I was 8 years old when this song came out. I remember sitting on my father's lap and singing this with him. My father would look at me at the part where he says "I have to say I love you in a song", and he would kiss my cheek. I lost my father 2 years ago and I miss him everyday. How I wish it was the early 1970s so we could do it all over again.
Yes, RussRock, I couldn't agree with you more! Born as James Joseph Croce, he was a construction worker in the city of Pittsburgh, PA before entering the music business. He wasn't ever inducted into The Rock & Roll Hall of Fame; which is, somewhat debatably unfortunate. But, at least he (posthumously) inducted in The Songwriter's Hall of Fame! If Jim was alive today, just 2 days after I posted my reply, he would be 78.
@@Hummus-dm6hc no, he was making up a concert he missed before he was famous. He was only getting paid $750, but he made this commitment before he was famous and still wanted to uphold his commitment. What a true man, musician and human being! He made me survive my teen years being a heritage that many people made fun of, back in the day. He's an angel.
We lost Jim Croce 49 years ago today. This is my favorite of all his songs. Nobody writes songs like this today, sweet and simple, and right to the heart. And that's a shame.
I’m here on a recommendation, asked a music group in Reddit to post any song from any genre, in any language. I have a rather eclectic taste in music for my general listening repertoire, and will also often at least attempt to pick out elements that I like/appreciate from music that I may not entirely take a liking to, or maybe just doesn’t resonate enough to have me listening to often . But I just wanted to chime in and say that I’ve heard a lot of music from the recent few decades that are absolutely sweet, simple and right to the heart. You may have to just keep an open mind/ear and give some of the thousands of wonderful artists/musicians out there a shot 🤙🏽
Love JC but what you said is not true. Just to name a few: John Mayer, Jack Johnson, Passenger still write sweet and simple songs in almost every album.
Check out John Mayers' You're gonna live forever in me, Badge and Gun, Wheels; Jack Johnson's almost every song; Passenger's When we were young, Holes, Anywhere. Think you'll love them. Peace
I first saw Jim and Maury at a Boston club in 1972. They were kind and gracious to me, a just-turned 18-year-old fan. They'd not yet rocked the world, but soon would. The summer of 1973, I worked as one of the "red shirts" handling concert security at the Cape Cod Coliseum. Jim and Maury were scheduled to play there in late September, and they were now stars. For their event, I was pegged to oversee backstage and dressing room security. But they never made it. RIP. We still miss you.
I'm 76 years old and was married for 40 years---she " walked ". But every time I hear this song I can't help cry---and I'm not ashamed to admit it, because Jim Croce's every word of this song hits ' home ' with me! He was an amazing song writer and singer, and I think he was under-rated by the media at the time. RIP Jim!!
There was something special about the music of the 70's that you just don't hear anymore. When musicians wrote from the heart & soul. So when you listened to their stuff, it touched you deep inside.
I applaud the melancholia, but I wholeheartedly disagree. There are beautiful artists and songs nowadays that can shatter or glue the heart. You just have to find these pearls in the less mainstream music.
Dec. 1, 2023: There's a reason for that. In the '70's, you actually had to know how to play your instruments and couldn't rely heavily on special effects and slick videos to enhance your performance. The net effect of the 1970's era was a more organic and honest sound. After the 70s, synthesized, mechanical, commercial sounds and music videos competed with our attention, making it easier to heighten any performance with digital sounds and visual-appealing music videos and compensate for poor lyric writing. Granted, there were a lot of great 80s songs in mainstream media but the number of great honest work was dying as musicians had to adapt to the changing tides in musical preferences by the masses. Then, the 90s came along and all the commercialism and social inequalities experienced by younger genX group evolved music into grunge and modern music we hear today. There are some songs out there that have been written from the heart & soul but it feels like those modern songs are less poetic and more conversational words in the lyrics. Plus, poetry was very big before the 80s so I'm sure that helped too.
This the most favorite song of my father, sadly he passed away last June 30, 2024. Everytime this song is played I always remember him.. Maayung paglakaw pa, I missed you so much
It's always amazed me to hear such sensitive words and music from such a rough-and-tumble looking guy. He's got to be in the top ten of the greatest singer-songwriters ever.
I remember being 7 years old (born in 70) and walking with cowboy boots on a hot summer day to grandma and my PaPa and singing this on the way to their house...funny how melody works...miss you two dearly...
Similar story....I was born in 72. His songs always remind me of when I was a kid riding through the Bronx in my Uncle Willie's van. The floor of the van was littered with 8-track tapes - mostly Croce's and other folk singers. My uncle was a dead ringer for Croce. Always left you with "Peace, baby" instead of saying "goodbye". My uncle passed away in July. RIP, Willie.
I remember this guy singing this song I was 14 then I am now 56 and it still to me one of the greatest love songs of all time . Glad I was there in 74. South Philly loves their hometown son.
