Sebs never heard of Cats in the Cradle - Harry Chapin (Reaction!)

[@PeggyBookout]

Harry Chapin and Jim Croce were both phenomenal story telling artists who passed away way too soon

[@michaeltelson9798]

Harry had a problem with drinking and driving. The account of the solo crash doesn’t tell of it, but my close source to him told me so. The source had political affiliation and they covered it up to protect his image.

[@EastCoastFringe]

@@michaeltelson9798 Back in the day , drinking and driving was a sport. lol

[@greymalkin9228]

Also Gordon Lightfoot.

[@gnoelwc]

@@greymalkin9228 but Gordon Lightfoot lived a long life

[@sn-uk3sc]

​@@EastCoastFringetrue, we'd just drive and drive, listening to music, and...

[@mikeb4595]

Thank you Harry Chapin. Due to this song, I never, not a single time, passed up an opportunity to play catch with my sons. And I thank God for that.

[@gilliandawson6567]

It does make you appreciate the importance of being with the ones you live before it's too late.

[@suewilliamson5382]

Harry Chapin was not only a master storyteller, but also a philanthropist. Every year he performed half of his shows for charity. He was even posthumously awarded the Congressional Medal of Freedom for his philanthropic work. His live versions of songs the best.

[@j.woodbury412]

He was killed in a car crash on his way to perform at a Benefit concert. That tells you the kind of person he was. But his death was barely mentioned because it happened so soon after the death of John Lennon.

[@tazjammer]

His Food Bank still helps many here in Ft Myers Fl. RIP Harry

[@cheezer57]

@@tazjammer Didn't know there was one in Florida..He was from Long Island, where the main one is.

[@MoMoMyPup10]

@@tazjammer dude, we be neighbors, freakin A. I've done some work with his food bank on Fowler St a few years back. And I'm from Long Island so I knew his story very well. Him and Jim Croce were both in their prime and there's no doubt we missed out on a lot of special music. Warming up nicely this week taz! 😁🌴

[@sadfaery]

This song makes me think about my nephew. His dad hasn't been a part of his life since he was really young, and while his dad's other family members were there for his older brothers, they never included him in that, so I ended up doing a lot of the things with him that a dad might have done, taking him to boy scouts, taking him to different events he wanted to go to, taking him swimming, and just the things his mom's (my sister's) work schedule didn't allow her to do. Our dad was never there for us, but our grandparents and our dad's sister always were, so I wanted to make sure that he felt like he was loved and had someone who would do stuff with him when his mom couldn't and his dad's family wouldn't (they would literally exclude him from things they did with his three older brothers). I think that it is important to feel like you actually matter to your parents, but also for kids to have someone else who can pick up the slack when the parents can't do it all. Especially in this economy. His mom is currently working two jobs to make sure he has not only what he needs, but also what he wants. Kids need to know that they matter to someone. I think that this song is true to so many people's experiences, and all we can really do is our best to have quality time when you can't have quantity time with them. And the more people they have who they can count on, the better because it takes some of that stress and pressure off of parents who might be feeling guilty that they aren't able to spend more time with their kids themselves.

[@slestak5960]

The song structure also illustrates how fast time slips away, in the first verse he’s a newborn and the second verse 10 years old. As an empty nester dad, one of the things that I tell new parents is it goes so fast. The days are long but years are short.

[@goosebump801]

🙌💯 Yes! This is so very true. 💐

[@madbear-e6k]

Try only having your kid every other weekend and once during the week and see how fast it flies. Mine would cry when I took her home cause she didn't want to leave. This song really hits me hard.

[@kirbysmith2546]

As a father, I worked as a Union Journeyman Wireman. I made my living on the road. I missed so much. This song always brought tears to my eyes. Thousands of my co-workers in the construction field can relate to this song. We told ourselves, better the kids are crying because they miss you than crying because they are hungry. I still wonder.

[@camsgrammy]

My husband was also a union journeyman wireman. He went on the road a time or two, but it was too hard for us. We had two boys and I worked also, and it was too overwhelming. I had grown up with an absent father and didn’t want to re-live that or want that for my boys. My husband’s dad was a minister and home more and involved with his kids, and that was the life we chose. I am so grateful, because our boys are in their late 30’s with families and we’re all close in proximity and relationship. I know that not everyone feels that they have a choice, but we’re glad we did.

