Harry Chapin--Taxi

"Baby's so high that shes skying, yeah she's flying afraid to fall, I'll tell you why Baby's crying, cuz' she's dying arent we all".
The greatest person to fight world hunger died in 1982 God bless Harry Chapin.

[@purpleivory2]

"Another man might have been angry. Another man might have been hurt, but another man never would have let her go. I stashed the bill in my shirt." Timeless.

[@frederickhaaken456]

DAMN!!!!

[@kg5521]

That part of the lyrics will always remind me of a guy I used to know back in the 70's - He just loved that part of the song. His name was Mike - He passed way at a young age. But this song always reminds me of him. You are correct - This song is timeless !!

[@robertflynn6301]

In the early 70’s Northport High School, N.Y. I had a study hall class with a pass to go see a performer in a room the size of a mini auditorium. It was Harry Chaplin on a little stage by himself on a stool with guitar. Playing and talking to students. A memory I will never forget.

[@Ron71997]

so beautifully written.....

[@crieverytim]

Whyd he stash the bill in his shirt?

[@davidwhitney6078]

I'm 67 years old now.and have been listening to Taxi mist all my life He will always be remembered

[@frankmccallum3124]

Same here buddy

[@tomsoule1366]

@@frankmccallum3124 Absolutely.

[@richardkietzman9281]

71

[@francisbryan4485]

79

[@philipnemeth2829]

65

[@jrculbertson7463]

WE were blessed BECAUSE HARRY WAS HERE 😢😢😢

[@natsway]

absolutely!!

[@gerrymcardle9319]

Who else is listening to Harry tonight in 2023 ‘ what a wonderful entertainer and person he was RIP. I still have most of his LP records and listen to them regularly.

[@jackiehoward3212]

Nov. 25th, 2023. I’m still listening and do so probably once a week. Love this song

[@donaldloehr4300]

Today's the 26th and we're back for our daily dose of inspiration. @@jackiehoward3212

[@stevegreaves2378]

Me too from New Zealand.cheers Harry.

[@markengel4254]

Me too it never stops love you harry

[@marilynfosseen1541]

Me too.

[@bruceallen3052]

Harry Chapin devoted much of his life to fighting hunger in America and around the world. Here in SW Florida my wife and I see the work the Harry Chapin Food Bank does to fight hunger by their donations to our church’s food pantry and at the Fort Myers Rescue Mission where we volunteer. The food bank was renamed in his honor years ago in recognition of his efforts to eliminate hunger in the wealthiest country in the world. Long live his legacy!

[@Christopher-yd2uy]

God bless him and his family

[@chandlerstewartofficial]

Harry Chapin was quite possibly one of the best story telling musicians EVER.

[@godbluffvdgg]

He's no Gordon Lightfoot or Neil Diamond but he is an awesome performer...I grew up in that era, guys like Harry were everywhere...You want to read stories, check The Lamb Lies Down on Broadway, Peter Gabriel wrote all that...

[@chandlerstewartofficial]

@@godbluffvdgg they had more time than he did, harry was taken too soon

[@godbluffvdgg]

@@chandlerstewartofficial You may be right.

[@bophreyhumgart2953]

Well, he and Jim Croce.

[@ld3511]

YES!

[@hogslanding.d5325]

This has to be one of the saddest songs,because it reminds us of the life we all expected but never came true

[@kenwittlief255]

we all expected LOL? kinda like a Stoners Anthem?

[@SkybabyandStar]

@Hogslanding.D I know exactly what you’re talking about

[@bartjoy5179]

Listen to For A Dancer by Jackson Browne. He has a line that makes that make sense. You don’t know what you’re here for until it’s over.

[@jcbever1511]

I get what you're saying.

[@JT-tb8lh]

So true

[@supa308]

Any one who is over 53 years old can laugh and cry with this song........Miss you Harry.....

[@joywatkins4760]

MY OLDEST SON JUST TURNED 54, AND HE IS VERY MUSICALLY INCLINED AND REMEMBERS HIS MUSIC, TOO!

[@Pickininvt]

This song was written about a cab driver in Burlington Vermont named Tom Bishop. He was a friend of Harry's and a friend of mine. It's a true story, but the words changed to fit the song. Harry played this song for one of the very first times at Tom's house. I was there, Tom and his wife were there, and Harry was there. The next day, he played the song for the first time live, before he ever recorded it at a show in NYC. He's greatly missed.

[@reneeaucoin6813]

Pickininvt I was a kid in Maine when I first heard this song....it still haunts me to this day

[@xxxcop113]

Thank you .. He was truly a great man such talent taken from us so early .. I live on Long Island all my life his good deeds live on as a teen I spent summers in MiddleBury Vermont and just like Harry I was molded into a good man that has always helped people as a NYC cop and in my church and community I know my time is running out here and hope to see all my friends and family on the other side .. God bless you Harry and you too for sharing that nice memory

[@windstrucklady1]

Pickininvt man how blessed you are to have that poignant memory.

