To parents everywhere listening to this song.. Take it to heart. Make time for your children. Nothing and I mean NOTHING is more important than your children, especially when they are minors. I do not care how busy you are, how tired you are, make time for your children. They grow up so fast and they really need their parents when they are young. You can not buy back yesterday no matter how much money you have. Make the time. Find the time.
So true, as i lost my father many years ago and not even 2 years ago my mom passed and this song kills me. I wish I could go back and be a better son, but it's too late for me.
I remember one morning long ago, when my dad asked me to take a ride with him to the store. I didn't want to go, since I was busy watching my Saturday morning cartoons. He said to me "You know, some day I won't be around to take you places anymore." He died that night. I was 11. While not exactly the same thing, this song does remind me of a hard lesson I learned that night; to always let the people you love KNOW that you love them, because you just never know, and the people you love should never be left wondering....
I just lost my father two weeks ago. Strong navy man! He never told us that he loved us or that he was proud of us until he was passing away. So I get you!
@@denisesalmon4496 for myself and all of my family to you and all of yours during this dark time right now... For sending you love hugs and respect. I know how hard it is to lose your Dad. It rocks your world I'll tell you that. #WW2ArmyAirCORPSMPsDaughter
This song hits home so hard When i was working on my car my son asked me to play catch I said I cant right now son Im busy working on the car.. His head dropped and before he could lift it again I said the car can wait and played catch 25 years later its still the best day of my life..
Harry Chapin gave away half of his earnings to charity and played many benefit concerts. He didn't live large. He was driving a Volkswagen Rabbit that exploded into flames on impact when he died.
He was hit by a lorry when veered across lanes in front of it. Even though the lorry driver was not to blame his widow was awarded $12 million(!?). Harry shouldn't even have been driving, his licence was revoked.
I have always had a very strained relationship with my mother. When I graduated college and moved out. I stopped talking to her, cut her off, didn't invite her to my wedding. I didn't talk to my mother for ten years when my sister played me this song. We were getting older, my marriage was crumbling, it was this song that taught me the importance of time, how precious and quick it is. I mended fences with my mother we're on speaking terms now. Knowing that Harry Chapin wrote this song not seeing his son grow up because of his tragic accident only makes it more touching.
I'm writing this with teary eyes. I remember as a child hearing this song for the first time and having a strong response to it, to the point of tears. It came on the radio as I was sitting as a passenger while my mother drove, to where I don't remember now, but after the song was over she looked at me and noticed I was crying and asked me if I was okay I simply said I'll be fine. You see, I grew up without a father and this song reminded me of what I had missed and what I would never have and that being a Father's love and guidance
I was with my parents on the way to a Harry Chapin concert. We were actually looking for a parking spot when we heard on the radio that he had died in that car crash on the way to the show. My parents were devastated. I was too young to fully understand the impact, until I was much older. This is still one of my dad's favorite songs (as sad as it is). I think it really motivated him to be present in my life.
I began to cry as Harry Chapin's son spoke. I got to see Harry Chapin in concert, way back in the 1970's, in Central Park. I was in the front row, and it was unforgettable. Harry was warm and loving with his audience. I was devastated when I heard he died, way too young. You must react to "Taxi," really. Harry was a story teller, and Taxi was his most famous song. He even did a sequel to Taxi! It is a classic. Thank you for reacting to thos beautiful man. ✌️🎶💙
Harry Chapin lived in my hometown. Every year my town held an arts festival and he would often play a set. He would always request the parents bring their children to the front so they could see and hear him. My earliest memory is seeing a guy play guitar while sitting under a tree. There was no stage. Turns out it was Harry!! I was only about 3 years old, and this was my very first concert experience. This must have been around 1970 or so. Fast forward 20 years later....I was in a band that played at Harry's daughter's HS graduation party. It was a warm humid night and I remember Sandy Chapin was nice enough to coat me in mosquito repellant spray while I was playing. I told Jen and her mother about my early experience watching Harry and it really warmed their hearts.
