Taxi

[@Mike-yg8ig]

I'm 64 for a few more months. I don't have the words to express what this song means to me. First time I ever heard it the thing I remember is seeing the woman standing in the falling rain. The violin being plucked, almost feeling the raindrops. This song is a movie in your head. His lyrical description is so powerful that you don't just hear it, you see it. Told from a mans perspective some of us have a girl from our past that haunts us. Most of them will never know. But in this song it looks like they both got "what they asked for". Thanks Harry, this was a masterpiece, perhaps unequaled.

[@glowgirl8171]

What a beautiful comment. I agree .

[@Mike-yg8ig]

@@glowgirl8171 Thanks, you have great taste.

[@keith6485]

I am now almost exactly the age you were when you first wrote this. And those hauntings you mentioned seem to appear more and more often as I age.I have often found it is better to keep them in the past as memories. Our memories don't age and die.

[@Mike-yg8ig]

@@keith6485 Yeah, I get it. No argument, I’ve tried that and it doesn’t work for me. I do not like the world we’re living in right now so I have a tendency to go back and visit the past maybe more than I should.

[@TerSuz1]

Mike, you made me smile. And relate. Terry, here, and I’m 74 this week. Heavy sigh. Readers can skip all this to the last paragraph. I love Harry Chapin’s songs. The ghost is ‘J’ (not Sue), and smitten like Harry’s taxi driver, I was her fool for nearly four years, unceremoniously dumped for one 12 years her senior and unquestionably ‘better means’ than I. I was going to be overseas, shortly to make my fortune. Great drinking benders over a couple years, feeling self pity, and then marrying a namesake Sue, I became successful. But ‘J’ could not wait. The 70s were cool but not for a gal past 25. Youthful, yes, but some Asian women go crazy if not married before 30. I was broke in our time, and if she didn’t know it, I likely looked the part. I would not ask the question she wanted to hear. Too much common sense ruins a relationship. Nobody’s fault. Nine years, a tragedy later, her hubby suddenly died. After three years, she called it in, and Sue and I were in our tenth year. Still overseas and doing alright. An expensive phone bill that must have been. It was her dollar. I had forgotten her. But with the call the ghost returned. Today, it has taken the form of a monologue on social media with me barking at the moon. She’s married to an octogenarian, who could be the jealous type. Dunno. Sue and I are happy in year 43. So I send ‘J’ monthly health letters from a famous clinic. Perhaps these may come in handy. 70s music helps, too, I guess, but a monologue has no feedback. Some say leave the past to the past. I do believe sometimes it is much better to mull thoughts over and over to a semblance of sanity. If I had only done this. Or that. Driving oneself mad in life isn’t much different than driving a taxi. You cannot just stop in the middle of a fare. C’est la vie. Everyone on this thread agrees that Harry Chapin was a genius musician; a yarn spinning captivating composer, who left us high and dry way too soon. His demise on a NY bridge in a VW Rabbit was a tragedy (I used to have one, same model year, always needed service - crumby car). A nutty but terrible accident. His song ‘Taxi’ was a favorite of anyone in their 20s living in the 70s. It tells a common life story that many of us know firsthand. It and other songs like ‘Cats in the Cradle’ remain special to every generation to this day. Rest in Peace, Harry Chapin, because you did us well.

[@axeofgod72]

the saddest, yet most beautiful song i've ever heard... 40 years later, and it still breaks me up.

[@PaulSmith-pz9eq]

Me as well

[@rar1942]

I'm 75. Harry Chapin is one of the undersung storytellers of the century. His stuff was not conventional pop - too much reality, storytelling, always too long - but with a hook to the heart that was unequalled by anyone, not just of his era. "Taxi" - my name's not Harry, but there was a Sue in my life that has been on the periphery for almost 60 years. Harry, you were taken far too early,

[@80sVidLover]

Similar to Gordon Lightfoot. Songs with real lyrics :)

[@williamcaseylaw]

TRUE GOOD

[@lapurta22]

Well put

[@williamsimmons152]

Good stories should never have an ending Robert.