[@markbrown7215]

Some songs I just wonder , how did they come up with that ? This is on the top of the list.

[@richardspain8973]

Pickininvt Wow, and still so relevant 👍🏽😊🙏🏽❤️

[@eileencoleman6857]

What a great performer - he deserves so many accolades not just for his talent but his humanitarian spirit.

[@joywatkins4760]

HE TRULY HAD A BEAUTIFUL SOUL SMILES

[@douglasadams6024]

that is a haunting song that almost every man has lived, letting that one speacial person get away .........

[@Christopher-yd2uy]

Omg yes soo very true

[@harryd.591]

At 69 I still think what might have been if an early Love worked out.

[@fullcirclenursing]

.... and sometimes for the dumbest reasons

[@keithadair263]

Such a GREAT artist. Very few of his quality. You are missed, Harry

[@cruyeda]

I love songs that look at lost loves. My story? My first day of college, I walked into class and saw the most beautiful girl I had ever seen. 3 guys were talking to her, laughing and having a good time. I thought she must have been the Prom Queen or the most popular girl in her High School. Thinking, she would never want to talk to a mug like me, I ignored her. After college, I spent 10 years as a Commercial Artist but decided on a career change. I joined the Sheriff's Department. 5 years later, I was patrolling Gardena with a partner on graveyard shift. I pointed to a house and said, "Asians live there". My partner asked me how I knew? I said it had the "Look" and told him to run the license plate of the car in the driveway. It came back to the girl I went to college with. For 2 years, I drove by hoping to catch a glimpse of her. Alas, due to the late hours, I never saw her outside, so I wrote her a card, telling her I was her neighborhood cop. A few days later, she called the station and invited me out to dinner. We caught up with our lives from the time in between. Pretty soon, we were talking everyday. After a few months, she told me she thought we felt the same way about each other and married a year later. We've been married 27 years now and are both retired. She's still the most beautiful girl I have ever seen.

[@wjm4710]

Wow man..... Just "WOW".

[@JerseyAcoustic]

Wow. One of the best things I have ever read on the Internet. -A brother officer.

[@cruyeda]

Funny how life is, you never know what will happen. Now I can die happy.

[@SirGalaEd]

That is so beautiful! God Bless.

[@neverthesame7887]

I love your story. It goes to show something, though. You underestimated yourself because you thought she'd never go for a "mug like me" the best part of your story is that your both still together! May you have many, many more happy years together! Oh, and btw, my brother has been a cop for over thirty years and my father (rest his beautiful soul) died in 2007 but he was a Detective Sargent( DEA )

[@harryd.591]

Love that you all are still watching the legend Harry Chapin. He deserves all of the accolades we give him and may his songs live on forever!

[@Christopher-yd2uy]

2024 and I am 60 still crying 😢

[@harryd.591]

50th anniversary of Cats in the Cradle. Has there ever been a more touching song?

[@Christopher-yd2uy]

@@harryd.591 no

[@frederickhaaken456]

Legend. RIP Harry."We've both gotten what we asked for, such a long long time ago " Pure poetry

[@williambousquet6576]

HARD TO BELIEVE IT IS NEARLY 40 YEARS AGO SINCE HE LEFT US. RIP, HARRY

[@stephrnnicholls35]

Harry Chapin was the only performer in the history of the tonight show to appear two nights in a row that is the impact he had

[@wendylecker6937]

nice words

[@derekemrie2987]

Makes one think about the old saying "Be careful what you wish for"!

[@dhindsjr]

This song is epic! One of the most beautiful songs ever written! It still gives me chills every time I listen to it!

[@bryanpalmer9660]

This was a song my late Father used to play on his tape recorder during my childhood-a beautiful song and I remember when Harry was killed in a car crash and I felt gen sad at the loss of a talented Man RIP Harry Auckland New Zealand 2022

[@frederickhaaken456]

Hell yeah

[@maribethstern8023]

Wow! That's the same word I used! Epic indeed , what a beautiful song and a writer's writer! I'm pretty good but this man is in a class by HIMSELF! Bravo, Bravo,!!!!!!!!

[@maribethstern8023]

I think I'm going to cry, I'd forgotten just how much I love this beautiful song, what incredible talent!

[@davidbell2753]

He was the genius storyteller. Still missed after these years.

[@Bruce-mm2uc]

I passed the accident that Harry died in on the Long Island Expressway. It was burned out Mack truck and a burned out VW rabbit. It was in the east bound lanes. Then, I went to the Bethpage motel and heard the sad news. Harry was a major talent and is sorely missed. 😢

[@susannebender-constantino7692]

Harry Chapin sang at my high school. When he did this song, one of my classmates sang the beautiful high pitched part. Then on my way to the hospital (1980) to have my first child, we passed Eisenhower Park, (where he was to give a concert), and we heard the announcement that he had died in a car accident on his way there. So sad ... One great person was taken that day, as I gave birth to another.

[@w.patterson4413]

1981. I got a ride from a truck driver that was heading in the opposite direction when Harry died. That's how I learned of his death.

