I think the singer still doesn’t get the point at the end. The son doesn’t jet off to see his father, he stays home with his sick kids! They are his priority. Did the singer want his son to leave his kids when they need him. He’s still clueless.
You don't have to be any age to get choked up by this song. I lost my dad 3 years ago when I was 18. All those missed chances to be together have a different meaning now.
@@aneirins7085 my sympathies. but you took the comment the wrong way we weren't saying " we get it because we are older". we were saying " even though we are old and jaded , this still cuts like the first time "
As I my husband and I were raising our child we always taught him how important family is, as he was growing up we spent as much time as we could with family. We had get togethers, family vacations, if family was sick or needed help we were there. We always tried to lead by example. Our son is 22 yrs old and family is so important to him. I’m so thankful.
22yrs as a soldier having deployed more times than I can count, and 22yrs as a truck driver with over 300 daze a year on the road, this song IS me. I've repaired my relationship with my son, more to his credit than mine. Time is the only non-replenishable resource, spend it wisely, spend it where it matters.
As a father of 3 I can’t tell you how many times I deliberately listen to this song - so I don’t forget. You will never again see you’re child this young. Never again. Spend time with them. It will all be over much, much too soon. And it’s never coming back. I’ve never been able to listen to this song without tearing up.
I have 3 sons and I always made time for them now they are grown and if I can't see them all the time, I always call them. Before Covid my youngest son, now 23 used to go see the latest action movie.
When I first heard this song, I vowed that if I ever had kids I'd make time for them. And I did. I never had anything I'd call a career but I coached both of them in various sports , rarely missed a play or performance while keeping food in our bellies and a roof over our heads. I don't have a lot of money now but I have two amazing kids who are now our their own, doing great,
Nice worda here Paul I've got a couple of young kids now and being a father definitely feels more important to me than my career. Money is nice but not the most important thing in life by a longshot.
My dad was one of the founders of a successful company. I remember that he would either get on a plane or in a car and leave almost every Tuesday. He would not get back until Friday or Saturday. When he was around, he made time but it wasn't as much as I would have liked. Then this song came out and was on the radio all the time. It really shook Dad up. He hired and promoted several other people to do what he had been doing and was around a lot more. That lasted about 3 years until he died when I was 11. I remember him being in and out of the hospital all the time but nobody ever said the word "cancer" in front of me. Being the naive kid, I thought people went to hospitals to get well. I was not expecting his death. Dad died in 1975 and Mom lasted until 2003. Every time she heard this song, she broke down and cried. I remembered the song as a catchy tune and didn't listen to the words until I was in my late 30s. The it destroyed me and I break down on hearing it too. Dad always made the time. I will never forget those times.
Harry was a friend. A gentle giant and an authentic humanitarian,. The year he died he had completed 195 free concerts for his charity. He was supposed to come to a party in Toronto after a concert downtown, but sent his apologies because he needed to get back to New York...said "See you all in September." He was killed in a car accident before that could happen. His concerts were amazing.
I was lucky! My Dad, no matter how tired, etc he always made time for me. I grew up to be like him and always made time for son. Now it's come full circle because now that I'm old and alone, my son always makes time for me.
@@matthewmcdaniel5827Yes, "Leader of the Band" by the late Dan Fogelberg....another poignant 'Dad' song that will touch you! Thanks Jamel....your pal....Paul
Also, "Taxi" by Harry Chapin, that tells a Dramatic story for six minutes that you'll hang on Every word......"It was raining Hard in Frisco, I had One more fair to make my night......" Studio version please....thanks Jamel...your friend....Paul
One of my dad's favorite songs, and yet he ironically spent so much time chasing more money to buy his family more "stuff' because he thought that's what we'd want. No...we wanted more time with him, which is the most precious gift you can give someone--time. I supplied my son with less "stuff" than my dad did, but with more time together. I can see the difference in our strong relationship.
Definitely impacted how I raised my kids. My dad was too busy to come to football games, soccer games... I'd drive 80 mph from 60 miles away to make their soccer games (don't tell, lol). I remember once being in the furthest town from home that was my territory. There was no shortcut, no highway to get home. Leaving town the speed limit was 30 mph of course. At the edge of town was a long steep hill, and the speed opened up to 55. I was stuck behind grandma. Arrrrrgggghh. I finally got past her and took off. I had one more appointment to make on the way home in a town to the NE, about 3 or 4 miles off the main road. I stopped, met with the couple, helped them with their papers, send got going again. And who do I immediately catch up to? Grandma. Passed her a second tone and never looked back. Got to the game. I should also add that this song is on our son's playlist, even though we hadn't played it for him.
@@sallyphillips9175 ABSOLUTELY! No Father, on their death bed, says- "I wish I made more money". Quality time means a lot. Give your loved ones your complete attention, once in a while; it's good for them & good for you.
Hey my parents went to a Harry Chapin concert and there was a break during the concert, my mother needed to use a pay phone. Just so happened when she walked up to the pay phone Harry was using it LOL. My mom got all jittery so Harry kissed her on the cheek LOL. She said she almost passed out. Here’s to keeping great music alive! R.I.P. Harry
Harry played my college homecoming in the fall of 1975. His brother Tom was the opening act and was playing for a long time. He finally saw that we were getting restless so he explained Harry was across the street in the basement of a boys dorm watching the World Series with the students. Turns out he was a huge Reds fan. Harry finally came on stage and gave an incredible concert.
My dad was in the service( VN )I was just a small kid and when he came home and heard this on the radio I could tell the song effected him . He worked hard juggling two jobs and spending time with the kids . I don't know how he did it all those years .Rip Pop you are missed !
The message Chapin was trying to get across was "This is not right. This has to change." The dad in the song was not in any way unusual - it was the typical thing in America then for dads simply not to be around.
PLAYFUL KITTEN nope, you're wrong. It's about the relationship between a father and his son. And the fact his son turned out just like him. Not always a good thing.
You reap what you sow... future consequences are inevitably shaped by present actions. In the song, the consequence was that his son turned out just like dad, and had no time for him, because of dad's actions (never being there for his son).
This song definitely has some of the autobiographical in it. Harry Chapin's dad was a musician who was rarely around, and he started to worry that he was repeating the cycle.
I lived this with my dad. He was a career Navy man and I started like him and joined the Navy following his footsteps. But when I got married I broke that cycle and got out of the military to raise my children in person. Don't get me wrong my dad was my HERO!
That's what they called wisdom learning from other people's mistakes I'm not trying to say anything bad about your father but learning from your father's mistakes is wisdom
@@ronniemaclaine5234 There's a balancing act between giving your children enough material wealth to grow up healthy, but not too much that you spoil them and make them entitled. Sometimes pursuing that goal takes away time to be with them. Sometimes a parent has no choice, because they work hard just to keep everyone fed. But some parents get lost in the pursuit of more material possessions, thinking that "stuff" will make their children happy. No...being there with them will make them happy. Time is the most valuable gift there is, because you can't buy it...and you can't ever get it back once it's gone.
When I was 8 or 9 my family attended a Church and the Pastor preached a sermon based on the song and burst into tears several times, his son had passed away at age 8 due to illness and he always wondered had he spent enough time with him. He was a very good man and I have no doubt he did the best he could. Bless you Rev Nates.
