Harry Chapin - Taxi

The well famed, (I feel over-rated in-comparison to some of his other songs) Taxi, In original form
The best live version I'm aware of:
• Harry Chapin - Taxi
"I saw Harry Chapin and his band perform this song live on The Tonight Show with Johnny Carson. The audience gave them a thunderous, standing ovation. Carson was so impressed he invited Chapin back the next night for an encore. One of the great story-song writers." -Reddalestew
-----
"It was raining hard in 'Frisco,
I needed one more fare to make my night.
A lady up ahead waved to flag me down,
She got in at the light.
Oh, where you going to, my lady blue,
It's a shame you ruined your gown in the rain.
She just looked out the window, and said
"Sixteen Parkside Lane".
Something about her was familiar
I could swear I'd seen her face before,
But she said, "I'm sure you're mistaken"
And she didn't say anything more.
It took a while, but she looked in the mirror,
And she glanced at the license for my name.
A smile seemed to come to her slowly,
It was a sad smile, just the same.
And she said, "How are you Harry?"
I said, "How are you Sue?
Through the too many miles
and the too little smiles
I still remember you."
It was somewhere in a fairy tale,
I used to take her home in my car.
We learned about love in the back of the Dodge,
The lesson hadn't gone too far.
You see, she was gonna be an actress,
And I was gonna learn to fly.
She took off to find the footlights,
And I took off to find the sky.
Oh, I've got something inside me,
To drive a princess blind.
There's a wild man, wizard,
He's hiding in me, illuminating my mind.
Oh, I've got something inside me,
Not what my life's about,
Cause I've been letting my outside tide me,
Over 'till my time, runs out.
Baby's so high that she's skying,
Yes she's flying, afraid to fall.
I'll tell you why baby's crying,
Cause she's dying, aren't we all.
There was not much more for us to talk about,
Whatever we had once was gone.
So I turned my cab into the driveway,
Past the gate and the fine trimmed lawns.
And she said we must get together,
But I knew it'd never be arranged.
And she handed me twenty dollars,
For a two fifty fare, she said
"Harry, keep the change."
Well another man might have been angry,
And another man might have been hurt,
But another man never would have let her go...
I stashed the bill in my shirt.
And she walked away in silence,
It's strange, how you never know,
But we'd both gotten what we'd asked for,
Such a long, long time ago.
You see, she was gonna be an actress
And I was gonna learn to fly.
She took off to find the footlights,
And I took off for the sky.
And here, she's acting happy,
Inside her handsome home.
And me, I'm flying in my taxi,
Taking tips, and getting stoned,
I go flying so high, when I'm stoned."
/Lyrics from The Harry Chapin Archive at Harrychapin.com\

[@MyriamRichardsdotter]

Harry Chapin is one of those people you don't hear about, but should.

[@BHHartman]

“Too many miles and too little smiles” I think we can all relate to this line.

[@chercare1557]

My favorite lyric of any song.

[@terryclemans2065]

I'm 68 I'm tearing up now listening to the song

[@paulineestrada6814]

I always cry listening to it. I think of the boy I lived in high school, I moved to CA he stayed in PA, but to this day I remember him and a love lost.

[@Smartass_Jedi]

1972: masterpiece 2023: masterpiece

[@derpderp9778]

Timeless

[@edwardsimpson3238]

I am now 76 and have loved this song since it was first released...He was a great story teller. The BEST..🙏

[@ideasytnow]

Same age. Any other good songs by him?

[@Kjcpanther222]

Exactly my old friend

[@sourisvoleur4854]

"But another man never would have let her go." Chokes me up every time.

[@williammclean5040]

Absolutley timeless. The 70's were the best decade for music.

[@jamesgannon6192]

Yes It Is ❤️

[@patgalvez4563]

the 70's were the best time for everything

[@charlie418791]

Absolutely

[@roybean7166]

Some bad times in 70s as well. Good times and some very bad times. Roy b, CapeTown south africa 🇿🇦

[@George-pu4pv]

Thank you Debbie downer😢

[@Person12345ism]

Its been 42 years today since we lost Harry. RIP to a great artist

[@HarryStevenson-g7z]

My name is Harry and I drove a taxi in the Hamptons where friends Nick named me Harry keep the change . This song means a lot to me

[@Tomtom11122]

Legend!!! That's a great one..my da was a taxi driver too I'd loved this song that's how I know it..great song..hope you keeping well harry

[@jimfalls6583]

"Whatever we had once was gone" Man, that cuts like a knife.