[@audreycolantuoni2414]

I worked at Huntington Hospital. I walked through Eisenhower Park all the time, and attended his siblings’ concert there. Unforgettable tribute to a beautiful man.

[@roe6075]

What a story!!! Experiences, that sure is Life.

[@karenthompson8323]

@@w.patterson4413 ,,

[@johnbailey9864]

like what you said feeling it

[@williamkenealy3471]

I never let her go 40 years rest in peace honey. 5 children 6 grand kids. I got everything i asked for.

[@joywatkins4760]

5 FOR ME, TOO! 6 GRANDKIDS AND 8 GREATS.

[@richardzeman948]

I stuffed the bill in my shirt….going to my 50th class reunion and I will have a $20 stuffed in my shirt pocket for one of my best friends…that was our song and it still is.😊

[@jackiestephenbroughton1712]

This is the only song that can take me back to my wonderful but crazy 16 years of age. But after all these years would love to go back. I think many of us had no idea how good we had it in the early 70's.

[@sublimnalphish7232]

I knew!

[@chanmi1957]

We were lucky. We had the best fashion, the best cars and the best music. RIP Harry. This world could use more like you.

[@meldavies1225]

I couldn't agree more Jackie, it was a great time....

[@frednoble1833]

WOW. YOU JUST SEUD IT IN A NUTSHELL. GOD BLESS YOU. JESUS. HES PHENOMINAL. NIGHTFENCER GATEKEEPER BRAINTREE. BOSTON. HAPPY 4TH.OF JULY. FULL.MOON WAS F IN AWSOME..

[@michellechalmers8753]

You're so right - we had no idea how good we had it back then. I mean, we knew it was good; in fact, really good. What we didn't know is how crappy the world was to become afterwards. Who could have possibly fathomed? I am just so glad I grew in that wonderful generation where music reigned supreme and talent (not computer-generated effects) was geniunely appreciated. RIP Harry - you made a real difference during your short time with us.

[@MrMrneil1]

I had to hear thousands of songs over the years, to hear this again and realize it as a masterpiece.

[@maukeman28]

Same Neil

[@ld3511]

When I heard it I knew it was amazing! I'm 58 and I totally agree how long it takes us to realize our world.😀Keep the change🥰

[@johnferlauto-zf7lk]

Blessed to see Harry 3 times on my youth. He was the best showman! His fans were like his family . God bless Harry, You left us way to soon!

[@stefchu1]

Yes, my now wife and I had gone to see him 3 times in South Bend IN.

[@rickthomas4578]

Such a hauntingly poetic story from a brilliant storyteller. Thank you Harry. Rest in Peace

[@MsSmitty9]

I sit here thinking ( and crying) of my late Brother Michael. God I miss Him. Thanks Harry. 🙏

[@roe6075]

Beautiful put, Rick🙏🏻❤️

[@jigln202]

@@MsSmitty9 and me, my Brother Raymond. Yes, Thank you Harry, you Sir and Raymond, my loving brother. GOD Bless them all.

[@MrSpaceace1999]

Is your sister sue?

[@thekingsilverado3266]

One of the great greats.

[@michaelcalkins8648]

I had the opportunity to see him perform one time solo with no backing band. Total magic. The world lost an epic storyteller on July 16, 1981.

[@juliewilkins6764]

Tragic ending for this fine man. 😢

[@sublimnalphish7232]

Only the good die young! In his case it's too true!

[@jotacalvo]

Similar to Elvis’ death, I remember precisely the spot that I was standing in when I heard the news of his death. Even as a young boy of 12, it really bothered me, as I had come to love his music from my father often listening to him.

[@lynneitria733]

Oh how I love this song. I have a lot of regrets from my past too. We had so many hopes and dreams that never came true. Whatever we had once was gone.

[@mickjagger8439]

It's me Lynne

[@joansanders8495]

Thank you. I remember the night he passed. So sad

[@itsonlyatail]

I was 15 in high school, met my best friend in the bathroom having a cigarette… we were best friends for 46 years! Lost her a few years back to pancreatic cancer…this song makes me cry thinking of her. See ya soon Lynn ❤️

[@donaldloehr4300]

"in the bathroom having a cigarette". That certainly brings back memories of my high school days with a pack of unfiltered, soggy cigarettes stuck in my sock. Now couple that with playing on the football team, where 2/3 of the team smoked much to the chagrin of the coach, who, btw, also smoked. But we made it all the way to the state finals, where we got creamed (I guess they didn't smoke). Ah memories.

[@felix49qwe4rty]

How are you Harry? After all this time, I remember you. And in 2020 , I'm still flying.

[@karenbaker5352]

Thank you for that. 2020, I'm still flying too. Love Harry Chapin, gone too soon.

[@barrypuckett2488]

I called them ballads life in a song love it!

[@clarkpalace]

2020 covid listener!

[@Telephonebill51]

Lol, aren't we all?

[@miketocci]

Me too. Been listening to Harry since 1990. I was 13. And I'm still flying everytime I hear his songs!

