I saw an interview, I forget who it was but it was a famous singer, in a tribute shortly after HC's death. They said he always put something aside for those without. God bless and keep you Harry. Forgot to add the bless, I'm a dumb a$$.
@karensilvera6694 Agreed..I have always done what I can for others,, because raising myself since I was 9 years old,, I more than many know what it's like to do without/struggle to survive.
@@happymethehappyone8300 I'm sorry that you had to live through that. I hope you've reached a fulfilling life. I was homeless when I was 18. I get what you're saying. Now I'm a suicide crisis hotline counselor for 988. It's my way of holding out a hand and giving back. My best wishes and thank you for sharing your story.
“Sequel” he wrote the follow up 10 years later. Tremendous. Also “A better place to be” “Mr Tanner” “WOLD” “I wanna learn a love song” “Coreys coming” so many great stories!
Oh yes, "Sequel" brings Taxi to a good conclusion. "A Better Place to Be" is great, and one of my favorites. "The Sinper and Other Love Songs" is a great album. Though not easly listening. Harry wrote about normal people just dealing with life, loneliness and loss and becoming a stronger and better person because of it. "Corey's Coming" is a great but it may take some a while to figure out what it going on. Not exactly casual listening. Britt really ought to give "Sequal", "A Better Place to Be", and "Corey's Coming" a try. It would be interesting to see how she handles it. But coming in to Harry Chapin cold may be a bit of a shock. He combines heart and mind to the story. "WOLD" is a radio jock favorite.
I would love to see someone react to Corey’s Coming, Mr Tanner, or Mercenaries. However my favorite Harry Chapin song is There Only Was One Choice. However Britt needs to check out Harry’s brother Tom. He has some great children songs that my kids loved singing along to in the car.
Now you have to hear his “The Sequel”? It will answer some of your questions. I love it! For another story teller listen to “El Pasó” by Marty Robbins. It will paint a picture in your mind as the story unfolds. You won’t be disappointed…. SanJoséBob
Met him and his brother Tom at the Air Force Academy for a concert. Spent a couple of hours with him, very personable. He said he'd attended for a few months then quit, stating he thought he'd make a bigger impact on the world with his music rather than as a pilot. This song refers to that ; he was going to learn to fly.
I saw Harry in concert in Winnipeg, where he stood out in the lobby signing programs for fans as long as they were there. And by then he was very famous. Just a great person.
Apparently 'Chapin was inspired to write “Taxi” in 1971, when he had indeed become a cab driver in order to support his wife, Sandy, and their growing family. He read old girlfriend MacIntyre's marriage announcement in The New York Times and began to fantasize the song's scenario.'
So many masterpieces. “A Better Place To Be,” “We Grew Up A Little Bit,” “Mr. Tanner,” “Dreams Go By,” “Flowers Are Red,” “Dance Band On The Titanic,” “W.O.L.D.,” “I Wanna Learn A Love Song,” “There Only Was One Choice,” “30,000 Pound Of Bananas,” “Country Dreams,” “She Is Always Seventeen,” “All My Life’s A Circle,” “Saturday Morning.” No particular order because EVERY song is a masterpiece. There are more, but these popped off the top of my head.
thank you for reminding me of all those great songs. I used to have his greatest hits on cassette but it died of old age. I am heading that way but still life in me yet.
I've loved Harry Chapin for as long as I can remember.. I had all his albums as a young teen... yeah, I'm old.. I remember crying like a baby when he died in a senseless car accident when I was 16. He was a kind and generous human being! An awesome and talented story teller and artist. His song Sequel, is the sequel to this story.. please check that out soon. He has SO many GREAT songs! Well deserving of a deep dive... Peace!
My favorite Harry Chapin song. I had the pleasure of seeing him perform at a local college in southeast PA in the late 70s. He was so down to earth. After the show he went to the rear of the Auditorium and greated people as they departed while also soliciting contributions for his pet charity which was feeding the hungry. He was a true humanitarian.
A similar song about meeting up with a longlost love is Dan Fogelberg's "Auld Lang Syne." Based on a true story. Fogelberg bumped into an old flame years after they were involved. And he was on the top of charts at the time. Bittersweet and lovely song. You should react to it.
Be honest how many are you like me heard this song on the radio for years and didn't know the high soprano part was sung by a gentleman named Big John and not a woman
I love Big John in the live version of 30,000 Pounds. I sort of feel guilty laughing at such a tragic tale but in a way it memorialized a tragedy in a way we could cope with it.
Big John's range is INCREDIBLE. The fact that he can do this song, then turn around and do the super deep parts in 30,000 pounds of bananas is just mind-boggling.
