Harry Chapin - A Better Place to Be
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- Опубликовано: 4 сен 2024
- "It was an early morning bar room,
And the place just opened up.
And the little man come in so fast and
Started at his cup.
And the broad who served the whisky
She was a big old friendly girl.
And she tried to fight her empty nights
By smilin' at the world.
And she said "Hey Bub, It's been awhile
Since you been around.
Where the hell you been hidin' ?
And why you look so down ?"
But the little man just sat there like he'd never heard a sound.
The waitress she gave out with a cough,
And acting not the least put off,
She spoke once again.
She said, "I don't want to bother you,
Consider it's understood.
I know I'm not no beauty queen,
But I sure can listen good."
And the little man took his drink in his hand
And he raised it to his lips.
He took a couple of sips.
And he told the waitress this story.
"I am the midnight watchman down at Miller's Tool and Die.
And I watch the metal rusting, and I watch the time go by.
A week ago at the diner I stopped to get a bite.
And this here lovely lady she sat two seats from my right.
And Lord, Lord, Lord she was alright.
"Oh she was so damned beautiful that she'd warm a winter's frost.
But she was long past lonely, and well nigh unto lost.
Now I'm not much of a mover, or a pick-em-up easy guy,
But I decided to glide on over, and give her one good try.
And Lord, Lord, Lord she was worth a try.
"Tongued-tied like a school boy, I stammered out some words.
But it did not really matter much, 'cause I don't think she heard.
She just looked clear on through me to a space back in my head.
And it shamed me into silence, as quietly she said,
'If you want me to come with you, then that's all right with me.
Cause I know I'm going nowhere, and anywhere's a better place to be.
Anywhere's a better place to be.'
"I drove her to my boarding house, and I took her up to my room.
And I went to turn on the only light to brighten up the gloom.
But she said, 'Please leave the light off, Oh I don't mind the dark.'
And as her clothes all tumbled 'round her, I could hear my heart.
The moonlight shown upon her as she lay back in my bed.
It was the kind of scene I only had imagined in my head.
I just could not believe it, to think that she was real.
And as I tried to tell her she said 'Shhh.. I know just how you feel.
And if you want to come here with me, then that's all right with me.
'Cause I've been oh so lonely, lovin' someone is a better way to be.
anywhere's a better way to be.'
"The morning come so swiftly but I held her in my arms.
But she slept like a baby, snug and safe from harm.
I did not want to share her with the world or break the mood,
So before she woke I went out and brought us both some food.
"I came back with my paper bag, to find out she was gone.
She'd left a six word letter saying 'It's time that I moved on.'"
The waitress took a bar rag, and she wiped it across her eyes.
And as she spoke her voice came out as something like a sigh.
She said "I wish that I was beautiful, or that you were halfway blind.
And I wish I weren't so dog-gone fat, I wish that you were mine.
And I wish that you'd come with me, when I leave for home.
For we both know all about loneliness, and livin' all alone."
And the little man,
Looked at the empty glass in his hand.
And he smiled a crooked grin,
He said, " I guess I'm out of gin.
And know we both have been so lonely.
And if you want me to come with you, then that's all right with me.
'Cause I know I'm goin' nowhere and anywhere's a better place to be." "
/Lyrics from The Harry Chapin Archive at Harrychapin.com\
![Taxi/Sequel - Harry Chapin [Complete Extended Remix Audio]](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/uS-e3K9h6S4/mqdefault.jpg)
I saw him live - as the opener for Seals and Crofts. When he finished and they tried to bring the headliners on stage the crowd went crazy, demanding encores for Harry. It was like "To hell with the pop group, bring the real star back out." He INFECTED an audience with his presence. And for those of you who don't know, Harry donated about a third of the proceeds of his paid concerts to charity, with a focus on ending world hunger. The world lost more than we can ever know when he passed.
That a beautiful comment and I thank you for posting it.
I missed the chance to see him and have regretted it ever since. An extraordinary human being. RIP.
Awesome statement
Every song he sings makes you cry or makes you laugh. Every one.
My first concert was Harry Chapin in November, 1980.
After the show, Harry sat on a stool in the alleyway behind the theatre and signed autographs for God knows how long.
I got my copy of his poetry book signed by him and his son, Josh, who was "comic relief" during 'Dancing Boy'.