[@user-nk1qo8oo4t]

لم يأتي شابن في زمن الترند لكنه سيبقى خالدا وموسيقى مصدر الهام للابد

[@dakotahstr]

I'm sure alot of people can relate to this song, I know I do. Harry is one of the best, I say is because his music will live on.

[@jimpernetti]

They don’t make em like Harry poet missed

[@dougcarson5202]

"Then she hand me $20 for a $2.50 fare and said, Harry...keep the change". That line hit me like a ton of bricks when I was a mere teenager when I first heard this song shortly after it was first released. Didn't know crap about about the facts of life back then. That's the power of true poetry.

[@rickwidlund3512]

👍, yea thank you.

[@GeorgeGeorgecp]

😊

[@charlie-obrien]

Among the many things that Harry was, he was also a teacher, giving us insights that we would hold onto.

[@gamike8898]

2024 and still here...

[@randystein7374]

Not only a great singer but a fine storyteller, too. RIP Harry, I'll always love your tunes.

[@peregrinesmith6335]

I was a taxi driver, when I first heard this song, maybe 1976. The story was so familiar, it was true for almost every taxi driver I knew. We all met people from our past, it was always bitter sweat. Saw him perform this live in Melbourne in 1978. He was so much more live than on record. "Harry (Perry) keep the change.~~~I stashed the bill in my shirt."

[@walterweiss7124]

nice, i was too, 2001-15

[@johnnyrhoades7675]

Pure Talent no lights, no ridiculous back tracked recording, pure genius, very sad song but everyone can relate to it...

[@lenrobinson]

He sounded just as good in a live performance as he did in the recording studio. Pure talent. R.I.P. Harry.

[@jimmyguitar2933]

And no Autotune, the Destroyer of Music.

[@lisabutler6156]

I punked my step dad once it was funny he likes the girl solo about why baby is dying and he didn't know it was a guy until I told him he was shocked lol. I laughed so hard

[@Michelle-jr1yo]

Yes, just talent.Its either there or isn't.... No matter how much they try to put bells whistle or glitter on

[@Michelle-jr1yo]

♥️

[@debbief9861]

I’m so glad to see how many people love Harry as much as I do.

[@joywatkins4760]

HE WAS VERY SPECIAL.

[@TiredOldMann]

I must be getting old , it's 2023 . Feels like yesterday .

[@bandieboo8102]

You are not alone...😂😁

[@JimM.-mc5iw]

Oh how I miss Harry... I had tickets to the concert in Minneapolis that he didn't make it to. When I was alone in my room, Harry was the Best Friend I never had... ☮️🕊️🌈***

[@kcboston]

Not too many artists can make a live performance, sound better than a studio recording.

[@greenhawk46338]

Amen R.I.P. Harry, hope you and Jim Croce are singing together.

[@jp-mc2bp]

Amen. Nothing left yo say

[@donwayne1357]

@@jp-mc2bp Makes dying not seem so bad if that's on the other side.

[@jp-mc2bp]

Too many greats have gone

[@donwayne1357]

@@jp-mc2bp Can you imagine those two and Tim Hardin?

[@danielhulitt1212]

Tried to book Jim Croce for a college concert, but alas he was tragically killed. Ended up with Sha na na, which was a sell-out.

[@Terk131]

One of the greatest story telling songs right next to G Lightfoots Wreck of the Edmund Fitzgerald

[@dannygraham7885]

Harry might have been a superstar if he wasn't so busy doing "Charities!"

[@alvinromero1511]

Harry Chapin & Jim Croce, How did we lose such Great talents so soon? Never understood.

[@aaronhamlett]

Alvin Romero So true. Every so often I have to queue up a few of their songs and just sit and cry.

[@halnoyes4371]

Jim Croce was the greatest troubadour to grace this old world. Such a massive talent gone way too soon. Another was Ronnie Van Zant. To me, imho, they were the second and third day the music died. I also love Harry Chapin, and he is one of a very few select artists that had a No 1 single on their first album, which happens to be this song.

[@stevenmiller7747]

Hal Noyes Great song but Taxi wasn't a number one hit, as a matter of fact it wasn't even a top 20 hit. According to Billboard in the USA it's highest position was on 24.

[@daveanthony4280]

Sad.

[@clintcox4278]

ALVIN ROMERO. And Ronnie,duane and berry.

[@rob1958bc]

I was 19, and I was engaged, and hopelessly in love. But that ended, and I was devastated. This song spoke to me, and felt like it became my soul. Now, more than 40 years later, I am a truck driver, and she's associated with the entertainment industry. In my case, art became real. But to this day, I've never met her since.

[@marshalljimduncan]

It's not tragic to die doing what you love

[@Carol-ok3vz]

We never forget our loves.

[@joywatkins4760]

I WAS IN MY 20'S WHEN I WENT TO HIS CONCERT IN CALIFORNIA. I'M SO HAPPY HE HAD A LEGACY FOR US ALL TO REMEMBER.

