Jim Croce - Time In A Bottle | The Story Behind The Song | Top 2000 a gogo

[@damiansaucedo9951]

The father sang the song for his child whom he never got to spend much time with and in return the child sang the song back to the father whom he never got to spend enough time with. Very deep and touching story.

[@googoo-gjoob]

Cats in the Cradle

[@sandra-jones]

@@googoo-gjoob this doesn't apply to this scenario.

[@tolits18vlog62]

Just this moment I know the sad story of this song is all about. As guitarist also your story Jim is so inspiring which is continued by your son AJ. Now I’m working on the mastery of your song Leroy Brown. Hoping I can fully imitate this during this time of World Quarantine.🙏

[@nsnoesuarez]

Up to now Jim Croce is not inducted in the Rock n Roll Hall of fame, he deserves it for the longest time, instead other mediocre singers are inducted every year.

[@Reyajh]

And we never got to see this song played live by Jim. But now we have this very touching, deeply moving version sung by that very same son! What a gift! Thank you AJ.

[@yana1955]

Many singers have died prematurely but this one gutted me as no other. Jim was a masterclass in song craftsmanship.

[@THE-HammerMan]

Yessir! I recall it was said Jim knew over 700 songs by heart; all the chords and lyrics. A great number of them he wrote himself. Amazing man and missed greatly still. Like Harry Chapin, there's no one who can ever fill the void they left.

[@JustMe-gh7ib]

HIs voice was the voice of my youth in the 70's. So hard then, miss what he could have been had he lived longer!

[@foxbat00]

My wife and I loved this song and sang it together countless times. She has now passed and I cant even hear it without crying..

[@THE-HammerMan]

@@foxbat00 You better be talking tears of joy of her memories, or you're doing her wrong. Every minute you had together was a blessing from GOD to be cherished & thankful for all the times you had. She wouldn't want you crying sadly...do her right and be happy! If it brings memories, dang it, BE HAPPY! [God might not have put you together at all...got it?]

[@foxbat00]

@@THE-HammerMan I tell everyone, do not feel sorry for me because I lost her, be happy for me that I had her. I'm just trying to fill that half of my soul I lost when she was gone. Thank you sir.

[@annab6726]

My mother loved 'Time in a Bottle' when it came out. She passed away from cancer two years later. I can't hear it without thinking of her.

[@leannemayor5755]

The apple doesn’t fall from the tree. You sound just like him. Well done beautiful music .

[@knjpollard]

What a great American! Born in 69 I recall the music as a kid. I still listen often to him these days.

[@46metube]

When I hear Time in a Bottle I go to pieces. That melody stops the world from turning.

[@gezlaschoonraad193]

Your dad would have been proud AJ 👏

[@CarlosCruz-ll5ez]

Man he looks just like his dad!

[@IFY0USEEKAY]

@@CarlosCruz-ll5ez OMG! No kidding, huh!

[@CarlosCruz-ll5ez]

@@IFY0USEEKAY hey keyboard troll no I am not kidding!!!

[@IFY0USEEKAY]

@@CarlosCruz-ll5ez Lol! Yeah, I was agreeing with you, he looks just like his dad. Sounds quite a bit like him as well!

[@ellenw391]

I believe his Dad IS watching & respect, and is very proud!!! Not only did his son do this beautiful song justice, but he spoke with love and respect!

[@Mr.Brightside1995]

Was legit just singing this song at work scrolling through youtube and this video randomly pops up in my recommended, knock knock can you hear me in there, big brothers always watching.

[@f.b9806]

Wow.....Jim Croce is smiling and so so proud of his family... Thank you for sharing..

[@henriquebenezra3116]

His voice is from my childhood and then, I can't forget it. My parents love his musics.

[@gleroyTullySAEHEYKID]

I was named Leroy from the Croce song. I was able to tell AJ when we met at my record shop. A powerful moment for me.

[@ricksharp5749]

Great story

[@karenrogers2826]

SaeHeyKid , is your last name Brown? That’s a great sing along song.