Unfortunately, I don't have it anymore. It was lost in a fire that destroyed half of the block I lived on.
That following summer was when he died in the car accident.
I was as devastated when he died as I was when John Lennon was murdered.
Harry was a beautiful human being and I really wish he were still here today!
He received the Congressional Gold Medal. The highest civilian award that can be awarded to a civilian.
Harry is my next nominee for the Nobel Prize in Literature.
Do they award posthumously?
As a chubby lady with a big heart, this song has always resonated with me. I wish that I was beautiful, or that you were half way blind...so many great songs! I hold Mr Chapin up with the best of the best story tellers. ❤❤❤❤
Same sis. I just hit 42 & this song still resonates with me. Anywhere is a better place to be.
My dad's favorite artist. After he passed. I started actually listening to him to see why my dad liked him so much. Needless to say, I completely understand why now. Amazing story teller.
He sure was! It took me till my 50's to really listen and so glad I did!
I'm 69 years old and have been listening to him and his brothers since the 1960's. Very few artists have his talent to craft stories. His wife is very good at explaining his abilities at crafting songs and stories. Please give him and his brothers a chance to let you know what true can be and is. Enjoy.
Life's funny that way.
I am 69 abd have 8:32 been listene listening to his music since 1971.
I am a 72-year-old career guitarist, and I first saw Harry on Don kirshner's
It was an honor to consider Mr. Chapin as a good friend, he helped me come back from Vietnam. There are too many dark places in life and great musicians are a light in that place.
Thank you for your service, Sir. May you ever enjoy the sunlight.
Welcome home, brother
Omg. That's an amazing story..My father was a Vietnam marine who loved his music, it calmed and relaxed him.. I grew up listening to him and he is one of my favorite all time artists.. He's a staple in my life, I've never heard a better story teller in my life. It makes me sad that he passed away so young, but his music is still some of the best I've ever heard. God bless
You are very appreciated, I know that flies from people's lips far too easily today, far to obligatory - but never for one second doubt that we all owe you a debt that simply can never be repayed - thank you for you!
Thank you
You don't just hear the waitress' plea at the end..You FEEL it..The want, lonliness, desire...Only Harry can make the listener feel that with his words..
I fell the little man more than the waitress but yeah I know what you mean. Let's hear it for the incomparable Harry Chapin.
I tear up every time at her plea and his response. Every time!
I have a really cool hairy Chapin story to tell everybody but it's New Year's Eve and I don't have time to put it on here now but I'll do it tomorrow it's really a neat story
I was doing voice to text that's why it's
spelled "hairy"....Damn phone.
Tune in tomorrow 👌😉😁
Yes, we feel his songs
I had the opprotunity to see him live. I was born in 1957, and though I am old I am happy-- I have seen the best, the good do die young! I am glad a new generation is discovering that some things will never change. It gives me hope!!!!
This song has the greatest "payoff" in musical history which is why it's my favorite tune from Harry.
He was a wonderful human being, a fantastic storyteller, and a great humanitarian.
You are dearly missed, Harry.
We love you!
I don't believe Chapin received the recognition he deserved as a songwriter. This is a classic!
I disagree. He's great. Yes, but he found his audience in his time. People loved him. He received a lot of recognition and those who didn't find him weren't ready to hear him.
Harry made songs mean something to me.
Me too.
How can you not be a fan of not only his music but of the MAN im forever a fan
I can NOT listen to this song without crying. Harry had such a gentle heart. I’m so sad he left too soon, but I’m thankful for the gifts he left us. 🙏🏻
Listened to it again recently,first time for ages and the tears just flowed .
What a legacy that man left us.
who was hlm
He once said that this was his favorite of all his songs. I've been singing and loving this, and so many others, for 35+years now.
I cry too 😁 such a legendary songwriter, heartbreak and he always lifts up by the end with such hope 💜
I feel so much. He expresses our hearts and adds words to what we feel
Thank you dad for showing a young kid some classy tunes that tell a great story , 24 year old that loves some Harry chapin!!
Harry was on stage for almost 3 hours with no break. The rest of the crew left him out there for about a half hour, and Harry never missed a beat. Sure wish I could see and hear him again, and cry some more.