[@JerryBurns-pf1sd]

Not really it's our memories that make us wealthy soul

[@timetravler8051]

You got that right. 😢 I can feel it, and see it. You don't get to 74 without having an experience similar to this song. Just substitute the names. Rest in peace Harry Chapin.

[@MariaBerga-xz1rj]

Sure does - fabulous song sadly he died too young

[@garydavenport5973]

Amen!

[@davidlohnes2208]

Absolutely

[@eddiemiller2969]

Fifty years ago, I was stationed at the Sub base at Groton, CT. A couple of buddies and I rented an apartment in Norwich. A young lady living nextdoor introduced me to a friend of hers. We hit it off right away. She introduced me to so much music. Gordon Lightfoot, John Denver and a guy who had come out with a song called Taxi. Harry Chapin's music blew me away! I love all of his music is great, but Taxi, has to be the best. I listen to it and I'm 50 years younger, sitting a darkened apartment, listening to music with wonderful, young lady. Thanks for the memories Harry Chapin.

[@stevenance7369]

This is one of those songs that late at night you pour your best bourbon, sit outside by yourself, and get a small smile listening to it...love how it’s so haunting and deep...

[@winnsitall3138]

I agree with everything everyone has said below.

[@tarahill2193]

Yes you are so right. But damn if I know what to do with all the things it brought back....do you ?

[@lanster6140]

Cheers

[@chokolokoist]

Everything is right, except that I'm not smilling

[@charliemeurer880]

The viola haunts

[@Jangocat]

I'm 58, and Harry still brings tears to my eyes.

[@flyoverkid55]

The storyline is as timeless as the haunting melody. None of us makes it through the years unscathed by disappoinment, loss, and the irony of what we once imagined our lives would be.

[@hpflax9488]

Well put

[@flyoverkid55]

@@hpflax9488 Thanks.

[@nobelnaylor1102]

it happen to me when I was 20 years old

[@MarkMcCoy-y5x]

Well said 😊

[@robertmayer2748]

You are so right about that. I think back on loss, etc. And I guess you could say who doesn't look back with a bit of sadness about certain things? Love listening to all the great music from that period like Harry, Carly Simon, Cat Stevens, Jim Croce, Don Mclean, etc. The list goes on and on.

[@Jan96106]

"I go flying so high when I'm stoned." I don't even take drugs, but I love that line.

[@phelan5387]

One of the best songs of the seventies

[@cbhighlander2195]

Hard to believe it has been 50 years since this came out. One of my favourites back then and still is.

[@MoosicandCritters]

A timeless classic. ❤️🎶🎻

[@jamesgannon6192]

I was working a bad factory job at when this song was around. I would sing the song to myself I my head while I waited for the plastic mold to open up… it helped me to keep My Sanity 👍🏼

[@unfluster]

I remember hearing this for the first time. It was the early 70's andI was in the upper west side on the top floor of a brownstone well past midnight. I had the radio on and one candle lit. Then this song came on. It blew my f-in mind.

[@briancatron8381]

@@jamesgannon6192 You share a name with a late, great actor. RIP to both Harry and James.

[@kevinmcdonald951]

He was a Genius.

[@ronaldpriest9301]

This is art! This is music. This is a great talented story teller sharing his life and feelings through his work. I love it. Thank you Harry Chapin.

[@doreenpower]

Very Unique Awesome

[@garysparhawk2698]

​@@doreenpower😅😊😅😅😅😅😊😊😊😅😅😅😊😊😊😊😅😅😅😅😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊

[@amossnowdaharleyman9179]

I'm a 61 year old manly man and this song makes me tear up to this day.

[@Patrick_Cooper]

At 65, it is one of my go to oldies. To makes me feel melancholy, drink a beer, and go to bed.

[@profil4e]

Music transcends human years, it seems. At 30, from a country which was never exposed, influenced, by this type of music, I too had a tear to shead while listening.

