I’ve been blessed to find Chapin, Croce, Cambell, Lightfoot, Denver, Fogleburg, and so many more in this past year and 1/2. My life at 20 years old has been forever changed by these amazing stories and songs. I’m so disappointed in the music of my generation but am so thankful to have these legends to listen to, even if they are all mostly passed on or no longer touring. How incredible their talent is, not just in instruments or voice, but in their ability to touch the lives of so many in such a deep, personal level. I am in constant awe of their artistry.
I'm 24. Ive been listening to old music since I was 12. I keep finding great music every year. It's getting harder to find old gems. But I keep finding them. Harry chapin was a crazy revelation like 5 years ago for me. And now I play guitar, and my favorite songs to play are jim croce. My favorite to play is tomorrow's gonna be a brighter day and box number 10
It'll get better, my friend. :-) between Harry and Joni, Judy and Leonard, (and Dolly!), the great singer/performer/songwriters are not gone. They simply took a nap. They'll be back, in spirit (I'm not thinking some kind of Walking Dead sing-along, though that would be awesome!)
I was in a small town up state NY about 10 Years ago and I stepped in a small restaurant called "A better place to be"' With a pic of Harry on the sign.
@@donstack4011 I got here through Zahn's airport. Where I grew up there, just down On Sherbrooke rd. That's Suffolk county, Lindenhurst . Amityville was or may be where zahn's was. . But I seached youtube for Zahn'. And there is a 16 mm bw film a round about the airport and under is Harry. so now Iwas actually thinking , did Chapin and Nilsson ever meet ?
I remember the day he died, when I heard the news.I was 13.I remember playing his music over again.Harry has been a part of my growing up, even though he was gone.He was there when I fell in love, when I had my heart broken,when I found my soulmate, and true love,had babies and now in my 40's.My husband has now passed on,and my boys are grown men, his music has much more meaning to me...It's a part of the fabric of my life, both in the wonderful and in the depths of the worst times.Truly amazing
The day Harry passed, he was scheduled to play at Eisenhower Park on Long Island. We were partying in the Hamptons and decided, notwithstanding severe sunburn, to head to his show. Unbeknownst to us, Harry had been on the East End as well, and was driving back on the same Long Island Expressway that we were. I can't recall the WNEW jock who broke the news that Harry has passed in a car accident. Details were sketchy, and we were all a little bit pissed that traffic was so bad at that time of day. It turns out that the fiery accident we witnessed was the accident which WNEW announced. Like Harry, I am a native of Huntington NY, and every once in a while I'd inadvertently meet up with Harry while jogging on Bay Avenue. He was quite a bit older, but just a regular guy. He never considered himself to be special or particularly chaste ( he wasn't) but I never heard of a recording artist so concerned with his audience' enjoyment. That's to say when he was not concerning himself with world Hunger.
This is such a touching song if u dont have a tear in your eye when listening to this song your not human. Why do the good ones have to pass from this earth so early. Harrys music will never leave my side. Im a 50yr old man and yet listening to his music makes me feel alive and we all wish he was
There never was anyone like Harry, and never will there be anyone like him again. I once hung off the edge of the stage at the Midland Theater in KC watching him. No one else had the balls to come up where I was, me and my camera. I called out songs, and he smiled and pointed at me, and said "We'll get to that". And he did. No one has ever moved me the way he did, before or since. Rest ye well, Harry, and thank you. Thank you for stirring me to my soul.
I got to sing backup to Harry when he did a solo concert in Syracuse, NY. He started this song, and got to the chorus. He was screwing up his face to try to do Big John's part, so I leaned over to my future first wife and said, "I'm about to embarrass the hell out of you." She just smiled and said, Do it. I sang the opening notes, and Harry gave me a huge grin and just nodded Yes vigorously. Later, when he got to Taxi, he looked out and said, "You still there?" I said, "Oh Hell yeah!" One of the highlights of my life.
Part of Harry's magic was that he was expansive. There was no ego-tripping. He loved what and who helped tell the story. It was always about the stories, and not about him building a kingdom.
He did the same at a concert at the University of West Florida in 1977. It really works to get the audience involved and he knew it and the audience loved it.
I was devastated when Harry died... I had every album he ever made and listen to them over and over. I still miss him. There is not another song writer that comes even close
I was 18 when I first heard Harry and he became my best imaginary friend for 32 years and still going. Harry its been a while since you've been around, but I hope you are still the Midnight Watchman in that better place to be.
I'm proud and honored to have been Harry's lighting company for most of his 1974 through 1976 concerts. I still come to tears hearing his and Big John's harmonies. Best time of my life.
Saw Harry live 4-5 times. Remember the day he died, it was a very hot day and I was painting a garage door (high gloss white!) in the searing sun. Had my car in the driveway with the radio on, heard the news and just broke down. I wanted to just go home and cry, but I had to keep working. I'll always remember Harry for his unsurpassed storytelling and humanitarianism. He would ask concert-goers to bring food for the needy to his concerts, which I and my companions gladly did. Thank you Harry.