He was one of the greatest singer/songwriters ever! His [Harry Chapin] songs reflected so much of everyday life that we all can relate to them in one way or another. This classic song "Cats in the Cradle" [1974] was one of the biggest songs that year. Ever since it has captured the minds of everyone who has ever heard it. And they have become better parents for it. That's a great legacy to leave behind. Awesome! Please react to his song "A Better Place to Be" 1978. It is a tearjerker...
Harry Chapin is America's greatest story teller.........I grew up with this song and made sure I wouldn't do these things especially since I grew up without a father, he was killed in Vietnam when I was 4.........brings me to tears every time.....check out Taxi and also Taxi the sequel
This song influenced me to seek as many ways to be with my son as possible. Changed my work shifts, even though it meant a cut in pay, but it was so worth it. Being with him when he was growing up was the best part of my life. He lives with me now,. :)
Hey guys! It's been a while since you've done the best storyteller ever, Harry Chapin. May I suggest " A Better Place To Be", and "Mr. Tanner". Thanks!
Such a warm, generous unassuming man. I met him some 40 years ago when he played at a theater in my city. He arrived in town with his guitar, sat on a stool on the stage by himself, and played for almost 3 hours. We went out with him after to see another artist in town. RIP Harry.
Children are a treasure not a burden. I was made to feel like a burden from my parents so I rebelled by always making time for my son. So now I'm happy it's come full circle for my grands. My son always listens to them and teaches them gardening and cooking cuz he's a chef. Love your children and listen to them!
My old man was that kind of Dad, until I was about 13. Then he got real involved in my life. I am always grateful for the time we had. The good times, the bad times, all of it. I've always made time for my step children. Always was ready to listen. Sometimes touching, sometimes silly, but I always loved them.
I lost my dad when I was 16.... about to turn 55 and it still hurts. I have thought about him EVERY DAY!! I hate to hear people tell me that they don't get along with one of their parents. I got along great with both my parents.THANK GOD!! I still have my mom!!
I was a daddy's girl until right after my high school graduation. My dad died I was 18. I'm turning 54 in a couple of weeks. I still miss him a lot. About 10 years later, I lost my younger sister. I still have my mom. I needed to be reminded to be better. We live together and help each other out. I'm blessed to have time. I just have to use that time wisely.
Harry Chapin was an unbelievable story teller!! He could grab you and make you feel like it was a story from your life!! Two of my favorites are " Taxi" and " A Better Place to Be"!!!
I've never heard this version before. But it brought me to tears.😢 We all get caught up with the fast pace of life. But we have to remember, life is short! We don't have alot of time on Earth. Value you time with your family and friends. Always Love one another. ❤😊
This is so emotional....you can hear the sadness of the father's heart??? I'm going to hug my daughter today!!! She's 29 but I tell her everyday how I'm so happy to be her mother!!!! Blessings to everyone!
This song will always be a classic. It touches anyone who has children, who has had to make sacrifices between making a living and spending time with their kids ... generation after generation. We can only imagine what Harry might have had in store for us had the hand of fate not cut his life short.
I was a a 5 year old boy when this song came out. My dad told me then it made him think of me. He’s been gone for 20 years now and I have two grown sons of my own. I tried to make the moments with them mean something, but never enough. If you men have sons, hug them tight.
I saw him in concert many times. Even though most of his songs were serious, he and his band were absolutely hilarious and always had a great rapport with the audience. I was devastated when he died.
Cat's in the Cradle = the family is at home Sliver Spoon= wealth/ the father's need to maintain it Little Boy Blue = the sad son missing his father Man on the Moon = the father away from his family
Another great singer songwriter & storyteller. I had his "Greatest Stories Live" double album. "Cat's In The Cradle" is his most famous piece. "Taxi" was another big hit for Harry Chapin. Ten years later he followed it up with "Sequel" showing what happened to the 2 people in the story. He had so many great songs such as "W·O·L·D", "Mr. Tanner", "Mail Order Annie", "They Call Her Easy", "I Wanna Learn A Love Song", "30,000 Pounds Of Bananas", "Shooting Star", "Halfway To Heaven", "Six String Orchestra", "Dreams Go By", "Remember When The Music", "Story Of A Life". We lost him too young in a car accident in 1981 at the age of 38. He left a great legacy of music.