[@shawnafields2836]

Your kids knew love from you because they didn’t go hungry. Life is so complicated. I hope you feel good about providing for them.

[@hjemison]

As a service member, I spent a lot of time away from my family so this song hit me hard!

[@andrewfischer8564]

ibew here too

[@larrybremer4930]

@@hjemison If its any solace a proud nation thanks you for your service. I served as well but was single and can only imagine the additional deprivation of being away from your spouse and children. As a father with two grown boys I can look back on and remember so many times when I prioritized work over them, and this song always makes me question those choices.

[@fasttruckman]

I was that dad. I grew up poor and I vowed my kids would never want for anything, or envy what other kids had. I kept that promise to my kids, but it came at a price to me. My kids are great adults and parents now, they give me anything I need, but now I have the time that they don't.

[@travisrussell9166]

We have all been there in one way or another

[@Catherine.Dorian.]

It’s a hard situation where you want to provide but doing so you aren’t building the relationship to have that bond.

[@greggbrown0]

Me too.

[@steveclarke543]

Its amazing how many people don't understand this song. Its about a father who doesn't make time for his kids. He hasnt got a relationship with them, so when they grow up they have no bond with him. Simple.

[@JohnPaul-hm2ys]

Harry was an incredible folk singer and a genuinely giving person, particularly with projects that served world hunger. His sudden death was very sad. He was killed in a car accident while driving to perform a free benefit concert.

[@theodoreritola7641]

Im a huge 70s fan I hope you react to more 70s songs then any

[@brucelyon7524]

I saw him perform at my community college the week before he died. He's missed.

[@brucelyon7524]

My favorite from that album was "The Rock"

[@NanyaByzness]

I was maybe years old when he died. I came home from being out, heard about his death and cried and creid.

[@paulmorton4393]

You need to review Sniper and A better place to be by Harry.

[@DuckdaringZ]

This song absolutely wrenches my heart out every time I hear it. Ever since I was 9.

[@gildahattabaugh4342]

I was born in 1954, I grew up in the 60s, and this music takes me back. The 60s and 70s had the best music

[@1952yolanda]

Yes. Yes, they did. Born in 1952.

[@ellenstrack6274]

Born in 1956 and we did grow up in the best time for music.

[@cwavt8849]

Yes, when singer/songwriters who played the guitar also. These weren't one trick ponies. I miss those times, those talented artists and songs said something.

[@yogib37]

Oh I so much agree with you on that.. the 60's and 70's had the best. They had to know how to sing and play. no auto tune or computers to fix it. that is why today's music sucks

[@sn-uk3sc]

💯

[@George-ux6zz]

I raised my son by myself. I used to play this song once or twice a week just to make sure I made time for my son. Today, he makes sure he makes time for me. What comes around, goes around. We have a very close relationship. I got home from work and I was beat, but I forced myself to play with my son no matter how tired I was.

[@sue9197]

Same here. Parents do that. When your home your home, you spend the time.

[@joshuadeshaies7266]

RIP HARRY this beautiful man died tragically at the young age of 38. He was on his way to play a free concert in NY, and had a heart attack, then crashed his car, then a tractor-trailer ran into his car. So sad. This song brings 😭 to my eyes. Thx guys though for playing this unique song.

[@nvus2758]

I'm the Dad in this song. Always working, trying to provide and thinking we'll catch up a bit later. A bit later never came and time flies past faster then you can imagine. My children never wanted to monopolize my time. They just wanted some quality time and attention from Dad who was always too busy. Fast forward, I'm retired, my children are in their late 30's and early 40's. They live in different countries and states and we rarely see them but always say we'll get together soon. It's not all doom and gloom. We have a great relationship now, keep in constant touch and enjoy each others undivided attention when we get together but nothing makes up for lost time. Spend time with your children now for time goes by quickly. I never realized how fast until it was gone.

[@mikem2778]

Yeah, I was the kid in that one. Somewhat anyway. Throw in a divorce and him moving to another state and we basically had nothing in common, no relationship. I think we both tried but it was just too awkward by then, so when he passed my own kids, 12, 10 and 1, and my wife, had only met him once and never really knew him. You're right though, and I've always spent as much time with my own kids as possible. You don't get the time back.

[@ruthleehernandez3344]

Life can get in the way but don't start feeling guilty. Just do what you can to be with your kids as they grow. This goes for Mom's too. This song has always given me chills.