Memories of Better days and a friend named Willie... He was that little man who met a woman in a bar and for one night in his life he was somebody special.. he was my husband's best friend who lost a battle with cancer but he always talked about that one night in what he called Heaven... This song takes me back to that time... RIP Willie and Harry...
I was sitting 2nd row at one of the tribute shows his brothers used to do. This show was at The Beacon Theater in NYC with Tom, Buskin and Batteau and Tom Seeger. Tom sang Mail Order Annie and I just lost it in the middle of the song. Hasn't happened to me before or since. Only Harry's music had that effect on me. The sadness of the song and the loss of this man just overtook me.
Chapin like Croce, Lightfoot and Fogelberg, gifted not only with their musical talent, but also of understanding the souls around them and giving voice to their humanity, successes, sorrows and triumphs.........
Oh, how I loved Harry Chapin! He knew how to tell a story like no other on that stage. He was captivating and mesmerizing with a deep understanding of humanity. He knew how to tap into our deepest emotions and bring them to the surface. Gone too soon from this world. Thanks for posting this.
17 years over-the -road trucker, and every time I delivered on Long Is. had to take the LIE, I'd shut off the CB and pop in a cassette of his, and for a short time celebrate his life ...
Charley Bear Lambert Wasn't over the road, but I was also a trucker. The first time I had to go down the stretch of road in 30,000 lbs Of Bananas, I was scared shitless. :D
...and sadly none of those 3 likely would have succeeded today because they didn't have the 'look'. That was an era when sound and feel were more important than body appearance...
Neal Mundle So true. When substance and talent trumped the marketability of a contrived 'artist'. We still have the music and memories though, of these beautiful souls, lost too soon but their touch to our souls, linger on and on.
Harry Chapin can still break my heart with his music. When I heard on the radio that he had been killed, I called my boyfriend home because I needed to be with someone who loved him as much as I did.
Dianne Manning as a 64/year old veteran of 40;years of cynicism and betrayal in business and personal relations, Harry still makes me feel the full range of emotions long buried, from frustration to anger to joy to laughter but most importantly to real honest tears for which i unabashedly make no apologies.
It was the way Harry died that was so sad. Been listening to his music since I was a child, over 45 years and remember the first song I ever heard was Six String Orchestra.
I got hooked on Harry about 2 weeks before the angels came and took him home. I still listen to him faithfully. Over and over again. You will always be missed Harry.
You sing me to sleep almost every night. You are my night time companion. I am so grateful God let us have you as long as he did. Thank you for the tunes, the stories, the friendship for those of us who never had the privilege of meeting you. God Bless and RIP.
IMHO This is Harry's best song. The story is so simple, yet so powerful. We lived in the same town. I went to school with his kids. He played at Huntington HS in 1980 and I was there. A hell of a singer/songwriter. His charity work was endless. His passing was a terrible loss!!
I was in that audience in 1981 in Hamilton Place in Hamilton, Ontario, Canada. Listening to him live was the way to really appreciate his storytelling and talent.............Dale Howard
My husband turned me onto the rest of his music. I had only heard Cat's in the Cradle. We listened to the cassette all the time. My husband died of cancer back in 1991 and the music brings back bittersweet memories for me.
july 16th friday night next night Hyatt Regency catwalk colapse and my birthday July 17 it was a truly tragic weekend forever branded in my mind and memory
I saw Harry in Grand Rapids, MI shortly before he died and it was magical.......I was with my lovely ex-wife Linda and he really captured me...my mind and my soul....magical man.
My brother and I introduced our 60 year old aunt to his music in the late 70’s. She fell in love with him and helped bridge a generational gap of over 40 years between us. It was magical, still missing them both many years later.
Any day that doesn't go as planned is softened when in the evening I let Harry tell me his beautiful songs and put things in perspective. I saw him in concert 6 times and had tickets for the 7th. sadly he wasn't here to preform that one. I have never seen anyone in any profession that connected and enjoyed with those he worked with and preformed for more that Harry.
I was blessed to have known Harry. What an amazing human being and person. I was at the Tribute at Carnegie Hall and was honored escort his widow Sandy on stage at Live Aid in 1985 to accept the Harry Chapin Award from Jeff Bridges and Kenny Loggins. I wish I could post some pictures here....
Harry would make a point of staying after his shows to just talk with people, no ego or pretense, just a man who really appreciated that you were there with him to enjoy the music .
He did a courtyard show at Pitzer College waaaasy back. It was so incredible to see him in a small setting. My brother and I went together and at the end of the concert, Harry stayed to sign merchandise, etc. I got a tee-shirt but my bro Alan got great Pic of Harry kissing my cheek! My bro said, "did you just kiss my sister?? Harry, looked at us and said. "Yes, I did".. My bro said, "Could you do that again, so I get this photo?'" Priceless... He did kiss me!! I loved Harry...he was my troubador.