My dad is a huge fan of Jim Croce and he is now 56 he exposed me to Jim’s music at a very young age and to me this is music played with instruments and true emotion
Jim Croce wrote music designed to break your heart. What aching beauty this song has. Nearly 50 years after first hearing it and the magic is still there in those accoustic cords. RIP, Jim. The world forgot a little about how to make music when you left us.
The day we buried my grandmother, I remember sitting in the back of one of the cars on the way to her burial site, and my Dad and I just sort of looking at each other while this song played in the background. And my Dad just sort of smiled.
They just don't hit like Jim did to the heart ❤️...he wrote songs from the heart ...I understand we will probably never see anyone as good as Jim Croce
Im 53 ,when I heard Jim for the first time we lived in Germany, my dad was in the military. We only had one American radio station to listen to amd distincly remember this song. It was 1976 , I was 5. Have loved Jim ever since...a truley great loss.
My mom had the 45 of this song and I remember as a small child, being moved to tears to the lyrics. The beauty of music and what it invokes. God Bless Jim Croce
This in my opinion is his masterpiece. It affects you on an emotional level everytime you hear it. We dont make music like this anymore. Sad he wasnt around longer. Weve lost so many talented singers and songwriters to small plane crashes.
Dear God, what a song. I cried so hard the first time I heard this... it was just so poignant and so beautiful. I wasn't very old, four or five maybe, and even at that age I understood that the world lost big time when Croce and Muehleisen passed.
This must've been a really sad song @ the time it was first released, seeing that Jim Croce had died in a plane crash a few months earlier. This is a gem of a song released in 1974!!! Bravo, Jim Croce! R.I.P., Maestro. :'(
@@kbro7484 1978 is my favorite year in music. That's the year I turned 16. Had I been born then, I'd be a lot younger (and wish that I was a lot younger). I don't know if I would appreciate the music of the 70's if I was younger, but I'm grateful to have experienced it. The 70's was the best decade in music, hands down. No other decade even comes close, and Jim Croce is one of the reasons the 70's was so special.
This makes me want to well up in tears every time I hear this. Jim Croce was a talented singer/songwriter/storyteller. His presence will never be duplicated. R.I.P., Jim Croce. Thanks for all the great music you left us. R.I.P....January 10th, 1943 - September 20th, 1973.
This is a great song by one of the best singers of all time. His music stands the test of time because it is so amazing and honest. Something artists of today could learn from.
His songs were full of beautiful, memorable melodies and harmonies that just flowed and carried you with them, a lost art with most “musicians” today. I was actually listening to his music while studying in college at the moment I learned of his plane crash. It was heart a wrenching, heartbreaking moment. RIP Jim. Thank you for your timeless gifts in music.
I saw on Behind The Music, that he had been on the road a lot and basically wrote this as an apology to his wife letting her know he loved her after a big fight.
I think Don was attempting to say that "I Got A Name" was one of the first songs released by Jim Croce after he had passed away...so sad. "I'll Have To Say I Love You In A Song" is indeed my favorite by him...that, and "Time In A Bottle" - another song by Jim Croce that was released as a single after he tragically died. :'( R.I.P., James Joseph Croce...January 10th, 1943 - September 20th, 1973. :'(
Back when songs were songs. Wonderful arrangement, composition, and lyrics. Precious memories of childhood on this one, for sure. Great times back then.
My ex girlfriend used to ask me to sing this for her when we went to bed every night, she said I could just play it on loop if I wanted since I’d been working all day. Thing is, coming home from work to her were some of the best moments of my life
I still remember I was a middle school kid when I first heard this song, and found it so beautiful. It is really a great pity that he did not have the chance to share more music to us.
My most sincere condolences. I lost my dad when I was almost 5 years old. However, I do have some memories of him. They are what keep me happy sometimes. Just think of the happy memories. 😊😊😊
My dad and I sang this all the time and would play our guitars. My dad just passed away today at the age of 67. He had a stroke 😢So happy he had the best music growing up and happy now that I am almost 40 have been listening to this music for almost 30 years. I just can't believe my dad is gone 😭
Everytime I hear this song I get reminded of my bff. Now she is one those girls who likes the new pop music with horrid auto tune but when I first put on “You Don’t Mess Around With Jim” she started tapping her feet. And then I’d show her the somber songs. She was never a big fan but I sang this song to her, her eyes just went big and I think she was happy.
It is songs as this that made the early-'70s more bearable, with too many hard rock songs, and not enough gorgeous ballads as only Jim Croce could create! It has never been surpassed, although some others have come close. But the first time I heard it shortly after that sad day in Sep. 1973, I knew it would be a hit and as long-lived in memory for as long as there are ballads. He was going to retire from public life after that tour ended, and become a scriptwriter for tv and movies. I imagine him writing outstanding and hilarious comedy series episodes, plus deeply-serious and thoughtful drama shows that highlighted a specific type of human feeling from an important event. We'll never know how much brighter he would have added to Hollywood's too-frequently dull or unmemorable episodes, whether in comedy or drama. More the pity from Sep. 20, 1973. R.I.P., Jim. You were like a rare comet that shines brilliantly and lights-up the sky for only a few months, then fades away, never to be seen again. But never forgotten!