[@daviddragavon7555]

It is weird that it doesn't play that often. You know, this was one of the songs that broke down the 21/2 to 31/2 minutes rule in commercial radio. Even Light my Fire had a commercial edit. There was no place in the song to cut.

[@daviddragavon7555]

AMOS, Jeffrey is right on. I was born in 1954... Lost loves still haunt me. Especially a memory anchored by a song. Most recently "Sometimes in Winter" from Blood Sweat and Tears brought back an early heartbreak for me. Bittersweet is a fact of life, now it leaves less sad than wistful.

[@rickkurtzuba9828]

This is one of the very greatest tunes of the 70s. And I can NAIL it karaoke. I remember as a teen the final words "..takin' tips, and gettin' stoned. I go flyin' so high...when I'm stoned." It was a little rebellious given the times. Loved it then, love it now. Chapin was a MASTER storyteller.

[@TheJoerutland]

Oh Harry, how you are still thought of and missed. Your music lives on. 😢

[@michaellaflamme9635]

IM 64 YRS OLD LISTENED TO LITERALLY HUNDREDS OF THOUSANDS OF SONGS.TAXI IS IN MY TOP FIVE! RIP HARRY

[@dianestubbs2332]

70.. Found old tapes that played. Wow I'm crying, hugs you guys❤

[@PamelaKennedy-jh4bq]

Hugs right back!

[@jackiestephenbroughton1712]

This song came out when I was 16 and hearing the song can take me back to that time. I am 68 now and magically can take me back to a love lost. Thanks Harry.

[@debbiebrown8473]

Yes I’m 68 old woman. Been searching for this song 🎧 for ages. Takes me back. ❤thank you ❤

[@pimpompoom93726]

69 year old man here, and same.

[@greggcoppolo8430]

Same here, 69.​@@pimpompoom93726

[@adameckard4591]

Ah the early seventies when music could still be good.

[@patgalvez4563]

Before Fly Robin Fly was considered a song

[@laudarevsonhunt]

@@patgalvez4563 All 6 words

[@Obladgolated]

It only has meaning to people who lived in that time.

[@rodmcdonough6111]

This song is me ... driving taxi at night in S. F. in the 70s, and again in S. F. (now) driving Uber almost 50 years later. It never gets old . I only wish that Harry Chapin was still here to enjoy his life also. His songs are timeless. Thank you, Sir. May you rest in peace, love, and comfort forever

[@jayanxiety]

You'll be happy to know that the Chapin name carries on. His neices, "The Chapin Sisters" are making critically-acclaimed music. Doing their family legacy proud, while carving out their own sound as well!

[@markhunter8554]

@@jayanxiety If they're critically acclaimed then they must be doing better with the critics than their uncle did.

[@salvatoregallina7618]

I love ❤️this Song Especially while driving on A Rainy day or Any Day❤Rip mr Chapin.

[@TheTimmerall33]

Reminds me of better times. My very young years were good. Kind of a Cat Stevens type song pulls at your heart strings.

[@IamsTokiWartooth]

ty for the post, and for driving us all in the rain.

[@zumadale]

Got stationed in California mid 70s in the Navy. Drove all over California with Harry Chapin in the cassette player as many miles passed under my car

[@MrChazz965]

This song is a masterpiece!

[@hehaefele]

In 1978 I hitchhiked to San Francisco, chasing my first love. I got a job driving for Veteran Cab Co. Smoked pot. The whole bit. I lived this song. Perversely, this is my favorite song for karaoke!!! Howard, keep the change! .

[@SaraP.-mi8gg]

In the hollows of the Appalachians southwest Virginia and northeast Tennessee in '71 am radio this came across like a broadcast from another world... still has the same spell in 2024

[@josiesongs5991]

Even at 10yrs old. I understood the depth of this song. Harry is a legend.

[@leonstancliff7218]

The first time I heard this song was soon after it's release. I was working night shift in a factory, my last year of college, like most of the others working there. When this song played over the intercom/radio, the plant slowly came to a stand-still. An entire electronics factory stopped working to hear this song. When it ended everyone seemed to take a deep breath and resume their lives. That was the intensity of these lyrics in 1972. It was the end we all feared.