[@steveherman190]

So true, the good Lord took Harry much too soon.

[@frankbez1903]

I have great memories while working with Harry to produce and direct the TAXI video. My deep appreciation to Jac Holzman for giving me the assignment.

[@jamesbronson8713]

Beautiful film. It's been a long time, but do you by chance recall the name of the actress in it ?

[@haljones246]

This "heartache" evokes emotion like none other! Thanks, Frank!

[@rickhilt5176]

What's her name??

[@debrabegin977]

Thank YOU both for visualizing this and making it happen.

[@TheRealThomasPaine1776]

Excellent job!

[@davian17]

Reading the comments and memories here, MY "Sue" in 1979 was Kimberly. I still love this song as the memories of Kimberly come back to me, and I have always wondered what happened to her. Thank you all for your reflections and memories this song has given you, for in your memories...it has made me remember mine.

[@RAW-zz7gt]

40 years ago today, the world lost a little sunshine. 😭💔 7/16/81 - 7/16/21.

[@GardenCelluloids]

I used to listen to this songs on the ride home from a vacation from the airport with my family. My father is no longer around, but I remain to do his legacy proud. I know while I remain in high school, I dream my future children explore music like this. God bless.

[@texasyank48]

I was 19 years old, driving a yellow Dodge taxi part-time, in NYC, circa 1972. I have a flash build memory of driving north on 1st Avenue, looking for an airport fare, very early on a Sunday morning when “Taxi” came on my portable radio. Fast forward toJuly 1981. Another flash bulb memory: I was a USAF officer, just arrived to RAF Lakenheath just two days prior to hearing on BBC radio he had been killed in accident with an “articulated Larry”. Music is an integral thread in the stories of our lives.

[@SheilaGoemaat]

Yes it totally is

[@billykkutter]

Just imagine, what songs we will never here. Harry was a magician.....and we will wait....till the music magician sends us those beautiful songs in another place....

[@iambob7484]

I have to play this song several times every year. There's something about it that's just special. And I too "Learned about love in the back of a Dodge, but the lesson hadn't gone to far". The first girl I ever had a crush on, almost fifty years ago.

[@birdman8872]

Through the too many miles and too little smiles best lyrics!!

[@terryc8157]

62 here listening to 70's music sounds great, better than back n the day!

[@johnreeder5040]

+Terry C I just turned 62 & I agree

[@theoldfrog5726]

61 and still sounds the same........

[@vikingblood0408]

I saw Harry at Convocation Hall, Toronto. No disappointment in that concert! A great venue to see and hear a class act! I remember hearing this song when first broadcast on Toronto radio. The good years!

[@scotters201]

Harry Chapin and Jim Croce..two amazing artists from that era,both put so much emotion into their songs and both died way too young..

[@tinman8561]

This song always reminds me of an old lover. Story tellers like Chapin are hard to come by. This song will forever be a favorite.

[@dogbig02]

I have to wonder if my "lady blue" has heard this beautiful song. She went of to find her fame in college, and I found myself in a helicopter in Viet Nam. This song still brings tears to my eyes, and if she has heard this, maybe a few tears for her as well.

[@carlosortiz442]

Have you ever heard the sequel. He kinda answers the question.

[@kamlawilliams6549]

You made me cry!!

[@edwardsimpson3238]

Thank you for your Service.

[@paulvautrain9010]

Amen brother, Harry read our situations like a book !

[@ebnolan3856]

Sequel tells what happened to them.

[@ladiesman22]

Oh what could have been with this man's career!!

[@nikkiharris539]

Taxi

[@correiro]

Taxi is such an enchanting song. It has always been one of my all time favorites. The sound is so classic. Taxi and Wild World by Cat Stevens both give me the chills. Harry Chapin is one of the all time greats!

[@lsloop100]

This has been the story of my one true love for almost 40 years. Thank you Harry for telling the story that has played endlessly in my mind and heart and continued to keep that love alive..

[@davidlarson897]

me too!