I'm a millennial in my 30s but Jim Croce is one of my all time favorite singers. His music is so wholesome and like being wrapped in a warm blanket. There's a genuineness and sincerity to his songs that's unmatched in my opinion. What a talent he was.
It was the time of my 1st great love. I was 16, he was 19 and the intergalactic distance of about 200 km separated us. We fought bravely for 2 years, against all odds, led away by my jealous father ... It was doomed ... but - we NEVER lost touch, over 40 years. And - we both still know today how special and unique our encounter was. 🙏🏻💞🙏🏻. And Jim and his music , especially this song, was the music of our hearts.
I just add to remind people of a Musician who sadly died too early & wrote too many songs some have forgotten. Jim Croce is magnificent & is still current.
A lot of people may not know this lil' tidbit...but this Top 10 pop smash also ventured onto the country charts as well for Jim! It was his only single that made the country charts, making it up to #68 back in May 1974 (a far cry from the peak of #9 that it reached on the pop charts)...still sounds fabulous over 40 years later! Take Care! Elizabeth :-)
This hit by Jim Croce was the 216th #1 song on what is now Billboard's Adult Contemporary charts. It also hit #9 on the Top 40 charts, #7 on the Cashbox charts, #4 in Canada, and #29 in The Netherlands.
Hey I know it's kinda late. Ten years since you commented, but every time I tried to reply, the words just came out wrong. So I had to wait many years to finally say I thank you, in a post.
@Mahyar Gharehdaghi yeah, I just wish I'd figured out what to say sooner as sitting around for a decade looking at the phone had become a big problem for me. Couldn't get anything done. Well, now it's onto another thread where I'm hoping to add my input much sooner... maybe five years this time. Wish me luck, Mayyar.
This beautiful song came out at the time I was dating my high school sweetheart... before he left for university, he called a local radio station and had it dedicated to me. While the relationship sadly ended, my love for this classic lived on.. thank you Jim for the memories and to my former love, Raduz, I hope you have found happiness but think of me fondly the odd time...!!!
How could Jim Croce translates his romantic feeling into a beautiful song, even if he's no longer around so many people regard him as one of the greatest recording artist.
My beloved Jay, I tell you that I love you every day. This is just a reminder that the little word love contains so many beautiful emotions for you 💙💖🥰
I had a girlfriend in high school that turned me on to Jim Croce and several more..every time I play him I think of her!!! I miss you Marlene Dengler. ❤😢
It really sad the songs this man could have came out with His voice was gold His music lives I just wish he were here to enjoy more RIP brother you are missed God bless you
It’s a shame people don’t make music like this anymore,,,I heard this song 8 years ago driving home from a trip,,,that was probably the most depressing moment.
I don't know if I agree with Mr. Mendez's assessment that it is "The Best Love Song Ever Created", but it was certainly one of the best love songs of the 1970s. Continues to be a favorite of mine to this day. Always a treat when it comes on the radio.
I live less than 2 miles from the apartment/ house Jim lived in while he was alive, in Lyndell Pennsylvania. The window to the outhouse featured on his album "you don't mess around with Jim" is still standing. I'm in awe every time I pass the house. That house, just recently, was crowned a state landmark because of him.
English is my second language, I dedicated this song to my girlfriend now my wife when it came out in our country only because of the title, the music and some of the word i could understand then. Now that i understand it totally, wow it was right on the money to reality. I could not tell her anything about my love for her. Great song.
It's such a shame the good die young because, we lost a really good one in Jim Croce. He wrote some great songs that often went straight to the heart. Beautiful music that makes it difficult not to miss his talent.
THIS HAS TO BE THE PERFECT SONG !TO SING TO THAT SOMEONE TO LET THEM KNOW THEIR SPECIAL TO YOUR HEART. ! AND ITS NOT EASY TO SAY IT. ! HAVE HAD SOME TEARS IN MY EYES OVER THE YEARS AS WELL , NOT EASY !REST IN PEACE !JIM CROCE. YOU LEFT WITH SONGS THAT WILL BE LOVED FOREVER !