[@JustWasted3HoursHere]

@@karenrogers2826 I remember as a very young kid asking my mom what "Baddest man in the whole damned town" meant, and she said, "Oh, he's saying 'Baddest man in the whole downtown'" (trying to shield my young ears from that terrible word! LOL) and for YEARS and YEARS afterward that's what I heard in the lyrics... Still one of the best sing-along-songs ever written: Easy to learn and catchy lyrics (and an interesting story too). A similar song, also from Jim, is "You Don't Mess Around With Jim" which also has an interesting twist at the end.

[@Covid--ts5cw]

I was named Leroy after an alcoholic toothless f**k.

[@unkwm128]

@@karenrogers2826 middle name

[@jean-marieboucherit4518]

Jim Croce literally makes me cry. That’s how it is. I.m crying just listening to the first notes.

[@strangedays871]

His music was poetry. He was up there with Lennon as a songwriter. If he had lived longer there is no telling how many more great songs he would have written.

[@christopherstewart4025]

AGREED

[@brianmcfarland6548]

He was way past Lennon let’s be honest

[@MegazoneMusic23]

I agree with you 100% Can you imagine what awesome songs Jim would have done, had he lived? Hypothetical situation: Which artists from the 70's,80's and 90's Do you think Jim would have collaborated with? I had this Crazy Idea that Jim and Freddie Mercury could have made something work as crazy as that sounds. :)

[@lamper2]

@@brianmcfarland6548 I think it's YOU who needs to be honest!

[@sarahsparkman5153]

I totally agree, His songs & music was poetry, Relaxing & Says what he felt in his heart...

[@brigetteturner9091]

As a Young Girl, Time in a Bottle and Jim Croce was one of my Favorite artists. We were so Blessed to have him even for such a Short time.

[@yensilluap]

That’s unbelievable how he sound like his father playing and singing that song - amazing. God bless them.

[@saraharrell1768]

Fell in love with his music long ago in the early'70's. Such a tragic loss. Soon sounds another like him.

[@tiname599]

My brother died at 16 years old in 1976. This is the song we asked be played at his gravesite. This & Jackie's song "Put a Little Love in Your Heart" were his favorite💔😓

[@PrAnG2000]

"Remember, it's the first 60 years that count and I've got 30 to go." I nearly teared up when Ingrid read that out. Bless Jim's soul. 🙏🏾

[@raisa_cherry35]

😢

[@tammyturtle4434]

I’m 61 and have spent years sieving away on my property, now I really feel like I wasted a lot of time and there’s no years left that count 😞

[@Jennifer-jx8xg]

My mom was a big Jim Croce fan and when she died in 2016 of cancer I couldn't get this song out of my head. It was like she was trying to send me a message.

[@kellycranford3592]

Wow, he sounds so much like his dad singing Time in a bottle. Always loved Jim's music and it's so sad that he left us way too soon. I was little when that song came out and I remember it like it was yesterday.

[@jameswilliamjohnson]

The son's voice is often similar to the Dad's.

[@nduncan79]

Absolutely

[@lordmerren9094]

Don't you see what has happened.........He did save time in a bottle!!

[@brianmucha6426]

One of the first couple of records I ever bought 'Time in a Bottle'.(when it had just come out).Jim was real as hell.

[@tonyajohnson7948]

One of the greatest songs ever written.

[@sharona1981]

AJ singing the song that his dad wrote about him...so emotional. ❤️

[@honeybuzzard2843]

CHILLS

[@LambieSamba]

Lovely voice! First time I have heard that Jim had a child, and that son is a musician!

[@iveyivey1298]

You can see his father in his looks and in his voice. I wish him very much success.

[@pedenmk]

What a loss. Jim was a fantastic musician. One I'll never forget. Thanks for sharing.

[@int53185]

I was only 14 when Jim died. I cried my eyes out then and I cried again today as I watched the beautiful story behind this wonderful song and man.

[@brianmucha6426]

Yep. Was about the same age.

[@brianmucha6426]

Not sure if i believed it when it happened. I just couldn't believe someone like that could be gone. Same when John Lennon died. It was hard for me to even process it. Like a light gone out...

[@MissJensk1]

I was 16 when John was killed, I'll never forget it. I can still see the front page of the paper in a shop window

[@dougpeters1625]

This is why you tube was invented. Incredible.

[@richardyoung9024]

doug peters At least KZbin is good for some things.

[@MissJensk1]

Quite agree

[@RoyMcAvoy]

Videos and stories like this outweighs all the craps in the KZbin.