[@jennifermcdonald5432]

Because the Father never taught his son how important it was to spend time with family. More important than work, how special they are to you.

[@TaniaEvans-Doyle]

So glad that Ali is getting you in to these songs. There's just something about the artistry and lyrics of older music that hits different.

[@jayheck1323]

This is THE song of the last 50 years about what it means to be a father and the critical importance of being PRESENT in your children's lives. My Dad did his best and for the most part succeeded and I in turn, tried with my son and my daughter. But there was so much more each of us could have done better and more and we both should have. The main lesson from this touching and incredibly true and poignant ballad is that the time you have with your kids when they are young is fleeting and flies by way too fast. Spend as much time and attention as you can to be there for them and they in turn, will be much better with their own children and with you as you age. Good reaction from both of you Sebs on this!

[@dagmar.6954]

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

[@dalegribble49]

Taxi is amazing

[@ThePrincepiggy]

A better place to be from GS Live is an incredible performance

[@jbs454]

If you don’t spend time with your kid’s someone else will and they may be teaching your kids something that you may not want them to. You will regret not spending more time with them more than you can ever imagine the older you get. Pedophiles pray on kids with parents who are not involved in their lives.

[@alanpeterson4939]

And The Rock, and Sniper.

[@brucefrank5556]

How do you leave “A Better Place to Be” off your list? His live performance on GS Live is the most emotional song ever. IMHO.

[@damonmusselman406]

Harry Chapin is probably the most underrated lyrical, genius American music ever produced. He could hit you in the feelings like a damn H bomb.

[@aliciahager2961]

Agree

[@cog4life]

It resonates with most parents. Especially dads. When you experience life beyond your own, it changes you. 😊😊

[@rivenrime]

And even as a kid who's parents are aging... Like, man, I need to visit more often.

[@greg2976]

I'm 64. I cry now every time I hear this song! But growing up, I just liked it a lot!!!!!

[@ginger7044]

Me too, I never used to cry now I’m waterworks

[@juliereinhardt2429]

Yep. The older you get the harder this song hits. 😢

[@foreveryoung3254]

Harry Chapin master storyteller and great musician. Good pick.

[@Lesliesez]

I saw him in the high school auditorium in Juneau. Almost front row. When he sang, "Better Place to Be" he looked right at me and I just sobbed. 💕💔

[@mikeat2637]

Harry Chapin was one of a group of singers like Jim Croce, Dan Fogelberg, Gordon Lightfoot and Boz Scaggs. Consummate storytellers that warm your heart and soul. It's sad that he passed away in a car accident all those years ago. Another great hit of Harry's was "Taxi". And his compatriot Jim Croce passed away about 8 years before Harry in a plane crash. You should react to some of his songs also, "Operator" and "Time In A Bottle" are excellent choices. Dan Fogelberg was another great one, my favorite is "Just Another Auld Lang Syne", a great Christmas song. Gordon Lightfoot and Boz Scaggs are downright legends. Gordon has passed on, but Boz is still performing today I believe. There are many songs to choose from each of them. There is so much out there for you to know and learn about that just doesn't get made any more. Grab it while you still can.

[@genny5309]

Excellent comment and list

[@girsmom]

Definitely Time in a bottle

[@paulg8148]

Reading your post. Songs and Artists that tell a story, everyone... I would suggest you listen to Lonely Boy by Andrew Gold. I would also add Randy Edelman & Uptown, Up Tempo Woman to your list too. Enjoy...

[@mikeat2637]

@@paulg8148 Thanks a lot !!!!

[@paulg8148]

@@mikeat2637 just forgot to add yet another classic you, and others will probably enjoy.... Jessie by Joshua Kadison...that also tells a great story of the singer's love for the girl that rejected him...Sarah Jessica (Jessie) Parker, the actress from "Sex In The City". Enjoy...

[@JohnMiller-zn9pf]

This song hits hard for those of us that had a dad that worked constantly to provide. Like the song, by the time dad had time, I lived in another state, and when we did get together, we had nothing to share and nothing in common.

[@Littlebigbot]

I was a dad like that. Now I'm 70 and can never get any of it back.

[@thewhiskeycowboy-official]

It's a bittersweet story... both pride with his son as well as sadness for the times both lost. A true classic indeed. And it's a story of and for all time. We need a LOT more songs like this now days...... maybe later, I don't know when... but we'lll get to hear them then.... maybe we will hear them then.