Luke M Before Kanye West, Pharrell Williams, Robin Thicke, Taylor Swift, Katy Perry, Carly Rae Jepsen, Beyoncé, etc. This was decent, good music. You didn't degrade anyone in the songs. You're absolutely 1,000% right! Today's music rather sucks.
bossradio930 At least there's some good stuff today but the bad outweighs the good. I like John Mayer, Magic, a little bit of fun., J.T... people who can actually sing. I wish I could've lived in a world that existed long before Justin Bieber and 1D. :(
Ughhh. Rap and Hip Hop is full of great artists, real lyricists, and dope perfomers. Comercialized anything is garbage. Check out the Roots,Talib Kweli, Pharoahe Monch, Akua Naru, Atmosphere, etc.
I was 8 years old when this song came out. I remember sitting on my father's lap and singing this with him. My father would look at me at the part where he says "I have to say I love you in a song", and he would kiss my cheek. I lost my father 2 years ago and I miss him everyday. How I wish it was the early 1970s so we could do it all over again.
I'm so sorry to hear that, I bet your dad was a good man
@@johnsilver9055 Be well, brother.
So wholesome :')
Thanks for writing this comment.
@@Buggy_808s damn you
I thought there was hair on my screen
REEE
Hard to believe Jim Croce was only 30 when he left us. How many beautiful songs did we lose with his passing? Thanks for this one though, Jim.
HE WAS ANGEL MUSICIAN
🥰
Yes, RussRock, I couldn't agree with you more! Born as James Joseph Croce, he was a construction worker in the city of
Pittsburgh, PA before entering the music business. He wasn't ever inducted into The Rock & Roll Hall of Fame; which is,
somewhat debatably unfortunate. But, at least he (posthumously) inducted in The Songwriter's Hall of Fame! If Jim was
alive today, just 2 days after I posted my reply, he would be 78.
Jim was the best! Best wishes to Ingrid and AJ.
@@Hummus-dm6hc no, he was making up a concert he missed before he was famous. He was only getting paid $750, but he made this commitment before he was famous and still wanted to uphold his commitment. What a true man, musician and human being! He made me survive my teen years being a heritage that many people made fun of, back in the day. He's an angel.
We lost Jim Croce 49 years ago today. This is my favorite of all his songs. Nobody writes songs like this today, sweet and simple, and right to the heart. And that's a shame.
I’m here on a recommendation, asked a music group in Reddit to post any song from any genre, in any language. I have a rather eclectic taste in music for my general listening repertoire, and will also often at least attempt to pick out elements that I like/appreciate from music that I may not entirely take a liking to, or maybe just doesn’t resonate enough to have me listening to often . But I just wanted to chime in and say that I’ve heard a lot of music from the recent few decades that are absolutely sweet, simple and right to the heart. You may have to just keep an open mind/ear and give some of the thousands of wonderful artists/musicians out there a shot 🤙🏽
His songs are so relatable too.
Love JC but what you said is not true. Just to name a few: John Mayer, Jack Johnson, Passenger still write sweet and simple songs in almost every album.
Check out John Mayers' You're gonna live forever in me, Badge and Gun, Wheels; Jack Johnson's almost every song; Passenger's When we were young, Holes, Anywhere. Think you'll love them. Peace
😔
I first saw Jim and Maury at a Boston club in 1972. They were kind and gracious to me, a just-turned 18-year-old fan. They'd not yet rocked the world, but soon would. The summer of 1973, I worked as one of the "red shirts" handling concert security at the Cape Cod Coliseum. Jim and Maury were scheduled to play there in late September, and they were now stars. For their event, I was pegged to oversee backstage and dressing room security. But they never made it. RIP. We still miss you.
I'm 76 years old and was married for 40 years---she " walked ". But every time I hear this song I can't help cry---and I'm not ashamed to admit it, because Jim Croce's every word of this song hits ' home ' with me! He was an amazing song writer and singer, and I think he was under-rated by the media at the time. RIP Jim!!
Sorry to hear about your wife. Hope you're ok.
Sorry to hear about the dissolution of your relationship. 40 years is a long time together :(
I sang this to my boyfriend before he became my fiance because I didn't have the courage to say it!😅😖🤣
No shame in being yourself with the one you love. You are one of the lucky ones because you lived it.
@@jtrain5615love train the group are very speclal
One of my favorite of all his songs! RIP Jim, you're the most underrated songwriter I know of
+BIG Deman underrated , truely.
Ditto
+BIG Deman I do agree. Very talented man. So short a life.
+Sanco1927 too short
The light that burns twice as bright burns half as long dig it
There was something special about the music of the 70's that you just don't hear anymore. When musicians wrote from the heart & soul. So when you listened to their stuff, it touched you deep inside.
The different genres as well from that era. Today’s music in any genre doesn’t compare in any way.
10 March 2023
I applaud the melancholia, but I wholeheartedly disagree. There are beautiful artists and songs nowadays that can shatter or glue the heart. You just have to find these pearls in the less mainstream music.
The 1950s and 1960s had that special touch in music that dropped a notch by the mid-1970s and worse every decade after!
@@NathanMandjes That's kind of the point. This used to be considered mainstream music.