I don’t think the reality of this song reaches the people that need it.😊
When I heard on the news that Harry had died that day . I was driving truck from Eastern Canada to the west coast. I had to pull over and cried like a baby. He was my bible for life. My 6 years old was able to see him a few months before he died and Harry picked her up after the concert and gave her a hug. I was fortunate enough to see him 6 times in concerts..
I saw him 4 times in Chicago best concerts I ever attended.
Tow tragic endings to giants in the music industry, Harry and Jim Croce.
Harry Chapin sang my soul. I love him. And always will miss him. I hope to meet him someday...
i was walking down a street in Athens. i fell to the ground and cried. no one stopped, thank goodness. Greek is a tricky language, and i couldn't have expressed my grief.
Thanks for recommending this artist to me over the phone, Harry! Reminds me of Jim Croce. - Your OpenTable customer service rep :)
I am glad I had the privilege to see him at The Troubadour in Hollywood in 1975. He is truly a legend that left us too soon. I am now 70 and I am still listening to his genius.
One of his best.The world lost a wonderful man
Harry Chapin's sensitivity and insight to the human condition remains unsurpassed to this day. His ordinary language delivers deep clear articulation to the sublime.
His albums are great but his concerts set the crowds on fire. I saw him the first time at the World Hunger Year concert at Detroit. He shared the stage with Gordon Lightfoot, John Denver, and James Taylor but the crowd went crazy over Harry. What charisma!
A great heart and a cherished friend. We traveled roads together long long ago. I see him now only at night among the stars. Shine bright friend. Shine bright on us.
Funny...How in some "sad" way, "WE" have all experienced some of Harry's songs...Maybe it is more of a blessing?...No Matter...It is all part of the learning process...Harry was one of the few who could put it into an "ART FORM!"...God Bless you Harry, you will always be remembered.
Still loving you Harry
Harry Chapin’s daughter Jen Chaplin is a damn good singer too
I had the privilege of seeing Harry in concert 3x's. Had a Blast!!!
He's Totally in a Better Place. God Bless...
R.I.P. Harry.🙏⚘
Saw him twice
Chapin was to music as Carlin was to humor. I am glad to live in their time.
He was into feeding people and sharing his songs. He was a saint.
If you can't feel the emotion, the strength of this..You're clinically dead.. This IS the story, and DOES happen, every night, somewhere.. This, folks, is..REAL...
Deep. Very deep and im proud to be part of a generation that actually thought .......🙂
I was lucky enough to hear Harry's music as a young child. My former brother in law used to play his 8 tracks when he took my niece and I places during the summer. (My niece is older than I am, and I had a brother in law at the age of 5). I think back fondly of Michael and how fortunate I was to have him introduce me to such wonderful music. It took almost 37 years to realize what an impact that music has had on my life....
One of my top 5 Chapin songs! Thanks! Saw him live 3 times, miss him terribly. What a songwriter, performer and humanitarian.
I was near San Francisco, a place called The Doggy Diner, in the 1970s and heard this song. The weather, the diner, the mood. Jeez. Hit like a brick. What a wordsmith. Unique, amazing.
This type of music could have only been made in the seventies
Best pick up ever.
I love you, Harry and miss you so much.
I was blessed to see him perform shortly before he left us. I have enjoyed the memories ever since. Thanks for the memories Harry! You will live forever in song.......
He was a musical genius. His songs were heartfelt and powerful. They could have made excellent videos of these songs,
wow only 85 comments...guess people arent all lucky enough to have a mum and dad who always played harry as i slept in the backseat falling asleep on the way home from my nans on a sunday evening.. the lyrics sinking into my subconcious.. a unique guy with a way of telling a story through song that i dont think can ever be matched.
My parents did the same thing, I am so glad they did too
I'm a kid and loving this
For you folks who have just discovered Harry, you found the gem in the rough. Sorry, that unlike me, you didn't have chance to see him perform in person, it was FANTASTIC each of the 4 times I was privileged to do so. And if you like his songs, maybe take a listen to some of the Statler Brothers ballads, two totally different styles, but in many ways so similar.
This guy sang from the heart and the soul......he knew how people need to reach out to help identify with the human condition.
You have that right. No one sings like he did.
Well said Jim.
Always loved and continue to love his music! What a wonderful person!