Probably one of the best stories about the human condition and the need for social interaction. If you listen to it alone and in a quiet place you get a feeling of just how powerful this story really is. We all are going nowhere, and somewhere is a better place to be.
I heard this song a million years ago just one time. It’s so poignant, what a great writer/singer. I searched for that song for years and just heard it again. Now I’m an old man full of stories, memories and regrets. The song had the line about the overweight waitress.
I spent a few months driving a cab in West Palm Beach FL when I was 23, 40 years ago. I was heartbroken and disenchanted with the world. I was in FL because of Jimmy Buffett and driving a cab because of Harry. When I didn't have a fare and was parked waiting for a call or just driving around, I would sing this song. Sometimes, Taxi, but mostly Better Place to Be because that was what I was in search of. Driving a cab and dreaming of my own stories, that were never as good as Harry's, were my bridge back to sanity at a very tough time. Harry's stories were that bridge for so many and continue to be.
This is the reason I like the internet. I am just a little too young to have seen him before he passed. It’s awesome to see him live. Also one of my favorite songs. The bartender always chokes me up at the end.
I got to see Harry Chaplin 3 times, back in the Late 70’s, twice in Central Park, and the last time at Brooklyn College where I was a Technical Theater Major and got to be one of two Follow Spot Operators. Loved his music, voice and his spirit!
I was privileged to see Harry twice at Rutgers in the 70's. His caring, good humor, and intelligent lyrics will be hard to replace. He was one of a kind.
I saw Harry a couple of times in concert in the late 70's. He has made a huge impact on my life. Wish he was around today. I love his songs and what he stood for.
I was privileged to see Harry in Kansas City Missouri. It was in 1979 or 1980. He played at the Uptown. It was a cabaret type place. There were times in my life when I had only 1 8 track or 1 cassette and finally I have a CD of him. What an amazing storyteller. I'll never forget Harry Chzpin.
He did so much good for people in a variety of ways. Not only his stories he sang about but also world hunger. You can still support his ending hunger efforts.😢
Harry - you are so missed by so many folks. I remember borrowing the album "Sniper and Other Love Songs " from the Salem, Ma public library.. I was hooked on you - big time. I'm not very good at remembering the words to most songs - but, your songs I know in their entirety. You have touched my soul and the soul of so many - as evidenced by the long list of tributes expressed by the many folks your music has touched deeply .. RIP .. I know you are in a Better Place in the hearts of so many of us !!
Harry was awesome in concert. My best friend Jackie turned me onto his music through her boyfriend at the time. We went to pretty every concert he did in the Connecticut vicinity, at least a dozen before he was taken well before his time. His music still moves me to tears. Jackie died in February, ending our 47yo best friendship. She was my concert companion. I doubt I’ll be able to attend any concert again, but the memories of those 9,000 person sing alongs that Harry gave us will be with me forever.
Did you happen to see him in New Haven when he and his band played with the New Haven Symphony Orchestra? He said after the first song, the orchestra "was like putting a Cadillac engine in a Volkswagen ". At the end of the concert, the orchestra gave him a standing ovation.
Always saw him when he came to Kalamazoo. Once my wife, Sandy stood in line to get his autograph. She got it and as she was turning to leave, he kissed her. She was in 7th Heaven for days. Harry was cool like that, doing something entirely unexpected. His recordings are great, but his concerts were Fantastic. I hope that you are in a Better Place....
My mom got an unexpected kiss from him as well. She tells me that story often. I'm so jealous I wasn't born early enough to see him live. He was the best songwriter ever. His stories are absolutely captivating. The Mayor of Candor Lied literally made me soy out loud "oh shit" when the twist was revealed. That is the only song the illicited that reaction from me based solely on lyrics.
Saw him at the purple monster in Sarasota, Fla. Seats I had were eyeball to eyeball with this wonderful man. Got to meet him after the show. Yes I stammered, a lot. Great man! Still cry at some songs. Old man crying? Wonderful thing it is.
I saw Harry when I was a kid at St. Johns University in Staten Island. It was just him without his band. Everyone brought canned goods for his food drive. He was such a good man and so talented. It was an experience I would never forget. Ironically all of my favorite singers died in tragic accidents. Harry Chapin, Jim Croce and John Denver. So sad. I miss them all.