Here is that very high falsetto lyric as it is hard to hear. I think it helps with the meaning of the song: (Baby's so high that she's skying) (Yes, she's flying, afraid to fall) (I'll tell you why baby's crying) ('Cause she's dying, aren't we all)
You are absolutely my FAVOURITE reactor Britt. I just love everything about you. You have the kindest heart and the loveliest soul. Don't get freaked out. I’m a 75 year old grandma, and wish you nothing but the best. King that loving joyous heart my girl. Greetings from Vancouver Island Canada
With these old songs, I am reliving my teens. Wonderful to see you react to the old great music of the old great songwriters. Thank you for helping to keep these alive.
So glad you enjoy Harry. My all time favorite artist. He did a sequel to Taxi. I believe it was just called sequel. Certainly makes me think this was a true story as many of his songs are. I want to learn a love song is a great song, but my all time favorite is Old College Avenue. I could listen to it over and over.
Watching your glee while you follow the song is just addictive! I'm so glad you're enjoying his music. It's always got a point, whether it's the story, or the message, or both. I love listening to him.
I couldn't agree more, these 2 should be Britt's next reactions of Harry's. "A Better Place to Be": ua-cam.com/video/PM0HnUVl3LQ/v-deo.htmlsi=o4oklj5M7QYy3LIR "Mr. Tanner": ua-cam.com/video/upZB5VlbC6o/v-deo.htmlsi=y6bVZPFhrUXgSLCp
Ding ding ding, winner winner chicken dinner, I love it when a plan comes together...this is why we listen to you Mrs.Britt, your face literally lights up when you get the song !! Keep reacting and smiling young lady !!
Britt, the part in the middle that you did not see coming, was the incredible Big John Wallace, Harry's friend and great vocalist, who had a 5 octave range. Here you heard his very high "falsetto" voice, now you should see him in Mr. Tanner with his beautiful low baritone. Big John made Harry's band complete.
Harry was the ultimate story teller, writer and humanitarian. I saw him so many times, and then he was gone! He did over 200 full shows a year ,to benefit World Hunger. You can read his biography, The Harry Chapin Story, written by Peter Morton Coan. I was at one concert in NY where he invited all those attending to come to his house for a charity barbecue with the band and Pete Seager! Please review "A Better Place to Be". If not, please at listen to it. A beautiful story so elegantly written and delivered!
"THIRTY THOUSAND POUNDS OF BANANAS" or "MR TANNER" are two interesting songs by Harry Chapin. Really liked your reaction, especially when you realized that you had nailed the song.
There are a handful of songs that I can listen to a hundred times and they still bring a tear to my eye. You did two of them today (this and the Edmund Fitzgerald) I love this channel more every day.
And how many times do you find yourself singing them to yourself? But sometimes his songs either take me to a dark place or I turn to them when I am in a dark place, sometimes it's hard to tell which.
A Better Place To Be is another classic that plays like a movie screen in your mind. gorgeous melody and and incredibly touching tale of the journey to love.
Sequel is a must as it continues the story. Harry's lyrics always make you think, Big John has nice baritone part on Mr Tanner that you will never see coming either. Roses are Red is probably his saddest song. 30,000 Pounds of Bananas his most fun (with all 5 endings!). A Better Place to Be is arguably his best but Sniper is by far his most disturbing as it is based on a real life event.
You're hitting all the songs from my high school days today, I just saw "The Wreck of the Edmund Fitzgerald" by Gordon Lightfoot. "Taxi" and "cat's in the Cradle" were Chapin's two most famous songs. Just a song about a chance encounter between two old lovers who's lives went in different directions and knowing they couldn't turn back time. Interesting fact - Chapin, Lightfoot, John Denver and James Taylor performed together in 1977 to fight world hunger.
You need to do a follow up first reaction video to Harry's song "Sequel" which is part two of Taxi. Taxi was written in 1971 and Sequel was written in 1980, nine months before his death in a car accident. I think you'll be quite surprised. Mr. Tanner is another great story song of his, too.
Now you MUST do Sequel! I always loved this story/song because it is so emotionally true. We all have a Harry or Sue in our youth. We all wonder could it have been more?? Truthfully?? Most likely not. But the sentiment will live in our memories forever.
Britt I love to watch you see and hear. for the first time. my favorite songs. Songs that I have know and loved for many many years. Great reactions and great job Bitt!
You nailed it. So much of us live a life that we have but not what we wished. I be become melancholy when I hear this song. Britt you do well breaking down lyrics of a song. You're a very impressive person, you just have bad taste in hats. Lol.