There's a lot I read about the human connection.. what is your take?
newmexicocoyote@yahoo.com
'he did not know how well he sang... IT JUST MADE HIM WHOLE'
I couldn't of said it better crustycoyote!
When I saw him I was in my early teens, he has stayed in my heart since then, one of the very best !
This is one of Harry's greatest songs! Of course, he wrote more than 100 masterpieces! He's my all time favorite singer. Also my all time fave songwriter. Saw him 43 times in concert, and still miss him terribly! But he lives on forever in his music, his spirit, all the lives he touched, and the wonderful work he did through World Hunger Year (now Why Hunger), and for so many great causes.
One of my favourite songs but I don't think that is him singing it here.
43 times? Wow! Seriously jealous... 😉
@@gordbaker896 Yep, that's him. That voice is unmistakeable. And I'm pretty sure this is right off the album, so there might have been some mixing-room magic.
One of my many favorites of his. There never be another Harry Chapin!
I'm sobbing 😭
Once, driving down the road with a man named Ed, I heard this song for the first time. I had been in a "relationship" with Ed for about 8 years and we had moved into "platonic friends" for various reasons. We were passing time together, going nowhere. This song had me sobbing my heart out.
I hear you, Laura. Art
I'm still looking
Hope you are - what a sad story
@@kevinnewman3746 I had totally forgotten writing this comment. Ed and I are still platonic friends but there is love between us. We’ve known each other since 2002. Took us a few years to find our particular groove... which is too old grow old together but apart. Definitely not what I thought I wanted for myself but it has been solid. Sometimes the picture doesn’t take shape the way you thought you were drawing it, right?
Passing time together...I'm betting a lot of relationships are like that. They just don't know what else to do
“I'd rather love a million times and have my heart broken every time, than hold a permanently empty heart forever.” ― H.C. Paye
.
Amen, Will
so true espousaly sinse my time. is so short @ Ihave had a full live
+Fred Ziska I had a N.D.E. July 90. I can tell you it doesn't all end here, and I wept like a baby C.C.U. when I came to. I saw the tunnel and the being of light. Read between the line here. -> There were no franchised players there. But the power of Believing makes it all work. I am not keen on dying, but I am not afraid death. Will
So calm yet so not knowing. What to expect ? Live life to love life , for it will not last forever. Love your people.
So true!
I have heard this song so many times that I can picture each scene. A great story teller. Cause I know I 'm goin' nowhere, and anywhere a better place to be. One of the great lines.
I had the honor of watching him in Russellville, Arkansas at ATU. I do not remember the year, but I remember a 'person' behind me making a rude comment. Mr. Chapin asked him how much the person had donated to charity? He went on to say if the 'person' didn't like what he was saying he could get the h!@l up and leave. All the money from that performance was going to charity. and the 'person could get the f out if he didn't like what he heard. I loved his music before that, but fell in love on the spot that night.
I was at the concert in Russellville too. It was on an impulse to see him and I thank my lucky stars I got to see him before his tragic death and untimely death. He will always be a special singer, songwriter and person. I will always remember him.
I was privileged to attend three of his concerts, twice in the small venue setting of San Diego State's Amphitheater before it was enlarged.
Let me end by repeating, it was a PRIVILEGE to attend.
One of his best. Also one of the best ballads I've ever heard along with taxi and Mr. tanner. Truly and original singer/songwriter. They don't make those anymore.
I love all his songs they move me to tears and energize me all at the same time
I've been a fan of Harry Chapin since I first heard "Greatest Stories Live" in the early 1980's. Hearing any of those songs still makes me stop and listen to the great stories that tells. He truly was a great American story teller.
The ultimate story teller!
I want to take this time to help some people. I was a coroner as well as a medical doctor. Harry was also one of my favorite artists and I like so so many others cried my eyes out when I heard. But I can tell you this, he never felt anything, One second alive , the next second dead, I will not get into the details as they may be to much for some but rest assured Harry was with God 1 second after it happened. I hope this will help some of you.
Thank you for that. Im listening to A better place to be.
Thank you for that. Im listening to A better place to be.