[@michelleforbes7823]

Harry Chapin was a wonderful storyteller and he has all kinds of fantastic stories in his songs.

[@trekranger]

I lost my brother a few weeks ago . He was like a father to me growing up. I can't ever call him ever again. I wish I was a better brother to him as he was to me.

[@wildflowerwind6941]

I am sorry for your loss. But he is still with you in spirit.

[@anitapaulus937]

I met Mr Chapin when I was very young. He was the kindest friendliest celebrity I’ve ever met. He took his time to visit with us rather than us seeking him out.

[@dark_angel_don9766]

The wife had an evil grin on her face the whole song... She knew that this would hit you right in the feels. lol

[@lostinmybackyard2006]

It's supposed to. Mrs Chapin wrote this to remind Harry that even if he's on tour, he still has to spend time with his kids and be a dad. Ali and Sandy are both smart witchy women who know how to get their men to do things. And yes, Harry Chapin said that this song scares him to death. Ali really is an evil witchy wifey.

[@karensilvera6694]

His wife wrote the words. It took a few years before he put it to music because he was not ready to hear the message. It was a big hit when it came out. He was a humanitarian against hunger. His wife was recognized at Live Aid for the work they did. Harry died in an accident on the L.I.E. when he swerved into a truck. It's thought he was having a heart attack. Go down this rabbit hole.

[@markh.7650]

I'm old enough to remember that. I had my own near wreck experience on the L.I.E. only a year or two after he died. It was so long ago, I don't remember what exit it was at, but I was headed eastbound in my junker of a '70 Mustang with terrible brakes, and I came over a gentle rise where you couldn't see the cars ahead of you more than a few hundred feet. As I crested the hill (I think it was before exit 49), all I saw was a parking lot of brake lights. I was traveling at full highway speed. I stood on the brake pedal and all 4 wheels locked and I was about to skid into a car ahead of me in my lane. I did the only thing I could, I swerved right and managed to cut between two cars without hitting either of them. That moment is burned into my memory forever. My heart rate and adrenaline were so high as I came to a stop I thought I was going to die just from the stress. As far as this song? It says to parents and children, don't take those relationships for granted. If they are still around, take some time out of your day and connect, because none of us live forever, nor choose when to leave this earth.

[@davidhelsem8794]

I remember it pretty well. They weren't sure if he had the heart attack before or after the wreck. But, it was what killed him.

[@barn_ninny]

You guys reacted to this like grown-ups. Do you hear me? Like grown-ups. Real, honest to goodness adult human beings. That is so ridiculously rare. Bravo to both of you.

[@katiem9644]

Harry Chapin is one of my all time favorites. This song always affects people. Cha-pin. Long a, like cake. If you havent yet, also listen to his Taxi. He was so good, so natural, and such a good story teller.

[@lornebrown397]

I saw him Live 3 times and every single time he would announce near the end of the show that he would literally sign anything for even the smallest donation to his World Hunger initiative. And then at the end of the show, he would walk down a set of stairs on the stage, right through the audience and set himself up in the lobby. What a fantastic human being. Very shaken when I heard of his death.

[@OzarkTroutBum]

In addition to being a masterful story teller, Harry Chapin was the real deal humanitarian. He donated the bulk of his earnings and huge blocks of his time into feeding hungry people. By all accounts the man was completely selfless and a shining example of a great human being.

[@davidsanders5788]

I love and hate this song. I worked swing shift while my son was growing up and I tried to make every event and spend as much time with him as I could. I feel like I failed so much. Some of his stuff is still here at the house and I was looking at his senior album and he listed me as the person he most looked up to. Talk about having a moment. I still cry every time I here this song.

[@ella5319]

My husband worked the swing shift while our boys was growing up, and it makes brutal grind to work that way, you had to make a living for your family, by your son writing that in his yearbook sounds like you did a good job. Parents that lavish time and activities, but their children take a wrong path anyway or become alienated from us, we do our best, and pray.

[@okay5045]

Love and hate exactly 💯

[@joannagodfrey5111]

believe me some of us would have welcomed at least the chance to find out how it felt to work whilst being a parent, I could never be a parent

[@betacall9634]

Two other incredible story book songs by Harry Chapin. Taxi, which is so extraordinary it’s hard to put into words. And W.O.L.D. They will tear your insides out nostalgically just like Cats In the Cradle. Harry was a genius and we lost him way too young.