[@Deira854]

Thanks to Bangladeshi guy for inventing KZbin

[@LiveAboard]

That letter that Ing received touched me so deeply. Words are so incredibly powerful!

[@QueenBDreamwalker]

Gratitude for this back story! i played a rendition of this song in 1972 that drew a young aspiring Artist to start a conversation that lasted 44 years! Music put us together & sadly it also had a tragic outcome 😢🎶💜

[@MoosesValley]

Ahh hell, such a sad story. Always loved Jim's songs: Operator is still one of my favorite songs of all time. All the best to you AJ, your day would sure be proud.

[@janedoe-ex5wo]

I second that on Operator. Oooo that song is genius.

[@erichodge567]

"Something in my eyes You know it happens every time I think about a love that I thought would save me..." A perfect marriage of word, music, and emotion.

[@JStarStar00]

It's a sad story but also a good one. Jim Croce used his music to talk to his son years, even decades after he died. I'm sure when he wrote "TIAB," he probably never thought of it as an enduring message to AJ -- he figured he'd have 40-50 more years to do that, he could write him more songs or just tell him face to face. Jim probably thought of "TIAB" as a nice song that could also be taken as a man-woman love song so it could be a big hit on its own (as it was). So it ended up that Jim died and "TIAB" stands as a father's final message to his son. And it turned out to be as good as anything he would have written to him 50 years later.

[@queenanneslace3659]

My Mother loved this song. She passed away at only 40. ❤

[@stevedenman3450]

Damm it!!, this one made me 😢, it's so emotional, the connection jim felt towards his new responsibilities, and AJ playing the music now

[@ronniedeciantis1978]

when I was in high school I was never a big music listener but your dads music grabbed me miss him

[@angiealexis3717]

He sounds just like his father! Wow! Awesome story and heart breaking at the same time :'( Wish him the best :)

[@tammytruthout8465]

Lost too soon! So sad to loose such an incredible talent, and wonderful man!

[@richb313]

I had the privilege of speaking for hour with Jim Croce's widow at her club / bar / restaurant in San Diego in the late 90's while in San Diego for Sea Trials of an ROV system we built for the Navy. Such a warm wonderful and welcoming woman sharing so many stories of her life and adventures with Jim and all their friends. All of us that were there that night were blessed by her presence and hospitality. I still think of her every time I hear one of Jim's songs.

[@RC-ku8pr]

AWWW.... WHAT A BEAUTIFUL MEMORY....

[@callmemom6936]

My father used to play Jim Croce’s music all of the time when I was a child. My favorite was Time in a Bottle. I just lost my Daddy and music was a tremendous part of our lives. Your Father would be so happy you are playing his music. He loves you and always will....

[@LovingAtlanta]

👍remember my parents playing this music. 💝His music is beautiful. 🤗💞🤗 RIP mom & dad. 🙏

[@ericbarry3639]

Seeing this just took my breath away .

[@diannebdee]

My god this story is just so heartbreakingly life affirming. Thank you for this lovely profile. I remember Jim's music as an anthem of sorts to my life. Who can't remember "Bad, Bad, Leroy Brown" and think of Jim, or "Carwash Blues"...... As Dan Fogelberg would say, AJ is a living legacy to the leader of the band. Thank you for such a beautiful story.

[@m.a.c.8366]

so well said... TY

[@nancyannzimmer2937]

K

[@Andrea-xs4ny]

Dianne B. Dee - Fogelberg...another one gone way too soon. He also had a way of weaving stories.

[@Bellyflops2]

Anybody old enough to remember this song wish they could put "time in a bottle"

[@jimihendrix991]

Amen....

[@lynnjulian6195]

I wrote the lyrics to this song out and put it in a letter to my fiancé when he was away at school. My mother eventually hid his letters and didn’t let me know he had phoned so we both thought the other didn’t care anymore. He found me through the internet 30 odd years later. We had married other people- good people. So we would e-mail and occasionally talk on the phone about what was happening in our lives. He came down with cancer last year and died January 14, 2021. Valentines Day was the anniversary of our first date. I still love him, always will.

[@MissJensk1]

Certainly do

[@katekay634]

He sings just like his father.....beautifully.....be proud of him A.J.and enjoy the ride.