Keep traveling down this Harry Chapin vein. One of my favorite songs by Mr. Chapin is "Mr. Tanner". It is another great story by a timeless storyteller. Thank you.
The falsetto piece is Big John Wallace, a singer with astounding range. He does the baritone performance on Mr. Tanner and the bass from Thirty Thousand Pounds of Bananas.
Better Place to Be, next. the high vocal break in the middle is 'Big' John Wallace. To hear more of John's voice try 30,000 Pounds of Bananas or Mr. Tanner.
There is a Sequel to this song, appropriately called Sequel. His best song is called “There Only Was One Choice”. It is 14 minutes long, and talks about his journey in music. “Strum your guitar sing it kid, just write about you feeling not the things you never did.” “Inexperience once had cursed me, but your youth is no handicap it’s what makes you thirsty”.
You nailed it girl. I love watching you react to these songs I grew up listening to. Watching you discover the beauty in the songs is like watching my grandchildren discover the world through children's eyes. For moment or two, I am young again and rediscovering with you or with them. Thank You for letting me share your discoveries.
Chapin was a genius. This song always reminds me of "Same Old Lang Syne" by Dan Fogelberg. It's another heartbreaking song about serendipitously meeting a love long lost. Good stuff.
it warms my heart to see someone find harry for the first time. he's one of the greats. "a better place to be" and "mr tanner" would be good reaction vids. and although very very short, "the shortest story" would run chills down your spine and a good reaction video that probably nobody has covered. what are you doing doing reaction videos. the way you can piece things together, and have that understanding and empathy, you would be a good counselor...
I managed a concert venue for 20+ years and Harry played a number of times. One season he agreed to do a ‘one off’ for us and the entire band said ‘No’, so we had Harry solo with guitar. The best 2 1/2 hour concert I’ve ever witnessed!
30,000 lbs of bannas is a great story about a truck driver in the hills of Scranton Pennsylvania. Taxie is one of my favorites so thank you very much! Your awesome
You could be right about the woman, but I always took it as she got to be an actress, that's why she's living in the rich house in Frisco. But a dream realized doesn't guarantee happiness nor does it prevent loneliness and pain. As for Harry the songwriter, he took two life experiences, his short-lived Air Force career and his time as a cabbie to come up with this brilliant and compelling story.
One of my favorite concerts was seeing Harry Chapin in Central Park. Tom Paxton opened for him with an hour and a half set, followed by Harry, who did three hours.
He recorded a sequel to this song that you might want to check out. Another great song to check out would be "Flowers Are Red" . BTW, great reaction as usual.
Wonderful troubadour who died much too young in 1981 (age 39) in a car crash on the way to a charity performance. He was dedicated to fighting hunger and raised a considerable amount of money performing in benefits for the cause.
"I've got something inside me, not what my life's about. Cause, I've been letting my outside tide me over til my time runs out." This might literally be one of the greatest lines ever written. This dude is so slept on
This was a man filled with love and goodness, who cared about others more than himself. I saw him three times in concert, and got to meet him briefly. We lost him so very much too soon.
Try “Mr. Tanner” from Harry next Another wonderful but sad story song. Worth the listen FYI, he also wrote a sequel to this song called “Sequel”. You get to hear what happens years later
I’m way late to this party but wanted to share a Harry Chapin story. In 1976 I entered a small college as a freshman along with a few of my high school graduating class. Anyway Harry Chapin put on a concert at my college and I think almost everyone was there. Two things I remember. One was the powers that be would not turn off the house lights in the gym no matter how much he complained. He finally said to us what have y’all done that they’re afraid to turn off the lights??? I believe at some point the house lights were turned off. The second thing I remember is just before he sang Taxi he asked who in the audience could sing. He chose a girl I went to high school with and she had to sing those high notes in the song. I’m telling you she was so on point when she hit those notes she not only blew us away she took Harry’s breath away.
The next chapter (song) is "SEQUEL" and takes place after another 10 years gone by. They meet and many things are different. Great stories by Harry, "Mr Tanner" or "A better place to Be" are so good.
Just an FYI. Harry Chapin entered the US Air Force Academy with the Class of '64, but left soon after he entered. His biggest hit song, "Taxi," referenced his Academy time, as he sang he "was gonna learn to fly" and "took off to find the sky." During the 1975-1976 academic year, he returned to the Academy and played a very well-received concert.
Back in the mid-70s, this song was to be my very first song played on my first shift on the college radio station, but the station manager and the program director had forbade certain songs (especially with the "stoned" reference at the end). The album was in the library, but the dastardly duo had scratched the vinyl on the song making the track unplayable. I was bummed as I found other great tunes - such as Robert Palmer's "Sneakin' Sally Through the Alley" - had suffered a similar fate in our station's collection. So, I consoled myself with finding obscure jazz and deep tracks on the albums we had. I guess that widened my artist awareness but damn...I could have started off with one of the greatest stories in song form as my debut.