When Chaplin did a concert you could hear a pin drop in Ft. Myers Florida no one there lost there attention and he was the only one playing his guitar no one else was there.
bearznorthCATHY/Thank you for posting this video/Harry Chapin you are so well missed/With your music and your beautiful soul you certainly left this world a better place for all /And here it is 2021 and I remember back to my teenage days back in the 70's all the great times - events listing to your music/What great a time in my life/Thank you so very much/And here I am 61yrs old and your music is still as beautiful as the 1st time I heard you/I miss I love and I will forget you/Because of your truth in you /Thank you again
LUCK SHONE DOWN ON ME THE NITE HARRY CHAPIN & BAND PLAYED " MY FATHER'S PLACE", ROSLYN, LONG ISLAND. DROVE ON A WHIM, ONLY STANDING ROOM TICKETS. HOUSE PACKED, ALIVE, HARRY'S ELECTRICITY LIT UP THE ROOM. EVERYONE CHEERED OR CLAPPED WHEN HARRY SANG" I STUFFED THE BILL IN MY SHIRT". WHAT A JOY IT WOULD HAVE BEEN TO HAVE MET HIM. STILL PLAY/JAM TO HIS SONGS. REST IN PEACE!!!!!!!
Mercy ..seen him many times.I was a waitress years ago and when he passed I was shocked and cried all day .He was the GREATEST story teller ever .I even wrote a poem about him and his music and World Hunger..weeks after he passed...sure miss him
Saw many concerts! still have world hunger tee shirts! He left this world too soon! It is a shame he would have done more for this world than just leave his music! He was a man of integrity!
Funny, it was the reverse for me. I played this for my husband when we were dating and made a new fan out of him. Harry's Greatest Hits Live was on in the delivery room when I brought my boys into the world because I wanted them to have the first thing they heard be something beautiful and full of meaning, the music I fell in love to with their father. There is not one thing he ever sang that I don't love and have a special memory attached to.
I only saw Harry once at Pensacola Junior College. It was you and your brother and two guitars. It was the best concert ever. I was a little intimidated of you afterwards when you were signing books because you were frenching all the girls. But now it makes me smile to think of that :) we miss you dearly.
Видеоклипы
I don’t have the words to describe Harry and his music so I won’t try. But some of you reading this will know Just How I Feel.
I’ve been blessed to find Chapin, Croce, Cambell, Lightfoot, Denver, Fogleburg, and so many more in this past year and 1/2. My life at 20 years old has been forever changed by these amazing stories and songs. I’m so disappointed in the music of my generation but am so thankful to have these legends to listen to, even if they are all mostly passed on or no longer touring. How incredible their talent is, not just in instruments or voice, but in their ability to touch the lives of so many in such a deep, personal level. I am in constant awe of their artistry.
That's an impressive list! I, fortunately, got to watch them all as they developed their careers. Enjoyed every damn minute!
You've been awakening , C C . What do you know of Chris Rea & Al Stewart ?
They are some of my absolute favourites too. (I use Aussie spelling)
I'm 24. Ive been listening to old music since I was 12. I keep finding great music every year. It's getting harder to find old gems. But I keep finding them. Harry chapin was a crazy revelation like 5 years ago for me. And now I play guitar, and my favorite songs to play are jim croce. My favorite to play is tomorrow's gonna be a brighter day and box number 10
It'll get better, my friend. :-) between Harry and Joni, Judy and Leonard, (and Dolly!), the great singer/performer/songwriters are not gone. They simply took a nap. They'll be back, in spirit (I'm not thinking some kind of Walking Dead sing-along, though that would be awesome!)
I was in a small town up state NY about 10 Years ago and I stepped in a small restaurant called "A better place to be"' With a pic of Harry on the sign.
where is it located?
Best story teller ever. Period.
Will Jones think I agree even if I’m a John Denver freak
No contest!☺
One of my all time favorite singer songwriters
You are correct
@@donstack4011 I got here through Zahn's airport. Where I grew up there, just down On Sherbrooke rd. That's Suffolk county, Lindenhurst . Amityville was or may be where zahn's was. . But I seached youtube for Zahn'. And there is a 16 mm bw film a round about the airport and under is Harry. so now Iwas actually thinking , did Chapin and Nilsson ever meet ?
He was the best storyteller ever. There will never, ever be another Harry Chapin. Performers today don't even come close.
I remember the day he died, when I heard the news.I was 13.I remember playing his music over again.Harry has been a part of my growing up, even though he was gone.He was there when I fell in love, when I had my heart broken,when I found my soulmate, and true love,had babies and now in my 40's.My husband has now passed on,and my boys are grown men, his music has much more meaning to me...It's a part of the fabric of my life, both in the wonderful and in the depths of the worst times.Truly amazing
I also remember the day so clearly. I am so blessed to have been raised listening to him. No better story teller. ever.
You have me crying my dear. I love his music too. So real
God bless you Kymber Lee.
The day Harry passed, he was scheduled to play at Eisenhower Park on Long Island. We were partying in the Hamptons and decided, notwithstanding severe sunburn, to head to his show. Unbeknownst to us, Harry had been on the East End as well, and was driving back on the same Long Island Expressway that we were. I can't recall the WNEW jock who broke the news that Harry has passed in a car accident. Details were sketchy, and we were all a little bit pissed that traffic was so bad at that time of day. It turns out that the fiery accident we witnessed was the accident which WNEW announced. Like Harry, I am a native of Huntington NY, and every once in a while I'd inadvertently meet up with Harry while jogging on Bay Avenue. He was quite a bit older, but just a regular guy. He never considered himself to be special or particularly chaste ( he wasn't) but I never heard of a recording artist so concerned with his audience' enjoyment. That's to say when he was not concerning himself with world Hunger.