My dad was also a pastor he dedicated his life to the church AND worked an 8hr day 40hr week sechular job to support a family of 6 children ... So figure how much time that left for me individually... When he passed I didn't shed tears ... A month passed when reflecting on characteristics I had inherent from him... I pulled up this song I've heard in the past and it helped me cry... My father was a good man... He did his best... for his JHVH God and family ... R.I.P my father
Been a Harry Chapin fan since my early teens. I actually got a kiss after he signed my concert program. A couple of months later he was killed in that car crash. I bawled like a baby. The man was an artist and humanitarian
Aww, that's so sweet. What a happy memory for you, Kim. Cherish it. And I know what you mean. I remember how shocked I was to hear the news of his sudden death. Very sad. Death can happen in an instant, and so many people leave this world not prepared for the afterlife and eternity. Kim, I need to ask you this question because it's so important: Do you know for sure that when you die, you'll go to heaven? If not, the website below can help you to know for sure. It is an evangelistic, no spam website based on the 10 Commandments that will help you to see where you stand with God right now and where you will go when you die: heaven or hell. It's called a "good person test", but I call it a truth test, so when you take the test, it's very important that as you answer the questions, you listen to the voice of your conscience and be truthful with your answers, otherwise, you will not understand the seriousness of your sins and your need for the Savior's forgiveness You are my fellow human being, Kim, and I care about you and where you will spend eternity. Be well and stay safe. A Truth Test: www.goodpersontest.com (A no spam website.)
Harry came to my High School in1977 to talk to the Senior Humanities class about his work to end world hunger. There were about 50 of us in the class, and since he was a local hero for us on Long Island, it was so great to spend some time with him talking about this issue. He asked for our forgiveness for not playing any music since he wanted to focus on the cause, it just reinforced his commitment to this effort. I was just finishing up college in '81 when I heard the news that he passed away. He represents yet another side of the fantastic music to come out of the 70's. I always think of Jim Croce when I hear Harry's music, both were great storytellers and had a similar vibe to their music and they both died too young. Thanks for playing this Jamel and you pronounce his name "Chay-pin"
I grew up in Oceanside and my folks took us to his benefit shows every year. Those were really good times, A lot of the old folk singers from the Village days still lived in the area or came back regularly.
Harry played a benefit basketball game at my HS in 1975. Dumont HS in NJ. Geraldo Rivera was with him. Memories. Harry gives us this song as a warning and as a gift. Use it.....
Every time i hear this song can't help but tear up Just yesterday my youngest son who's 26 was in the grocery store this song was playing. He said why they playing this song now all I could do was smile..lol I brought my 3 son's up listening to 60's 70's and 80's music.. the same way my sisters brought me up on the same music...love it!!
Harry Chapin’s “The Shortest Story” never fails to make me cry. If you haven’t heard the song, it’s about a starving newborn baby. Probably the saddest song ever written, with the possible exception of Clapton’s “Tears in Heaven”.
@@anyamanning9427 "Tears in Heaven" is an excellent and sad Clapton song for his dead son, but the starvation of children around the globe like in "The Shortest Story" continues on, sadly. I think this is why the Harry Chapin Food Bank is in almost every town and city in America which is still a legacy and a blessing from Mr. Chapin after almost 50 years. He was a great storyteller/songwriter. "Taxi" was his biggest hit.
This song had a great effect on my parenting style. My dad was career Air Force, and I was career Army. When I was medically retired, I did not fight it because I just wanted to spend more time with my kids. I'm very happy that my adult kids enjoy hanging out with me.
@Lee Salerno One of the best quotes ever!Very profound and sooo John Lennon.He would have been 80 yrs old this last Oct 9th.EIGHTY!! R.I.P. You will always be missed
@@jamesskelton2988 Yes Sir! John was a troubled Genius.. I can remember what I doing exactly when I saw the news hat he was killed.. I literally cried tears. RIP indeed :(
YES! A few of us tried to get him to listen to months ago. We were all coming up with songs that tell a story. That's how he ended up listening to "ODE TO BILLIE JOE".
One of the truly great storytellers. Most of his songs were so long they didn't get played on the radio. He died too young but left a great legacy. His son (who was only 10 when Harry died) said people come up to him all the time and tell them how this song changed their lives. Rest in peace Harry. We miss you.
I remember when he died...in an automobile accident if I remember correctly....soooo many years ago. As with everything time keeps marching on and before you know it decades have flown by.
This song echoes my life and brings me to tears every time i hear it. When i was a little kid, dad was always busy working and providing. He was a great dad, but busy. When i got older and moved out, I wasn't around as much, but we actually spent some quality time together, with season tickets for hockey and weekly sushi dinners. But he told me one time "I hate that damned Harry Chapin song...." because it hit too close to home for him. He passed away 10 years ago. We had had a falling out that lasted several years, but had begun mending the relationship a year or so before he got sick. I am glad i was able to be with him, but I still hate those years wasted in pointless anger.. that time lost that I would give anything to have just one of those minutes with him again. And now, this song punches me in the gut every time i hear it because I am just like the boy in the song.... and I can't change the lost time.
Same experience here. Almost exactly, in fact. We mended the relationship and a minute later my father got sick and a minute after that he was gone. I'm not the most sentimental person in the world but there is some silly shit out here between fathers and sons and people in general that's gotta get worked out (and I mean immediately) come hell or high water. Else you'll have them haunting regrets damning the rest of your days...
Harry Chapin, the song's singer actually died at the age of 38 from a car accident on I-495 in 1981. It's believed the song is in reference to his son Josh, but... who really knows? It was actually first a poem written by his wife.
I heard his wife wrote the poem because she was concerned that in traveling all the time due to music he wasn’t spending enough time with their toddler son.
I am a black man who grew up with father who worked a lot and i did not see him much growing up. When he said I'm going to be like you, he meant hard working and striving. Planes to catch and bill to pay. I watched three other black reviews of this song and none of them understand what this song is about. It is not about a father neglecting his son and son getting back. Two other black couples also failed to understand the what the song was about. This is the result of so many black families not having strong, hardworking, fathers in the home. The song was about the pitfalls of letting life's struggles to make money to support your family rob you of precious moments. The father was proud of his son. The father and son loved each other, but the hustle of working to provide for his son was unbalanced. Both were robbed of some precious life moments. When the father finally had time to enjoy the fruits of his labor, the son was on life’s treadmill supporting his family and did not have time. I had a similar situation. I almost moved out of state after finishing graduate school. I thank God I did not because the last six years of my father’s life permitted us to have the most precious bonding experience. My father was tough on me growing up. My father finally felt he could relax from the need to parent me. We were able to enjoy each others company, look into each other eyes with love and mutual admiration and talk about life or anything which came up. I would never dishonor my father's sacrifices for me and my sisters. My father died in a car accident. I live every day to make my father proud.
I get goosebumps everytime I hear this. I loved it when my kids were little, and now they're grown men and I still love this song. Time flies way too fast. 😢 Life is what happens when you're making other plans....
“When I was a boy of 14, my father was so ignorant I could hardly stand to have the old man around. But when I got to be 21, I was astonished at how much the old man had learned in seven years.” ― Mark Twain (note: there is some question if Twain actually said it, but that is a discussion for another time)
49 years old and I still can't get through this song without tears. It hits really close to home for me, and could just as well be telling the story of me and my dad. 😢
Nothing makes you feel "older" than seeing how much the kids in the family have grown when you haven't seen them in a while. Time & tide wait for no man..
Ugly Kid Joe did a decent cover of this, but you'll never have remorse going to the source. I'm blessed to have made amends with my Dad before the end.
I think they asked his family first & ran their recording by them before releasing it. The impression i got it is if it wasn't cool with them they wer'nt gona release it.
I always have a difficult time liking covers. I want to. I thought Ugly Kid Joe's cover was listen-worthy. I was also surprised by Uncle Kracker's cover of "Drift Away."