+1 on A Better Place To Be and Mr. Tanner. Both incredible songs from Harry's 'Greatest Stories' album. A master storyteller with so many excellent songs. I've been letting my outside tide me (ie; tide me over) until my time runs out. The big guy with the incredible range could also hit the lowest notes as well. Big John Wallace. I was privileged to see Harry in concert three times. Incredible shows and he had amazing rapport and humor with the audience.
Great reaction. Try "W.O.L.D" by Harry. It's about a DJ as he travels from radio station to the next and his life in general. I think you will like that one as well.
People that know Harry's music and soul love the man. I would love to have known him. Many great tunes listed in the comments. One that I personally relate to, as I used to hitch America in the hippie 70s, and had a knapsack on my shoulder, and a pocketful of stories that I just had to tell. You've won a new subscriber with your resonance with Harry. You gotta be cool. :)
Was sitting on the Lawn at Eisenhower on Long Island NY summer 1981 waiting for Harry to come on stage. A man came to the microphone and said Harry just passed in a car accident on Long Island Expressway Sad Night !!!
Awesome, Britt. An absolute fave from the day. In an interview, Harry said this was a "true story that never happened". Making no money in music he applied for a 'hack' license. The day it came in the mail this story went through his head. The next day he got a call for his first paying music gig. The license went on the mantle and the rest is history. He did attend the USAF academy for a short time. Went back a few years later to do a concert.
One of my favorites is "30,000 Pounds of Bananas". It tells a story, just like all of his songs, but it has a little more humor than most of his other songs.
Harry would be proud to know that the Harry Chapin Food Banks now feed 250,,000 less fortunate people a month..R.I.P. Harry 🙏❤️
I saw an interview, I forget who it was but it was a famous singer, in a tribute shortly after HC's death. They said he always put something aside for those without. God bless and keep you Harry.
Forgot to add the bless, I'm a dumb a$$.
Isn't that amazing!! It's his legacy. God, I loved him as a person and a performer.
@karensilvera6694 Agreed..I have always done what I can for others,, because raising myself since I was 9 years old,, I more than many know what it's like to do without/struggle to survive.
@@happymethehappyone8300 I'm sorry that you had to live through that. I hope you've reached a fulfilling life. I was homeless when I was 18. I get what you're saying. Now I'm a suicide crisis hotline counselor for 988. It's my way of holding out a hand and giving back. My best wishes and thank you for sharing your story.
Yes he would
“Sequel” he wrote the follow up 10 years later. Tremendous. Also “A better place to be” “Mr Tanner” “WOLD” “I wanna learn a love song” “Coreys coming” so many great stories!
Oh yes, "Sequel" brings Taxi to a good conclusion. "A Better Place to Be" is great, and one of my favorites. "The Sinper and Other Love Songs" is a great album. Though not easly listening. Harry wrote about normal people just dealing with life, loneliness and loss and becoming a stronger and better person because of it. "Corey's Coming" is a great but it may take some a while to figure out what it going on. Not exactly casual listening.
Britt really ought to give "Sequal", "A Better Place to Be", and "Corey's Coming" a try. It would be interesting to see how she handles it. But coming in to Harry Chapin cold may be a bit of a shock. He combines heart and mind to the story.
"WOLD" is a radio jock favorite.
I would love to see someone react to Corey’s Coming, Mr Tanner, or Mercenaries. However my favorite Harry Chapin song is There Only Was One Choice. However Britt needs to check out Harry’s brother Tom. He has some great children songs that my kids loved singing along to in the car.
Harry's favorite song he wrote was A Better Place to Be.
Thirty Thousand Pounds of Bananas
Now you have to hear his “The Sequel”? It will answer some of your questions. I love it! For another story teller listen to “El Pasó” by Marty Robbins. It will paint a picture in your mind as the story unfolds. You won’t be disappointed…. SanJoséBob
Met him and his brother Tom at the Air Force Academy for a concert. Spent a couple of hours with him, very personable. He said he'd attended for a few months then quit, stating he thought he'd make a bigger impact on the world with his music rather than as a pilot. This song refers to that ; he was going to learn to fly.
I saw Harry in concert in Winnipeg, where he stood out in the lobby signing programs for fans as long as they were there. And by then he was very famous. Just a great person.
Apparently 'Chapin was inspired to write “Taxi” in 1971, when he had indeed become a cab driver in order to support his wife, Sandy, and their growing family. He read old girlfriend MacIntyre's marriage announcement in The New York Times and began to fantasize the song's scenario.'