I remember the announcement. Brought home harder as I heard it on FM radio while driving in traffic.
This is such a touching song if u dont have a tear in your eye when listening to this song your not human. Why do the good ones have to pass from this earth so early. Harrys music will never leave my side. Im a 50yr old man and yet listening to his music makes me feel alive and we all wish he was
There never was anyone like Harry, and never will there be anyone like him again. I once hung off the edge of the stage at the Midland Theater in KC watching him. No one else had the balls to come up where I was, me and my camera. I called out songs, and he smiled and pointed at me, and said "We'll get to that". And he did. No one has ever moved me the way he did, before or since. Rest ye well, Harry, and thank you. Thank you for stirring me to my soul.
Patrick Chambers you lucky dude
I only heard about Harry many years after he died...but he has influenced my life more than any other singer.
@@arcomalambert810 same
Wish i had the chance
Except for his brother Tom.
I got to sing backup to Harry when he did a solo concert in Syracuse, NY. He started this song, and got to the chorus. He was screwing up his face to try to do Big John's part, so I leaned over to my future first wife and said, "I'm about to embarrass the hell out of you." She just smiled and said, Do it. I sang the opening notes, and Harry gave me a huge grin and just nodded Yes vigorously. Later, when he got to Taxi, he looked out and said, "You still there?" I said, "Oh Hell yeah!" One of the highlights of my life.
Great story Joel!! Blessings
Part of Harry's magic was that he was expansive. There was no ego-tripping. He loved what and who helped tell the story. It was always about the stories, and not about him building a kingdom.
He did the same at a concert at the University of West Florida in 1977. It really works to get the audience involved and he knew it and the audience loved it.
My favorite musician in the whole world
I was devastated when Harry died... I had every album he ever made and listen to them over and over. I still miss him. There is not another song writer that comes even close
Believe me you are not the only one who bawls when he sings this song
I was 18 when I first heard Harry and he became my best imaginary friend for 32 years and still going. Harry its been a while since you've been around, but I hope you are still the Midnight Watchman in that better place to be.
I loved Harry Chapin
Beautiful , I'd say , he will
I first heard Harry like most did...when Cats snuck in on the radio for longer than 15 minutes...
Oh, Im sure he is, and always will be
I'm proud and honored to have been Harry's lighting company for most of his 1974 through 1976 concerts. I still come to tears hearing his and Big John's harmonies. Best time of my life.
Saw Harry live 4-5 times. Remember the day he died, it was a very hot day and I was painting a garage door (high gloss white!) in the searing sun. Had my car in the driveway with the radio on, heard the news and just broke down. I wanted to just go home and cry, but I had to keep working. I'll always remember Harry for his unsurpassed storytelling and humanitarianism. He would ask concert-goers to bring food for the needy to his concerts, which I and my companions gladly did. Thank you Harry.
Memories of Better days and a friend named Willie... He was that little man who met a woman in a bar and for one night in his life he was somebody special.. he was my husband's best friend who lost a battle with cancer but he always talked about that one night in what he called Heaven... This song takes me back to that time... RIP Willie and Harry...
harry can bring a grown man to tears
Mr. Tanner reduces me to a puddle...
I saw Harry at Ramstein Germany 1977, this song still draws a tear, love you Harry!
I was sitting 2nd row at one of the tribute shows his brothers used to do. This show was at The Beacon Theater in NYC with Tom, Buskin and Batteau and Tom Seeger. Tom sang Mail Order Annie and I just lost it in the middle of the song. Hasn't happened to me before or since. Only Harry's music had that effect on me. The sadness of the song and the loss of this man just overtook me.
@@donh7960 happens to me when I hear a Pat Benatar cover 'shooting star' at one of the tributes
A GOOD MAN….
Chapin like Croce, Lightfoot and Fogelberg, gifted not only with their musical talent, but also of understanding the souls around them and giving voice to their humanity, successes, sorrows and triumphs.........
Oh, how I loved Harry Chapin! He knew how to tell a story like no other on that stage. He was captivating and mesmerizing with a deep understanding of humanity. He knew how to tap into our deepest emotions and bring them to the surface. Gone too soon from this world. Thanks for posting this.
17 years over-the -road trucker, and every time I delivered on Long Is. had to take the LIE, I'd shut off the CB and pop in a cassette of his, and for a short time celebrate his life ...