[@PacoOtis]

Wow! I was immediately a very big fan and was in the military and was an instrument flight instructor and was instructing a student in the very storm front in which Jim died and was greatly saddened by it. He would have been bigger than Elvis!! No doubt! This video is so very endearing and thanks so much for sharing and the very, very best of luck!

[@presidenttrump7470]

Watching Johnny Carson with my wife one night after working the second shift. Carson announced that this was a young man making his national debut ...Jim Croce. He sang "Operator" and when he was finished I turned to my wife and said" wow, that boy is going to be a star." And he truly was. We all miss you Jim...

[@iseeyou736]

I loved Jim when i was young. Time in a bottle is one of my all time favorites. So sad when he died. So happy his son is carrying on and doing it so well.

[@umusick5338]

We all needed this person for some more time, Love to Jim Croce

[@hgkal808]

Whoa! What a back story. Sad and awesome at the same time. Legend.

[@ndpndnt1306]

This song tears at my heart. I worked with pediatric cancer patients and grew quite close to one patient in particular. After knowing her for 2 plus years she lost her battle just before her 7th birthday. I heard this song shortly after receiving the news. I still cry when hearing this song and she passed away 26 yrs ago.

[@rubbersoul2841]

But there never seems to be enough time to do the things you want to do once you find them.

[@brookehuver8632]

Jim!He was truly ( one of a Kind) I met him singing in a small Pub in DelcoPa; his song words/lyrics came from his Soul! AJ with your voice&soul your DaD never left Us.God bless U !!,&Thank U....

[@brookehuver8632]

AJ Croce I sent u the u tube response 1 week ago your Dad was (One of a kind singer/ song writer) on my granddaughter I pad , I Am 79 Years Old. Your Dad sang at a Pub (The Riddle Paddock)Delaware cty ,Pa. your Mom&Dad we’re livening in Chester cty when u were born .I am a veteran USArmy. Worked in a sport/Ski Shop & Sold Jim a pair of hiking boots ! he is wearing them on his album cover(The Definitive collection,Time in a bottle 1972 )My daughter lives in SanDeigo. My wife&I would like to say Hello to your Mom & U if possible, and have dinner at her restaurant in California,please let me know if you will be touring in Pa,Nj,orCa.Thanks so much, Jim& Bonnie

[@HeartWorX.Creations]

A lyrical statement that stands TRUE through the test of “time,” it’s so sadly, ironically TRUE!!!

[@tcrossfranco]

I was a working guitarist/singer during the time of Jim Croce. I covered all his songs and loved his style. Being Italian-American and a musician, I always felt a strong connection with him. His early death left me numb. All you have to do is play one of his albums...he's here again...good bye jim...I'll be sure to catch one of your concerts when I get to Heaven...t cross

[@maggiemeyers1001]

My favorite song. My husband passed 3 years ago. When I dream of himthere is always this song in the dreams.💞

[@christypatton6572]

I remember the first time I heard this song. I drove to nurse’s training at Indiana Central College in Indianapolis in 1973. The song came on the radio and even though I was late for class I sat and listened in my car til the end. The announcer said, “That was ‘Time In A Bottle,” by the late Jim Croce ... Wait! What?!! Later I told my husband about it and he knew who Jim Croce was. “I cried and I said to my husband, “I’m grieving for someone I’ve never even met.” That was many years ago now and this song still touches my heart especially since my husband died suddenly at age 53. Thank you for sharing this. Music delves into the lives of us all, I believe. I love you was the last thing my husband said to me as well on the phone. Life is funny

[@holiday-td6hx]

Ingrid's talk about that last letter.....it's always the first things we remember about that soulmate and the last things too. My DH died at 48 yrs old in 2002....17 yrs and 16 days ago. The last thing he said to me was " You know, I've always loved the way you smile, the way you are." He hugged me and within 30 minutes he was DEAD because an ER physician wouldn't believe me about his seizures that were hard to control. Even the coroner said that my DH, my soulmate shouldn't have died that day....... These last 17 yrs have been difficult. I've tried to move on, I can't. When you've been given love like that, you can never replace it, and who would want to?