My child arrived just the other day He came to the world in the usual way But there were planes to catch, and bills to pay He learned to walk while I was away And he was talking 'fore I knew it, and as he grew He'd say "I'm gonna be like you, dad" "You know I'm gonna be like you" And the cat's in the cradle and the silver spoon Little boy blue and the man in the moon "When you coming home, dad?" "I don't know when" But we'll get together then You know we'll have a good time then My son turned ten just the other day He said, thanks for the ball, dad, come on let's play Can you teach me to throw, I said-a, not today I got a lot to do, he said, that's okay And he, he walked away, but his smile never dimmed It said, I'm gonna be like him, yeah You know I'm gonna be like him And the cat's in the cradle and the silver spoon Little boy blue and the man in the moon "When you coming home, dad?" "I don't know when" But we'll get together then You know we'll have a good time then Well, he came from college just the other day So much like a man I just had to say Son, I'm proud of you, can you sit for a while? He shook his head, and they said with a smile What I'd really like, dad, is to borrow the car keys See you later, can I have them please? And the cat's in the cradle and the silver spoon Little boy blue and the man in the moon "When you coming home, son?" "I don't know when" But we'll get together then, dad You know we'll have a good time then I've long since retired, my son's moved away I called him up just the other day I said, I'd like to see you if you don't mind He said, I'd love to, dad, if I can find the time You see, my new job's a hassle, and the kids have the flu But it's sure nice talking to you, dad It's been sure nice talking to you And as I hung up the phone, it occurred to me He'd grown up just like me My boy was just like me And the cat's in the cradle and the silver spoon Little boy blue and the man in the moon "When you coming home, son?" "I don't know when" But we'll get together then, dad We're gonna have a good time then
Such a moving song. I was a kid when this came out and it killed me even then. Please check out "Taxi" . Harry Chapin was a bard- a storyteller of the highest order.
Don't be hard on yourself. Things come to pass for a reason. Allow yourself to forgive yourself - and maybe forgive your father too. After all, he was the parent. Your parent. You're his child - too easily forgotten when we "grow up". All the best.
@@Greenockianx That's the best advice one human can give another. Forgive yourself. I've had to forgive myself for so many things in my life. Especially where my father was concerned. I wasn't speaking to him for a couple of years until he came to me to tell me he was dying of liver cancer. He asked me not to cry. I didn't. He went on to tell me that he would not be battling for his last days to be poisoned which is something I wouldn't have asked of him as I would have made the same choice. I told him some years earlier when he was trying to make amends for his past deeds that NOBODY HAD EVER TAUGHT HIM TO BE A MAN. I saw a light bulb go off in his head. It was the truth. I believe he forgave himself at that moment. He was finally able to be my dad. I miss him so much.
@Kimberly Scheper~I hope you will forgive yourself. Even if you're not sure how to do it, just say out loud; "I forgive myself" I guarantee you'll feel better before you realize it. Peace.
On the day my Dad died he said he was sorry for not doing much with me and my brother. I looked at him and said it's ok I Love you anyway. That was back in 1992 .
I am with you here. Miss my dad too and I was spared because he went fast but I don't know that I will ever fully recover from it but his strength and dignity makes it not all bad.
The inspiration for the song was actually a poem his wife had written that was inspired by her previous husband, who was essentially the son in the story and his father had raised him to be career driven. The father would ask her to get him to visit once in a while because they had stopped communicating.
mothers naturally get this connection to their child from breastfeeding, but fathers kinda have to "work for it" by playing with their children, we also criminally undervalue how important fathers are to their children and also how important children are to men
Did you know the song in the vid was actually based on an old folk song or rhyme she used to sing to their son. The chorus and title were what she sang and inspired Harry to do the rest.
@@cudwieser3952 No. Did not know that. But he was such a great fixture on the North Shore of Long Island until his passing. I still remember his beautiful yard and mingling amongst his friends who all seemed like special people. But for some reason, all these years later, I mainly recall her wonderful (momish) smile as she walked us over to the giant buffet table to eat. We weren't poor kids at all. We left a boring party down the block, we were kinda drunk, and somehow we ended in there backyard lol. We just followed the music.
@@claviclenotch1876 His greatest muse and the reason he had a life at all. Kinda shows where greatness lies, not in the eyes of others, but in the hearts of those who care.
“Taxi” is a must. One of my favorite Harry Chapin songs is “Sniper”. It’s an extremely intense song but his portrayal of the Sniper is incredible and emotional.
I would give my life for just one minute with my daughter. She was taken when she was 3 1/2 in 1977 and I have cried every day since. Sorry to be a bummer on your channel but...
"A Better Place to Be" and "Mr. Tanner" are for advanced Chapin-heads. "Cats" and "Bananas" is for beginners with "Taxi" and "WOLD" for the intermediates.
Just a note about the great man. Chapin recorded a total of 11 albums from 1972 until his death in 1981. All 14 singles that he released became hits on at least one national music chart. As a dedicated humanitarian, Chapin fought to end world hunger. He was a key participant in the creation of the Presidential Commission on World Hunger in 1977.[2] Chapin is credited with being the most politically and socially active American performer of the 1970s.[3][4] In 1987, Chapin was posthumously awarded the Congressional Gold Medal for his humanitarian work.
Harry's wife, Sandy, wrote this as a poem/lyric for Harry--who stuck it in a drawer for a while before he dug it out and made his most recognizable song. Saw him 3 X in concert...he always had an intermission where he would spend time talking to his wife on the phone. After the concert, he would stay and talk with the fans, sign autographs. Harry was THE philanthropist (Worl Hunger Year) looooong before it became fashionable in the 80s with "We are the World" and Live Aid
Love the appreciation you show for the music in your facial expressions. How you FEEL the music and let it flow through you without missing the message. You didn't dissect it the way I have seen others do, didn't mention vocals or orchestral arrangement, just the purity of the message that Chapin was really trying to convey. Thanks for your reaction to this timeless classic with a moral story.
I am a 54 year old Canadian male. Grew up terrified of my father, his anger and violent outbursts. I was 17 when he threatened me for the last time. I told him if he hit me, that it would be last thing he ever did on Earth. Decades later, I have never married, never had kids as I was worried I would subject my wife and kids to the same experience. I realized much too late that I am NOT my father and that he is a part of me, but I am not him. This song strikes a chord for me on a different level. My hope is that for those men who find themselves in my shoes that you realize much sooner than I did, that you are NOT your dad, and you will not repeat the cycle.
My father had a temper, and we were afraid of him at times. There weren't a lot of physicality in his anger though. I promised not to raise my kids that way. I was only partly successful. I do have a temper, but I'm a little better at talking to my kids, apologizing when I was wrong, and debriefing with them. To me an apology is meaningless, unless you know what you're apologizing for, and take steps to correct. I'll hope that my kids do a better job than me. They're amazing kids. Don't regret your decision, though. It's very common to pass on how you were raised, even if you hated it. I'm hoping you've been able to share your wisdom with the families and children of the community. It's never too late to get married, to be a foster parent, to do Big Brothers.... Fill that hole in your life if you have one. I have lots of regrets for sure, luckily I found a woman who's put up with me (and for that matter, I, her), and we have 2 amazing kids, who'll I'll never hear from again in in a few years (lol). I can't even count on them coming to us for money, cause we don't got any, and they're both going to be successful. C'est la vie. I hardly hear from my very busy son and he's just a first year in college.
@@visforvegan8 Thanks for the reply. I appreciate your insight, and kind words. It sounds like you are doing the best job possible and kuddo's to you and your wife. I have learned in my life, it takes a real man to apologize. Good for you showing your kids this important trait.