Charley Bear Lambert Wasn't over the road, but I was also a trucker. The first time I had to go down the stretch of road in 30,000 lbs Of Bananas, I was scared shitless. :D
...and sadly none of those 3 likely would have succeeded today because they didn't have the 'look'. That was an era when sound and feel were more important than body appearance...
Neal Mundle
So true. When substance and talent trumped the marketability of a contrived 'artist'.
We still have the music and memories though, of these beautiful souls, lost too soon but their touch to our souls, linger on and on.
Harry Chapin can still break my heart with his music. When I heard on the radio that he had been killed, I called my boyfriend home because I needed to be with someone who loved him as much as I did.
30000 lbs of bananas
Dianne Manning as a 64/year old veteran of 40;years of cynicism and betrayal in business and personal relations, Harry still makes me feel the full range of emotions long buried, from frustration to anger to joy to laughter but most importantly to real honest tears for which i unabashedly make no apologies.
It was the way Harry died that was so sad. Been listening to his music since I was a child, over 45 years and remember the first song I ever heard was Six String Orchestra.
I got hooked on Harry about 2 weeks before the angels came and took him home. I still listen to him faithfully. Over and over again. You will always be missed Harry.
I must be the only guy in the world right now listening to this song and bawling my eyes out.
Maybe then, but I proudly join you now
June 30 2024 chillin With Harry tonight. 🌹❤️Happy to find this site.
No, there's three of us.
You sing me to sleep almost every night. You are my night time companion. I am so grateful God let us have you as long as he did. Thank you for the tunes, the stories, the friendship for those of us who never had the privilege of meeting you. God Bless and RIP.
So true
One of the sweetest most beautiful songs ever. Jesus, I miss you , Harry.
Here again . I miss you , Harry. Every day i listen to you. Hurts my heart. but, I don't care
Where are the real singers, poets, and songwriters today? Harry's greatest song. And so many of his are great!
That's what I always loved about Harry's music. You could always understand the words.
Agree
IMHO This is Harry's best song. The story is so simple, yet so powerful. We lived in the same town. I went to school with his kids. He played at Huntington HS in 1980 and I was there. A hell of a singer/songwriter. His charity work was endless. His passing was a terrible loss!!
I agree. This is his best out of all the other greats.
A Long Islander here Massapequa born and raised Class of 1982 Loved Harry for decades. And that day on the L.I.E broke my Heart
I was in that audience in 1981 in Hamilton Place in Hamilton, Ontario, Canada. Listening to him live was the way to really appreciate his storytelling and talent.............Dale Howard
I look at this song as a adventure
My husband turned me onto the rest of his music. I had only heard Cat's in the Cradle. We listened to the cassette all the time. My husband died of cancer back in 1991 and the music brings back bittersweet memories for me.
Harry you passed away on my birthday but in my heart you live on. Thanks for sharing your gift with us
july 16th friday night next night Hyatt Regency catwalk colapse and my birthday July 17 it was a truly tragic weekend forever branded in my mind and memory
I thank God every time I hear him for being so lucky to have seen him in concert at Stonybrook Universtiy in NYS..his charity moves on....
I saw Harry in Grand Rapids, MI shortly before he died and it was magical.......I was with my lovely ex-wife Linda and he really captured me...my mind and my soul....magical man.
My brother and I introduced our 60 year old aunt to his music in the late 70’s. She fell in love with him and helped bridge a generational gap of over 40 years between us. It was magical, still missing them both many years later.
Any day that doesn't go as planned is softened when in the evening I let Harry tell me his beautiful songs and put things in perspective. I saw him in concert 6 times and had tickets for the 7th. sadly he wasn't here to preform that one. I have never seen anyone in any profession that connected and enjoyed with those he worked with and preformed for more that Harry.
Saddest song ever written . Never ever be another Harry . Love this man , so glad I saw him live before he died .
I was blessed to have known Harry. What an amazing human being and person. I was at the Tribute at Carnegie Hall and was honored escort his widow Sandy on stage at Live Aid in 1985 to accept the Harry Chapin Award from Jeff Bridges and Kenny Loggins. I wish I could post some pictures here....
Harry would make a point of staying after his shows to just talk with people, no ego or pretense, just a man
who really appreciated that you were there with him to enjoy the music .
He remembered you from show to show!
I regret never having to see him.
He did a courtyard show at Pitzer College waaaasy back. It was so incredible to see him in a small setting. My brother and I went together and at the end of the concert, Harry stayed to sign merchandise, etc. I got a tee-shirt but my bro Alan got great Pic of Harry kissing my cheek! My bro said, "did you just kiss my sister?? Harry, looked at us and said. "Yes, I did".. My bro said, "Could you do that again, so I get this photo?'"
Priceless... He did kiss me!! I loved Harry...he was my troubador.
"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."
Genius!
Thanks Harry. I'll never forget how your music moved me.
this song always brings a tear to my eye. Beautiful story.