I had a teacher who used to play this for us when I was in grade school. He wanted us to learn about what is important in life...and I think you got it, too!
So glad you discovered Harry, the greatest live entertainer I've ever seen. The man had the ability to make you feel like he was singing to you in your living room, even if you were sitting rows back in an arena. Take a look into his life: he donated 1/2 of his concert proceeds to fight world hunger and served on Pres. Carter's commission to fight hunger. That was his cause - he always said there were so many problems for which we don't have an answer, but that's one where we do. We can feed the world. A great entertainer, great storyteller (check out "All of Life's a Circle" and "I Wanna Learn a Love Song"), and great human being.
Actually this is just his most popular song because it was short enough to get radio airplay. He can rip your heart out of chest with songs like Roses Are Red, A Better Place To Be and Taxi (with Sequel, the uh, sequel). Mr Tanner is my personal favorite and like many of his songs is based on real life events.
Harry is one of my all time favorites. I saw him in concert about a dozen times. His live versions of songs give you an idea of his relationship with his audience. The entire show was Harry and his band, no warm up act. Just about 3 hours of Harry singing with a short intermission near the middle. Every show ended with the song “Circle”. After performing for 3 hours Harry would go out to the main concourse to autograph any concert book or t-shirt for as long as it took. The ladies would also get a kiss. Proceeds from the sale of merchandise would go to his foundation “World Hunger Year”. Harry Chapin was a fantastic storyteller, humanitarian, and philanthropist. Another talented singer gone too soon.
Welcome aboard! Harry has three other songs that are must listen to reactions. 'Taxi' and 'Sequel' are part 1&2 of a ♥️ story, and 'Flower Are Red' is an excellent song also.
I've always loved this song. It's almost a cautionary tale. Be careful what you model to your kids and what you teach them. They're watching. And they need you. Be there for them and teach them that they're important. ❤️ The crash he died in was somewhat ironic since he was involved in an accident with an 18 wheeler - see if you can find Thirty Thousand Pounds Of Bananas - the live album version (1975). Great song, darkly amusing, and eerily prescient given how he died.
Another artist we lost far too soon. Chapin was a true bard. He was a master story writer and teller. Another "father and son" song that is very praiseworthy is "leader of the Band" by Dan Fogelberg. Well worth considering to react to. Another song that brings more than one tear to the eyes.
I'm 66yo and in tears watching this, I'm from a split family and never got to spend too much time with my dad. He died back in '85, never saw me get married, never met his 2 grandchildren. So sad...
Harry Chapin was a perfect storyteller saw him in concert years ago when I left the concert hall I had tears in my eyes it was a really emotional moving concert
It always makes me sad when I hear this. It's so true about life. There's never enough time. Father's are working hard and are tired and miss out on their kids growing up. All of a sudden you wake up one day and wonder where the year's have gone. Then when you have more time to spend they don't. Life can be sad sometimes. My own father has passed away but this song takes me back in my memories to a time when he was young. Miss those days!! 😢
RIP Harry perhaps one of the best song writers/story teller try WOLD followed by Mr. Tanner so many great songs had the privilege of seeing him in concert many times at the westbury music theater wonderful times after the concert would be in the crowd meeting everyone a very special person
This song gets me teary eyed every time I hear it and the words ring true. I have never heard the story behind it or seen the video of his wife and son. Thanks so much for reacting to this beautiful classic song.
The first time I heard this song I was in 7th grade. I loved it then and I love it now. I enjoyed the time I had with my children as they were growing up and I made sure I gave them lots and lots of my attention.
Harry Chapin was such a great storyteller. He put so much of himself into his music. Another great artist who left us too soon. Thank you for your fantastic reaction. If you haven’t heard it yet, would love to see your reaction to TAXI. It’s also very melancholy. 😊
Thank you for reacting to this video. I remember when this song came out in 1974, and thought how much it related to my relationship with my father. The nicest thing my father ever said to me was in 1984, on my wedding day, outside the church, after the ceremony, when he hugged me and said, "Congratulations. I don't hate you, I like you just as much as the others."