[@denisedonahue-perreira929]

This song still touches me to this day & I never get tired of listening to it,still beautiful & touching!

[@axeofgod72]

my uncle gave me this album when i was 7... i didn't even knew what love was at the time, but i knew the song seemed so sad... and so i memorized it... and now, 33 years later, i still think it's one of the most beautiful and sad love songs ever written.

[@haljones246]

Man, Harry Chapin could weave a tapestry of despondence.

[@jchofler3]

Harry also went to Cornell. He was a smart individual. I had occasion to meet him a couple of times back in the day. He really was a major discovery, because he was a real person.

[@anthonyboerio4955]

Cool! Saw him in concert a few months before he died....what an awesome performer!!

[@jchofler3]

He was. He could perform before thousands of people, and every person there had the feeling he was singing, joking, and telling stories just for them, each and every one, as individuals. Every concert was a unique experience. And after the shows at Broome County Arena, at a shirt vendor, he just showed up behind me, full of energy and very personal in his manner, we exchanged some words, and he autographed an orange t-shirt with a banana and the words "Harry, it sucks" on it. I met him at every concert at the Arena. Even though he probably didn't really remember as one fan among many, he acted like he did, sincerely, like meeting an old friend again. A family friend is still friends with Tom, and has been since at least the "Make A Wish" series Tom had so wonderfully produced back in the day. When Harry died, I felt a very personal loss in my life and for the world in general.

[@MrJuliesguy]

Fuck off, there is always someone like you in every thread, an "inside person" just shut your ass

[@CK-831]

@@MrJuliesguy wow - I was going to thank the poster for sharing a real memory and then I notice that you posted two years ago. I certainly hope your constipation has passed by now. A better question would have been "WHY is there always someone like you in these threads..." oh well...back to the happy stuff!

[@tinman8561]

wish I could have meet him

[@Robinwpbfl]

This was my "break-up song" over my first girlfriend at age 17 (she was a stunning 20). Ouch!! That one really knocked me off balance. Pain of the heart is no joke.

[@martinwalsh8352]

I feel that pain for my Michelle. 17 years later and I still dream of her...

[@eddriver7815]

jesus /// jesus ... jesus //// almost put me in the nuthouse ... the pain almost killed me ... and I was 17 too !! and i can tell you from expeience ... IT IS NO FUCKING JOKE . i TRIED TO TELL MY KIDS TO BE CAREFUL WITH RELATIONSHIPS ... THEY CAN CAN RUIN A KIDS LIFE BECAUSE KIDS AREE NOT NATURE ENOUGH TO DEAL WITH SEVERE HARTBREAK ... THIS STILLLLLLLLL GIVES ME GOOS BUMPS ALL OVER MY WHOLE BODY . i HAVE TO WONDER ................ DOES SHE EVER THINK OF ME ???????????????????

[@rickhilt5176]

Who is Sue?? She looks so familiar.

[@sandyg1955]

To me, this was Harry's masterpiece. He was a great person and humanitarian...I am sure his spirit is flying high right now in spirit land, as we we speak.

[@josephstosal9347]

On July 16 Harry Chapin was killed on the Long Island Expressway I took me by surprise the very day his songs resonated in my heart to now

[@rickhilt5176]

I read that his license was revoked at the time. Hard to believe he was suspended/revoked, so many times.

[@RobertL_0563]

I can remember back in '74 at 11 y/o when I first heard Taxi and how it moved me. Today I can still picture every word having experienced this very scenario; still getting moved & teary-eyed hoping my "Lady Blue" thinks of us as well. Harry's talents are deeply missed.

[@TheRealThomasPaine1776]

My thoughts exactly, in 74 I would have been 13, that was "The Summer I Got Tall" and this song prepared me, and was the backdrop to many breakups, almost was, best girls lost including my wife of 20 years. I feel that if Harry was singing this song at 60 or 70 it would have been even better, sung with the emotion that comes from having lived even longer, seen even more. Deserves to be on anyone Top 100 songs of the decade, perhaps of any in rock history.