Probably one of the best stories about the human condition and the need for social interaction. If you listen to it alone and in a quiet place you get a feeling of just how powerful this story really is. We all are going nowhere, and somewhere is a better place to be.
I heard this song a million years ago just one time. It’s so poignant, what a great writer/singer. I searched for that song for years and just heard it again. Now I’m an old man full of stories, memories and regrets. The song had the line about the overweight waitress.
I spent a few months driving a cab in West Palm Beach FL when I was 23, 40 years ago. I was heartbroken and disenchanted with the world. I was in FL because of Jimmy Buffett and driving a cab because of Harry. When I didn't have a fare and was parked waiting for a call or just driving around, I would sing this song. Sometimes, Taxi, but mostly Better Place to Be because that was what I was in search of. Driving a cab and dreaming of my own stories, that were never as good as Harry's, were my bridge back to sanity at a very tough time. Harry's stories were that bridge for so many and continue to be.
Had the privilege of seeing Harry in Flint Michigan. i will never forget it. I will never forget Harry and what he's given me.
I still cry listening to a better place to be 45 years later
This is the reason I like the internet. I am just a little too young to have seen him before he passed. It’s awesome to see him live. Also one of my favorite songs. The bartender always chokes me up at the end.
I got to see Harry Chaplin 3 times, back in the Late 70’s, twice in Central Park, and the last time at Brooklyn College where I was a Technical Theater Major and got to be one of two Follow Spot Operators. Loved his music, voice and his spirit!
I was privileged to see Harry twice at Rutgers in the 70's. His caring, good humor, and intelligent lyrics will be hard to replace. He was one of a kind.
Harry was a gift to humanity From God...
Miss you my FRIEND...
I do too Celestino...
I can visualize this whole story. I close my eyes and see it playing out. What a great talent! One of my favorite songs!
I saw Harry a couple of times in concert in the late 70's. He has made a huge impact on my life. Wish he was around today. I love his songs and what he stood for.
Always been one of my favorite Chapin songs. We still miss you Harry.
Cant get past the ..."sshh, I know just how you feel" without welling up.
GOD I miss you Harry...thank you for what you left us....
This song always makes me cry like a baby...such a beautiful song!
Thirty Two years & I miss you just as much today as I did that July day. Thank you for leaving us with so many beautiful stories Harry...RIP
I was privileged to see Harry in Kansas City Missouri. It was in 1979 or 1980. He played at the Uptown. It was a cabaret type place.
There were times in my life when I had only 1 8 track or 1 cassette and finally I have a CD of him.
What an amazing storyteller. I'll never forget Harry Chzpin.
There will never be another musician/person like him. Times are different today. Thankfully, his music and legacy will live on forever:-)
Well said
He did so much good for people in a variety of ways. Not only his stories he sang about but also world hunger. You can still support his ending hunger efforts.😢
You can always count on the cheap seats..! Miss you Harry...
Harry - you are so missed by so many folks. I remember borrowing the album "Sniper and Other Love Songs " from the Salem, Ma public library.. I was hooked on you - big time. I'm not very good at remembering the words to most songs - but, your songs I know in their entirety. You have touched my soul and the soul of so many - as evidenced by the long list of tributes expressed by the many folks your music has touched deeply .. RIP .. I know you are in a Better Place in the hearts of so many of us !!
Tom T. Hall and Harry Chapin Are National Treasures!
Harry was awesome in concert. My best friend Jackie turned me onto his music through her boyfriend at the time. We went to pretty every concert he did in the Connecticut vicinity, at least a dozen before he was taken well before his time. His music still moves me to tears. Jackie died in February, ending our 47yo best friendship. She was my concert companion. I doubt I’ll be able to attend any concert again, but the memories of those 9,000 person sing alongs that Harry gave us will be with me forever.
Did you happen to see him in New Haven when he and his band played with the New Haven Symphony Orchestra? He said after the first song, the orchestra "was like putting a Cadillac engine in a Volkswagen ". At the end of the concert, the orchestra gave him a standing ovation.
Always saw him when he came to Kalamazoo. Once my wife, Sandy stood in line to get his autograph. She got it and as she was turning to leave, he kissed her. She was in 7th Heaven for days. Harry was cool like that, doing something entirely unexpected. His recordings are great, but his concerts were Fantastic. I hope that you are in a Better Place....
My mom got an unexpected kiss from him as well. She tells me that story often. I'm so jealous I wasn't born early enough to see him live. He was the best songwriter ever. His stories are absolutely captivating. The Mayor of Candor Lied literally made me soy out loud "oh shit" when the twist was revealed. That is the only song the illicited that reaction from me based solely on lyrics.
All these years later...this song still brings tears to my eyes...
One of Harry's favorites, and one of mine.......and my lovely wife's.........Still very missed.
he still gives a voice to so many of us.
How did he learn my pain? His voice speaks to my soul like none other has.
