

@@aisforapple2494 ❤️❤️❤️

[@airplaneman7276]

i miss him, i miss his stories, and his voice. i often wonder what he would be giving us today. some writers and a whole lot of entertainers of today that cant carry a tune need to listen to people like this. a true talent gone but never forgotten

[@Elvis68spec]

So true!

[@dominickcastiglione5908]

Nothing today can compare to Him I’m a Long Islander just like Harry was we Loved him his stories his unselfish giving to the needy. He makes me proud to be a Long Island New Yorker

[@algolightly115]

A-men!!!

[@jerrisilver2]

@@dominickcastiglione5908 Harry never cared about money or fame. He just loved to sing his stories to the fans who adored him. I was one of those fans. These songs make me cry. My daughter was four and went to every concert Harry played on Long Island. She died in July at the young age of fifty. I cried my heart out for Harry. Now I cry for my beautiful little Stacy. Please pray for me.

[@joannemckinnon4622]

@@jerrisilver2 im so sorry for Your loss please listen to On The the Road to Kingdom 🙏🏼by Harry Chapin this is Him explains what’s going on in The World it’s a Choice We Rise As Christian from there Ashes. Promise God hears it All.

[@jackthomas5743]

Harry left us so much. We just have to listen and appreciate and cherish it.

[@kidcharlemagne7238]

An absolute masterpiece this album. They used to play it in the Central Music Library in Belfast, about 1979. I grew up in that ugly sectarian society, Harry Chapin blessed every year I lived there, I was so proud to sing his songs and still do. God Bless You Harry Chapin, to me you will never die! I heard WOLD 1973, and never recovered :)

[@Peter-lj5lq]

Hey Kid youre alright.

[@gondwanaland7816]

perhaps the greatest story teller ever! sure do miss you harry.

[@photographynut]

Mac Mcginty Remove the word “perhaps “ and you would be right.

[@stevemccallum6429]

Also Gordon lightfoot

[@paulgreen8490]

Hi Harry, just listening to some of your songs with a tear in my eye. Harry, I'm hoping that the circle is true and that one day we'll all be together again 😥

[@randallkeith4957]

I agree what ability to write a story"in song" would boldly say"God given ability"...😍😀😁...

[@Robert-n2h4i]

I've loved that song since I was five years old..now it holds meaning

[@bigal4879]

Thank you again Harry. You have saved me from my demons more than once.

[@susanwillett6709]

AMEN!! even tonight he’s making me forget my problems for a bit… My heart is full ❤

[@christopherlundgren3499]

Impossible for me to listen to this song and NOT cry. We miss you, Harry. We need you, too.

[@tedpatriot2963]

This is the best album! My parents played this in the 70s and I love it, thank you mom and dad!

[@DBReed-j8q]

We lost the best .. greatest story teller ever... right or wrong?

[@baltimorez-wad7281]

Damn Harry was a genius when it came to telling stories. R.I.P. to a true legend

[@mjalmond1]

How rarely it is that the fates conspire to not only create a masterpiece, but to afford us the perfect time, place and company in order to experience a moment of unadulterated beauty. It's a phenomena that I am privileged to have shared just once. The year was 1973 and Anne Roberts was my first love. We were seventeen. Suddenly and simultaneously, we broke down in tears and hugged each other as if our lives depended upon it and we were to be parted forever. They were unprompted tears and gut-wrenching passion from an emotional plain far, far beyond those of either sadness or joy. In the naivety of those far off days, we failed to recognise euphoria. The artist on the turntable at the time was Harry Chapin, and the song . . . "A Better Place to Be." Rest in Peace Harry, secure in the knowledge that your music really did change lives.

[@strat400]

Your chosen words here and your experience are beyond incredible Mike ... I feel as though I've been privileged enough to watch. Thank you for sharing the gift of the moment. wow ... anyways Harry's song describes a condition in our hearts - all of us - the ecstasy of love & giving, the sadness of loss & the harsh realization that some loneliness "taps" us all ..

[@mjalmond1]

strat400 Thank You.

[@linda-rickheight7926]

Mike, what an åbsolutely beautiful comment. If you ever get a chance read WINESBURG, OHIO by Sherwood Anderson. This is a short book abot a town filled with the the type of people the great Harry Chapin wrote about. I have yet to teach one semester wiithout teacing this book amd plaaying several of Chapin' songs. You sound like a very nice perrson

[@Elvis68spec]

WOW! Very nice story!