Saw Harry in concert many many years ago. His son was around 2 and was on stage with him. He told stories through his songs and they always held life lessons. Still listen to him today.
I’ve heard this song ever since it was released but it always yanks hard on my heart strings now. Many years ago I went through some very dark times in my life…mostly self inflicted……and my son was in foster care…I was living in our broken down car outside of a motel for a short time…but I had visitations with him and was walking to a county building for it….I had a little time to kill so I stopped in a little gift shop to look around…and this song was playing….I had to leave so that I didn’t cry my eyes out! After that, this song always reminds me of that day, that situation and those feelings!
Both of my kids are grown and live in other states. I raised them alone. I've been ill and it would be nice to see them more frequently before I pass to the other side.
To parents everywhere listening to this song.. Take it to heart. Make time for your children. Nothing and I mean NOTHING is more important than your children, especially when they are minors. I do not care how busy you are, how tired you are, make time for your children. They grow up so fast and they really need their parents when they are young. You can not buy back yesterday no matter how much money you have. Make the time. Find the time.
Well said Roy!!
even though my late dad worked nights and was usually home asleep when we left for school he was always a big part of my life love and miss him alot
🙏 Amen
Amen
So true😪
This song makes me tear up every time I hear it. Make time for your kids/folks when you can.
Me too ❤
@@helenmalina799 Me three.
So true, as i lost my father many years ago and not even 2 years ago my mom passed and this song kills me. I wish I could go back and be a better son, but it's too late for me.
🥺😭
Ditto! My sister heard this song one day (she’d heard it before) but this particular day she balled. It was then she knew she was pregnant.
There is not a guy alive who doesn’t tear up thinking of his dad upon hearing this.
Very true mine died in 1990 when I was 7
Yes, lost my dad in 2019
@@rayrwise5728 I lost my dad in 2012.
If you only.knew how right you are. I Lost mine in 2004.
Absolutely
I remember one morning long ago, when my dad asked me to take a ride with him to the store. I didn't want to go, since I was busy watching my Saturday morning cartoons. He said to me "You know, some day I won't be around to take you places anymore." He died that night. I was 11. While not exactly the same thing, this song does remind me of a hard lesson I learned that night; to always let the people you love KNOW that you love them, because you just never know, and the people you love should never be left wondering....
I just lost my father two weeks ago. Strong navy man! He never told us that he loved us or that he was proud of us until he was passing away. So I get you!
@@denisesalmon4496 💕💔
That's sad. You can regret so many things after friends or family have died - but never that you loved them too much.
@@denisesalmon4496 for myself and all of my family to you and all of yours during this dark time right now... For sending you love hugs and respect. I know how hard it is to lose your Dad. It rocks your world I'll tell you that.
#WW2ArmyAirCORPSMPsDaughter
@@christinegelabert1651 Thank you so much
This song hits home so hard When i was working on my car my son asked me to play catch I said I cant right now son Im busy working on the car.. His head dropped and before he could lift it again I said the car can wait and played catch 25 years later its still the best day of my life..
Bless you. It took only 2 seconds to make a decision that unknowingly years later pd off
Good job Dad. Good job. Your boy will be just like you!!
Ohhhhh the tears.....
Harry Chapin gave away half of his earnings to charity and played many benefit concerts. He didn't live large. He was driving a Volkswagen Rabbit that exploded into flames on impact when he died.
He was hit by a lorry when veered across lanes in front of it. Even though the lorry driver was not to blame his widow was awarded $12 million(!?). Harry shouldn't even have been driving, his licence was revoked.
Yes. I just passed the spot where he was killed. On the expressway on long island. Thar spot is named after him. I pass there all the time
I remember that day. His songs played on my Stereo all day. And my Son's remember that.
One of the most heartbreaking songs written
I have always had a very strained relationship with my mother. When I graduated college and moved out. I stopped talking to her, cut her off, didn't invite her to my wedding. I didn't talk to my mother for ten years when my sister played me this song. We were getting older, my marriage was crumbling, it was this song that taught me the importance of time, how precious and quick it is. I mended fences with my mother we're on speaking terms now. Knowing that Harry Chapin wrote this song not seeing his son grow up because of his tragic accident only makes it more touching.