[@johnterry64]

Here's hoping it worked out OK for you, Leon.

[@brucemckay7828]

I hear you. And him.

[@bessie1854]

I was a senior in high school when this song was released in March, 1972 and yes, it was a tune that you stopped what you're doing and listened.

[@paulorben6830]

I hear yee

[@paulorben6830]

Harry soon met his fate....mines right around the corner.

[@feegureeetout]

I thought that falsetto interlude was a woman for years. The internet live recording from way back revealed the truth. A heavily bearded musician singing at his highest falsetto ranges. And doing a knock up job. Incredible song. My rule is if i can feel I'm almost part of the story, its a great song.

[@lisaperry7297]

Big john wallace

[@winstonwolf9252]

When an artist can make you feel the way he feels , Is greatness. Harry nailed it!

[@WyattIamrolling]

I too am a 61 yr old manly man, and if this song doesn't choke you up, there's something wrong with you. Amazing storytelling, so relatable, and such tender reminiscing.

[@lynngale611]

I love this song😢😊

[@frankiebrinkley4643]

Sex

[@michaelulbricht9438]

Quite possibly Harry's best song. Hard not to be drawn into this wonderful narrative. Music like this never really ages.

[@paulisaac78]

I was just thinking that it’s his best song.

[@HUBABUBA-il8fn]

Tough one between Taxi and Cats in the Craddle.

[@59skupe]

Yes, until Sequel finally came out though that ending wasn't exactly what I was hoping for. I always want to know what actually happens at the end of the story. Also Roses Are Red is an important one for teachers to know about.

[@danbrock1843]

​@@HUBABUBA-il8fnso hard to pick one

[@barbaralenox7092]

@@HUBABUBA-il8fn Yes, for me too.

[@kevinharris4126]

My little brother is gone now but he loved this song and could sing every word

[@PamelaKennedy-jh4bq]

Sorry for your loss.😢

[@cindipossidento5688]

God bless 🙏

[@MajorBuzzBarrington]

Had the honor of meeting Mister Chapin in 1977 when I was working at a rock station, he came in for an interview. Unfortunately they were very busy times and I just got to shake his hand and say hello. RIP Sir.

[@michaelhughes3273]

He sure could tell a story, could he? Amazing songwriter. He may have left this planet too soon but his music lives eternally

[@harleygal420]

It's worth being older now, to have been young then.

[@RAW-zz7gt]

Who else is remembering Harry Chapin today? 😥💔 12/7/42 - 07/16/81

[@kennethshaw756]

I do. great artist, great song.

[@chrisbush1946]

I am 78 and I love all Harry s music. Such a sad ending.

[@dakingskween]

Woke up with this song on my mind. It’s 2024 and still remember (mostly) all the words.

[@kennethshaw756]

@@dakingskween Same here.

[@dannyboyd9462]

So blessed I was growing up in the Early 70's.

[@PamelaKennedy-jh4bq]

Oh yeah….best era for music!

[@kevinmccormack4330]

A work of art. It reminds me so much of 'Same Old Lang Syne' by the late Dan Fogelberg. The same scenario, two ex-lovers meeting years later, both awkward encounters, both incredibly sad, but yet so different in how they were told. Great poetry.

[@jeffr9425]

I thought the same thing

[@margiewagner3611]

One of my favorite songs by Harry Chapin. First time I heard this song I cried my eyes out. What a beautiful song.

[@ChristineMaloney-vn2ql]

I am 71 years old and still love his songs. I went to his concert once and he stepped on my foot.

[@tcl5853]

I’m an old guy at 70, never saw him live. I bet he would love your story, and maybe he does.

[@suecrumley5925]

I don't know why I thought of this song today. But I had to listen. Met Harry & his band backstage at the great southeast music hall in Atlanta, early 70s. Such a nice person, with a big heart. Sad he's no longer here.

[@gregrankin8073]

. . . Well there’s mud in your eye! 😆

[@josephgrumet]

A blessing

[@josephgrumet]

Whatever we had once was gone…. Sad but true for all of us

[@larrycarroll7371]

Hard not to brush away a tear when listening to this song.