Dec. 1, 2023:
There's a reason for that. In the '70's, you actually had to know how to play your instruments and couldn't rely heavily on special effects and slick videos to enhance your performance. The net effect of the 1970's era was a more organic and honest sound. After the 70s, synthesized, mechanical, commercial sounds and music videos competed with our attention, making it easier to heighten any performance with digital sounds and visual-appealing music videos and compensate for poor lyric writing. Granted, there were a lot of great 80s songs in mainstream media but the number of great honest work was dying as musicians had to adapt to the changing tides in musical preferences by the masses. Then, the 90s came along and all the commercialism and social inequalities experienced by younger genX group evolved music into grunge and modern music we hear today. There are some songs out there that have been written from the heart & soul but it feels like those modern songs are less poetic and more conversational words in the lyrics. Plus, poetry was very big before the 80s so I'm sure that helped too.
This the most favorite song of my father, sadly he passed away last June 30, 2024. Everytime this song is played I always remember him.. Maayung paglakaw pa, I missed you so much
お父様は永遠です。そしてこの曲もJimも永遠です！
50 years ago today. And it still hurts! R.I.P. (Jan. 10, 1943 - Sep. 20, 1973)
He wrote this overnight while home, for his wife Ingrid . Their marriage was strained from him being on the road and getting hardly a nickel.
PLathrop was
This man made simplly beautiful music
It's always amazed me to hear such sensitive words and music from such a rough-and-tumble looking guy. He's got to be in the top ten of the greatest singer-songwriters ever.
I remember being 7 years old (born in 70) and walking with cowboy boots on a hot summer day to grandma and my PaPa and singing this on the way to their house...funny how melody works...miss you two dearly...
Similar story....I was born in 72. His songs always remind me of when I was a kid riding through the Bronx in my Uncle Willie's van. The floor of the van was littered with 8-track tapes - mostly Croce's and other folk singers. My uncle was a dead ringer for Croce. Always left you with "Peace, baby" instead of saying "goodbye".
My uncle passed away in July.
RIP, Willie.
I remember this guy singing this song I was 14 then I am now 56 and it still to me one of the greatest love songs of all time . Glad I was there in 74. South Philly loves their hometown son.
me to awesome then an still today
somebody close to me working with in Johannesburg at the time he sang it to me in1973 the good old days never to be forgotten
My dad is a huge fan of Jim Croce and he is now 56 he exposed me to Jim’s music at a very young age and to me this is music played with instruments and true emotion
you're 60 by now
@@fatimakasu5699 Joburg, South Africa.
Jim Croce wrote music designed to break your heart. What aching beauty this song has. Nearly 50 years after first hearing it and the magic is still there in those accoustic cords. RIP, Jim. The world forgot a little about how to make music when you left us.
I played this album a million times. I’m 58 now. It’s still a treasure!
The day we buried my grandmother, I remember sitting in the back of one of the cars on the way to her burial site, and my Dad and I just sort of looking at each other while this song played in the background. And my Dad just sort of smiled.
As an 81 year old passionate lover of beautiful music, this guy was special!
They just don't hit like Jim did to the heart ❤️...he wrote songs from the heart ...I understand we will probably never see anyone as good as Jim Croce
My ex husband lived this man and I lived this song. Don't make them like this anymore. Man, so many memories
There are a few people in this world that I will have to send this song when I die. God Bless you Jim!
+Jetset906 No don't do that. Tell them now. They can't talk to memories. Who knows, maybe someone is thinking of sending it to you too?
Sage advice my friend!
Im 53 ,when I heard Jim for the first time we lived in Germany, my dad was in the military. We only had one American radio station to listen to amd distincly remember this song. It was 1976 , I was 5. Have loved Jim ever since...a truley great loss.
Miss those innocent childhood days, what a blast it was. Just sports and the beach growing up on Oahu, great times and memories.
My mom had the 45 of this song and I remember as a small child, being moved to tears to the lyrics. The beauty of music and what it invokes. God Bless Jim Croce
This in my opinion is his masterpiece. It affects you on an emotional level everytime you hear it. We dont make music like this anymore. Sad he wasnt around longer. Weve lost so many talented singers and songwriters to small plane crashes.
Patsy Cline (Mar 5, 1963), at 30, Jim Croce (Sep. 20, 1973) at 30, Rick Nelson (Dec. 31, 1985), at 45, John Denver (Oct. 12, 1997), at 53..
Dear God, what a song. I cried so hard the first time I heard this... it was just so poignant and so beautiful. I wasn't very old, four or five maybe, and even at that age I understood that the world lost big time when Croce and Muehleisen passed.
This must've been a really sad song @ the time it was first released, seeing that Jim Croce had died in a plane crash a few months earlier. This is a gem of a song released in 1974!!!