I cry every time I hear this song. Such a shame that he never got to see his kids grow up.
Even for the daughter's, Dad's are so important! They teach you to love and to have respect with yourself !
Thank you so much!
Harry Chapin greatest story teller ever , love love love this man , have never got over his death
I'm writing this with teary eyes. I remember as a child hearing this song for the first time and having a strong response to it, to the point of tears. It came on the radio as I was sitting as a passenger while my mother drove, to where I don't remember now, but after the song was over she looked at me and noticed I was crying and asked me if I was okay I simply said I'll be fine. You see, I grew up without a father and this song reminded me of what I had missed and what I would never have and that being a Father's love and guidance
This song is so deep, and it touches the heart. It brings a tear every time I hear it.
“ Highest honor being a parent”… you nailed it.
The greatest gift you can give your child is your time.
I was with my parents on the way to a Harry Chapin concert. We were actually looking for a parking spot when we heard on the radio that he had died in that car crash on the way to the show. My parents were devastated. I was too young to fully understand the impact, until I was much older. This is still one of my dad's favorite songs (as sad as it is). I think it really motivated him to be present in my life.
What a shame 🥺☹️
When Harry Chapin died I cried my eyes out and devastated for a long time. What a loss.
I miss my dad every day. Never take people for granted. If you got your parents still, cherish every moment.
I began to cry as Harry Chapin's son spoke. I got to see Harry Chapin in concert, way back in the 1970's, in Central Park. I was in the front row, and it was unforgettable. Harry was warm and loving with his audience. I was devastated when I heard he died, way too young. You must react to "Taxi," really. Harry was a story teller, and Taxi was his most famous song. He even did a sequel to Taxi! It is a classic. Thank you for reacting to thos beautiful man. ✌️🎶💙
This song literally is the definition of perfection..hits you so hard..you literally can feel the kid's pain
Josh looks so much like his dad. What a beautiful song from a beautiful soul
Harry Chapin lived in my hometown. Every year my town held an arts festival and he would often play a set. He would always request the parents bring their children to the front so they could see and hear him.
My earliest memory is seeing a guy play guitar while sitting under a tree. There was no stage. Turns out it was Harry!! I was only about 3 years old, and this was my very first concert experience. This must have been around 1970 or so.
Fast forward 20 years later....I was in a band that played at Harry's daughter's HS graduation party. It was a warm humid night and I remember Sandy Chapin was nice enough to coat me in mosquito repellant spray while I was playing. I told Jen and her mother about my early experience watching Harry and it really warmed their hearts.
He was one of the greatest singer/songwriters ever! His [Harry Chapin] songs reflected so much of everyday life that we all can relate to them in one way or another. This classic song "Cats in the Cradle" [1974] was one of the biggest songs that year. Ever since it has captured the minds of everyone who has ever heard it. And they have become better parents for it. That's a great legacy to leave behind. Awesome!
Please react to his song "A Better Place to Be" 1978. It is a tearjerker...
I did not want to cry today...thanks for throwing that out the door...damn it!
Harry Chapin is America's greatest story teller.........I grew up with this song and made sure I wouldn't do these things especially since I grew up without a father, he was killed in Vietnam when I was 4.........brings me to tears every time.....check out Taxi and also Taxi the sequel
I met Harry Chaplin years ago. He was so kind to us, a young group in a strange place.
This song influenced me to seek as many ways to be with my son as possible. Changed my work shifts, even though it meant a cut in pay, but it was so worth it. Being with him when he was growing up was the best part of my life. He lives with me now,. :)
I love how
his son told him im gonna be just like you and he did!!
After hearing this a million times, I still teared up. I’m not crying! You’re crying! 😠
If you like this song, you would like “The Living Years” by Mike and the Mechanics.
Havent heard that song in years, makes me think of my grandmas. Brings tears to my eyes.
That is a great song. One of the few songs from the 90's that I actually like.
His wife wrote the lyrics for this song. Another great one of his is Taxi! love to you two!
Saw him live on Broadway, New York, 1975 in his show: The Night That Made America Famous
He was a writer of first quality with a soul to match. Pure love.