[@eddriver7815]

yup .... it never goes away , does it

[@martingallo767]

We all had a similar memory like this song I brushed many tears away when I hear this song

[@fhowland]

Old flames never die

[@patgalvez4563]

@@fhowland i still can remember a pretty girl I knew when I was 16....

[@bobmclaughlin7276]

I was in grade 9, this song came on the radio and really "grabbed" me.... In my mid 60's now, still 'grabs' me..... The power of music.....

[@edwardstmarseille-fp7iy]

If you just sit and listen to these songs will take you back in your youth of the 50s and 60s

[@MichaelMacqueen-u4n]

I’m 60 years old! And I can still remember where I was wen harry died, 42 years ago!!

[@Dave-nk6qz]

Most evocative song I've ever heard. Masterpiece.

[@justplainjimmy3601]

Harry died two weeks before I was going to see him in concert at the Holiday Star Theatre in Merrillville, Indiana. I still have the concert ticket today. Harry was an outstanding talent.

[@sheldontaylor2002]

The Holiday Star had great acts to perform

[@davidmeyers3603]

I like him. Grew up with his music.

[@GravesLilDarkAngel]

The Star isn't even there anymore. Such a loss.

[@Nikki817]

Just Plain Jimmy I liked the way he despised the control money had over people. He never lived a king although he could have. His songs reflect caring about people, not money.

[@ChubertChug]

The Star was a great venue. I saw Whitesnake there in 2015, and I guess they tore it down just recently. Damn shame, they had consistently great bands there

[@gregrobertson7932]

One of the coolest songs ever. Tells such a sad song. Makes me cry almost every time I hear it. This man is missed!

[@jeweljackson9573]

Me too!

[@houdini5910]

Me to

[@jjr41879]

this, The Boxer, Homeward Bound by S&G, then Waterloo Sunset, the Kinks' acoustic version would all be in my top 10 acoustic songs in my life. I am 68. Great visuals and such sad songs the same.

[@heavnnnsent]

Gone too soon what a talent. A special musician and songwriter from another era.... we will never see the likes of him again. He will be forever Young

[@paulisaac78]

You just don’t hear quality music like this anymore

[@kristee025]

Masterpiece. Period.

[@terryclemans2065]

To this day I still love the song

[@beetles2011]

All the mistakes you make in relationships come back to you when listening to this. Priceless memories....

[@eddriver7815]

I never made the mistake again ... she taught me a lesson that ironically she never benefitted from ... that's a shame !

[@wildbill5670]

And man have I made mine. I lost the love of my life. Not once, not twice but three times from being a total fuck up.

[@dank6852]

Not me, I fly so high when I'm stoned.

[@johnnj3858]

And life choices in general, here I am in my 50's lost many loved ones because of cheating, can't stand my job, relationship sucks, but I stay positive, I'm the product of my own demise.

[@reginaldboaler4887]

Yes

[@billyg310]

one of his best what a story teller he was this song is so awesome what a great man RIP Harry you left us way too early

[@jamesgannon6192]

49 years ago I was working a Bad Factory job when this song was around. I would sing it to myself in my head while I waited for the plastic mold to open up. It Helped Me to Keep My Sanity…. Thank You Harry ❤️🧠

[@keithepley2132]

Love the arrangement, the message, the delivery. And the evocative background sounds.

[@markc7540]

What a classic song by Harry Chapin. Very weird, you hardly hear this song on either the radio or satellite. Two nights ago, I was pulling into my driveway and Taxi came on, I could not get out of my car until the song was over. What chills were running up and down my spine!!!!!! GR8 Tune......R.I.P.

[@Chasencharlie13]

Great song, just don't make them like this anymore. I get chills everytime I her this song. Takes me back to so many memories. Thanx Harry, keep the change....Peace and Love...

[@michaelatoz580]

Just add your life story, you have mine and we have Harry's life story in common. Somehow everyone has the same story but a little different. My life is not what I thought it would be, but its not bad!!!

[@eddriver7815]

That has happened to me too MARK It makes me remember HER ... why can'r we ever shake off those horrible regretful memories ? I can never shut t his song off .. I guess it's how I still punish myself for what I did

[@Busywave]

It got a lot of radio play in 1972. What a great year for radio.