[@AJGreen-cn8kk]

Harry never got much radio play because his songs were usually too long. He did a show in Chicago in the 70,s that were two nights, Friday and Saturday. Totally different shows, one ticket for both. One of the best shows ever.

[@johncentamore1052]

Gotta cut those songs down to 3:05

[@proudarmymom8657]

He was one of the greatest singer songwriters of that era always! Chapins wife initially wrote this as a poem he liked it so much he turned it into a song saying it reminded him of his relationship with son Josh. The 1974 song chronicles a son whose dad doesn't have time for him. Chapin died at age 38 car accident!! RIP to one of the greats!

[@natecloe8535]

"Hey diddle diddle the cat plays the fiddle. The cow jumped over the moon. The little boy laughed to see such fun, and the dish ran away with the spoon." Did that mostly to see if I remembered it. I did lol.

[@muffinamy83]

Almost! The cat AND the fiddle :)

[@ApesAmongUs]

"to see such sport"

[@waynethera2712]

I think Aerosmith uses it in a song too.

[@debbiecarpenter9679]

The rhymes are a Metaphor for time passing.

[@SpiderRiderKya]

Except, you didn't. It's "Hey diddle diddle, the cat and the fiddle, the cow jumped over the moon. The little dog laughed to see such sport, and the dish ran away with the spoon."

[@JMaahs23]

As a child of the 60s and 70s, this was one of my favorite songs. I learned something from it. When I had my kids, I always took the time to spend with them. Nothing else was as important. Such an awesome song.

[@richardripberger2902]

Love that you guys spent some time analyzing the emotions the song stirs up. No greater tribute a song can have than making people think and discuss.

[@squired2802]

As a father myself, who lost my dad(passed away) when I was 14, and lost daily access to my own children due to divorce when they were toddlers, spend all the time you have/make with them and for them. You all will have beautiful, loving, cherished memories you can share, and it will make 'family' priority for all of you. Childhood is gone in the blink of an eye. Our lifetimes are shorter than we realize. Take and make the time to let your family know they are the most important part of your life. There are no do overs. Don't miss out. No regrets.

[@PowAngel]

I always enjoyed Harry Chapin, "Cats in the Cradle". In the 1990's Ugly Kid Joe, did a wonderful cover of this song, also. Two different styles, but each stand in their own Right.

[@ReverendDoug1]

I love this song. When I was younger, I liked the song but really never paid too much attention to the lyrics. As a older man now, all of my kids are grown and starting their own families. Time flies so fast. You can never go back to spend time when they were little. However, this song also has a second meaning. That being, often times, we spend and focus too much attention to working, paying bills, having a career, at the expense of our loved ones. I lost my wife in 2019. There is not a day that goes by that I don't think of her. So, we should not take our loved ones for granted. They will not be around for ever, nor stay small ever. So to me, this song really hits home to me every time I hear it. Great song and thank you guys for sharing your thoughts. God Bless!

[@rogersullivan5351]

I'm a truck driver for 40 years and I missed out on so much of my kids growing up and now my kids have no time for me, this is an incredibly sad song for me

[@patriciamay6396]

Devastating and brilliant song. Saw Harry Chaplin in the 70’s and he stayed after the show until he’d shaken the hand of everyone who lined up to meet him. A true artist

[@BlueDragon53]

I've been waiting for Sebs to hear this one. You two are adorable together. Every Mother and Father should hear this song , preferably when they first have a child.

[@markh.7650]

The song should be included on a thumb drive at every baby shower.

[@SheronWest]

I was born in 1954. I used to listen to this song and Taxi which got a lot of airplay here in Australia in 1970-71, when I had left home to go to Nursing school. Hearing them now takes me straight back to where I was and what I was doing at those times. Wonderful how music and lyrics can do that. Now delve into his song Taxi and it’s sequel if you can. They tell another nostalgic story.

[@rockydaleo6998]

This was written by his wife and he said it scared the shit out of him to make sure he was a great father…

[@karehelene]

Harry Chapin was a master storyteller. I was lucky enough to see him in concert three times. He was lost to us way too soon. He has so many good songs, many of which never played on the radio because they were too long.