My husband can't listen to this song without getting teary. It reminds him of his Dad.
Harry Chapin is one of the greatest musical storytellers ever!! Don't stop and enjoy some more Harry.
Hey guys! It's been a while since you've done the best storyteller ever, Harry Chapin. May I suggest " A Better Place To Be", and "Mr. Tanner". Thanks!
Being a parent isn't just the biggest honor, it's the hardest job you will ever be asked to do.
I love this song, its such a powerful message. For completely different tone is his 30000 pounds of bananas.
Such a warm, generous unassuming man. I met him some 40 years ago when he played at a theater in my city. He arrived in town with his guitar, sat on a stool on the stage by himself, and played for almost 3 hours. We went out with him after to see another artist in town. RIP Harry.
Children are a treasure not a burden. I was made to feel like a burden from my parents so I rebelled by always making time for my son. So now I'm happy it's come full circle for my grands. My son always listens to them and teaches them gardening and cooking cuz he's a chef. Love your children and listen to them!
My old man was that kind of Dad, until I was about 13. Then he got real involved in my life. I am always grateful for the time we had. The good times, the bad times, all of it. I've always made time for my step children. Always was ready to listen. Sometimes touching, sometimes silly, but I always loved them.
I lost my dad when I was 16.... about to turn 55 and it still hurts. I have thought about him EVERY DAY!! I hate to hear people tell me that they don't get along with one of their parents. I got along great with both my parents.THANK GOD!! I still have my mom!!
I was a daddy's girl until right after my high school graduation. My dad died I was 18. I'm turning 54 in a couple of weeks. I still miss him a lot. About 10 years later, I lost my younger sister.
I still have my mom. I needed to be reminded to be better. We live together and help each other out. I'm blessed to have time. I just have to use that time wisely.
@@barbaramatthews4735 I lost my older sister 3 years ago. I don't know what hurts worse missing her or watching my mom miss her.
Another great song by Harry Chapin is Taxi. Give it a reaction, you won't regret it ❤️🇨🇦
A piece of my heart died when he did. How wonderful his son has his music. Rest In Peace Dad….
Harry Chapin was an unbelievable story teller!! He could grab you and make you feel like it was a story from your life!! Two of my favorites are " Taxi" and " A Better Place to Be"!!!
I didn’t realize his wife wrote the poem, and he added the melody.
Rest in Peace, Harry 💕
What a beautiful legacy Harry left for his son, Josh. Brought tears to my eyes.
That's Chapin as in "play...win".
This song made me stop what I was doing and go play with my kids, every time.
All these years later, I still have a lump in my throat. Every time I hear it.
And it continues! The bills must be paid! I miss them every day I'm away!!💜
This song hit me when I was young and I made sure I was there for every thing my kids did.
I've never heard this version before. But it brought me to tears.😢 We all get caught up with the fast pace of life. But we have to remember, life is short! We don't have alot of time on Earth. Value you time with your family and friends. Always Love one another. ❤😊
This is so emotional....you can hear the sadness of the father's heart??? I'm going to hug my daughter today!!! She's 29 but I tell her everyday how I'm so happy to be her mother!!!! Blessings to everyone!
One of the saddest songs ever written.
This song will always be a classic. It touches anyone who has children, who has had to make sacrifices between making a living and spending time with their kids ... generation after generation. We can only imagine what Harry might have had in store for us had the hand of fate not cut his life short.
I was a a 5 year old boy when this song came out. My dad told me then it made him think of me. He’s been gone for 20 years now and I have two grown sons of my own. I tried to make the moments with them mean something, but never enough. If you men have sons, hug them tight.
I saw him in concert many times. Even though most of his songs were serious, he and his band were absolutely hilarious and always had a great rapport with the audience. I was devastated when he died.