Bravo, Jim Croce! R.I.P., Maestro. :'(
The plane ran into the tree
i heard jim wrote this song in his basement after he had a big fight with his wife.......
...and a beautiful songwriter Jim was!!! He could paint lyrics with such depth & wisdom, it's surreal!!!
Bravo, Jim Croce!!! R.I.P., Sir.
74 was the best year. I'm biased though, that was the year I was born.
@@kbro7484
1978 is my favorite year in music. That's the year I turned 16. Had I been born then, I'd be a lot younger (and wish that I was a lot younger). I don't know if I would appreciate the music of the 70's if I was younger, but I'm grateful to have experienced it. The 70's was the best decade in music, hands down. No other decade even comes close, and Jim Croce is one of the reasons the 70's was so special.
This makes me want to well up in tears every time I hear this. Jim Croce was a talented singer/songwriter/storyteller. His presence will never be duplicated. R.I.P., Jim Croce. Thanks for all the great music you left us.
R.I.P....January 10th, 1943 - September 20th, 1973.
47 yrs ago
My most favorite song he ever sang.❤️🌹🤙😇🥰🐣ABSOLUTELY the best song for the EASTER DAY.2024 His songs will always be appreciated.
My Father In Law brought me here now we jam this together
10 years later
Jim's music is always there when you're going through a rough time.
That are the right wurds. It has helpt me
I think is the last song Jim sung to his wife before he passed. Kinda sad.
Thats kinda bitter sweet. What a lovely song to end on though.
This song is such a treasure. Songwriter and guitarist goals! RIP Jim ❤️
This is a great song by one of the best singers of all time. His music stands the test of time because it is so amazing and honest. Something artists of today could learn from.
His songs were full of beautiful, memorable melodies and harmonies that just flowed and carried you with them, a lost art with most “musicians” today. I was actually listening to his music while studying in college at the moment I learned of his plane crash. It was heart a wrenching, heartbreaking moment. RIP Jim. Thank you for your timeless gifts in music.
Every time I tried to tell you
The words just came out wrong,
So I had to say I love you,
in a song
I saw on Behind The Music, that he had been on the road a lot and basically wrote this as an apology to his wife letting her know he loved her after a big fight.
My favorite by him. I really feel like he made this song for a reason. And it was given to us when he passed away. Destiny!
I Got A Name!
Huh?
I think Don was attempting to say that "I Got A Name" was one of the first songs released by Jim Croce after he had passed away...so sad. "I'll Have To Say I Love You In A Song" is indeed my favorite by him...that, and "Time In A Bottle" - another song by Jim Croce that was released as a single after he tragically died. :'(
R.I.P., James Joseph Croce...January 10th, 1943 - September 20th, 1973. :'(
Makes me wish I could call my parents right now ❤
Back when songs were songs. Wonderful arrangement, composition, and lyrics. Precious memories of childhood on this one, for sure. Great times back then.
As Don McLean wrote about Van Gogh: "This life was never made for one as beautiful as you". Same with Jim Croce.
My ex girlfriend used to ask me to sing this for her when we went to bed every night, she said I could just play it on loop if I wanted since I’d been working all day. Thing is, coming home from work to her were some of the best moments of my life
That's beautiful ❤
This song expressed how we’ve all felt at one time or another but could not put into words. But even more, it’s heart-meltingly, musically beautiful.
I still remember I was a middle school kid when I first heard this song, and found it so beautiful. It is really a great pity that he did not have the chance to share more music to us.
I dedicate this song to my younger brother TPM. ❤️
One of the great singer/songwriters. Gone way too soon.
I was 10 years old the day Jim Croce died and I cried and cried.
I was 13, and remember the day he died. What a loss.
This songs speaks of a good man with a gentle soul.
My last tune to my father before he passed a few days ago. RIP Dad.
SteamcleaningSD I’m so sorry for your loss. He’s in a better place.
My most sincere condolences. I lost my dad when I was almost 5 years old. However, I do have some memories of him. They are what keep me happy sometimes. Just think of the happy memories. 😊😊😊
F
God love you both, brother.
I still love this song. The words carry so beautifully 💓
My dad and I sang this all the time and would play our guitars. My dad just passed away today at the age of 67. He had a stroke 😢So happy he had the best music growing up and happy now that I am almost 40 have been listening to this music for almost 30 years. I just can't believe my dad is gone 😭
So sorry about your dad. You have such great memories with your dad, enjoying the genius, and beautiful soul that Jim Croce was.
it's a tear jerker if you pay attention to the words
Everytime I hear this song I get reminded of my bff. Now she is one those girls who likes the new pop music with horrid auto tune but when I first put on “You Don’t Mess Around With Jim” she started tapping her feet. And then I’d show her the somber songs. She was never a big fan but I sang this song to her, her eyes just went big and I think she was happy.
Possibly my all-time favorite from Croce, but with his catalog it's very hard to choose!!!