[@pauljackbyrne9439]

@@eddriver7815 need to forgive yourself, let go and move on

[@vivavasquez]

thank you for the memory , had to play it over and over . great music is the cure .

[@QuietRefl4378]

The lyrics, the music. Perfect song.

[@paulisaac78]

There was nobody like Harry Chapin before him and most likely will never be another singer like him again. Trying to put a finger on what's so likeable about him and his music is not easy. But, genuine, unquie and engaging definitely come to mind!

[@wadewatson2751]

I guess Harry Nilsson is similar, both were great.

[@rjust2297]

It's my turn

[@rjust2297]

Mofos gonna get some

[@annmalleybooks]

Love this song, Chapin's sound, and the melancholy truth of the lyrics. Life goes fast.

[@markfaris4735]

An amazing musician and even better man. I remember the day he died on the Long Island Expressway about fifteen minutes from my house. Any oxygen I had was immediately sucked out. He was humble beyond belief; a performer the equivalent of Dylan and Gordon Lightfoot.

[@debbiemeldrum9832]

So you so get it. So glad someone else does

[@debbiemeldrum9832]

Thank you for getting it Mark

[@fine1229]

I listen to this song almost daily for many years now as it is on my playlist. Time after time it brings back memories that on some level those who are willing to admit it were life-changing. I still morn his loss for the compassionate man talented performer that he was. I'm certain that I am amongst thousands that feel the same. RIP HARRY, we miss you as a man musician and one of societies finest.

[@themostization]

sir i only rate certain musicians and this chaps one of them one of the greatest in my opinion

[@linasveselka7357]

Sequal to Taxi

[@bhbluebird]

Discarded illusions and loss of innocence. This song meant a lot to me, as a teenager, back in the 70s, now it is even more haunting and prescient.

[@mickjones8757]

Somhow I've gotten what i asked for. As they say," be careful what you ask for " rings true

[@jimegnor4442]

Please tell me what you meant with your words, please?

[@tedpittsinger9688]

Yes! Agreed! "I've got something inside me. Not what my life's about!"

[@robertschoonmaker750]

In TC

[@markhollenbeck9965]

I remember seeing him in 1976, Grand Valley University in Allendale, Michigan ! Timeless ...

[@garysimms6412]

This is a song that really gets deep into your soul

[@miketocci]

It's been in mine since I was 14 years old

[@philipastore7706]

@@miketocci 17 here...:/ :o)

[@jackiestephenbroughton1712]

Too many miles and the too little smiles, I still remember you. Still haunting!!

[@wirenutt57]

66 year old man here - I saw Harry in concert in the late 70's in Syracuse, NY at the Landmark Theater - a venue he helped save by performing benefit concerts there. When he came onstage, he looked around and said (to the effect) "I helped save this old theater, and now I feel like hot shit when I play here." The review in the newspaper the next day quoted his words as ..."I feel like hot stuff when I play here..." But those of us who were there knew what he really said. It was just him and an acoustic guitar on the stage, and he kind of self-deprecatingly apologized for the sparse production, then went into playing "Taxi." You could have heard a pin drop in that building while he played. It was pure fucking magic. I cried a couple of years later the day I heard he was killed in a car accident, and I hadn't cried for any other singer/songwriter again until John Prine died in April of 2020 from complications of COVID. It's still hard for me to listen to either of their recordings to this day. Rest In Peace, HC and JP.

[@peterlittle123]

Sometimes memories will sneak out of our eyes and roll down our cheeks ! Take Care my Friend 😢

[@boblynch7348]

What a crying shame that such a talented man was taken from us far, far too early in his career. God rest you, Harry, and thanks for all the memories.

[@keithstowing16]

One of my favorite songs of all time! I'm 45 now and have a 20 month old son... I have sang this song to him even when he was still in his mommies tummy.. probably the first song he ever knew lol love it!

[@oldschoolruler]

I sang this for my son when I put him to bed as a child. He called it 'Hard', as in, 'sing "Hard" for me Papa '. I always did. I texted him just now, he's 34 we shared the days events...I had to link this to him, yes I still tear up. RIP Harry

[@jamesgannon6192]

What a Beautiful Memory ❤️

[@jamesgannon6192]

Xs 2❤️❤️

[@jeromemurphy2572]

His best song by far. This is a classic no doubt in my mind. They will be listening to this 100 years from now.