Are you kidding me? Other than the fact I'm a few years older than you, you've described my " Never really had a father, never gonna be a father " existence. Wow
This is my child hood. Croce, Taylor, Lightfoot, etc etc etc they wrote from the heart and it makes me cry. This song was a MAJOR influence with spending time with my son. MAJOR
Mr. Jamel, thank you for 1) your knowledge of music, 2) your entertainment (you make me laugh and cry at the same time), and 3) the great messages you give us all. We all need to listen Sir!
When y'all get a moment check the story behind this song and Harry himself. It gives a far more prophetic twist to it. The song would frighten the heart out of him given that it was something his wife would sing in part (the chorus) to his son. Tragically a few years later harry would die on the way to a gig. His son was only 10 at the time.
@@kathybwell He was heading down the freeway to a gig when he crashed . It was suspected he had a heart attack. He was resuscitated at the scene, but was DOA at the hospital. He was 38 years old.
@@darrinlindsey It's often worth a look down the rabbit hole to see why a song was written and performed. There's an inspiration to art and a story to be told :)
I was headed home from work here on Long Island ...driving west on the Long Island Expressway when I passed Harrys vehicle. He had crashed and the car went on fire. He had a heart attack and hit a semi truck as he was heading to a free outdoor concert later that evening at Eisenhower Park here on LI. He was 15 minutes away from where he was headed That was a tragic day. He was and remains very loved. One of the most prolific songwriters this world was blessed to have.
Jamel... Brother... One of my all time favorites. I remember listening to this with my Dad. My Dad said this is one of the saddest songs ever because the relationship was so lost. That said, I was blessed to spend some good times with my Dad. He left me a month before my 17th birthday to get back together with his Heavenly Father. I've done the best I could to be like the greatest Man I've ever known. My Son is 19 now, so I've known my Baby Boy longer than I knew my Father, and you know time with him and his Baby Sister, 16, is the most precious time in my life.
Kids need their parents! Both of them. There is never an excuse not to give all of your to your child. I have failed in most aspects of my life, but the one thing i am proud of is the love for my daughter. She knows how much I love her. We have been close since the day she was born. And she has given me so much more than I could give her. I have heard "I love you, daddy" countless times...and it never gets old
‘KEEP GREAT MUSIC ALIVE’ Shirts and More, Enter Promo Code ‘Jamel’ jamel-aka-jamal-youtube-store.creator-spring.com
can you do a reaction to Seals and Crofts Summer Breeze
Poignant.
ua-cam.com/video/nPBlR3l5nds/v-deo.html
ua-cam.com/video/nPBlR3l5nds/v-deo.html
Wow that really hit me off guard😭! Got kids, one is 15, dude I feel this so hard!
One of the saddest and most truthful songs ever written.
Correction - The saddest and most truthful song ever written!!!
So true.
I think the singer still doesn’t get the point at the end. The son doesn’t jet off to see his father, he stays home with his sick kids! They are his priority. Did the singer want his son to leave his kids when they need him. He’s still clueless.
@@MrAlphapug No, you don't get the point at the end; he was just making up excuses to ignore him the way he felt ignored growing up.
@@MrAlphapug The singer doesn't get the point of his own lyrics? lol
I am a sixty-year-old man and I still get choked up whenever I hear this song. Classic.
same.. 50 not 60..but..same.
Same here. I'm 60 years old and lost my dad 2 years ago and this song hits too close to home.
Me too , on both.
You don't have to be any age to get choked up by this song. I lost my dad 3 years ago when I was 18. All those missed chances to be together have a different meaning now.
@@aneirins7085 my sympathies. but you took the comment the wrong way
we weren't saying " we get it because we are older".
we were saying " even though we are old and jaded , this still cuts like the first time "
As I my husband and I were raising our child we always taught him how important family is, as he was growing up we spent as much time as we could with family. We had get togethers, family vacations, if family was sick or needed help we were there. We always tried to lead by example. Our son is 22 yrs old and family is so important to him. I’m so thankful.
22yrs as a soldier having deployed more times than I can count, and 22yrs as a truck driver with over 300 daze a year on the road, this song IS me. I've repaired my relationship with my son, more to his credit than mine. Time is the only non-replenishable resource, spend it wisely, spend it where it matters.
As a father of 3 I can’t tell you how many times I deliberately listen to this song - so I don’t forget.
You will never again see you’re child this young. Never again. Spend time with them.
It will all be over much, much too soon. And it’s never coming back.
I’ve never been able to listen to this song without tearing up.
I'm sure Harry Chapin would be happy to learn he helped you spend more time with your kids.
@@jonathanross149 Thanks, my friend!
I’m pretty sure that was one of his intentions with this song. 👍
@Marcus Jones Would you mind rephrasing that without the “idiot” part and some more details? I don’t understand your comment.
I have 3 sons and I always made time for them now they are grown and if I can't see them all the time, I always call them. Before Covid my youngest son, now 23 used to go see the latest action movie.
In this role now. Just had our 3rd. I have a 2 year old, 1 year old, and a newborn. I try to listen to this song everyday.
When I first heard this song, I vowed that if I ever had kids I'd make time for them. And I did. I never had anything I'd call a career but I coached both of them in various sports , rarely missed a play or performance while keeping food in our bellies and a roof over our heads. I don't have a lot of money now but I have two amazing kids who are now our their own, doing great,
Respect.
You have your priorities right.
Nice worda here Paul I've got a couple of young kids now and being a father definitely feels more important to me than my career. Money is nice but not the most important thing in life by a longshot.
Love it
You did great
I did similar things with my kids. I tried so hard. I love them deeply
I never worked so much that i missed her dancing.and his sports.
Congratulations imtallpaul. It's nice to read stories like yours.
My dad was one of the founders of a successful company. I remember that he would either get on a plane or in a car and leave almost every Tuesday. He would not get back until Friday or Saturday. When he was around, he made time but it wasn't as much as I would have liked. Then this song came out and was on the radio all the time. It really shook Dad up. He hired and promoted several other people to do what he had been doing and was around a lot more. That lasted about 3 years until he died when I was 11. I remember him being in and out of the hospital all the time but nobody ever said the word "cancer" in front of me. Being the naive kid, I thought people went to hospitals to get well. I was not expecting his death.
Dad died in 1975 and Mom lasted until 2003. Every time she heard this song, she broke down and cried. I remembered the song as a catchy tune and didn't listen to the words until I was in my late 30s. The it destroyed me and I break down on hearing it too.
Dad always made the time. I will never forget those times.
My heart hurts for you.
Bless you son !! Thank you for sharing!!
Bless you! Thank you for sharing your heartfelt story.
🙏🏼❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤
Your comment made me cry. I am so glad your father heard this song and made time for you with the little time he turned out to have left.
Harry was a friend. A gentle giant and an authentic humanitarian,. The year he died he had completed 195 free concerts for his charity. He was supposed to come to a party in Toronto after a concert downtown, but sent his apologies because he needed to get back to New York...said "See you all in September." He was killed in a car accident before that could happen. His concerts were amazing.
I was lucky! My Dad, no matter how tired, etc he always made time for me. I grew up to be like him and always made time for son. Now it's come full circle because now that I'm old and alone, my son always makes time for me.
Even if it's only a minute to talk or a guiding hand with whatever they do, it's worth so much no matter how far away they may be.
God bless you both. Our family is all we have in this world most of the time
It’s true that the apple doesn’t
fall far from the tree 💗
How wonderful for you. 🙂
One song that is so moving, and stands the test of time.