So many masterpieces. “A Better Place To Be,” “We Grew Up A Little Bit,” “Mr. Tanner,” “Dreams Go By,” “Flowers Are Red,” “Dance Band On The Titanic,” “W.O.L.D.,” “I Wanna Learn A Love Song,” “There Only Was One Choice,” “30,000 Pound Of Bananas,” “Country Dreams,” “She Is Always Seventeen,” “All My Life’s A Circle,” “Saturday Morning.” No particular order because EVERY song is a masterpiece. There are more, but these popped off the top of my head.
From Greatest Stories Live.
He was a very special talent.
thank you for reminding me of all those great songs. I used to have his greatest hits on cassette but it died of old age. I am heading that way but still life in me yet.
Another good story time song by Harry Chapin is "Mail Order Annie"
I've loved Harry Chapin for as long as I can remember.. I had all his albums as a young teen... yeah, I'm old.. I remember crying like a baby when he died in a senseless car accident when I was 16. He was a kind and generous human being! An awesome and talented story teller and artist. His song Sequel, is the sequel to this story.. please check that out soon. He has SO many GREAT songs! Well deserving of a deep dive... Peace!
I was driving on Long Island when I heard about it. Yeah, I'm older.
My favorite Harry Chapin song. I had the pleasure of seeing him perform at a local college in southeast PA in the late 70s. He was so down to earth. After the show he went to the rear of the Auditorium and greated people as they departed while also soliciting contributions for his pet charity which was feeding the hungry. He was a true humanitarian.
He did the same thing in Miami and everything purchased went directly to the charity.
@valap_ no, not Penn State. It was a small college near Philly called West Chester State, now West Chester U.
A similar song about meeting up with a longlost love is Dan Fogelberg's "Auld Lang Syne." Based on a true story. Fogelberg bumped into an old flame years after they were involved. And he was on the top of charts at the time. Bittersweet and lovely song. You should react to it.
Isn’t it “Same Old Lang Syne”?
@@terri2494 You're right. I'm an idiot.
My favorite after Cat's in the Cradle
There is a sequel to this song aptly titled sequel
You need to listen,he drove her to her big house and she was obviously married
He was just a hack
Been there,done that.good call.
Be honest how many are you like me heard this song on the radio for years and didn't know the high soprano part was sung by a gentleman named Big John and not a woman
I love Big John in the live version of 30,000 Pounds. I sort of feel guilty laughing at such a tragic tale but in a way it memorialized a tragedy in a way we could cope with it.
The live version of 30,000 pounds of bananas is a must listen
Big John's range is INCREDIBLE. The fact that he can do this song, then turn around and do the super deep parts in 30,000 pounds of bananas is just mind-boggling.
I know I saw this on pbs in the 70s, beautiful performance!!
Another wonderful artist gone before his time.
Here is that very high falsetto lyric as it is hard to hear. I think it helps with the meaning of the song:
(Baby's so high that she's skying)
(Yes, she's flying, afraid to fall)
(I'll tell you why baby's crying)
('Cause she's dying, aren't we all)
You are absolutely my FAVOURITE reactor Britt. I just love everything about you. You have the kindest heart and the loveliest soul. Don't get freaked out. I’m a 75 year old grandma, and wish you nothing but the best. King that loving joyous heart my girl. Greetings from Vancouver Island Canada
With these old songs, I am reliving my teens. Wonderful to see you react to the old great music of the old great songwriters. Thank you for helping to keep these alive.
So glad you enjoy Harry. My all time favorite artist. He did a sequel to Taxi. I believe it was just called sequel. Certainly makes me think this was a true story as many of his songs are. I want to learn a love song is a great song, but my all time favorite is Old College Avenue. I could listen to it over and over.
Watching your glee while you follow the song is just addictive! I'm so glad you're enjoying his music. It's always got a point, whether it's the story, or the message, or both. I love listening to him.
Please let "Mr. Tanner" be the next HC song you cover... Then, "A Better Place to Be." So emotional....
totally agree
i agree, both of them next
I couldn't agree more, these 2 should be Britt's next reactions of Harry's. "A Better Place to Be": ua-cam.com/video/PM0HnUVl3LQ/v-deo.htmlsi=o4oklj5M7QYy3LIR "Mr. Tanner": ua-cam.com/video/upZB5VlbC6o/v-deo.htmlsi=y6bVZPFhrUXgSLCp
I agree.... I live in Watertown, NY, the town where A Better Place to Be was born. Best song ever...along with Mr. Tanner. peace
A Better Place to Be is one of my all time favorites
Ding ding ding, winner winner chicken dinner, I love it when a plan comes together...this is why we listen to you Mrs.Britt, your face literally lights up when you get the song !! Keep reacting and smiling young lady !!