[@rockvilleraven]

Sequel is good too, where it takes the characters years later.

[@terrynecessary2654]

I am 62 years old just turned 62 in. I am also a manly man and I tear up also want to hear this song.

[@michaelshea5622]

Was a different world back then.

[@silverking1764]

He burst upon the scene when I was in high school. Greatest Stories Live was the first album of his I bought while in Grad school. He became one of the first socially active rock musicians. He died in a car accident seven months after John Lennon, with little fan fare. But Harry Chapin's activism to combat world hunger eventfully lead to the Foundation in his name and the Harry Chapin Food banks. Today, they are feeding so many Americans during the Covid Pandemic, and that makes him much more relevant.

[@uranuslad9855]

I waited on him once and I managed not to make a comment about "keeping the change", which was pretty good for my younger self.

[@raymondmarshall7857]

just maybe the greatest song ever written and based on a true story. holy shit this is great stuff.

[@klosed5085]

My dad passed away in June. This was the last song he made me jam with him at the 🔥 fire....it will forever be his song now. God bless you, dad❤

[@josephdoxe9410]

One of the best ever written. Brings back many memories and tugs at the heart. Thanks Harry RIP

[@battleaxe93]

agree mine too

[@jimdoane1362]

I saw Harry in concert 3 times with a good friend, when we heard that Harry had died we were together and we were just stunned into silence. We still talk about the concerts and how great he was

[@herbertmckenzie4710]

Brings back memories. I knew this composition would be timeless!

[@imjunipernow]

It's a shame that all the radio stations over-play Cat's in the Cradle and basically ignore this song. His best.

[@wrwallpi]

Taxi at 6:49 vs. CITC at 3:49. "Editing for time. Radio edits often shorten a long song in order to make it more commercially viable for radio stations. The normal length for songs played on the radio is between 3 to 4 minutes. " Radio edit - Wikipedia en.wikipedia.org › wiki › Radio_edi

[@jamesgeiger4795]

Back in 70 or 71 they did play it quite a bit, but not as much as Cats In The Cradle. It was my favorite of his, also.

[@chrishinnant3924]

@@wrwallpi I think on the DJ copy, the song is edited. But the full version is on the stock copy.

[@akbarlebowitz8151]

"Laugh Man" is another great song him.

[@Roy-G-Biv]

yesssssssssssssss

[@suzannesellers7383]

Not just a great son, but absolutely perfectly produced.

[@jamesgannon6192]

The Shifts are Amazing 🥲

[@James-y6u7x]

Friends and I were to see him live, Hampton Beach NH... There was a note on the door, Mr Chapin passed in bad car crash !!! No one spoke for hours !!!

[@leoh1191]

Best gift anyone has ever given me...a collection of Harry Chapin songs

[@mollykasprzycki7226]

70's Absolutely Best Era Ever!

[@GryllsAutumn]

It gives me shivers when they greet eachother in the car.

[@lorraineb.4698]

Yep.

[@johnrandle8365]

Because our hearts are moved when we feel something that can be a real experience we can all hide a broken heart many have .

[@leahharris5]

❤. Rest in Peace 🕊️🕊️. Harry Chapin ❤

[@jackmcmuscles]

"And she said we must get together, But I knew it'd never be arranged." Too real

[@kmslegal7808]

I Always sing that if I hear a fake intention of getting together

[@paulhenk8186]

NERD

[@MT-px7re]

@@kmslegal7808 He knew it. She was just a bit stuck up, and she said it, just to say it!

[@carolyndamico2924]

Every time I hear this song . Makes me think of my first love. Even though it’s been 50years, still can remember how he made me feel. A love tucked into my heart forever. ❤️❤️

[@JoJoGunn1956]

Then maybe you'll see him on the Other Side.

[@battleaxe93]

how beautiful

[@eddriver7815]

that ... just gave goose bumps //// first REAL LOVE ....tucked away in my heart forever

[@davidspradlin7153]

I know how it is...

[@susanm7925]

Really, I remember being date raped in a white van by Ron Hugo. Cheers!