[@dominickcastiglione5908]

Wow that was deep my friend

[@ralphwarzywawrzyniakowski126]

seen Harry many,many times at the Valley Forge Music Fair,I always bought 6 tickets and usually took the same 5 friends with me. I cannot adequately describe how amazing this man is/was! He is the most incredible song writer in the last 50 years...maybe ever! I have never before witnessed and artist who can pair such complex musical arrangements with such magnificently insightful lyrics about the human condition. Not only are the compositions incredible, but the ability of Harry and his band to pull these songs off so effortlessly in a live setting is nothing short of astounding. I could go on forever about how much his music means to me, but I won't.

[@beliveausboys71]

taken from us way too soon. Song writer has given us songs to enjoy for eternity. Thank you Harry RIP

[@skyekiss]

A rare human being. Would have loved to have a beer with him sittin' on the porch.

[@paulisaac78]

I saw Harry with my family in 1979 when I was 16 at the Valley Forge Music Fair in Suburban Philadelphia. Complete with the rotating stage. Man! That was 44 years ago so I don’t remember any of the show, but I still listen to his music because there’s nothing else like it!!!

[@carolinebeardsmore3392]

Harry Chapin has been central to my life since I was introduced to his music by a dear friend at college in the late 70s. I love this song as with others it takes you to a place in your head and your heart. I never tire of the songs, the lyrics and the love and pain...

[@gillianbergh7002]

+Caroline Beardsmore - I was introduced to his music too, in the late '70s, by a dear friend, my late husband.

[@eimagine]

Harry Chapin One Of The Greatest Men On Earth December 7, 1942 - July 16, 1981 While waiting outside of Colden Auditorium at Queens College, after a canceled concert, I met and had a few words with the man who was to have given the concert. In my eyes, one of the greatest men on Earth. He was a dedicated humanitarian who fought to end world hunger. He was the co-founder of World Hunger Year or WHY, now known as WhyHunger, a wonderful and efficient non-profit that is still helping feed hungry people today. He was instrumental in the creation of the Presidential Commission on World Hunger in 1977. He was a man that was posthumously awarded the highest civilian award in the United States, the Congressional Gold Medal. He was a man who performed benefit concerts for hundreds of worthy organizations during his career. He was a man who raised more than 3,000,000 USD for those in need in the last six years of his life. He was a man that donated to charitable causes an estimated 33% of the revenues from his indefatigable schedule of 200 plus concerts performed each year. Besides his tireless humanitarian work, he was an accomplished and creative renaissance man that during his life was nominated for the following illustrious awards: Oscar, Grammy, Peabody, Emmy, and Tony. He was a man that I was lucky enough to have seen in concert a handful of times between 1975 and 1980. He is a man that I still miss today. His name was Harry Chapin. by Mark R. Elsis EarthNewspaper.com/HarryChapin

[@joanwilliams4117]

Miss dear Harry.

[@wdeatonjr]

His music somehow touched my soul.. just reminded me of how fragile we can sometimes be

[@Birdsonly]

I discovered Harry just before he was killed on the Long Island Expressway. I've been hooked on his songs even since. Even been in his Food bank in Hauppague NY. He is still helping the poor.

[@TheGuru12163]

82 I spent a week one afternoon with this Album. He touched my soul.

[@christineroy5122]

Who else pictures the waitress looking like the one on the Breakfast in America album?

[@Yancree305]

Harry's got to be the best story writer out there this a masterpiece

[@carolynjorgensen2931]

I saw Harry in Sarasota, Fl. my then husband worked for a radio station and got to introduce him to go on stage. It was my birthday I got to go backstage and Meet him, he signed my album and gave me a kiss on the check. Unforgettable experience for me. How I miss him and his music.

[@Semi-C-Samurai]

Haven't heard that song in maybe 30+ years. As the last verse was being sung, it brought tears to my eyes because I've been that "little man". They just don't write songs like that anymore and the world is a lesser place as a result.

[@Positivekitten]

I know that there are people out there writing songs like that, but they are just not paid attention to anymore.

[@msumcj]

I miss him, so glad to be part of his friends in the 70s.