[@asaywitz]

I go flying so high when I'm stoned. What a great lyric! So many people can be in his stories and understand the joy and pain and regret. Awesome job Harry!!

[@cynthiawest-dickens5846]

Yes... In that era if you mentioned pot, stoned, any of the "catch words" the police, parents, anyone who couldn't appreciate the song and lyrics they'd be riding his every move trying to get a "drug bust" 😂 my Mom loved every song he's ever done. My Dad was a musician, she understood. Harry Chapin was one of the best ever. RIP Harry

[@rickhyatt7940]

Hello my name is C.Rick Hyatt and I've been a Cab driver since I was 18 years old and I'm 55 now. I own my own Taxi in Rosetown Saskatchewan Canada population 3000. I love my job I've had my ups and downs but I wouldn't trade it for all the tea in China. I've lived and worked in big Cities for 16 years and I paid my dues. Am very, very, happy to work in a small town I make decent money to support my ailing Mother and my handicapped brother. I love the song taxi it brings back many, many, memories. Remember if you love your Job that's half the battle. Keep on rocking.

[@izwatchinu]

Nice Rick ~ I live in London, Ontario. Yes, Harry carries lotsa of beautiful musical memories for sure . Nice to say hello. enjoy

[@neverjethot]

Rick Hyatt I'll bet you have some stories to tell! I appreciate my job but I have always thought it would be cool to drive a cab and meet different people all day. I bought "The cab driver's joke book" at a yard sale years ago. Best dime I ever spent!

[@randomActOfBlindness]

Rick Hyatt +1

[@redneckroy8947]

Christina grimmiie Adam Levine just somebody that I use to know

[@crazygn0me67]

Rick Hyatt awesome man, from pa here, your words are an insperation!!! keep on keepin on man.

[@dwaynerose9315]

Still a classic in 2023, and always will listen until ? An excellent composition in every aspect, puts us all in that taxi, for the ride.

[@daledeimel1833]

My friend worked on Wall Street back then. He was my neighbor in Palm Springs. He told me he was in a limo on the Brooklyn Bridge the day Harry died. Traffic was backed up. He married my other neighbor, they had two sons and the years have gone by. Here is to Harry. You are missed in this world...

[@fritzs1207]

I was a new immigrant in chicago in 2000 driving a cab , imagine being an immigrant during 2001 , this song tears my heart apart . Now I’m living on a beach house in the great state of florida in a 3 million dollars home . Still this song kills me to listen to it . For all the nice people in 2001 thank you , I couldn't have done it without you.

[@7pal101]

When I was a young student, extremely poor, I used to eat at a restaurant where food was dirt cheap ( it look like it too). One fine day as usual I went there, all the seats were taken except one, so I went there and I asked this girl if she mind me seating next to her......I was in love before she even answered. In time we were going out, through the years I lost track of her. Years later by chance I got to see her again, we talk for a while........she then told me she was getting married the next day. After forty years I still can't forget her. You see I was going to be a scientist and she was going to be rich. I became an oceanographer and she became a housewife.

[@brianfranklin9163]

Similar thing here. I became a physical chemist and was married to my work. I didn't want what they wanted anyway. 40 years later I ran into a girl that I went from kindergarten through the tenth grade. We got married. It took me a couple of years but I got her treed.

[@keithsage1593]

There was a generation of musicians we have lost , Jim Croce ..Harry Chapin, Dan Fogelberg , Dan Seals. They left us to soon and impacted our lives forever..RIP.

[@oldisgood2587]

Oh Lord.

[@zyxw2024]

Nearly 50 years with Jim Croce's tragic demise. I recall the morning I read in the newspaper that he had died. I was age 18. I really do remember this. A long time memory.

[@billyg310]

best story teller ever miss you Harry RIP beautiful soul you left us way too early

[@Sam-qm1io]

Storyteller. Do you have many two-word nouns in your vocabulary, Billy?

[@billyg310]

@@Sam-qm1io oh excuse me for not being prefect like you why don't you go pull on someone else's chain because I could give a shit less what you think ass holes like you probably voted for trump so go blow smoke up someone else's ass f u

[@pugskins]

Was taking a ride with my 2 teenage boys to pick up 5 guys burgers. I let them pick songs from my ipod I have 3000 songs. First song picked was this.i was shocked .I asked my oldest why this song? He said he loves the story.

[@kathleenmeyer3124]

Had my first date with my husband 4 1/2 years after I first saw him. It was love at first sight. We've been married 16 years. 🌈💙💚💛🧡

[@johnshields6852]

I remember this song from AM radio back when I was a kid. Thanks for memory

[@roe6075]

Same

[@jeffreywhalen8500]

Such a great talent. They don't make music like that anymore Rip Harry

[@harveyjones1245]

This is my "Artist Discovery Song" for Harry Chapin. I knew the first time I heard it I would always remember where I was when I heard it. Like learning of the assassination of JFK or the attack on 9-11, but in a positive way. I followed his entire career and bought every LP as soon as it came out. Got to see him live, only once, on the campus of UT Arlington. When he was a couple of minutes into "Sniper" a string broke. I was on the front row, and I could read his mind almost, like "Okay, when do I have enough rest on the guitar to get this broken string out of the way?" He did it without missing a beat. To me, that was the epitome of showman, class, and expert, not to mention one of the most gifted songwriters of his century. RIP Harry

[@dipaknadkarni62]

A beautiful song. He died too soon. Imagine if he was still alive today.