NICE
interesting...that you would share this now... after all this time.. he clearly made an impact on so many... he had the uncanny ability to cut to the quick.. not sure that anyone else has been able to do the same.. I still listen to him... certain songs... no one could express themselves as well as he could.. his music will certainly live on...thanks for the post.
not usually a troll but I thought about It ican tell you care about this guy but Harry deserves better
Chapin has a permanent place in my heart. Thanks to Songs of Harry for posting. Best wishes.
I
l saw Harry 3 times at the Capital Theatre in Port Chester New York. l
have always and will always love him for his warmth and kindness and love of life and mankind
l have tears in my eyes every time I see his videos and witness his love for all mankind and the great legacy he left but what greatness he could have given us had his life not been cut short. l live you Harry. Thank you for making my life a better plsce.
"it's time that i moved on."
So many great one kines in this song that hit hard.
I saw him four different times at the Greek Theater in Los Angeles. The last time I saw him he had his father's jazz band with him and they played the opening to Bummer. He is my all-time favorite artist.
To be able to connect with the audience has got to be a spiritual occurance that very few artists genuinely participate in. Harry connected and showed a reality, which always is extraordinary. I used to hear in Savannah, Ga and a couple of times got to talk to him on River St. He helped me come back from Vietnam.
I mentioned this in another video - Saw Harry at Curry College (late 60's or early 70"s - cant't remember) - saw him another 4 times last time in Phoenix 1979. I got all of my brothers and friiends to buy tickets to his show at the music tent in ma. He died before the show - will never forget him, and I have passed him along to my kids.
I bought one of his greatest hits cd about 10 years ago. I found a lot of great songs on it. I felt like giving it a listen this morning. Besides the great melody and songwriting the musicians on this recording are phenomenal. The drummer is playing with SOOO MUCH EMOTION. I can FEEL it.
Best story teller ever!!
Probably his best song
Feeling blessed to have discovered his music when I was just 16 years old. I am 25 now and his stories still accompany me through my life. Good music never dies!
I was a fan of Harry's from the beginning. I life cut short way to early, I often wonder what he could have accomplished if had been given the chance. I am talking about socially as well as musically. He was one of those people who cared about others and was willing to use his fame to help others.
He was summond up to Heaven by God, that's how great of a musician he was !!
He was trying to convince legislators to fund food for the hungry at the time that he had the auto accident on the Long Island Expressway in 1980.
Saw him in 1974 at Capital Theater in Passaic ,New Jersey . He was incredible in concert because he involved the audience. God took him from his wife and kids too soon. He would have been a tremendous force for good because he was committed to helping the less fortunate among us , like the homeless.He will never be replaced because his story songs don't fit into any particular niche ; he was that unique. Miss him every day but glad he left us a glorious legacy. God rest his soul... he's in good company with all the musical greats.
I saw him many times at The Bitter End in the Village.. I drove a taxi in NY for 3 days just to get stoned .... Its still one of my favorite songs.
Harry you are missed , thank you for all the music dear god bless you rip.this is my favorite chapin song love it , bitter sweet thanks harry
So many lessons across his time and beyond. An avatar ( the original definition) he gently let us know his purpose...To matter, to count, to stand for something to have it make some difference that WE ever lived at all. Still listening, still learning. Dance on.
Wow, I just discovered him by accident and I must say I am deeply amazed.
I saw Harry and crew twice in concert and they were two of the best shows I've seen. Real, kind and funny. Done too soon.
Oh the memories of listening to Harry Chapin when I was a baby.
I Saw Harry Chapin at the Landmark theatre syraqcuse new york 1977 WILL NEVER FORGET HOW HE MADE US ALL FEEL
One of the first artist to raise money for worthy causes. I mean on his own, not part of a benefit.
Yes - I still have a concert T-Shirt that says, "Every day is world hunger day" from one of his concerts. 50% of everything they made went to charity - a truly great person.
The only one who did it pro bono before him as far as I know was Sinartra.
Well, I won't agree that ANYWHERE is a better place to be because I've been in some pretty crappy relationships. But I certainly agree with and appreciate the sentiment. Loneliness is a a hard and hollow place. Love ya Harry. Rest in Peace.
He was a writer singer poet and angel. His mark on our world is still felt today. Our generation was so blessed….