This, and "leader of the band"
Sure does. Puts a lump in the throat every time you hear it...
@@matthewmcdaniel5827Yes, "Leader of the Band" by the late Dan Fogelberg....another poignant
'Dad' song that will touch you! Thanks Jamel....your pal....Paul
Also, "Taxi" by Harry Chapin, that tells a Dramatic story for six minutes that you'll hang on Every word......"It was raining Hard in Frisco, I had One more fair to make my night......" Studio version please....thanks Jamel...your friend....Paul
@@pempem9129
This song has probably opened more Fathers eyes than any song ever!
One of my dad's favorite songs, and yet he ironically spent so much time chasing more money to buy his family more "stuff' because he thought that's what we'd want. No...we wanted more time with him, which is the most precious gift you can give someone--time. I supplied my son with less "stuff" than my dad did, but with more time together. I can see the difference in our strong relationship.
Definitely impacted how I raised my kids. My dad was too busy to come to football games, soccer games... I'd drive 80 mph from 60 miles away to make their soccer games (don't tell, lol). I remember once being in the furthest town from home that was my territory. There was no shortcut, no highway to get home. Leaving town the speed limit was 30 mph of course. At the edge of town was a long steep hill, and the speed opened up to 55. I was stuck behind grandma. Arrrrrgggghh. I finally got past her and took off. I had one more appointment to make on the way home in a town to the NE, about 3 or 4 miles off the main road. I stopped, met with the couple, helped them with their papers, send got going again. And who do I immediately catch up to? Grandma.
Passed her a second tone and never looked back. Got to the game.
I should also add that this song is on our son's playlist, even though we hadn't played it for him.
@@visforvegan8 me too brother. I was a different dad ... because of this song.
💯
Clearly not enough.
The most important gift you can give your child is the best of yourself.
Such a thought provoking song. A lesson for every parent everywhere.
Yes. Never take loved ones for granted. They can be taken away from you in a split second, like Harry died in a car wreck.
Amen to that!
@@sallyphillips9175 ABSOLUTELY! No Father, on their death bed, says- "I wish I made more money". Quality time means a lot. Give your loved ones your complete attention, once in a while; it's good for them & good for you.
Remember getting the 45 record when it came out..great story telling song.
Is that your cat in the cradle?
Hey my parents went to a Harry Chapin concert and there was a break during the concert, my mother needed to use a pay phone. Just so happened when she walked up to the pay phone Harry was using it LOL. My mom got all jittery so Harry kissed her on the cheek LOL. She said she almost passed out. Here’s to keeping great music alive! R.I.P. Harry
Nice story!
Cool, what's a pay phone... Just kidding, haven't seen one in a long time.
Problem calling his Dad...If he was still alive
Harry played my college homecoming in the fall of 1975. His brother Tom was the opening act and was playing for a long time. He finally saw that we were getting restless so he explained Harry was across the street in the basement of a boys dorm watching the World Series with the students. Turns out he was a huge Reds fan. Harry finally came on stage and gave an incredible concert.
A life of regret put down into a 3 minute long song perfectly. It's such a great, eternal piece of music.
My dad was in the service( VN )I was just a small kid and when he came home and heard this on the radio I could tell the song effected him . He worked hard juggling two jobs and spending time with the kids . I don't know how he did it all those years .Rip Pop you are missed !
This song sends a strong message; a warning, if you will. The moral of the story is, you reap what you sow.
A lesson in priorities.
The message Chapin was trying to get across was "This is not right. This has to change." The dad in the song was not in any way unusual - it was the typical thing in America then for dads simply not to be around.
PLAYFUL KITTEN nope, you're wrong. It's about the relationship between a father and his son. And the fact his son turned out just like him. Not always a good thing.
You reap what you sow? More like life is what happens while you're busy making other plans.
You reap what you sow... future consequences are inevitably shaped by present actions. In the song, the consequence was that his son turned out just like dad, and had no time for him, because of dad's actions (never being there for his son).
This song makes me cry every time I hear it.
I'm crying right now!!!
His best hit....beautifully constructed...😊
This song definitely has some of the autobiographical in it. Harry Chapin's dad was a musician who was rarely around, and he started to worry that he was repeating the cycle.
I'm 52, and I still tear up every single time I hear this song (and I have heard it thousands of times)... Thanks for sharing your reaction!
Mike + the Mechanics, "The Living Years", and watch the drummer's face, he wrote the song.
That one too.
I've requested it a few times, I can't wait.
Excellent choice.
Another one that kills me. That, and Leader of The Band.
I believe Jamel has reacted to Genesis so it would be a good one to do soon
Everytime i hear this song, it's a reminder that i need to call my dad and say hello...
I cannot listen to this song without having tears roll down my face.😢
same
Me too.
Sitting here listening and fighting back tears!😢
I lived this with my dad. He was a career Navy man and I started like him and joined the Navy following his footsteps. But when I got married I broke that cycle and got out of the military to raise my children in person. Don't get me wrong my dad was my HERO!
That's what they called wisdom learning from other people's mistakes I'm not trying to say anything bad about your father but learning from your father's mistakes is wisdom
@@ronniemaclaine5234 There's a balancing act between giving your children enough material wealth to grow up healthy, but not too much that you spoil them and make them entitled. Sometimes pursuing that goal takes away time to be with them. Sometimes a parent has no choice, because they work hard just to keep everyone fed. But some parents get lost in the pursuit of more material possessions, thinking that "stuff" will make their children happy. No...being there with them will make them happy.
Time is the most valuable gift there is, because you can't buy it...and you can't ever get it back once it's gone.
I cry every time I hear this song…. This one and Lonely Boy 😥
When I was 8 or 9 my family attended a Church and the Pastor preached a sermon based on the song and burst into tears several times, his son had passed away at age 8 due to illness and he always wondered had he spent enough time with him. He was a very good man and I have no doubt he did the best he could. Bless you Rev Nates.
My dad was also a pastor he dedicated his life to the church AND worked an 8hr day 40hr week sechular job to support a family of 6 children ...
So figure how much time that left for me individually...
When he passed I didn't shed tears ...
A month passed when reflecting on characteristics I had inherent from him...
I pulled up this song I've heard in the past and it helped me cry...
My father was a good man...
He did his best... for his JHVH God and family ...
R.I.P my father
Been a Harry Chapin fan since my early teens. I actually got a kiss after he signed my concert program. A couple of months later he was killed in that car crash. I bawled like a baby.
The man was an artist and humanitarian
I had a similar experience. He performed a one-man show at my college and was killed a few weeks later. 😞
Aww, that's so sweet. What a happy memory for you, Kim. Cherish it. And I know what you mean. I remember how shocked I was to hear the news of his sudden death. Very sad.
Death can happen in an instant, and so many people leave this world not prepared for the afterlife and eternity. Kim, I need to ask you this question because it's so important:
Do you know for sure that when you die, you'll go to heaven? If not, the website below can help you to know for sure. It is an evangelistic, no spam website based on the 10 Commandments that will help you to see where you stand with God right now and where you will go when you die: heaven or hell. It's called a "good person test", but I call it a truth test, so when you take the test, it's very important that as you answer the questions, you listen to the voice of your conscience and be truthful with your answers, otherwise, you will not understand the seriousness of your sins and your need for the Savior's forgiveness
You are my fellow human being, Kim, and I care about you and where you will spend eternity.
Be well and stay safe.
A Truth Test:
www.goodpersontest.com
(A no spam website.)