[@gemmabutler8724]

If you were a kid in Northern Ireland in the 90s this song would haunt you in so Many ways. It was used in a series of advertisements that even had to be moved so not able to be aired before 9pm They were truly haunting with this song in the background

[@daviddavis8255]

Looked but didn't see that you already had so would you react to Grand Funk Railroad, "Inside Looking Out" live 1969. Thanks!

[@stevebutler8387]

I heard this song when I was in college and promised myself I'd be a great dad. I'm 67 now with 2 sons that are my best friends. They are my proudest achievements, love them both

[@janflewelling6277]

Good choice Ali. This is definitely a Sebs song. The song was suggested by conversations he and his wife had about balancing life and career before it's too late. Agree with other posters commenting on Harry's story telling, his live performances. I saw him live when I was in college and count it as one of the stellar concerts of my youth.

[@cajunsushi]

Man, this song still grabs your heart so raw and powerfully. Excellent reaction.

[@deborahcurry1014]

Cats Cradle is a 2-person game played with string. It's hard to explain, but I bet there's a KZbin that shows it. Much love from Maine and keep doin what ya do ❤

[@gemmarider4796]

The 70’s was an awesome time to be a teenager. We had no idea how things were going to change or how lucky we were. Thank you for showing the music such awesome & respect ❤

[@sn-uk3sc]

It's a heartbreaking song 💔, but true. Life comes around full circle. I'm old now and my sons have no time. The cell phone adds another layer though, and that has changed everything even more. At least before cell phones, when we were off work, we were present. Not anymore.

[@johndurrett3573]

I grew up with divorced parents. My mom moved back home and my father was in the Air Force. I only got to visit him maybe once every 2 years, sometimes it would be 3 years. When this song came out it hit a cord because I always thought he was too busy to have my sister and I come out to visit. I later joined the Air Force myself in part to try and make him proud. We have a great relationship now but for many long years we barely knew each other. It wasnt until I was married that I started calling him thinking I finally had something in common..and those calls paid off with longer calls and getting to know each other.

[@MarieBaird-tl9er]

I was lucky to see him in concert! If you enjoy him, check out Cat Stevens! He is still alive. Although he is a Monk, he recently performed a few shows. Both styles & moral messages without preaching are similar.

[@VikiAnderson]

The fact that Harry Chaplin died the way he did in a car accident, was super sad and you never know if you have time to spend with your loved ones. This song resonates because life happens but there is no guarantee that you will be there to live it.

[@draco4540]

i think i was 10 years old when this song came out. there were a lot of good folk singer/song writers back in the 1960's and 1970's. harry chapin, jim croce, gordon lightfoot (canadian folk singer/songwriter), john denver. these are the one that i can think of at the moment.

[@jeanniegherardi7300]

I love both of you diving into the song !!!! My kids are 19 and 23 !!!! I still cant believe it !!!! TIME FLIES !!!! NO JOKE!!!! One day all you want is for the kids to go to sleep and the NEXT thing you know, you cant or wont go to sleep before you hear their voice saying I'm safe at home sweet dreams !!!!! ENJOY EVERY SINGLE SECOND !!!!!! EVEN THE HARD TIMES

[@newyorkmae8455]

Ahhh, growing up in the 60s & 70s I COULD TELL we were living a VERY SPECIAL MUSICAL ERA❤

[@mimiprays8288]

Always made me cry when I heard this as a child.. it's a great song. Thanks for putting this on for us and greetings to your lovely wife. It's way to close to reality, when you're children are little you work and pay bills then when they're grown and you have the time they're doing their own thing,,sadly this is life...

[@lauriemayhew2279]

Harry Chapin was the first live concert I attended when I was in junior high. My older brother was in touble for being mean to me so my parents said he had to do something nice for me. He took me to the concert at The Celebrity Theater in Phoenix, AZ in the 1970s. What a treat! He can still be a poop head but I love him. ❤

[@mtnpeace2]

I was a teenager in the sixties, survived all the intervening years and have heard this song all the years since it first came out! I’m 76 and with hindsight and I realize how truly profound the song is. It carries a strong truth that we rationalize away so often. I was good at “doing it later”. I would give anything to have that time with my children and grandchildren now. We are so busy making a living that we don’t have a life, as the old saying goes. Really consider your choices and goals with open eyes. Also, I really enjoyed the discussion you two had. That is the real nitty gritty of the song in action. Thanks for this show!