Britt, the part in the middle that you did not see coming, was the incredible Big John Wallace, Harry's friend and great vocalist, who had a 5 octave range. Here you heard his very high "falsetto" voice, now you should see him in Mr. Tanner with his beautiful low baritone. Big John made Harry's band complete.
Harry was the ultimate story teller, writer and humanitarian. I saw him so many times, and then he was gone! He did over 200 full shows a year ,to benefit World Hunger. You can read his biography, The Harry Chapin Story, written by Peter Morton Coan.
I was at one concert in NY where he invited all those attending to come to his house for a charity barbecue with the band and Pete Seager!
Please review "A Better Place to Be". If not, please at listen to it. A beautiful story so elegantly written and delivered!
"THIRTY THOUSAND POUNDS OF BANANAS" or "MR TANNER" are two interesting songs by Harry Chapin. Really liked your reaction, especially when you realized that you had nailed the song.
There are a handful of songs that I can listen to a hundred times and they still bring a tear to my eye. You did two of them today (this and the Edmund Fitzgerald) I love this channel more every day.
And how many times do you find yourself singing them to yourself? But sometimes his songs either take me to a dark place or I turn to them when I am in a dark place, sometimes it's hard to tell which.
America's best storyteller, Harry Chapin, amd Canada's best storyteller, Gordon Lightfoot.
May they both RIP
@@robertmiller2633 I think Gordon Lightfoot was called the poet laureate of Canada.
I used to use this song to help my students see what precise, simple language can do.
Love this song. Britt, Mr Tanner is another one of Harry's songs I think you will enjoy. It's about music and singing. Thanks for sharing this one. 🙂
Since you're liking Harry Chapin, you might also check out his songs "Mr. Tanner", "W.O.L.D.", and "30,000 Pounds of Bananas".
Love your reactions!
Thanks!
Harry was a great artist and so good to his fans. Just a great guy, Gone too soon! (Love your reactions!)
A Better Place To Be is another classic that plays like a movie screen in your mind. gorgeous melody and and incredibly touching tale of the journey to love.
Sequel is a must as it continues the story. Harry's lyrics always make you think, Big John has nice baritone part on Mr Tanner that you will never see coming either. Roses are Red is probably his saddest song. 30,000 Pounds of Bananas his most fun (with all 5 endings!). A Better Place to Be is arguably his best but Sniper is by far his most disturbing as it is based on a real life event.
You're hitting all the songs from my high school days today, I just saw "The Wreck of the Edmund Fitzgerald" by Gordon Lightfoot. "Taxi" and "cat's in the Cradle" were Chapin's two most famous songs. Just a song about a chance encounter between two old lovers who's lives went in different directions and knowing they couldn't turn back time. Interesting fact - Chapin, Lightfoot, John Denver and James Taylor performed together in 1977 to fight world hunger.
You need to do a follow up first reaction video to Harry's song "Sequel" which is part two of Taxi. Taxi was written in 1971 and Sequel was written in 1980, nine months before his death in a car accident. I think you'll be quite surprised.
Mr. Tanner is another great story song of his, too.
Now you MUST do Sequel! I always loved this story/song because it is so emotionally true. We all have a Harry or Sue in our youth. We all wonder could it have been more?? Truthfully?? Most likely not. But the sentiment will live in our memories forever.
You freaking rock Britt! You are beyond your years with your analysis. Love that you enjoy the music that I grew up with.
We all start out as actors then we learn our own realities through life experience. There is a sequel to this song. RIP Harry Chapin.
He had you right to the end, then he opened the door and let you walk into his story. Masterpiece.
Britt I love to watch you see and hear. for the first time. my favorite songs. Songs that I have know and loved for many many years. Great reactions and great job Bitt!
Mr. Chapin could certainly spin a great yarn. 10 years after this song he released the sequel to it. It's title is (get ready. . .) Sequel.
You nailed it. So much of us live a life that we have but not what we wished. I be become melancholy when I hear this song. Britt you do well breaking down lyrics of a song. You're a very impressive person, you just have bad taste in hats. Lol.
Keep traveling down this Harry Chapin vein. One of my favorite songs by Mr. Chapin is "Mr. Tanner". It is another great story by a timeless storyteller. Thank you.
Another story from Harry: "Bummer", "A Better Place to Be", "Mr. Tanner", "Sniper", "Mayor of Candor Lied" ... ALL masterpieces!