Harry came to my High School in1977 to talk to the Senior Humanities class about his work to end world hunger. There were about 50 of us in the class, and since he was a local hero for us on Long Island, it was so great to spend some time with him talking about this issue. He asked for our forgiveness for not playing any music since he wanted to focus on the cause, it just reinforced his commitment to this effort. I was just finishing up college in '81 when I heard the news that he passed away. He represents yet another side of the fantastic music to come out of the 70's. I always think of Jim Croce when I hear Harry's music, both were great storytellers and had a similar vibe to their music and they both died too young. Thanks for playing this Jamel and you pronounce his name "Chay-pin"
I grew up in Oceanside and my folks took us to his benefit shows every year. Those were really good times, A lot of the old folk singers from the Village days still lived in the area or came back regularly.
Harry played a benefit basketball game at my HS in 1975. Dumont HS in NJ. Geraldo Rivera was with him. Memories.
Harry gives us this song as a warning and as a gift. Use it.....
Glad you mentioned Croce. I always think of them as a pair, as well. Very similar and died way too soon.
@@markgarber3465 Massapequa for me. Good Long Island vibe here.
As a retired military Father of two sons, this song hits home hard every time I hear it.
Every time i hear this song can't help but tear up
Just yesterday my youngest son who's 26 was in the grocery store this song was playing. He said why they playing this song now all I could do was smile..lol I brought my 3 son's up listening to 60's 70's and 80's music.. the same way my sisters brought me up on the same music...love it!!
When we die, we don’t regret the things we did. We regret the things we didn’t do. Peace!
My sister works at an old folks home and she said the same thing they never regretted what they did they always regret they didn't do
I had the pleasure of meeting Harry Chapin. Humble and kind. Food pantries owe a lot to this special guy.
Harry Chapin’s “The Shortest Story” never fails to make me cry. If you haven’t heard the song, it’s about a starving newborn baby.
Probably the saddest song ever written, with the possible exception of Clapton’s “Tears in Heaven”.
@@anyamanning9427 "Tears in Heaven" is an excellent and sad Clapton song for his dead son, but the starvation of children around the globe like in "The Shortest Story" continues on, sadly. I think this is why the Harry Chapin Food Bank is in almost every town and city in America which is still a legacy and a blessing from Mr. Chapin after almost 50 years. He was a great storyteller/songwriter. "Taxi" was his biggest hit.
The song Cats in the Cradle and the song The Wreck of the Edmund Fitzgerald always makes me shed some tears. Power of music.
Back in the 60's growing up my dad had to work 2 jobs to give us a good life. I respect him very much.
Makes me cry even at 60 yrs old to hear this. My life almost exactly. One reason i never had children..
Harry was a great story teller through his songs. Now, you must, must, MUST, react to “Taxi” by Harry.
This song had a great effect on my parenting style. My dad was career Air Force, and I was career Army. When I was medically retired, I did not fight it because I just wanted to spend more time with my kids.
I'm very happy that my adult kids enjoy hanging out with me.
"Life is what happens while you're busy making other plans" J. Lennon
My favourite quote ever.
@@kerryangus3030 he was a misunderstood Genius..I remember the exact moment when I heard he was shot.. it broke me down.
@@Lee4364 Same.
@Lee Salerno One of the best quotes ever!Very profound and sooo John Lennon.He would have been 80 yrs old this last Oct 9th.EIGHTY!! R.I.P. You will always be missed
@@jamesskelton2988 Yes Sir! John was a troubled Genius.. I can remember what I doing exactly when I saw the news hat he was killed.. I literally cried tears. RIP indeed :(
Covin- ‘One Tin Soldier’ is another beautiful song worth a listen.
ua-cam.com/video/djKjeWg5-vk/v-deo.html
Agreed, but id say listen to the original version by The Original Caste
Love that song 😍
Coven. (As in witches.) :)
YES! A few of us tried to get him to listen to months ago. We were all coming up with songs that tell a story. That's how he ended up listening to "ODE TO BILLIE JOE".
One of the truly great storytellers. Most of his songs were so long they didn't get played on the radio. He died too young but left a great legacy. His son (who was only 10 when Harry died) said people come up to him all the time and tell them how this song changed their lives. Rest in peace Harry. We miss you.
I remember when he died...in an automobile accident if I remember correctly....soooo many years ago. As with everything time keeps marching on and before you know it decades have flown by.
This song echoes my life and brings me to tears every time i hear it. When i was a little kid, dad was always busy working and providing. He was a great dad, but busy. When i got older and moved out, I wasn't around as much, but we actually spent some quality time together, with season tickets for hockey and weekly sushi dinners. But he told me one time "I hate that damned Harry Chapin song...." because it hit too close to home for him. He passed away 10 years ago. We had had a falling out that lasted several years, but had begun mending the relationship a year or so before he got sick. I am glad i was able to be with him, but I still hate those years wasted in pointless anger.. that time lost that I would give anything to have just one of those minutes with him again. And now, this song punches me in the gut every time i hear it because I am just like the boy in the song.... and I can't change the lost time.
Same experience here. Almost exactly, in fact. We mended the relationship and a minute later my father got sick and a minute after that he was gone. I'm not the most sentimental person in the world but there is some silly shit out here between fathers and sons and people in general that's gotta get worked out (and I mean immediately) come hell or high water. Else you'll have them haunting regrets damning the rest of your days...
Harry Chapin, the song's singer actually died at the age of 38 from a car accident on I-495 in 1981. It's believed the song is in reference to his son Josh, but... who really knows? It was actually first a poem written by his wife.
I heard his wife wrote the poem because she was concerned that in traveling all the time due to music he wasn’t spending enough time with their toddler son.
You need to hear Harry Chapin's Taxi
ua-cam.com/video/VfYY0pbThUc/v-deo.html
Now you need to listen to "taxi" by Harry Chapin. the first part of his last name is with a long a, like in shape. :)
Yes!!!
Like Chay-pin?
Taxi. One of the absolute greatest songs ever.
Absolutely. "Taxi" is a masterpiece.
Also one of my favorites! Such a story through words and music!
I am a black man who grew up with father who worked a lot and i did not see him much growing up. When he said I'm going to be like you, he meant hard working and striving. Planes to catch and bill to pay. I watched three other black reviews of this song and none of them understand what this song is about. It is not about a father neglecting his son and son getting back. Two other black couples also failed to understand the what the song was about. This is the result of so many black families not having strong, hardworking, fathers in the home. The song was about the pitfalls of letting life's struggles to make money to support your family rob you of precious moments. The father was proud of his son. The father and son loved each other, but the hustle of working to provide for his son was unbalanced. Both were robbed of some precious life moments. When the father finally had time to enjoy the fruits of his labor, the son was on life’s treadmill supporting his family and did not have time. I had a similar situation. I almost moved out of state after finishing graduate school. I thank God I did not because the last six years of my father’s life permitted us to have the most precious bonding experience. My father was tough on me growing up. My father finally felt he could relax from the need to parent me. We were able to enjoy each others company, look into each other eyes with love and mutual admiration and talk about life or anything which came up. I would never dishonor my father's sacrifices for me and my sisters. My father died in a car accident. I live every day to make my father proud.
Rest in peace, Harry. Unbelievably beautifully hunting , sweet ,just amazing . Still touching after so many years.
I get goosebumps everytime I hear this. I loved it when my kids were little, and now they're grown men and I still love this song. Time flies way too fast. 😢
Life is what happens when you're making other plans....
If there was ever a song of my life, this is it, sadly...
Mines "I am a Rock" by Simon & Garfunkel.
Me too.
You’re not alone.
I had a real good example of what NOT to do. I did a little better job. But I don't know how much.