[@axeofgod72]

one of the saddest and prettiest songs i have ever heard.

[@cadirector]

Have loved this song since the first time I heard it back in the 70's. Now when I hear it I want to make my own music video to this wonderful song.

[@rubedogg6969]

Always loved the ending when the drumming starts jamming!

[@mohammadchehab4610]

i listened to this song the first time in 1971 while I was on my way home after a great party. The peace and happiness I felt from this song that night was unbelievable. I laughed at stached the bill in my shirt so hard. The guy was at peace that this girl was lost, and he just took care of his business. Great lyrics, great music, great feeling. RIP Harry Chapin.

[@slyspy9819]

A lot of people connected with this song, I think we all had or had dreams when we're young and they don't always work out the way we planned and that makes this song very relatable !

[@AnthonysDen]

The song that put Harry Chapin on the map back in 1972!Still sounding great after all this time,& its quality can never diminish!Songs like this is what makes Harry Chapin immortal!

[@Gremlins1957]

Ah the 70's. You just can't find song writers like Harry anymore.

[@KariaVendetta]

YaY!! Finally!!! After 44 years, I've finally got to hear the Quadraphonic version of Taxi again!!! The very first time I heard this version, I was stoned, and thought I was imagining Harry talking the lyrics that his other guitarist was singing!! (the "Baby's so high that she's flying" part) Whoever posted this gem, THANK YOU!!

[@SampsonSaintBunrd]

Harry is one of the best storytellers if not the best RIP Harry

[@JOHNROBERTCRUZ]

This is what is called real good storytelling singing...May GOD rest your spirit soul Harry Chapin...And thank you so much for the indelible mark you have have left in my mind and heart...For your songs are part of my musical heart...Rest in peace, Harry Chapin...

[@stevedem76]

This is a song that made me love music, when I was young. Such a wide range of emotions in such a simple tune. It even has humor in it, I always get a chuckle out of the line "I stashed the bill in my shirt". Totally relatable stuff, throughout.

[@newking70]

Cause I've been letting my outside tide me Over 'till my time, runs out......That line always brings a tear to my eye. 😢

[@lemnostam993]

song has meaning to me been there myself, bet im not alone either makes me think back to younger days

[@harponercam]

Always my favorite Harry Chapin song- gone too soon- and they don't write em like this anymore!

[@stephensuddick274]

This is one of THOSE songs... one that will be a standard of greatness that all other songs you ever hear will be measured against...

[@roscoearbuckle2]

They both gotten what they asked for, such a long ...long time ago.❤

[@80sVidLover]

I just love this song and this video! I could watch it everyday 🥰

[@BlackAndWhiteBand]

Thank you so very much for posting this obviously rarely-screened promotional film for Harry Chapin's great opus "Taxi". The photo-verities style of video is both minimal and haunting. I wish I had seen this long ago, but I'm glad I finally got the chance.

[@RAW-zz7gt]

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

[@IRANAV8R]

A Timeless Masterpiece....

[@MrBeatles5]

This is one of the best songs ever written I was never much of a chapin fan in the 70s' but now in my latter year I;ve really learned to appreicate his music, by my name I'm sure you all know i'm a huge beatle fan, So going to college in the early 70s; I listen to lots of british bands...Zep, Badfinger ect...but mainly the fab four...But again I have to say this a very well written and well put together song,,,thx for posting it

[@badmemory]

What an awesome video. Thank you for sharing this. I like this mix with Harry's vocal more upfront and the blended vocal counterparts with the strings. It still sounds as great today as it did for me back in high school in 1972.

[@photo7839]

Beautiful Music, I think this brings it all home, we all remember the people that touched our lives. Harry was a beautiful creator. I am 66 still love his music. Thank you Harry for all the years...

[@RND993]

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. These lyrics resonate like no other, on so many levels. Thank you Harry, and thanks for posting this wonderful Harry artifact.

[@garyday227]

I miss him.

[@MoosicandCritters]

Thank you so much for posting this. It's just one of those songs that gets you right in the heart. Sittin' here with tears flowing......