When I was a young man I used to go to sleep and listening to Harry Chapin
Hearing this after the many decades, gathering my bones off the floor!! Well done, Harry.
many of us are moved. RIP Harry.
My wife was at this concert ,I didn’t want to go . Still pissed 40yrs later I didn’t go with her
My favorite song of all time. This popped up on my recommendations today. I needed it. Thank you Harry. Still getting me thru the tough days.
Gone MUCH too soon. Along with Dan Fogelberg, Jim Croce, Freddie Mercury, and John Denver.
lobo81865 so,agree with your list of our lost musical treasures
Saw him at the purple monster in Sarasota, Fla. Seats I had were eyeball to eyeball with this wonderful man. Got to meet him after the show. Yes I stammered, a lot. Great man! Still cry at some songs. Old man crying? Wonderful thing it is.
I saw Harry when I was a kid at St. Johns University in Staten Island. It was just him without his band. Everyone brought canned goods for his food drive. He was such a good man and so talented. It was an experience I would never forget. Ironically all of my favorite singers died in tragic accidents. Harry Chapin, Jim Croce and John Denver. So sad. I miss them all.
Harry Chapin was pretty awesome!
When Chaplin did a concert you could hear a pin drop in Ft. Myers Florida no one there lost there attention and he was the only one playing his guitar no one else was there.
Thank You Harry, the tears in my eyes, are just tears of happiness, for your songs are so beautiful.
bearznorthCATHY/Thank you for posting this video/Harry Chapin you are so well missed/With your music and your beautiful soul you certainly left this world a better place for all /And here it is 2021 and I remember back to my teenage days back in the 70's all the great times - events listing to your music/What great a time in my life/Thank you so very much/And here I am 61yrs old and your music is still as beautiful as the 1st time I heard you/I miss I love and I will forget you/Because of your truth in you /Thank you again
The best songwriter in my lifetime...
Modern day Mozart...
Thanx for enriching my life Harry...
You know a song is a classic when you still cry 40 years later- every time.
ditto !!
LUCK SHONE DOWN ON ME THE NITE HARRY CHAPIN & BAND PLAYED " MY FATHER'S PLACE", ROSLYN, LONG ISLAND. DROVE ON A WHIM, ONLY STANDING ROOM TICKETS. HOUSE PACKED, ALIVE, HARRY'S ELECTRICITY LIT UP THE ROOM. EVERYONE CHEERED OR CLAPPED WHEN HARRY SANG" I STUFFED THE BILL IN MY SHIRT". WHAT A JOY IT WOULD HAVE BEEN TO HAVE MET HIM. STILL PLAY/JAM TO HIS SONGS. REST IN PEACE!!!!!!!
AHHH like going home...take a look at the crowd, us sooooooooooooo much younger
I pretty much cry every time I hear this song and I've heard it 100 * 4000 times
I love you & miss you very much Harry... No one wrights music like this anymore... What a Jenious...
Gott Blezz hue !
Mercy ..seen him many times.I was a waitress years ago and when he passed I was shocked and cried all day .He was the GREATEST story teller ever .I even wrote a poem about him and his music and World Hunger..weeks after he passed...sure miss him
So gifted .
He was/is a true legend. Went to every concert he had here in Lansing Michigan area back in the day.
Better Place To Be is my favourite Harry Chaplin song
39 Years, it seems like yesterday! Miss u Harry
Saw many concerts! still have world hunger tee shirts! He left this world too soon! It is a shame he would have done more for this world than just leave his music! He was a man of integrity!
The greatest musician & poet of all time...
Loved & will always miss Harry...
I Love all Your Songs,,,I Especially love Taxi
I keep coming back. Best storyteller ever!
Funny, it was the reverse for me. I played this for my husband when we were dating and made a new fan out of him. Harry's Greatest Hits Live was on in the delivery room when I brought my boys into the world because I wanted them to have the first thing they heard be something beautiful and full of meaning, the music I fell in love to with their father. There is not one thing he ever sang that I don't love and have a special memory attached to.
I don't think new borns can hear though.
This song turned me into a huge diehard fan I discovered his other songs and how hard he worked to change our world into a better place to be!
I miss him so much. He was one of my Heroes.
I LOVE YOU HARRY!!! I miss your songs and knowing you are alive to sing and make more.
I saw Harry at Purdue University 1970 or 71. Have never forgotten.
The greatest contemporary poet of the 20th Century. xoxo P
Saw him live in Winnipeg and Harry and the band out on a fantastic show - still play his songs and enjoy his ballads so much!
Miss you Harry, where would I be without you in my life
Saw him at Stoneybrook University in NY around 74 or 75 a beautiful evening was had by all. I miss him so much. His work continues.
I only saw Harry once at Pensacola Junior College. It was you and your brother and two guitars. It was the best concert ever. I was a little intimidated of you afterwards when you were signing books because you were frenching all the girls. But now it makes me smile to think of that :) we miss you dearly.
That's incredibly shocking .. LOL