Bless you man...
To your point, I'm fond of saying the older we get, the smarter our parents are.
“When I was a boy of 14, my father was so ignorant I could hardly stand to have the old man around. But when I got to be 21, I was astonished at how much the old man had learned in seven years.”
― Mark Twain
(note: there is some question if Twain actually said it, but that is a discussion for another time)
Met Harry in the 70’s such a sweet man.
Don't worry about giving your kids 'Quality Time" just gives your kids time, any time.
It's such a simple song, with the most powerful message. I've been crying to this song for 40 years.
This is a serious tear jerker for any who loves their kids
49 years old and I still can't get through this song without tears. It hits really close to home for me, and could just as well be telling the story of me and my dad. 😢
As always great reaction and wisdom with your words. Thanks
Nothing makes you feel "older" than seeing how much the kids in the family have grown when you haven't seen them in a while. Time & tide wait for no man..
Ugly Kid Joe did a decent cover of this, but you'll never have remorse going to the source. I'm blessed to have made amends with my Dad before the end.
I think they asked his family first & ran their recording by them before releasing it. The impression i got it is if it wasn't cool with them they wer'nt gona release it.
I liked their version more tbh
didn't get along with my Dad from 15 to my late 30's. now, I'm 53, and we can actually get along. I'm glad you mended fences.
Never have remorse
Going to the source...
Lyricist much, Kris? 😉
I always have a difficult time liking covers. I want to. I thought Ugly Kid Joe's cover was listen-worthy. I was also surprised by Uncle Kracker's cover of "Drift Away."
My child arrived just the other day
He came to the world in the usual way
But there were planes to catch, and bills to pay
He learned to walk while I was away
And he was talking 'fore I knew it, and as he grew
He'd say "I'm gonna be like you, dad"
"You know I'm gonna be like you"
And the cat's in the cradle and the silver spoon
Little boy blue and the man in the moon
"When you coming home, dad?" "I don't know when"
But we'll get together then
You know we'll have a good time then
My son turned ten just the other day
He said, thanks for the ball, dad, come on let's play
Can you teach me to throw, I said-a, not today
I got a lot to do, he said, that's okay
And he, he walked away, but his smile never dimmed
It said, I'm gonna be like him, yeah
You know I'm gonna be like him
And the cat's in the cradle and the silver spoon
Little boy blue and the man in the moon
"When you coming home, dad?" "I don't know when"
But we'll get together then
You know we'll have a good time then
Well, he came from college just the other day
So much like a man I just had to say
Son, I'm proud of you, can you sit for a while?
He shook his head, and they said with a smile
What I'd really like, dad, is to borrow the car keys
See you later, can I have them please?
And the cat's in the cradle and the silver spoon
Little boy blue and the man in the moon
"When you coming home, son?" "I don't know when"
But we'll get together then, dad
You know we'll have a good time then
I've long since retired, my son's moved away
I called him up just the other day
I said, I'd like to see you if you don't mind
He said, I'd love to, dad, if I can find the time
You see, my new job's a hassle, and the kids have the flu
But it's sure nice talking to you, dad
It's been sure nice talking to you
And as I hung up the phone, it occurred to me
He'd grown up just like me
My boy was just like me
And the cat's in the cradle and the silver spoon
Little boy blue and the man in the moon
"When you coming home, son?" "I don't know when"
But we'll get together then, dad
We're gonna have a good time then
Harry Chopin wrote so many great songs, but this one and Roses are Red are the two that always strike my heart.
I'm 55 yrs old and have been listening and loving this song for about 40 yrs now try Taxi Driver next
If you listen to more Harry Chapin, "Taxi" is a must!
One of the greatest songs ever written and performed!
This song always made me choke up, and now I've been kept apart from my son for a year by Covid...
Such a moving song. I was a kid when this came out and it killed me even then.
Please check out "Taxi" . Harry Chapin was a bard- a storyteller of the highest order.
I didn't talk to my dad for the last 10 yrs of his life. I regret it every day. You should check out The Living Years by Mike and the Mechanics.
Same, and agree
Don't be hard on yourself. Things come to pass for a reason. Allow yourself to forgive yourself - and maybe forgive your father too. After all, he was the parent. Your parent. You're his child - too easily forgotten when we "grow up". All the best.
@@Greenockianx Thank you
@@Greenockianx That's the best advice one human can give another. Forgive yourself. I've had to forgive myself for so many things in my life. Especially where my father was concerned. I wasn't speaking to him for a couple of years until he came to me to tell me he was dying of liver cancer. He asked me not to cry. I didn't. He went on to tell me that he would not be battling for his last days to be poisoned which is something I wouldn't have asked of him as I would have made the same choice. I told him some years earlier when he was trying to make amends for his past deeds that NOBODY HAD EVER TAUGHT HIM TO BE A MAN. I saw a light bulb go off in his head. It was the truth. I believe he forgave himself at that moment. He was finally able to be my dad. I miss him so much.
@Kimberly Scheper~I hope you will forgive yourself. Even if you're not sure how to do it, just say out loud; "I forgive myself" I guarantee you'll feel better before you realize it. Peace.
On the day my Dad died he said he was sorry for not doing much with me and my brother. I looked at him and said it's ok I Love you anyway. That was back in 1992 .
Whenever my dad missed me... we were in different states. He would tell me “cats in the cradle son”. My Dad passed and I miss him.
My Dad passed away 9 years ago as of yesterday. Sure miss him! He was the best! Always there for me. I helped take care of him at the end.
My dad passed away 25 years ago last Christmas and I still miss him.
I am with you here. Miss my dad too and I was spared because he went fast but I don't know that I will ever fully recover from it but his strength and dignity makes it not all bad.
You grew up just like him?
I’d love this a million times if I could.
The inspiration for the song was actually a poem his wife had written that was inspired by her previous husband, who was essentially the son in the story and his father had raised him to be career driven. The father would ask her to get him to visit once in a while because they had stopped communicating.
I can’t ever not cry when hearing this song. Always make time for your kids and your dad. You will regret it. Love the song nice reaction.
mothers naturally get this connection to their child from breastfeeding, but fathers kinda have to "work for it" by playing with their children, we also criminally undervalue how important fathers are to their children and also how important children are to men
My buddy and I crashed a party at his house in 1981. Didn't meet him but I met his lovely wife. She fed us giant heroes and sent us on our way.
Did you know the song in the vid was actually based on an old folk song or rhyme she used to sing to their son. The chorus and title were what she sang and inspired Harry to do the rest.
@@cudwieser3952 No. Did not know that. But he was such a great fixture on the North Shore of Long Island until his passing. I still remember his beautiful yard and mingling amongst his friends who all seemed like special people. But for some reason, all these years later, I mainly recall her wonderful (momish) smile as she walked us over to the giant buffet table to eat. We weren't poor kids at all. We left a boring party down the block, we were kinda drunk, and somehow we ended in there backyard lol. We just followed the music.
@@claviclenotch1876 His greatest muse and the reason he had a life at all. Kinda shows where greatness lies, not in the eyes of others, but in the hearts of those who care.
Harry Chapin was a gift to the world.
This one means a lot to me. Harry was my neighbor when I was a kid. He lived right down the block. And my dad was a busy guy too. Thanks Jamel
"Taxi" or "A better place to be" Harry Chapin Greatest Stories Live is my all time favorite album. A special song writer.
He was a really great man. He gave most of his money away to help people and said he didn't need much for himself.
“Taxi” is a must.
One of my favorite Harry Chapin songs is “Sniper”. It’s an extremely intense song but his portrayal of the Sniper is incredible and emotional.