[@nicidevine6670]

For sure he did

[@lauramarello7998]

I saw him twice at the Troubadour in Los Angeles in 1972 or 73. He was so nice. He even came outside to tell me Carly Simon had gotten the poem I sent in for her. We were in line for the second show. What a great storyteller. Unique style for his time.

[@stephenspencer4672]

A fine song about two people with hopes and dreams who meet again years later to discover their lives have taken very different paths. Excellent!

[@byronsmith5314]

"Tis better to have loved and lost, than never to have loved at all." Tennyson -captured so beautifully by Harry Chapin

[@Vetriot6971]

Where's this kind of talent nowadays ? Not to be found, so thankful for videos and recordings so future generations can hear what music sounded like without all the artificial junk !

[@JohnsYardSaleFinds]

Totally agree!

[@tedtimothy9074]

Through the too many miles and the too little smiles, I still remember you

[@paulguzman1634]

That line makes me Misty every time! Ah, the Memories. :)

[@romanhuerta3365]

Unmatched song writing. Definitely one of the greatest recorded songs of all time

[@bigdog7088]

Credit the poetry to his wife.

[@RAW-zz7gt]

How sad we lost him 40 years ago today. 😭💔 7/16/81

[@brightsorcerer]

This and its sequel still give me goosebumps. I've always had considerable respect for him but it went off the charts when I read about how he used his energy and talents selflessly to benefit people he would never meet. Single-handedly, he raised literally millions of dollars for the World Food Program. He is truly missed for his unique contribution of bringing enormous joy to our planet. You will never be forgotten Harry. Thank You!!

[@johnbailey9864]

Me as well

[@mariamason1919]

@@johnbailey9864 and me

[@tjodogify]

Amen to that ..an unsung HERO straight from his heart….

[@aarondigby9859]

A GREAT AMERICAN TO SAY THE LEAST AND A GREAT SONGWRITER AND SINGER.

[@barrypuckett2488]

Mee too

[@rayisland23]

Everytime I hear this song it brings a tear to my eyes over a Love lost

[@Carol-ok3vz]

He was also a public advocate for feeding the people.

[@benjamincross9003]

Boy That Song Always puts You in that Cab Every Time You Hear It. ❤️ Harry You've Driven Us a Million Miles PLUS ❤❤

[@MrKandu4u]

It was 1978 or 79 and Harry was coming to Syracuse, New York to the Landmark Theater to give a show. Well that day we had a lake effect snow storm and many flights were cancelled and travel plans for many were changed. I went to the show with the love of my life, a woman that I've never been able to recover from, a beautiful and wonderful lady named Kathy Shotland. Her and I were just about to leave because none of the performers had shown up yet so we thought it would be snowed out. And, just as we were walking out of the doors of the Theater up pulls a taxi and out pops Harry and he runs up to me and grabs my arms shaking me and said "Where the hell have you been Harry?" He then ran through the theater and down the middle isle to the stage and proceeded to put on the best performance I've ever seen. His band wasn't with him and when it was time to do this song he asked if anyone in audience knew that part of the song. Well this young lady from Syracuse University raised her hand and said "I do, I know it." Harry invited her up and did she know it she knocked it out of the park. It was a wonderfully magical night in every way and the best concert I've ever seen and I've seen many. Thanks Harry your the best and I know many of us truly miss your musical genuis and love for all mankind. And, Kathy Shotland, I'll love you for all of eturnity and then some.

[@MrKandu4u]

One of the best nights of my life.

[@gammarey]

yeah Michael Songs have a way of putting you somewhere in Yesteryear. I was fortunate to find the 1 I was always taken back to. Memories take you to a good Place nobody can come by and steal. i married her. Then was gone again. Hold onto It.

[@georgesoros6415]

Harry had some relative who went to Northport High School, where I also went. We had quite a few intimate performances ad hoc during the school day. I always enjoyed his music. His politics were the usual lib psychotherapy BS (I had enough brothers and sisters with the same disease), but he never pushed them too hard. "Cat's in the Cradle" is a wonderful song, but I had a wonderful Father and Mother, and, no matter how crazy my brothers and sisters married, our record re spouses stands at five dead, one divorced. I am sure now that doesn't represent a lot of people anymore, but we took it as a given. Nice music, but his personal pain always made it too... personal. But a fine man. Too fine to be run over by a truck at route 110. Maybe God's work for him was done. Again, a nice man. I'm glad I shook his hand and had a word with him.

[@MrKandu4u]

Me too.

[@ChuckM1a]

I saw him in Spain at Torrejon AB in 1979. He was alone on stage and it was one of the best concerts I have ever heard, and I've been to a helluva lot of concerts.