[@Peter-lj5lq]

What a great song just remember, lonely guys all women are beautiful if you want them to be . just treat them with respect.

[@thayes42]

Harry was one of the last true Bards, singer, songwriter and most importantly storyteller. His stories were real and could draw you in like very few others.

[@audie9941]

3:15pm. Best story l have ever heard as well as the music. Listened to it for 30 years still love it.

[@coachmen8508]

My God the stories people have around his songs are just incredible

[@user-rs7jb8tp2p]

I was on Long Island expressway that very day in a semi.I will always remember him as a friend!

[@johntufanio2306]

Still brings tears to my eyes when I hear it. 😢

[@bevkinne6669]

I heard this for the first time tonight. Made me cry. A very good song

[@barryclark2947]

Harry was first rate story teller.. If you didn't shed a tear during his show? you weren't human. Male or female. GOD I miss him

[@simbatj]

I had the same reaction the first time I heard it. At the same time it gave me hope. That was a few decades ago.

[@Elvis68spec]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@kevintytel7870]

@@Elvis68spec .

[@eddiedunn476]

I remember exactly where I was (in Arkansas) when Harry died. Thank you for the words and music. Harry's songs are still in my head everyday and every night. I grew up with his music. I was born 1958. Mr. Tanner is my favorite. I wish I could go see him in concert but I just listen to him by way of you and I thank you much for Harry's songs. Bless you

[@robertmurphy4569]

Harry Chapin was a very special person , R.I.P. to a deep song writer and friend !

[@docdonhall]

My Favorite Chapin composition. Rare is the talent that Harry had, coupled with his humanity he was (and is) an inspiration to the rest of us.

[@wdeatonjr]

He touched my heart .. he reminds me of how fragile we can be

[@blackmoor2001]

I come back to this album to many times, especially when when I'm down. There's honesty in the music.... real life, not the internet ((BS)

[@reneemack7224]

M K i come back to this when I am happy!

[@grasfarmrs2004]

I didn't even realize this was over 9 minutes long! It doesn't seem long enough... such a talent

[@christophermanley3602]

I like this a lot better than the album version because it’s slower.

[@DBReed-j8q]

Every time i hear it smile, laugh, and shed tear

[@jag6183]

This song is too powerful!!

[@garyschenck386]

beautiful song, cry every I hear it, if you don't cry hearing this song you have no soul

[@JeanneWhipple]

This was one of my husbands favorites. Actually all of Harry Chapins music. He passed away last Sunday. Music is one of my comforts right now.😢

[@sarahhanken9831]

I’m so very sorry for the loss of your husband. Grief has so many layers. I hope you can recover in your time. I also hope in my life that I get to experience a marriage but for now I can just enjoy what you had with your husband.with All the love I have right now. ~Sarah

[@NarrowPathVideo]

I was in Watertown New York just a couple years ago - I had forgotten that's where this song takes place! This song has always been a favorite of mine, and I used to say that if I had one song to listen to for the rest of my life, this would be it. Harry died the year I was born, but thanks to my mom & dad and a working record player, I was able to hear this album and fall in love with his music. Thanks to mom & dad, thanks to you for uploading this, and thanks to Harry.

[@Utlayolisdi]

Another of Harry's great stories. I've known many for whom this song fits like a glove. I'm the odd ball in such matters as I don't get lonely. Before getting married to my Sybille I lived many contented years alone. To some it will sound strange but I've always felt the presence of what some call Spirit thus, I've never felt totally alone. For those who do feel lonely I sincerely pray they find the comfort and companionship they are missing. I sometimes think that Sybille came into my life partly because I did not need anyone.

[@treywest268]

I am only alive now because Harry got me through my teen years. He let me know that life works out okay.

[@user-dc1dr9kr8x]

Does it trey....does it...

[@Positivekitten]

Glad you are still here… and yes, it does.

[@Positivekitten]

I ugly cry pretty much anytime I hear this song!