@2lost souls looking for comfort in a lonely world. Heart breaking :(
jonnie rotten, funny I was just watching Johnny Rotten talking ab how music in the 70s was so bad and that’s why the Sex Pistols has to throw a monkey wrench into everything. I love it all, just funny bc I was thinking as I was watching this John Lydon and others like him may have grouped Chapin in w the rest
Few songs can create the imagery that Harry did in this song. I love this song and just fall right into it every time I hear it. Thanks for posting it!
Wonderful! I wish Harry was still here!
How can people not like this
Thank you, Harry, I am in awe of your talent, and the stories you put to song. I have listened, and listened to them over and over, and they are simply timeless. So glad I shook your hand and spoke with you after a concert, in Appleton Wisconsin, and then again in Green Bay the following year. I have cried streams over a few of some songs, and some lines haunt me, becoming ingrained in me.
this song reminds of my grandpa that passed long ago harry chapin was one of his favorites and this song always made think about him
This song is not really sad at first when I started to listen to this song but as time goes by , I realised how sad this song is.
Listening with my 4 and 5 year old. Brings me back to my childhood. My own dad loved Harry, and shared his music with me. I still remember singing Circle the whole way to Florida from Cincinnati.
. He gave so much enjoyment . Yet gave so much more.😄
I was lucky enough to see him perform live, a great artist, a greater human being, " You can always count on the cheap seats".
When my parents divorced 30 years ago, Harry’s best of story songs was the only tape in my dads car. First time I ever heard him, since the. I’ve allways owned a copy and shared his music with whoever was important in my life at the time. Now I get to share his stories with my daughter and 30 years later the music still moves me like no other singer does
I saw him in college way back in the early 70s in Bloomington, Indiana. His band borrowed two of my dining chairs to sit on the theater stage. He was relatively unknown then but I have always loved his songs, especially this one.
Harry, keep the change.
This song and Mr. Tanner always make me cry. I miss Harry. Such a great man and a great loss to humanity.
Just those? There is also "Mail order Annie", "WOLD", "Dance Band on the Titanic" (only makes you cry when you think about it) even "Taxi". The best musical storyteller in at least 100 years - Rodgers and Hammerstein - take a seat.
@@pdoylemi Yup, indeed. Far too many to list. I had the privilege of seeing Harry, twice...even got a kiss! He was a special human without a doubt. Miss him terribly.
@@katekane4669
I am sad to say I missed my chance to see him live. He used to play at Michigan State University every year. When I was a freshman there in 1980, I wanted to see him, but money was very tight, and I figured he'd be back the next year and I could see him then. But he died in 1981. I still regret missing that show. Remember his concert T-shirts? "Every Day is World Hunger Day" - and according to our campus paper, about 50% of what he made went to that cause.
@@pdoylemi College is expensive, BUT his music is timeless to enjoy forever.
One of my favs!
This song, Taxi, Circle, 30,000 pounds of banana
Sequel!
Inspired by a visit to the town I lived in for the second half of my childhood. I saw him in concert at the DPAO when I was 14. My mother and I got front row center seats, I'll never know how she scored them. My first concert, and I was enthralled. I often wondered if it was on that visit that he was inspired to write this song. He captured the mood of the town perfectly. Back then, the economy was awful and the snow was deep.
I have lived this story. Eight years I regret what I did and wished I would have given the man a real chance.
This is my #2 favorite by Harry. Sniper being my absolute #1. Harry is my favorite writer/ performer I was born one month and one day after the world lost this great guy. I sure wish he was still here so I could meet him and hear him tell his stories.
I have loved his works from the first time I heard him sing his first note. Saw him once at the Troubadour in 1975. Wish he could play for us today. I write, but never have even approached his level emotional charm and realism. So I sing his songs and pretend they're mine.
Philip from Phoenix.
this is one of my favorite songs :-)
Absolutely one of my favorite songwriters. I made a film based on this song.
+Michael Picard can you do "i wanna learn a love song" too?
Would love to see that film!
Love Harry Chapin and this song!! Thank you!!
I saw him 4 times in Chicago, and cried like a baby when I heard he died.
Loved him! But for some reason this song just touched me! Especially the live version! I could listen to that album over and over!
Happy 75th Birthday Harry. We still miss you.
The best story teller gone to soon!
I was just old enough to start getting into music when Harry and Jim Croce died. I grieved for both of them, because even at that age I recognized musical and human genius!