[@kodiakfred140]

That would be great. I guess some believe the world may explode if people are able to listen freely. Thanks for posting this.

[@ewetoobber]

Thank you, Sandy, for allowing this to be posted. I know you didn't need to......I know you didn't have to...........but I am so glad you did.

[@cesar83747]

I couldn't agree more , one of the most touching songs ever written, but God..... the lady in the video is the right person. She transmits the essence and feeling of the song. Please tell me who she is.

[@billykkutter]

I am still listening to one great song....for over 30 years now.......am I obsessed?........yep

[@stoneeck2994]

I'm still driving a taxi, but now I go home to the women he sings about. I got lucky......but I will never forget the years I spent alone....thank you Mr. Harry....

[@michaelchicarelli3656]

Very nice knowing this song and artist are a part of my children's memories.Thanks,Laurie,for sending the link.

[@joeylawler9299]

+Michael Chicarelli Mine too. A lot of us grew up on this stuff and I know it's played a part in making us the people that we are today.

[@toddthompson4322]

Brilliant doesn't even scratch the surface of Harry's magic!!!

[@Last_one_before_I_go]

Song popped into my head this morning....seems how timeless songs will do that at the strangest times. Artistry and lyrics that can move the listener like that don't come along often. Stirs alot of memories from the era which the song was produced. Chapin made a great contribution with that song and it will live on for a generation.

[@badbob2103]

Excellent video of an excellent song. Harry Chapin was always one of my favorite singer/songwriters. Thanks for putting this up.

[@EnigmaEightEighty8]

Thanks 4 posting---the song still moves me EVERY time I listen 2 it---STILL---interminably...

[@leosegovia3091]

best song ever............love harry

[@cheyona24]

awesome song

[@Jhensy2012]

One of the best from the greatest year in music history, 1972.

[@ambercrombie789]

Such an extraordinary combination of music and still pics.// Harry always managed a bitter-sweet gut punch. //Still gets me now.

[@Doug-sb9gz]

Outstanding!!!!

[@MsTburch]

1972 Graduation Song....what memories! Wanna go back and stay there. God Bless Harry Chapin! We shall see him again!

[@robertpoole9786]

Maybe the most touching song ever written..

[@regorkcorb]

25yrs and still sometimes, when asked, I put on a act of indefference and say that I have gotten over her a long time ago but in truth, at times, late at night, when the world is asleep, I lay awake and think of her and no one knows but me.

[@Agilejbk]

He has to be one of the greatest story teller artists of all times. Taxi is a great song and wow does it tell a story. So does Cats in the Cradle, A Better Place to Be, Mr. Tanner............ The world was cheated when Harry unfortunately died. Talent like his only comes around very, very few times.

[@josephstosal9347]

Rest in Peace Harry

[@dalecota5780]

this is a great relaxing tune its my favorite song from harry your well missed!

[@snake791000]

very sad this great artist is not among us no more

[@miamimann1]

Work of Art....Still My Favorite Song after all these Years....

[@badfinger6707]

I love ya Harry R.I.P

[@PRGTOman]

What an amazing song..So sad, I miss my love, hope she's happy..

[@anthonyboerio4955]