[@SilentKnight43]

One aspect of Harry's musical legacy is the comments people leave...everyone sharing their memories of how Harry's music touched them in one way or another. Only a very small handful of performers elicit that type of heartfelt response. When I was in my mid-teens in the late 70s I was dating a girl who was a huge Chapin fan at the time. I never listened close enough at the time to gain the same appreciation she had. But when I reached my mid-20s I really began listening to Harry's music - and got hooked. We would have "Harry Chapin Fridays" at the printing shop I worked at...playing Harry's songs all day long. We dug up everything we could find and eventually amassed a collection of nearly everything he released. That was 30 years ago. Great memories.

[@christopherbright1048]

I saw Harry Chapin on concert in the late 70s always liked his stories miss him

[@jag6183]

I'm jealous.

[@whathehellpodcast]

I do NOT know how I know this song note perfect,, but I could stand on stage with Harry and sing it. I am not THAT old!

[@user-lq2fq8gq4f]

Hang on to those memories. It just proves the old saying....Growing old is mandatory, but, Growing up is optional.

[@samlexco]

HARRY GOT ME THROUGH SOME CRAZY DAYS IN THE 70S ......

[@barryclark2947]

To this day there has yet to be a better story teller. Miss you Harry keep a seat open 4 me.

[@ShyMoonheart]

Harry, your songs all touch my heart. How I wish you will still here making beautiful music that tells stories like no one else. This is such a special song.

[@bobby7771117]

It was in about November of 1980, at the Harry Chapin concert at Huntington High School--with Tom Chapin and Pete Seeger--that I shook hands with Harry after the concert and briefly discussed this song! It was a precious moment, and Harry was so gracious to let me take 2 pictures of him, and one of

[@jackcrawford6078]

he was a true genius. I saw him in b'ham do the opening show of what turned out to be his last tour. I have still never been to another concert like his .. people in suits, tuxedoes. beside guys in rock t-shirts , etc etc It was literally 1 of a kind experience.

[@barryclark2947]

He was my deceased dads favorite.. My dad never missed a show... Harry died on his birthday. Dad died 8 months later.

[@Scotanthony1]

jack crawford Jack, Harry truly was a genius! I remember my Mother exposing me to his music at an early age in my life. Even though I was young, I really took to him! I remember us going to the local Youth Fair to see Harry and his brother perform; just the two of them, playing acoustic guitars! I was very excited to see him and didn't understand at that time what a rare treat I was being afforded. His music still affects me to this day, as I haven't listened to it now in quite a while, but was reminiscing a bit with it and was immediately brought back to the time when songs actually had meaning... instead of today's trash that appeals to the worst in a person.

[@phildo7158]

I was privileged to attend 2 of his concerts and both were with "Big John". I loved it when he said "Here's one for the cheap seats", even though I was in row 4.

[@mikestolz53]

Harry, You were back then, still are now, and always will be my favorite! RIP.

[@kevinvanhonk6192]

He set the bar so high no one will ever surpass it.

[@xy23z5]

One of the best and my favorite song. Saw him in Indianapolis. Scheduled for one show but sold out so quickly they did two in the same evening.

[@blacksmoke2756]

Your still missed Harry ma man

[@onealisaac5437]

I love me some Harry Chapin!!!! What a human being!!!!!!

[@unclephil123]

Harry was a personal hero of mine, doing so much for others, meeting with President Carter to promote fighting world hunger. He’d come out in the lobbies after his many benefit shows to shake hands and talk with fans. I was lucky enough to meet him there and his fatal car accident hit me (and so many others) hard…

[@billpacitto]

Truly my favorite performer and song ever...I sing this to myself daily. I've loved Harry's songs since I first heard him in 72, but it wasn't till I heard his life's story...his life of selflessness and sacrifice. His endless energy and commitment to those less fortunate that my true appreciation for the man took root. I dream of being that type of person. Imagine what the world would be like if everyone felt like he did, about making the world a better place? A better place to be, no doubt.

[@ghrammyboy]

My parents took me to see him live when I was 4 years old. I didn't know anything of this at the time, but now almost 30 years later his songs will haunt me forever, and this song in particular resonates just right.

[@eddiedunn476]

big Jim Wallace thank you and you are always in my head, too. So many days.. I still hear your voice. Thank you

[@907goose]

Why don't the music execs push forward great performers and songs like this any more? I've been listening to Harry Chapin since he started and every one of his songs is so much better than any of the pop music pushed on us today. Maybe I'm just old. LOL

[@907goose]

Having stopped at Watertown, NY, on a trip up the Erie Canal, I've gotta say it was a lovely place. Our boat broke down and I wish it hadn't been fixed so quickly. 8-)

[@dolittle1ful]

If you would like a "snapshot" of the 70's, listen to Harry Chapins greatest hits. His songs were stories of life from his view. Mostly spot on. Many were very long so radio stations didn't like to play them. Sad. He was a great performer, song writer, person. He died way too young.