Croce had real talent and class. His songs had a genuine sweetness without sap.
Hi Julie💐💐
It is songs as this that made the early-'70s more bearable, with too many hard rock songs, and not enough gorgeous ballads as only Jim Croce could create! It has never been surpassed, although some others have come close. But the first time I heard it shortly after that sad day in Sep. 1973, I knew it would be a hit and as long-lived in memory for as long as there are ballads. He was going to retire from public life after that tour ended, and become a scriptwriter for tv and movies. I imagine him writing outstanding and hilarious comedy series episodes, plus deeply-serious and thoughtful drama shows that highlighted a specific type of human feeling from an important event. We'll never know how much brighter he would have added to Hollywood's too-frequently dull or unmemorable episodes, whether in comedy or drama. More the pity from Sep. 20, 1973. R.I.P., Jim. You were like a rare comet that shines brilliantly and lights-up the sky for only a few months, then fades away, never to be seen again. But never forgotten!
I'm a millennial in my 30s but Jim Croce is one of my all time favorite singers. His music is so wholesome and like being wrapped in a warm blanket. There's a genuineness and sincerity to his songs that's unmatched in my opinion. What a talent he was.
Takes me back... this song got a lot of radio plays, way back then and ever since. Simple song, simple sentiment, sincerely stated. Great
It was the time of my 1st great love. I was 16, he was 19 and the intergalactic distance of about 200 km separated us. We fought bravely for 2 years, against all odds, led away by my jealous father ... It was doomed ... but - we NEVER lost touch, over 40 years. And - we both still know today how special and unique our encounter was. 🙏🏻💞🙏🏻. And Jim and his music , especially this song, was the music of our hearts.
Just beautiful song ```````Have to say love you in song``~`~`~`` Great Lyrics in he`s songs
~````~`Jim CROCE``~``~````~~Great Songs
I just add to remind people of a Musician who sadly died too early & wrote too many songs some have forgotten. Jim Croce is magnificent & is still current.
I used to play Jim Croce on the speakers in the cafe I used to work at and it made taking orders all day easier and loosened up my back
If anybody out there talks about music to a group of people, Mention "Jim Croce" and trurn them on to him they wont regret it!
Damn how is it possible for 64 people to dislike this song??!?!?!?!!!?
The run to like it so fast that they hit dislike without noticing, blame big thumbs.
No heart and no soul.. Poor people!
Easy ... Never love someone!
This is not my case !
A lot of people may not know this lil' tidbit...but this Top 10 pop smash also ventured onto the country charts as well for Jim! It was his only single that made the country charts, making it up to #68 back in May 1974 (a far cry from the peak of #9 that it reached on the pop charts)...still sounds fabulous over 40 years later! Take Care! Elizabeth :-)
+Muzikgirl67 m in love with song.....heard first time yesterday.......its on repeat since then..... great words..lyrics...
This song also hit #1 on the Adult Contemporary chart, also known prior as the Easy Listening or Middle-Road charts.
amen Lelroy Brown Reminds me of Military Service! Cheers
the best song Jim Croce ever did in his entirely too short career. He is sorely missed.
This hit by Jim Croce was the 216th #1 song on what is now Billboard's Adult Contemporary charts. It also hit #9 on the Top 40 charts, #7 on the Cashbox charts, #4 in Canada, and #29 in The Netherlands.
Hey I know it's kinda late. Ten years since you commented, but every time I tried to reply, the words just came out wrong. So I had to wait many years to finally say I thank you, in a post.
@@joe1972 yeah you know it's kinda strange, every time you're near them. You just run out of things to say, you knew they'd understand.
@Mahyar Gharehdaghi yeah, I just wish I'd figured out what to say sooner as sitting around for a decade looking at the phone had become a big problem for me. Couldn't get anything done. Well, now it's onto another thread where I'm hoping to add my input much sooner... maybe five years this time. Wish me luck, Mayyar.
@@joe1972 absolutely Joe, god bless you and your input
@@mahyargharehdaghi9383 thanks much, Mahyar! 😅 And God bless you too 🙏
This beautiful song came out at the time I was dating my high school sweetheart... before he left for university, he called a local radio station and had it dedicated to me. While the relationship sadly ended, my love for this classic lived on.. thank you Jim for the memories and to my former love, Raduz, I hope you have found happiness but think of me fondly the odd time...!!!
ENJOYED LISTENING TO HIS MUSIC. UNFORTUNATELY HE LEFT US TOO EARLY. RIP ❤️
heartfelt, poetic, beautiful
Beautiful !! Timeles !! Perfect melody and words
9/8/23. 7:48am. Again listening to this song. Cus, l be thinking alot about my brother Johnny. R.I.P. miss him him deeply.
Stay strong, he's in a better place. God bless you
What a beautiful song!!! Im crying and i don't know why. ❤
Pop music today is sorely lacking this type of romantic genre. Jim Croce was a one-of-a-kind performer.