[@allengray5748]

Thumbnail caught my eye! Great tear dropper tune!! So this song was written by Sandra Chapin, his wife!! She threatened him many times that she would leave him and I think she did and he got her back! Great Job you two!! Great Channel!! Peace 🕊️☮️♾️😎

[@user-zk3so5zm1j]

I grew up on these songs. The set a good example of what to do and what not to do. When I had my child, I made sure that we had quality time together. We had "Ladies night" where we get take out, rented movies and bought snacks and cuddled on the couch eating and watching the movies. We would read the same books (Harry Potter) and then talk about the books. Best memories of her growing up EVER. You learn that you don't have to spent ever second of every day with them (you both have other things to do), but when you spend time with them you make it count. Harry was a storyteller who got right to the point about life and what really mattered.

[@Jude_196]

OK - APPARENLTY: STILL make me TEARY-EYED!!! Such goes life....ugh....

[@conniegolden2697]

"Oh, Sweet Pea, won't you dance with me!" ( Tommy Roe) We had "those kind" of songs, too. Every generation has its poets. Harry (a distant cousin of mine), Simon and Garfunkle, Cat Stevens, Joni Mitchell...were some of the best. So sad that Harry is no longer with us.

[@scott3744]

Harry's songs are some of the saddest. He even has a song called "Stop Singing these Sad Songs" 👍😂

[@kerrihennebury7616]

I got to meet Harry Chapin in an airport by chance. He gave me his autograph, and I geeked out.

[@SarahM_GiveMeSparkles]

Whenever I hear this song my immediate reaction is "oh man I gotta go play with my kids" but it's never once made me go "I should call my mum". That's so weird that that never hit me... such a good point though. I'll do both these things today. 👍

[@galenyoder5020]

Sure bring tears to my eyes. They were entertainers Not just singers. They drew you in. Voice was good but not extraordinary. But the experience was so good

[@89801wink]

As a single Dad who busted his butt for his son, i now realize how much i missed. Don't be me.

[@beauwoodland2374]

@89801wink you've done well mate.

[@VinceEmbry]

​@@beauwoodland2374Thank you. I believe so, but you cant help but wonder, hindsight being 20/20. I also took in 6 other foster children, at age 32, 3 boys...3 girls. 3 of them were siblings and i had them for 5 years. They all still call me Pops, and I am Grandpa, and now Papa to 2 great-grandchildren.

[@johncentamore1052]

Mr Tanner is the one that always breaks me. And whenever possible, his Greatest Stories Live versions of his songs are the best

[@TheMadManPlace]

I'm 70 and EVERY TIME I hear this song my eyes get damp...

[@ttrails1]

Harry Chapin was the consummate story teller. If you were blessed to see him live like I did, he even would tell a story about each song before they did it. If you want a fun, yet still tragic song, by him check out 30000 Pounds Of Bananas. Find it live if you can and remember, you can always count on the cheap seats!

[@gallery963]

This song made me a better father.

[@brucehaynes3044]

This song always has hit me. I was a late-in-life child... wanted, not an "oops", but I was born in 1965, mom in 1927, dad in 1918. My parents were children of the Great Depression: dad on a farm in New Hampshire and mom the daughter of a mailman in Michigan. He worked from when he was old enough, and she dug up sugar beets as a job in her younger years to help the family. This song typifies parents who want their children to have an easier life than they themselves had, but have regrettably missed part of the point of it all. By the time my parents had retired and moved away, (I was about 20 at the time). I was starting my professional career. I sometimes caught the whole "why don't you come and visit?" I sort of felt bad about it, but hey... I had a job and not that much time off. It was an 8-hour round trip to where they lived, and didn't give me much time to get off work, drive up, spend maybe a day, then turn around and drive back to I could go to work the next morning. They've both moved on since, and some days it still really bothers me, but I learned the lessons they taught... unfortunately, it may not have been the lessons they would have chosen given some self-reflection.

[@jeanniegherardi7300]

NEVER judge yourself as a parent, way too many people are already doing it for you !!!! You know your kiddos!!!! Go with the flo and do things that everyone likes!!!! You are ALL the kiddos WANT !!!!

[@lisapop5219]

My husband spent 23 years in the military and this song always gets him in the feels. Our son is now in the military, just like dad.