[@jesperpedersen6705]

The song wells me up every time I've always been a sap😁💥

[@fly_speck_cafe]

Absolutely nothing like violins to reach right inside your soul.

[@jamesslick4790]

..."There was not much more for us to talk about....whatever we had once was gone...."... That line still gets me 40+ years later.

[@johnsteele5264]

"tears" pay a visit indeed...

[@RBAILEY57]

Me, too.

[@IamsTokiWartooth]

@@RBAILEY57 every time

[@rickwatson7997]

Like Dan Fogelbergs Auld Lang Syne The beer was empty, and our tongues were tired And running out of things to say She gave a kiss to me as I got out And I watched her drive away.

[@eddriver7815]

ohhhhhhhhhhh god ....... it's 55 years for me ! and it still affects me ... this is song is about 20 times repeated . .... and I bet she never thinks of me but as in Love and war ... the winner never remembers ............. and the loser never forgets .... c'est La vie isn't it ?

[@gordonchassin8202]

I grew up on Long Island during the seventies I saw him many times including my high school just a really good guy

[@jarodcarnarvon5198]

He had a great voice, loved his music. Some of the best music ever was produced in the early 70s.

[@cindygray2994]

Beautiful. "Another man might've been angry, and another man might've been hurt. But another man never would've let her go. I stashed the bill in my shirt." Pure poetry.

[@stormwalkerrippey6046]

I agree. True poetic genius. Thanks

[@Laceykat66]

The kind of MAN we don't find to often today, 'ey Cindy?

[@hughesbrown6864]

Amen

[@rachelroy839]

I heard his wife wrote this song.

[@larrywuzhere3866]

You see she was gonna be an actress, I was gonna learn to fly......

[@fredhutzler9472]

I cry every time I hear this song - the line that chokes me up is " its strange how you never know" wow powerful

[@CaptainNicBlake]

I'm a metalhead, but this song is so awesome! I actually heard this as a Lost Classic on WOUR in Utica, NY one afternoon, and I was shocked at how nice this song is. Harry Chapin certainly knew how to tell a story in his songs.

[@eddriver7815]

IM CONFUSED ... you like this song .. but ... your a metalhead .... as a metalhead ... have YOU ANY IDEA HOW MANY MORe SONGS ThERE ARE LIKE THIS ... that you passed up for metal "stuff" ////

[@tomsawyer5736]

Same here!

[@nicegentleman3166]

GOD REST YOUR SOUL HARRY !!! July 16, 1981. YOUR GREATNESS, KINDNESS, CARING, GIVING HEART, IS STILL A BLESSING TO US ALL !!! We had tickets too your next two night concerts at The Hampton Beach Ballroom. We still LOVE AND MISS YOU !!! YOU WERE THE BEST !!!!

[@jamesspencer1691]

A musicians. Musician

[@miketocci]

40 years this week. I miss him dearly and I never even met the man.

[@richardhutchison3123]

What a guy! This song is still echoing in my mind after watching him sing it in person back in 1978! RIP Harry!

[@gregoryroessner9635]

I saw him twice. First time at Capitol Theater in Passaic, N.J., about 1973. Second time was at Alice Tully Hall, Lincoln Center, NYC. , around 1977. He was a genius and a philanthropist who moved people through his music. R.I.P., Harry. We love you and miss you. God took you too soon.

[@copperman752]

Jeez... 1972, Vietnam, I was 18, in the military and heard this song during a thunderstorm in my barracks. His words were lost on me back then, I was too young and dumb. But it has a universal bittersweet truth. "Harry -- Keep the change..." As the song faded out every guy there just sat silent.

[@instantkarma1511]

It's very sad. Thank you for your service!!

[@copperman752]

@@instantkarma1511 Then for him to die in a freeway collision in 1981 was just pure hell. His wife won a settlement against the trucking company, oh well. He was one of the few people back then who was trying to make the world a better place, read his bio on Wikipedia.

[@rickflood8360]

Copper...yes..it has that effect......thank you for your service.....former Marine here '75-'79

[@copperman752]

@@rickflood8360 Semper fi, Dude.

[@rickflood8360]

@@copperman752 thanks...back at ya