It is so much fun watching you finding my fifty year favorites.
I haven't heard this song in so long. Love it!!!
You did Taxi and The Wreck of the Edmund Fitzgerald back to back. Two amazing examples of storytelling music from the 70s. Good for you.
You may now want to check out "Sequel"
The falsetto piece is Big John Wallace, a singer with astounding range. He does the baritone performance on Mr. Tanner and the bass from Thirty Thousand Pounds of Bananas.
Better Place to Be, next. the high vocal break in the middle is 'Big' John Wallace. To hear more of John's voice try 30,000 Pounds of Bananas or Mr. Tanner.
I just love your reactions. I find myself talking to you. Answering your questions “ did I just nail this” me “ yes,yes you did”
You're the best!
He was such a good storyteller
There is a Sequel to this song, appropriately called Sequel. His best song is called “There Only Was One Choice”. It is 14 minutes long, and talks about his journey in music. “Strum your guitar sing it kid, just write about you feeling not the things you never did.” “Inexperience once had cursed me, but your youth is no handicap it’s what makes you thirsty”.
The greatest storyteller ever! I have been enjoying his music since the 1970's. The day he died; the music really died.
He's one of the best. Thanks for letting me enjoy it again.
"A Better Place To Be" by Harry Chapin might well be my favourite song ever.
You nailed it girl. I love watching you react to these songs I grew up listening to. Watching you discover the beauty in the songs is like watching my grandchildren discover the world through children's eyes. For moment or two, I am young again and rediscovering with you or with them. Thank You for letting me share your discoveries.
Those melancholy strings are so moving and perfect for this tale.
Chapin was a genius. This song always reminds me of "Same Old Lang Syne" by Dan Fogelberg. It's another heartbreaking song about serendipitously meeting a love long lost. Good stuff.
Mr Tanner, A Better Place to Be are stories you must experience.
it warms my heart to see someone find harry for the first time. he's one of the greats. "a better place to be" and "mr tanner" would be good reaction vids. and although very very short, "the shortest story" would run chills down your spine and a good reaction video that probably nobody has covered.
what are you doing doing reaction videos. the way you can piece things together, and have that understanding and empathy, you would be a good counselor...
Love your reactions, love that smile. Keep up the great work!
Harry also had the only song to be banned in Scranton, Pennsylvania. 30,000 lbs of bananas. One of his true story songs. ✌️
I managed a concert venue for 20+ years and Harry played a number of times. One season he agreed to do a ‘one off’ for us and the entire band said ‘No’, so we had Harry solo with guitar. The best 2 1/2 hour concert I’ve ever witnessed!
DING DING DING! I knew you would get it at the end!!!!!!!
Great guy, met him twice in 1971 at the nyc studio where I serviced the tape recording heads. RIP ❤
30,000 lbs of bannas is a great story about a truck driver in the hills of Scranton Pennsylvania. Taxie is one of my favorites so thank you very much! Your awesome
"Mr Tanner" that is another Harry story song you'll love. & "A Better Place to Be."
Many of his songs tell a story. I always enjoy listening to Cats In The Cradle 👍
You could be right about the woman, but I always took it as she got to be an actress, that's why she's living in the rich house in Frisco. But a dream realized doesn't guarantee happiness nor does it prevent loneliness and pain. As for Harry the songwriter, he took two life experiences, his short-lived Air Force career and his time as a cabbie to come up with this brilliant and compelling story.
I think she married a wealthy man & never became an actress.
One of my favorite concerts was seeing Harry Chapin in Central Park. Tom Paxton opened for him with an hour and a half set, followed by Harry, who did three hours.
I was lucky to see Harry, live in concert about 4 months before he passed. One of the best story tellers.
Ps; try not to cut in as much.
Amazing. Amazing song and an amazing reaction.
He recorded a sequel to this song that you might want to check out. Another great song to check out would be "Flowers Are Red" . BTW, great reaction as usual.
Wonderful troubadour who died much too young in 1981 (age 39) in a car crash on the way to a charity performance. He was dedicated to fighting hunger and raised a considerable amount of money performing in benefits for the cause.
"I've got something inside me, not what my life's about. Cause, I've been letting my outside tide me over til my time runs out."
This might literally be one of the greatest lines ever written. This dude is so slept on
This was a man filled with love and goodness, who cared about others more than himself. I saw him three times in concert, and got to meet him briefly. We lost him so very much too soon.
Try “Mr. Tanner” from Harry next
Another wonderful but sad story song. Worth the listen
FYI, he also wrote a sequel to this song called “Sequel”. You get to hear what happens years later
Great reaction to a great song! I think you will also like his song 'WOLD'. It's another great story song about an aging disc jockey.