[@reddrawfstar5299]

I was watching TV when the TV news announced Harry was killed in a car accident. I got up and said loudly, "Damn it! Why did Harry have to die!" I cried. I bought his LPs and listened to them over and over again. I still miss Harry.

[@loumirag450]

Wow this song all these years later!. Still gives me chills.

[@docguinwayne8370]

Saw Harry 3 times live and remember every song and even the weather each night. he told the stories that framed my life.

[@stevemcgill355]

I've heard this song 1000X & it never gets old. Sad, beautiful & timeless.

[@AlmaWells]

Me too!! Not only have I heard this song over and over and over again... I actually wrote a letter to Harry Chapin begging him to work together with me to produce a sequel to "Taxi." Harry Chapin wrote back to me declining however he gave me some words of advice that his grandfather told him... "If at first you don't succeed, try, try, until you succeed. He wrote the sequel to Taxi and then was crushed to death in a truck accident. I cried and cried and cried... Okay, I am compelled to sing on "America's Got Talent," in honor of Harry.

[@robertlauritsen3511]

I remember where I was when I heard the news of his death. I was at a Dante's Italian Kitchen in Hicksville, Long Island, about a mile and a half from the accident. The accident was on the Long Island Expressway near the Jericho exit. We were schocked. What a tremendous loss.

[@adkchip1]

Steve McGill That day i was a young man headed to his show at Eisenhower park, long island. Got turned away at the gate, having been given the news of his death in a very callous manner by nassau county's finest. Now i am better than half dead, thankful i can still hear him sing.

[@cromwell344]

Steve McGill m I'm

[@ktpinnacle]

Imagine how much good he could have done in the 35 years since. While monsters seem to live forever.

[@urbraveheart48]

He has a food bank in fort myers florida HARRY LIVES.

[@familymatters8707]

life is not fair, but the real god In jesus lives forever, the monsters have no future, do not be discouraged, faith will get you by for now, paul.

[@diannamcgee6769]

well said

[@robertanon1910]

so true and something I've wondered, people like Stalin doing so much harm go on and on. And the light may have finally gone off: the devil is the real ruler of this world and of course he hates the good ones and looks out for his evil friends. Of course he can do nothing without God's permission, and the further answer may be it's the evil in the world. If we were all a bit better maybe the good ones would endure longer?

[@williamonderlinde5068]

U R so right, ktpinnacle. Jesus died after only 33 years; Hitler didn't live all that long, but that !@#$%^& waste of skin & bones went for quantity over quality & murdered 6 million Jews alone. And the German people aided & abetted his psychotic actions. The list of monsters is way too long.

[@brucecollis8609]

The bassplayer's falseto blew my mind! One of the greatest story songs ever!

[@debbiedebc]

Totally agree. He adds to the song so amazingly. Luv HC but would have wanted to meet the bass player!

[@dansweda712]

Never knew it was a guy till watching this video, the best version of the song by the way, but yeah, women used to not be allowed to perform on stage, so the role of a woman would be played by a man, that's how that form of singing came about, sorry if you already knew that

[@kateverbeke4216]

@@dansweda712 I believe it was his brother Tom Chapin

[@B1970T]

@@kateverbeke4216 Big John Wallace

[@susanmorritt6923]

Absolutely brilliant. Lost way way too soon. RIP Harry. This brings back precious memories.

[@StropSharp]

This song takes you on a journey of two peoples lives that went in different directions, who hasn't been there once upon a time....

[@Dem0D1ck]

+C D Kennedy This is the story of my life.

[@tomcox22]

This song takes many back to never never land!!

[@bobbygarrison3122]

Kinda like Little Texas, What might have been.

[@masonparks3939]

How'd it make out for you on that journey you mentioned? Not all that well for mine. Maybe I didn't listen

[@robsherman4074]

True

[@billhorton5591]

This song, and Cats in the Cradle can bring me to tears .... both songs are so impactful and speak to life and the soul. A talent taken far too soon - thank you Harry Chapin for leaving your mark on the world with such great music -

[@IrishMonster32]

Absolutely beautiful work, and the falsetto of the backing vocalist was beyond amazing. What a great song…

[@TimOlsen100]

The backing vocalist is bassist John Wallace. He was an original member of Harry's band and has been with the Steve Chapin ( Harry's brother)Band for years.

[@zacharyhickman6690]

The falsetto part .. magic

[@gordonbeukema7235]

I wish we knew the words

[@geoffclarke1974]

Do mean the falsetto? I think: "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."

[@dmmchugh3714]

I remember driving to Harry's concert in Morristown NJ in 1977. It snowed so hard and it was one of the first times my parents let me drive in the bad weather - and at night ! I drove with my 2 high school best friends. Of course, they performed this song. But I never understood why the song had the falsetto segway. I've read the words and get the meaning, but the song seemed cool to me without it. **though no one asked me ! Does anyone know ifthis performance was from the Don Kirschner "Rock Concert" program thst was on in that era ?