[@jeannemarie9466]

@holiday 2406 How sad for you. But by this telling your story reaches others of like minded love-stories. My sweet soulmate dies weeks short of five years, now. I miss him more each day, instead of less. I recall the way I knew he was THE ONE when I suggested we needed a song, and he casually told me we had one: ‘Color My World’ by the greatest of all time, Chicago. By that I knew that he was telling me how he felt, as did I. He loved the amazing Terry Kath, who was also taken from us much too soon! Luck and love to all who listen to the very best music of all time. I’ll never stop listening, until I no longer am able! And I wish healed hearts to all who miss THE one, who is irreplaceable!

[@jerrybear6440]

Sorry.......God bless you.....

[@summersojourner]

My condolences... but try to be thankful you had that kind of love, for many of us haven’t found that, yet.

[@thedys70]

sorry to all who posted here for your losses

[@MissJensk1]

I'm so very sorry 😢

[@gearoiddom]

Beautiful but sad footage. Really cool people.

[@RandyOnTheRadio]

Time In A Bottle has always been my favorite Jim Croce song, and this is a great story to go along with the history of the song. Who on earth, could vote this THUMBS DOWN? Folks with no compassion or taste.

[@patriciaorlando541]

This was my class song in 1974. I love Jim Croce’s voice. Thank you for the bittersweet video.

[@trysometenderness7466]

Can you even imagine the quantity of beautiful music we would have today if Jim would have lived?

[@neweverymorningmercy3491]

I loved Jim Croce. I think I knew every word to every song. I can remember laying on my living room floor and listening to albums and then 8 track over and over and over again.

[@beerbooksandmovies9639]

This made me cry.

[@howardgould3745]

Hard to believe this song is almost 50 years old, seems like it was just yesterday Jim Croce passed away. A legend gone but not forgotten. May your music always bring positive memories.

[@nottthereyet4872]

Brings back happy memories for me. ❤🍃

[@jesuse.9395]

Wow. I shed some tears watching this. I feel bad that AJ and Jim couldn’t spend more time together.

[@thedys70]

and that is the real tragedy; sure the world lost Jim in 1973, but AJ lost his dad

[@davidcbear]

wow he looks just like his dad ,, I miss Jim so much. his songs got me through so much back in the days , i'm 60 now and miss him deeply

[@jcstevegigs]

Wow. The letter at the end choked me up. So sad.

[@robis40]

I was devastated when Jim Croce died. I was 13 and my mom told me when I got home from school because she knew how much I loved him and his music. One of my grandfathers also died in 1973, so that was a tough year for me.

[@russellcampbell9198]

A great loss but the music he left is to be thankful for.

[@djquinn11]

Such a sad loss for music. He was so great, wrote from the heart.

[@james-ww3ot]

So sad, I've always loved Jim and am a huge fan of his songs. He was from pennsylvania as am I so he's a hometown boy. I know he's singing in heaven and I'm glad his son is doing so well.

[@heathermoulton3221]

This so g has always made me smile and cry. We lost a great storyteller and musician way to early in his life.

[@sillililli01]

Wow, just wow! He's his father's son, not only in looks, but in talent.

[@cindymichaud7111]

My late husband and I chose "Time In Bottle" as our song, it was played at our wedding and often after the event. I still sing it today, and it means even more now that I understand the rest of the story. Thank you.

[@d-mon8015]

As a kid, " time in a bottle" was therapy for me. It healed me. Thank you for sharing.

[@purselmer5931]

Thought when I was 6 that this was the most beautiful song I'd ever heard and decided it would be my favorite. I'm 52 now and it still is both of these things to me.

[@playmoreguitar5393]

One of music's greatest tragedies. I was born in the 80s, grew up listening to Jim Croce, because of my dad. Timeless music. He had so much more to give.

[@mitchellmarcus4843]

I didn't know your dad personally but I know your Dad would be so proud of his son.Keep on singing little brother.

[@mathewblackman2794]

It's 2020 and it still plays to my heart. A.J. has his ad's voice. Beautiful.

[@smalltownusa3124]

We were so blessed to have the gift of Jim Croce. Amazing music. Amazing lyrics. He was a huge part of my youth and earned a permanent place in my life.

[@georginapano4351]

Jims's all songs are one of my best fav.folk songs....i always played it...so great songs 💕i live jims in all his ways to sing

[@spideraxis]

"Time in a Bottle" is a beautiful song. I loved it way back in '73 and still do.