My favorite Harry Chapin song. He was a great storyteller with his music. I was lucky enough to see him in concert before he died.
I love your reviews of Harry Chapin. He's so amazing and underappreciated.
I think you nailed it at the end of the song. LOL love the reaction.
I’m way late to this party but wanted to share a Harry Chapin story. In 1976 I entered a small college as a freshman along with a few of my high school graduating class. Anyway Harry Chapin put on a concert at my college and I think almost everyone was there. Two things I remember. One was the powers that be would not turn off the house lights in the gym no matter how much he complained. He finally said to us what have y’all done that they’re afraid to turn off the lights??? I believe at some point the house lights were turned off. The second thing I remember is just before he sang Taxi he asked who in the audience could sing. He chose a girl I went to high school with and she had to sing those high notes in the song. I’m telling you she was so on point when she hit those notes she not only blew us away she took Harry’s breath away.
Him and his band were always some of my favorites. I sat and cried the day he died.
The next chapter (song) is "SEQUEL" and takes place after another 10 years gone by. They meet and many things are different. Great stories by Harry, "Mr Tanner" or "A better place to Be" are so good.
Just an FYI. Harry Chapin entered the US Air Force Academy with the Class of '64, but left soon after he entered. His biggest hit song, "Taxi," referenced his Academy time, as he sang he "was gonna learn to fly" and "took off to find the sky." During the 1975-1976 academic year, he returned to the Academy and played a very well-received concert.
He wrote a sequel to this song called, appropriately enough, "Sequel". If you like this song, you will like it's sequel. :-)
You need to check out the sequel to find out what happened to them!
Back in the mid-70s, this song was to be my very first song played on my first shift on the college radio station, but the station manager and the program director had forbade certain songs (especially with the "stoned" reference at the end). The album was in the library, but the dastardly duo had scratched the vinyl on the song making the track unplayable. I was bummed as I found other great tunes - such as Robert Palmer's "Sneakin' Sally Through the Alley" - had suffered a similar fate in our station's collection. So, I consoled myself with finding obscure jazz and deep tracks on the albums we had. I guess that widened my artist awareness but damn...I could have started off with one of the greatest stories in song form as my debut.
+1 on A Better Place To Be and Mr. Tanner. Both incredible songs from Harry's 'Greatest Stories' album. A master storyteller with so many excellent songs. I've been letting my outside tide me (ie; tide me over) until my time runs out. The big guy with the incredible range could also hit the lowest notes as well. Big John Wallace. I was privileged to see Harry in concert three times. Incredible shows and he had amazing rapport and humor with the audience.
I had the privilege seeing Harry in 1972 at BGSu, free concert! His brother in law had sung opera is the gentleman singing with Harry.
one of my fav harry songs is A better place to be
Great reaction. Try "W.O.L.D" by Harry. It's about a DJ as he travels from radio station to the next and his life in general. I think you will like that one as well.
I will check it out
Two more great stories from Harry, "A Better Place To Be" And "Mr. Tanner"
People that know Harry's music and soul love the man. I would love to have known him. Many great tunes listed in the comments. One that I personally relate to, as I used to hitch America in the hippie 70s, and had a knapsack on my shoulder, and a pocketful of stories that I just had to tell. You've won a new subscriber with your resonance with Harry. You gotta be cool. :)
Ooks. Forgot to say the song. It is "Sunday Morning Sunshine".
Was sitting on the Lawn at Eisenhower on Long Island NY summer 1981 waiting for Harry to come on stage. A man came to the microphone and said Harry just passed in a car accident on Long Island Expressway Sad Night !!!
HASHTAG Nailed it.. As soon as you paused it right before the answer I started laughing as you were about to find out.
Awesome, Britt. An absolute fave from the day. In an interview, Harry said this was a "true story that never happened". Making no money in music he applied for a 'hack' license. The day it came in the mail this story went through his head. The next day he got a call for his first paying music gig. The license went on the mantle and the rest is history. He did attend the USAF academy for a short time. Went back a few years later to do a concert.
The 70s era of the singer/ songwriter will never be surpassed, what a time it was.
there is a part two to this song storyline, called Taxi the sequel
One of my favorites is "30,000 Pounds of Bananas". It tells a story, just like all of his songs, but it has a little more humor than most of his other songs.
thank you for reviewing the old classics, this younger generation has to keep the memory's of these songs and artist alive for future generations
This truly is one of the greatest songs ever written. I'm so happy you took a listen. Now it's time for Sequel. You nailed it. Good for you.
The 70's was the Singer song writer decade.The 50's through the 90's they raited the 70's as 1#