[@BigLisaFan]

Bless you, Harry, for all your songs that are still just as popular today as they were when you wrote them. Beautiful music endures all that life can throw at it. Even though I have no children, Cat's in the Cradle still makes me cry. "As I hung up the phone it occurred to me, he'd grown up just like me, my boy, was just like me!"

[@davidoxford4345]

I pray he made it to heaven!!! That means I will see him again !!!

[@richdorak1547]

One of the most descent human beings that ever existed. Big talent and an even bigger heart. Our loss for sure.

[@CK-831]

This still gives me the chills. RIP Harry. You are so very missed.

[@Kelly-nm4kw]

Hello Ana, How are you doing?

[@rft2001]

As someone who is mostly into hard rock, prog and psychedelic bands, I have to say that this is probably the best song from the 70's. So deep, moving, beautiful, honest and sophisticated. I find it sad that songs like this that used to be played on album rock stations now never get played on any radio stations at all.

[@gfreeman9843]

They didn't get played a lot because being story's they were longer than the radio stations desired.... so I think...listened to him since the 70s and feel sweet nostalgia over lost loves,opportunities lost and time passing. Sweet tho...❤

[@UncleEarl97]

I was in high school when this came out and with such a thought provoking message of possibilities and choices in life. I haven't heard this in quite some time, so I had to listen to this again, but this time with the benefit of seeing their live performance. Sometimes I wonder what life would look like if I had gone down different paths, made different decisions. I don't dwell on this very often, as I'm too busy with my current journey. Few things are perfect my friends, so please make wise choices. To all the Harry's out there, thanks for your thought provoking songs throughout all the decades.

[@artsmart]

I was driving cab back then and this ballad by Chapin was particularly meaningful. It captured some of the loneliness of a cabbies life especially on a rainy night, and the sad pursuit of a buck.

[@louissiracusa8069]

Haunting song for many of us men who loved and lost that particular girl who never left our heart. But realized it never would have been. As the poet's say, bitter sweet.

[@johnbailey9864]

agree

[@7colliemac]

Definitely.. I met her in 1974 she broke my heart .. 70 years old now.. she will never leave my heart.. even though I try to forget her.. but like Harry what’s gone is gone.

[@dingfeldersmurfalot4560]

Been there. We both loved each other but didn't know how.

[@jnpowell9077]

Fabulous Song Harry, love you brother, always in our dreams .

[@stevec2513]

I drove cab in various cities from the early 70s to the early 90s, my 20s to my 40s. This song always held a special place in my heart. I don't know how many times I was the guy that let her go.

[@vintageritarose]

I played this song all day. Grew up with Harry Chapin music he was my favorite. His songs bring much emotion to my heart and tears. This music is from the heart and sings truth. God Rest His Soul. I think of all the songs we missed out on Harry left us too soon. Tragic Lost. He is making music in heaven.

[@robertwaid3579]

Absolutely a Great Song that never fails to bring on tears, because I'm always thinking 🤔🙏🤔 of those Year's it Seems. Thank You Harry Chapin, as I'll Never forget You.

[@LobsterLover530]

Dude. Those lyrics are timeless. Great talent.

[@eagleeye2300]

I thought for decades..That the falsetto chous was sung by a woman.... Wow. That man needs to be recognized. What an amazing, enegmatic song ... LEGENDARY.

[@sublimnalphish7232]

I did too. Funny even after I had seen this song sung on the music variety show "the midnight special" back in 72 . He has a clear clean voice.

[@trinidadapodaca7027]

lol, well i thought it was a angel

[@michaelrkennedy4817]

Myself also

[@DetroitMarauder]

Back in the 80's I worked as a bartender. I used to play this song for last call. It was my way of urging my customers to get a cab, but of course my brilliant Idea back fired. Instead of calling cabs the customers ordered more booze and they would sing this song word for word at the top of their lungs... It became a tradition... I love this song, but I hated staying late to clean up.

[@michaelatoz580]

In the mid 90's the bar I went to I would play Queens under pressure and all the no nothing kids would run around yelling ICE ICE BABY then look at each other with dumb looks on there faces! The bar tender and I would laugh our asses off!!!!! We would play the song THE END from the DOORS at closing times some times!!!!! PS I have a 1969 Marauder X100 429

[@davidanglin7177]

Lol!

[@jamesslick4790]

@@michaelatoz580 ANYONE doing "Ice,Ice,Baby" to "Under Pressure" is a straight up a**hole! (regardless of age,My niece is 18 Y.O. in 2019 and knows the REAL song!).

[@jamesslick4790]

But.....Hopefully....after all they DID get taxis?!?----I hope.

[@litealite]

Cool

[@mikeporchia8914]

Still to this day in July, 2018 a tear or two or three is shed from these lyrics. Aw hell, who am I kidding, like a baby those tears came. Good night.

[@mercurusblastomus879]

RIP Harry , awesome song and talent.

[@carmelpedraza1113]

True musician! Miss sings that tell a story! Soulful Harry! Thank you for the music!