[@dqueenb6692]

He was taken from this world much too soon. He lives on in his son. AJ looks and sounds so much like his father. Love this vid.

[@kathleentyson6727]

Wow he sounds like his dad it’s one of my favorite songs of his what a great tribute thank you.

[@klausledda5903]

so very emotional... but im glad that AJ followed his father's footsteps...

[@matthewalexander3887]

Your dad would have tears in his eyes over this. We saw him as an old friend, a guy who lived a hard life, but seem to find the humor, and beauty in it all. I don't know what his personal life was like, but you could here the love in his music for those who were trusted to be there.

[@joannexavier-troxel2052]

never, in my life, have I felt so full of all kinds of emotions, as I did whenever I listen to this song. It definitely makes me really cry sad and happy tears, deep down.

[@thedys70]

It's definitely one of those timeless, lightening in a bottle [no pun intended] songs; poetry to music

[@tammymcmaster5193]

What a powerful video. I was lucky enough to be see Jim host the Midnight Special back in June of 73 and remember his humbleness. He was so funny, laidback and kind. I was sitting on the floor probably about 4 rows in and I can remember it like it was yesterday. I can so appreciate Time in a Bottle more now at 62 than I could at 16. RIP Jim, Thank you for the music you left us. ❤️

[@thedys70]

would have been just awesome to be there to see him and Maury go about it

[@Dobiegal]

AJ, this was so touching. Your parents obviously loved each other so very much. Please enjoy your father's gift to you. Time in a Bottle has always been a favorite of mine.

[@drumdad54sdl47]

Losing Jim Croce was one of the saddest most tragic losses in popular music.. The world needed another 30 or 60 years from him. How very blessed we are to have the gift of his music that he left us.

[@willstollfuss9068]

Don't know why but that song has always brought tears to my eyes since I was like 8 years old. I'm 51 now and the tears are rolling once again. Thank you for touching my heart. With my love to you and yours. Will

[@epyscrivano3145]

One of my favorite songs of all time just moved up a couple of notches.

[@Calvy363]

Time in a bottle was played at the funeral of a very dear friend and it was an instrumental version which I will always remember forever. Listening to the original version makes it my favourite tunes of all time! Thank you for the wonderful music 🙌🙌🙌🙌

[@Daringtobemyself]

This song always makes me think of my dad. It was so nice to hear the story behind the song.

[@popeyethesailorman7850]

Saw Jim Croce at six flags over Texas in august of 73, and a month later he died. What a talent, and he he sorely missed

[@tinaaij12tribes20]

Wow so inspirational. You get em AJ! 👍🏻💙

[@Revamckillop]

I used to play this on violin in the 80's..... Then i hear his son play it. friggin awesome!!!!!!!!

[@brendadrumm9708]

Memories don't leave like people do so sad

[@gary1961]

'You never know the minute ... ' Boy, is that saying so true in this case. That letter he wrote to her before boarding the plane is just so .... heartbreaking.

[@chipblock2854]

When that song came out I was in 10th grade. Some if my friends said I was weird because I loved it. It still is one of those iconic songs that when its being played I have stop what I am doing and drift back fifty years in time and remember what it was like to be 15 again. Know I know the back story.

[@Claytone-Records]

My dad bought me this music in the early 70’s and it is timeless. And his son has a gentler version of the same timbre if that makes sense.

[@StillTheVoid]

Jim Croce's triumph and tragedy is a story of itself. RIP Jim.

[@adrianekelly2966]

Oh God, the flood of feelings that rise up immediately....he touched me so deeply at the time, and ever since. His gentler songs are very close to Gordon lightfoot's sung stories. Heartfelt. My favorite way to listen to his songs is on his live disc, more gentle, delicate. Not so produced as radio versions, like being in the room with him. He played so much live, and there he was his best. I knew an iron worker who worked with him putting up high rise buildings in Philly. Said he never met a nicer, more decent guy. Always missed, by so many. Thanks for this. A gift. Well done on this series. I'm sharing them with every music lover I know.

[@jar8425]

I had a son die young, and the inverse of this - a father who holds his son in his heart when he can't hold his son in his arms... I'm glad AJ is finally singing his father's stuff. It warms my heart.