What a song..... It was raining hard in 'Frisco I needed one more fare to make my night A lady up ahead waved to flag me down She got in at the lights "Oh, where you going to, my lady blue?" It's a shame you ruined your gown in the rain She just looked out the window, she said "Sixteen Park side Lane" Something about her was familiar I could swear I'd seen her face before But she said, "I'm sure you're mistaken" Then she didn't say anything more It took a while but she looked in the mirror Then she glanced at the license for my name A smile seemed to come to her slowly It was a sad smile, just the same And she said, "How are you, Harry?" I said, "How are you, Sue? Through the too many miles and the too little smiles I still remember you" It was somewhere in a fairy tale I used to take her home in my car We learned about love in the back of a Dodge The lesson hadn't gone too far You see, she was gonna be an actress And I was gonna learn to fly She took off to find the footlights I took off to find the sky Oh, I've got something inside me To drive a princess blind There's a wild man, wizard He's hiding in me, illuminating my mind Oh, I've got something inside me But it's not what my life's about 'Cause I've been letting my outside tide me Over till my time runs out Baby's so high that she's skying Yes she's flying, afraid to fall I'll tell you why baby's crying She's dying, aren't we all? There was not much more for us to talk about Whatever we had once was gone So I turned my cab into the driveway Past the gates and the fine trimmed lawns And she said, "We must get together" But I knew it'd never be arranged Then she handed me twenty dollars for a two-fifty fare She said, "Harry, keep the change" Well another man might have been angry And another man might have been hurt But another man never would have let her go I stashed the bill in my shirt. And she walked away in silence It's strange how you never know But we'd both gotten what we'd asked for Such a long, long time ago You see, she was gonna be an actress And I was gonna learn to fly She took off to find the footlights And I took off for the sky And here, she's acting happy Inside her handsome home And me, I'm flying in my taxi Taking tips, getting stoned I go flying so high when I'm stoned Songwriters CHAPIN, HARRY F.

[@furmangirl1998]

love this song, still love it even after all of these years...

[@edwardcricchio6106]

Sometimes the past coming to life in the present doesn't end exactly the way you always imagine it would. This song is testament to that. I went through something similar and the ending, like Harry getting the $20 from the love of his life, is kind of what I went through myself. "Did I know you from mergers and acquisitions?" she asked me...

[@robinwasser2352]

the haunting story of the seventies troubadour. I saw him at Bryant park with just a few people in the audience....priceless

[@terrys394]

THanks for posting, havent heard this song in a while - I just love. - I tucked the bill in my shirt

[@KCKILLERCAT]

SUCH A POWERFUL MESSAGE.....We all have.... or will have... that one person in our lives.... The one that got away.... The one that left such an impression and yet we put them ..at the back of our mind.....until we meet again !

[@billyblais]

fantastic lyric and performance of a song.

[@Broblem12]

Glad to find this. The song is a part of my soul and has been for many years. The visuals suit this quite well. Deep thanks, and respectfully,.....Brian

[@AcidbrainwashEffect]

It was sometime in the late 70's that I first heard this song. I was mesmerized. It was late at night, I was on summer break. I can remember hearing the train in the distance, wondering what it was to be old, to have lived and loved and lost. My 1st Girl friend was the only real depth in this life I had at that time. In 2010 I paused on the news for an instant and there, on the screen. There she was. As beautiful as ever As if It was meant for me to be reminded that it still hurts to lose a Love

[@pilotpmg]

I broke down and cried when I found out about your accident on the Long Island Expressway (L.I.E.) when it happened in the summer of 1981. You were an Amercian legend! How I miss you and the music you would've written in the following 23 years!!! It's the world's loss. You were too good for this world, Harry!

[@starsongweaver]

I found out about it the next morning when I woke up to the sound of that story being broadcast on my alarm-clock radio at 6 AM. Hell of a way to start a day. I'll never forget that moment.

[@theoldfrog5726]

Beautiful Video..........

[@suzycreamcheesez4371]

very sad RIP Harry

[@777Mrnewfy]

only the good die young..RIP Harry..

[@suzycreamcheesez]

thank you so much for posting

[@tropicalpancake56]

How beautiful...how touching...

[@010bobby]

we seldom hear "balladers" like him today..along with Jim Croce...

[@TedNewsom]

That's lovely. Interesting to hear a slightly different version. I asaw HC in concert in Portland in 1976, having loved his stuff since "Tax." I still do. Guy makes me cry. And occasionally laugh.

[@dansauriol8816]

Great song.

[@joesphgallo5534]

Great song

[@dwightcurrie8316]

A poet taken from us much much too soon. I was on the road a lot during the time before his death. Harry and Waylon sang to me on a lot of lonely roads on the backside of nowhere,

[@Elvis68spec]

Harry, you were a great talent, a fine Story Teller!

[@whitelight3985]

Great song. Good song to remote view with (fly). Namaste