[@edweichsler5051]

Sharon, you are right of course. His songs were too long for AM radio with the exception of Cats. Nonetheless, he had (and has) a huge following. That didn't happen because of the lack of radio airplay. It happened solely because of word of mouth and concert attendance. Even in the 70's, there were enough of us with perfectly open and objective minds who recognized and supported pure genius. Many followed him from concert to concert. An incredible humane individual who never looked down on anyone. With Harry, what you heard/saw was really who he was. My God how his short tenure on this island earth has blessed us all! jmo

[@mikedemboski3371]

There was nothing superficial about any of Harry’s music. Glad I got to see him and got to listen to his music.

[@skillymulligan9761]

Greatest song ever written

[@xy23z5]

Saw him live in Indianapolis. Was set for one show, but sold out so quick they two in the same night. An amazing show and an amazing man. I will remember this forever. I'm 66 and he and Led Zep are the best.

[@stewartroxburgh8844]

OMG What a song, and what a storyteller Harry was. I'm glad that I've been around to hear a lot of his music, but every so often I can still get a surprise. Wonderful. Thanks for sharing this.

[@mthome1018]

My Mom had this album. I grew up with him.

[@Ikine557]

Me too, my dad had it.

[@ryanp2053]

same, i grew up listen to this every summer out on the boat. Its the soundtrack to my childhood.

[@kathleendoherty1235]

I couldn’t agree more, just a fabulous song, and I thought the story of a life was the greatest until I heard this.

[@christophermanley3602]

Harry Chapin passed away 40 years ago today. About 2 months before I was born, but I'll never forget him. RIP Harry.

[@jeffhunt8184]

I miss him so much. No one has his talent. When I saw him at Miller auditorium I was wea k in the knees when I left

[@reneemack7224]

I was lucky enough to see him in Woodridge, NY in '77. We sleepaway camp counselors all literally piled into the camp station wagon to see him. He was really incredible.

[@JosephWhittaker-lh7jx]

I miss you Harry

[@Jo-fh6rz]

Absolutely moving story

[@coolaprilfool1335]

Great,great, song.RIP Harry...skippitty skippitty

[@scottschwed3529]

He was a genius and a great story teller too

[@xy23z5]

The BEST storyteller. He said all of his songs were "semi-confessions".

[@joekidd7124]

One of Harry's Best!!✌✌🍻🍻

[@danlarson9902]

Awesome music i listened to his stuff in the 70s and never stopped the songs got me through some tough life stuff any time I get down i listen to Harry i miss guys like this today's music couldn't even come close to this

[@toms2b]

I highly agree w/Josh's comment that he sounds better live. I didn't hear much of Harry (other than Cat's in the Cradle) until this album came out. But this song and Let Time Go Lightly are my favorites on the album. And if you compare this version to the studio version I think you'll like this one better. The studio version sounds rushed. Thanks for posting the song!

[@bakedbeansgangstajones3937]

Would say this is his best song ever. I would think anyone ha had a period in their lives that can relate to this song.

[@ltcurry]

A sad demise on the LIE. I love his music and always will.

[@philgray5691]

A remarkable story teller.

[@MarkSmith-og8xn]

Harry defined my life as a great balladeer and I'll always be honoured to have been given the choice to decide if it is a vinegar or a red wine ! My impression is a full bodied red !

[@tlsmith1138]

Hollywood doesn't make pictures about the common man or woman that occurs in the common man's world. It's all rich people, all the time, in a rich man's world or in exotic locales. Harry gave us the common man or woman in the common world. I miss Harry.

[@pelyor2413]

A friend of mine introduced me to Harry chapin , What a Great surprise , I was 17 at the time in 1979 , And i Enjoyed the time we had , Then my friend passed away , I still have the memories , The best part is he named his son Harry .

[@richardwieder2354]

This song makes me want to learn to play guitar!! You can always count on the cheap seats.