How could Jim Croce translates his romantic feeling into a beautiful song, even if he's no longer around so many people regard him as one of the greatest recording artist.
My beloved Jay, I tell you that I love you every day. This is just a reminder that the little word love contains so many beautiful emotions for you 💙💖🥰
You are so lovely and thoughtful...I truly never before had the privilege of encountering someone as soul-deep beautiful as you are 💕💜😘
And my beautiful Lily, you have never failed to continue to do so...each and every day since🥰😚I love you so much!🤗💘❤💗💓💞💕🧡❤💜❤🔥
@@jalkianvalour ❤🔥💙💜💚❤🧡💖💝💘💓💞 I love you so much then, now and always, my splendid, beloved Jason 🥰😚🤗
I had a girlfriend in high school that turned me on to Jim Croce and several more..every time I play him I think of her!!! I miss you Marlene Dengler. ❤😢
I loved everything he wrote and sang. RIP James!
Just a fantastic song, wonderful sentiment, a simple heartfelt love song, one of my all time favourites, another genius taken from us far to soon RIP
Ah, Jim. I still miss you after all these years. You helped my through so much of my teenage angst years. Thank you!!!
Ruth kidney 4
This guy left us way too soon..R.I.P.Jim..A wonderful song!
It really sad the songs this man could have came out with
His voice was gold
His music lives
I just wish he were here to enjoy more
RIP brother you are missed
God bless you
Croce was such a magnificent talent, another lost tragically young, had so many more timeless classics in him.
Would love to hear a remake of Jim Croce’s “I’ve Got a Name” or “Operator”. Your spin on his timeless music would be awesome.
It’s a shame people don’t make music like this anymore,,,I heard this song 8 years ago driving home from a trip,,,that was probably the most depressing moment.
I don't know if I agree with Mr. Mendez's assessment that it is "The Best Love Song Ever Created", but it was certainly one of the best love songs of the 1970s. Continues to be a favorite of mine to this day. Always a treat when it comes on the radio.
Love this song it hits home for me . How I miss the good old days of the 1970s .
I live less than 2 miles from the apartment/ house Jim lived in while he was alive, in Lyndell Pennsylvania. The window to the outhouse featured on his album "you don't mess around with Jim" is still standing. I'm in awe every time I pass the house. That house, just recently, was crowned a state landmark because of him.
Listening to this with headphones is magical omg
.....just beautiful.......a love in a love song
still listening in 2020. love his voice... memories from my mom and growing up with his music. 💗
English is my second language, I dedicated this song to my girlfriend now my wife when it came out in our country only because of the title, the music and some of the word i could understand then. Now that i understand it totally, wow it was right on the money to reality. I could not tell her anything about my love for her. Great song.
miss you daddy ,you too mama
Hi Angel💐💐
Great, touching song. Great songwriter and a great loss so young. He is the definition of an artist. RIP Jimmy.
beautiful music!!!!!!!!!!
It's such a shame the good die young because, we lost a really good one in Jim Croce. He wrote some great songs that often went straight to the heart. Beautiful music that makes it difficult not to miss his talent.
Timeless music
I would always play this song on the jukebox when I met my first husband. Dedicate to him
THIS HAS TO BE THE PERFECT SONG !TO SING TO THAT SOMEONE TO LET THEM KNOW THEIR SPECIAL TO YOUR HEART. ! AND ITS NOT EASY TO SAY IT. ! HAVE HAD SOME TEARS IN MY EYES OVER THE YEARS AS WELL , NOT EASY !REST IN PEACE !JIM CROCE. YOU LEFT WITH SONGS THAT WILL BE LOVED FOREVER !
I'm 61 and our skating rink had a juke box...I must have skated with my boyfriend a thousand times to this song! ❤
This is what you call REAL music. Before rap and hip hop. Before Justin Bieber and Lady Gaga.
I agree
Luke M Before Kanye West, Pharrell Williams, Robin Thicke, Taylor Swift, Katy Perry, Carly Rae Jepsen, Beyoncé, etc. This was decent, good music. You didn't degrade anyone in the songs. You're absolutely 1,000% right! Today's music rather sucks.
bossradio930
At least there's some good stuff today but the bad outweighs the good. I like John Mayer, Magic, a little bit of fun., J.T... people who can actually sing. I wish I could've lived in a world that existed long before Justin Bieber and 1D. :(
Ughhh. Rap and Hip Hop is full of great artists, real lyricists, and dope perfomers. Comercialized anything is garbage. Check out the Roots,Talib Kweli, Pharoahe Monch, Akua Naru, Atmosphere, etc.
This was the plane crash after lynyrd skynyrd. but a friggin clue...newbie.
Probably the prettiest love song ever written
I know very little about music, but I know I know I love this song.