@@anyamanning9427 thanks. Not familiar with that one. I will check it out later.
After this you now have to do Father and Son by Cat Stevens.
Yesssssss!!!!
Absolutely 👍
I also highly recommend any song by Mr. Cat Stevens.
YESSSS!! Cat Stevens!
You could react to both the older version and some of his recent performances.
I would give my life for just one minute with my daughter.
She was taken when she was 3 1/2 in 1977 and I have cried every day since.
Sorry to be a bummer on your channel but...
Families will be together again. And this few years compared to eternities will seem a brief moment. Though here pretty tough. God bless
god bless you and your angel in heaven.
I was so lucky to be born in 1967...two loving parents that i never had a bad memory of! Take me back to 1972 please!
Great song, but my favorite Harry Chapin song is "Taxi."
There are some great Chapin songs, all of them are stories. Taxi, Mr. Tanner and A Better Place To Be are all worth a listen.
Another vote for “Better place to be”
Also “Mail order Annie”
"A Better Place to Be" and "Mr. Tanner" are for advanced Chapin-heads. "Cats" and "Bananas" is for beginners with "Taxi" and "WOLD" for the intermediates.
No matter what you do and how present you are, some part of you feels this way when you have a child who has grown up.
Just a note about the great man.
Chapin recorded a total of 11 albums from 1972 until his death in 1981. All 14 singles that he released became hits on at least one national music chart.
As a dedicated humanitarian, Chapin fought to end world hunger. He was a key participant in the creation of the Presidential Commission on World Hunger in 1977.[2] Chapin is credited with being the most politically and socially active American performer of the 1970s.[3][4] In 1987, Chapin was posthumously awarded the Congressional Gold Medal for his humanitarian work.
Always cry listening to this song😭
Me, too. I used to listen to this song back in my taxi-driving days, in Hawaii, when the song came out. And his song, taxi.
Right there with you
@@kentclark6420 love Taxi too! Lived on Oahu in Mililani and worked at Wahiawa Gen Hosp.
Always makes me cry, my dad died when l was 16 and these kind of songs always kill me.
Harry's wife, Sandy, wrote this as a poem/lyric for Harry--who stuck it in a drawer for a while before he dug it out and made his most recognizable song. Saw him 3 X in concert...he always had an intermission where he would spend time talking to his wife on the phone. After the concert, he would stay and talk with the fans, sign autographs. Harry was THE philanthropist (Worl Hunger Year) looooong before it became fashionable in the 80s with "We are the World" and Live Aid
Love the appreciation you show for the music in your facial expressions. How you FEEL the music and let it flow through you without missing the message. You didn't dissect it the way I have seen others do, didn't mention vocals or orchestral arrangement, just the purity of the message that Chapin was really trying to convey. Thanks for your reaction to this timeless classic with a moral story.
Beautiful. Taxi Driver live. You'll love the play on words.
I am a 54 year old Canadian male. Grew up terrified of my father, his anger and violent outbursts. I was 17 when he threatened me for the last time. I told him if he hit me, that it would be last thing he ever did on Earth. Decades later, I have never married, never had kids as I was worried I would subject my wife and kids to the same experience. I realized much too late that I am NOT my father and that he is a part of me, but I am not him. This song strikes a chord for me on a different level. My hope is that for those men who find themselves in my shoes that you realize much sooner than I did, that you are NOT your dad, and you will not repeat the cycle.
My father had a temper, and we were afraid of him at times. There weren't a lot of physicality in his anger though. I promised not to raise my kids that way. I was only partly successful. I do have a temper, but I'm a little better at talking to my kids, apologizing when I was wrong, and debriefing with them. To me an apology is meaningless, unless you know what you're apologizing for, and take steps to correct. I'll hope that my kids do a better job than me. They're amazing kids.
Don't regret your decision, though. It's very common to pass on how you were raised, even if you hated it. I'm hoping you've been able to share your wisdom with the families and children of the community. It's never too late to get married, to be a foster parent, to do Big Brothers.... Fill that hole in your life if you have one. I have lots of regrets for sure, luckily I found a woman who's put up with me (and for that matter, I, her), and we have 2 amazing kids, who'll I'll never hear from again in in a few years (lol). I can't even count on them coming to us for money, cause we don't got any, and they're both going to be successful. C'est la vie. I hardly hear from my very busy son and he's just a first year in college.
@@visforvegan8 Thanks for the reply. I appreciate your insight, and kind words. It sounds like you are doing the best job possible and kuddo's to you and your wife. I have learned in my life, it takes a real man to apologize. Good for you showing your kids this important trait.
Are you kidding me?
Other than the fact I'm a few years older than you, you've described my " Never really had a father, never gonna be a father " existence. Wow
@@shawnobray2202 Thanks for the reply. You summed up succinctly what I was trying to say.
Deep.
This is my child hood. Croce, Taylor, Lightfoot, etc etc etc they wrote from the heart and it makes me cry. This song was a MAJOR influence with spending time with my son. MAJOR
Mr. Jamel, thank you for 1) your knowledge of music, 2) your entertainment (you make me laugh and cry at the same time), and 3) the great messages you give us all. We all need to listen Sir!
I suppose you'll have to do Taxi, W.O.L.D and Thirty Thousand Pounds of Bananas next. Enjoy the new journey, bro. Peace and love.
Was going to suggest Taxi
He's covered taxi iirc.
@@cudwieser3952 he's done Big Yellow Taxi by Joni Mitchell. I couldn't find him reacting to Taxi by Harry Chapin
@@sandybarnes887 I thought he had. There are other reactions to so I may have crossed wires. My bad :)
These are all great songs.. Good messages
When y'all get a moment check the story behind this song and Harry himself. It gives a far more prophetic twist to it. The song would frighten the heart out of him given that it was something his wife would sing in part (the chorus) to his son. Tragically a few years later harry would die on the way to a gig. His son was only 10 at the time.
What a tragic twist, so sad.
@@kathybwell He was heading down the freeway to a gig when he crashed . It was suspected he had a heart attack. He was resuscitated at the scene, but was DOA at the hospital. He was 38 years old.
Wow! I did not know this.
@@darrinlindsey It's often worth a look down the rabbit hole to see why a song was written and performed. There's an inspiration to art and a story to be told :)
I was headed home from work here on Long Island ...driving west on the Long Island Expressway when I passed Harrys vehicle. He had crashed and the car went on fire. He had a heart attack and hit a semi truck as he was heading to a free outdoor concert later that evening at Eisenhower Park here on LI. He was 15 minutes away from where he was headed
That was a tragic day. He was and remains very loved. One of the most prolific songwriters this world was blessed to have.
Saw Harry many times in concert. He was a legendary storyteller.
Jamel... Brother... One of my all time favorites. I remember listening to this with my Dad. My Dad said this is one of the saddest songs ever because the relationship was so lost. That said, I was blessed to spend some good times with my Dad. He left me a month before my 17th birthday to get back together with his Heavenly Father. I've done the best I could to be like the greatest Man I've ever known. My Son is 19 now, so I've known my Baby Boy longer than I knew my Father, and you know time with him and his Baby Sister, 16, is the most precious time in my life.
This song still brings tears to my eyes.
Kids need their parents! Both of them. There is never an excuse not to give all of your to your child. I have failed in most aspects of my life, but the one thing i am proud of is the love for my daughter. She knows how much I love her. We have been close since the day she was born. And she has given me so much more than I could give her. I have heard "I love you, daddy" countless times...and it never gets old
ONE of the all time GREATS ... And was Released in 1974 ....