[@clarkanyan8508]

Good pick Ali 😢

[@sddRd68]

My favorite memories are the little moments; Mama singing silly songs, telling stories about when she was a little girl on the farm, about her father’s upbringing and things like that. She was a single mom for much of it and so she had to work but we had little “rituals” like our toothbrushing routine and getting ready for bed and then we would say “Good night, sweet dreams, and always remember that I love you” Like your beautiful wife said, it’s not about the quantity as much as the quality of your time. ❤

[@rexahdar4199]

A brutal song. Beautiful, poignant but just brutal.

[@carahaines1012]

We had Casey Kasum American top 40 every Sunday morning for years in the 70s & early 80s. Top 40 radio songs of the week!!! Cool listing. Even now, sometimes I pull up some American top 40 Casey kasum! What a time to be alive for music! ❤

[@evanhughes1510]

Would be nice to see how you react to these songs without your wife sitting next you. It seems like you feel pressure to react a certain way when your wife is with you.

[@markr.devereux3385]

Thank you for the studio version. It was truly amazing. This how the artist wanted it to be heard.

[@billsanderson1442]

I saw him in concert a few months before he passed. We all sang along with the chorus to this and "30,000 Pounds of Bananas". It was a magical show and I was really bummed when I heard the news of his death.

[@mledbetter]

I relate soooo much to this song. My Dad was not pulled away by his job, but his lifestyle. We grew up in Macon, GA and he was good friends with the Allman Brothers and traveled with them and/or partied with them. When he finally wanted to have a relationship with me, it was too little too late.

[@kathleenguth2193]

The first time I saw Harry Chapin sing this, he had a hard time with tears in his eye. Life goes way too fast to say no, I don't have time. Before we know it, life is gone. Great reaction.

[@KevinHarris-qu8cd]

As I raised my children , I remembered being a battered child. I broke the cycle. I took time to be the head of the PTA , coached baseball for a decade, and actively supported them in every way. Now Im pushing seventy, and my son at 35 is a president of a petroleum company, drives a Lamborghini and we talk several times a week. We are extremely close he even calls for advice and just talk. I am blessed in how we love each other. I raised a fine man. Took being a father seriously. And it paid off. The best job I ever had.

[@stevenwitt1812]

God, I loved Harry and his music. I saw him perform about a year before he died. Such a great show, wonderful memories. I got to meet him briefly after the show. He was so friendly, approachable. Such an extraordinary person. He was out there raising money for world hunger way before anyone. Nearly half his shows were for charity. He is so missed.

[@romibob.5932]

I get tears every time I listen to it. I'm 56 so I've listen to this my whole life. It got me as a kid, a single adult, and as a parent.

[@anthonyjbargeman5280]

Thanks for checking out this song. This is the song my dad said was about he and I. My dad passed in 2017 and at 70 I miss him way much.

[@ctuck622]

I was lucky to see Harry Chapin in concert twice in the late 70s. If you've never listened to Taxi, you must. A friend from high school used to sing Taxi for me. And Dogtown will blow you away.

[@tfjack97]

You know i just ran across your channel with the Edmond Fitzgerald video and now this one, I'm 68 years old and these songs was coming out when i was graduating high school. All ways liked this song because it hit home on alot of it, then when my dad called on a Sunday morning to go do something with the Harley club we were in, i had to turn the offer down because i just worked a 12 hour shift until 4 in the morning, that was the last time i talked to dad, he passed that Sunday night in his sleep, i felt so guilty i just couldn't stand it. I missed my last chance to do anything thing with my Father😢. But i was following in his foot steps working in the same GM factory with him.

[@johnw8578]

If you are a father, then there is a great lesson to be learned here. Also, a lesson to be learned for adult children (you only have your parents for so long, make time for them too).

[@irisray5561]

When I saw you react to "he learned to walk while I was away", I knew this story would hit home hard for you. I fell into this as a divorced mother with 2 kids, and the bills, mortgage, etc. meant long hours away from them. I missed so much that I almost cry each time I listen to this song.

[@SAnnun-hs1io]

I had the unfortunate experience of showing up to the concert venue to see him perform, only to learn he had died earlier that day. The outdoor stage was still set up and park police were announcing to those who were arriving that the show was cancelled. I had seen him perform before and was well aware of his talent and impeccable storytelling ability. He was a fabulous songwriter who departed way too soon.

[@mayLibertyprevail1a]

😥

[@WilliamGreer]

Nobody ever laid on their deathbed wishing they'd spent more time at work