Cat's in the Cradle = the family is at home
Sliver Spoon= wealth/ the father's need to maintain it
Little Boy Blue = the sad son missing his father
Man on the Moon = the father away from his family
Finally. A breakdown that makes sense. Thank you
This song speaks to the heart. For sure! Love it❤,
Another great singer songwriter & storyteller. I had his "Greatest Stories Live" double album. "Cat's In The Cradle" is his most famous piece. "Taxi" was another big hit for Harry Chapin. Ten years later he followed it up with "Sequel" showing what happened to the 2 people in the story. He had so many great songs such as "W·O·L·D", "Mr. Tanner", "Mail Order Annie", "They Call Her Easy", "I Wanna Learn A Love Song", "30,000 Pounds Of Bananas", "Shooting Star", "Halfway To Heaven", "Six String Orchestra", "Dreams Go By", "Remember When The Music", "Story Of A Life". We lost him too young in a car accident in 1981 at the age of 38. He left a great legacy of music.
Sniper?
Agreed
This is such a touching video. The song and the two people he loved most, his wife and son.💙
I had a teacher who used to play this for us when I was in grade school. He wanted us to learn about what is important in life...and I think you got it, too!
So glad you discovered Harry, the greatest live entertainer I've ever seen. The man had the ability to make you feel like he was singing to you in your living room, even if you were sitting rows back in an arena. Take a look into his life: he donated 1/2 of his concert proceeds to fight world hunger and served on Pres. Carter's commission to fight hunger. That was his cause - he always said there were so many problems for which we don't have an answer, but that's one where we do. We can feed the world. A great entertainer, great storyteller (check out "All of Life's a Circle" and "I Wanna Learn a Love Song"), and great human being.
Best song ever, so meaningful! Spend time with your family!
Actually this is just his most popular song because it was short enough to get radio airplay. He can rip your heart out of chest with songs like Roses Are Red, A Better Place To Be and Taxi (with Sequel, the uh, sequel). Mr Tanner is my personal favorite and like many of his songs is based on real life events.
Best tale of a father/ son relationship.
Sadly, a common experience.
It is never too late to mend those fences Mel... until it is. Thats when the finality kicks in. Good luck and I hope everything works out for you. RNB
Harry is one of my all time favorites. I saw him in concert about a dozen times. His live versions of songs give you an idea of his relationship with his audience. The entire show was Harry and his band, no warm up act. Just about 3 hours of Harry singing with a short intermission near the middle. Every show ended with the song “Circle”. After performing for 3 hours Harry would go out to the main concourse to autograph any concert book or t-shirt for as long as it took. The ladies would also get a kiss. Proceeds from the sale of merchandise would go to his foundation “World Hunger Year”.
Harry Chapin was a fantastic storyteller, humanitarian, and philanthropist. Another talented singer gone too soon.
Welcome aboard! Harry has three other songs that are must listen to reactions. 'Taxi' and 'Sequel' are part 1&2 of a ♥️ story, and 'Flower Are Red' is an excellent song also.
RIP Harry, your missed everyday. Jim
I've always loved this song. It's almost a cautionary tale. Be careful what you model to your kids and what you teach them. They're watching. And they need you. Be there for them and teach them that they're important. ❤️ The crash he died in was somewhat ironic since he was involved in an accident with an 18 wheeler - see if you can find Thirty Thousand Pounds Of Bananas - the live album version (1975). Great song, darkly amusing, and eerily prescient given how he died.
Another artist we lost far too soon. Chapin was a true bard. He was a master story writer and teller. Another "father and son" song that is very praiseworthy is "leader of the Band" by Dan Fogelberg. Well worth considering to react to. Another song that brings more than one tear to the eyes.
Harry Chapin is such an amazing storyteller. You really should do more of his songs
I'm 66yo and in tears watching this, I'm from a split family and never got to spend too much time with my dad. He died back in '85, never saw me get married, never met his 2 grandchildren. So sad...
Harry Chapin was a perfect storyteller saw him in concert years ago when I left the concert hall I had tears in my eyes it was a really emotional moving concert
How can you smile thru this whole song?
It always makes me sad when I hear this. It's so true about life. There's never enough time. Father's are working hard and are tired and miss out on their kids growing up. All of a sudden you wake up one day and wonder where the year's have gone. Then when you have more time to spend they don't. Life can be sad sometimes. My own father has passed away but this song takes me back in my memories to a time when he was young. Miss those days!! 😢
Thanks for playing the entire song. Great reaction to a great song.
RIP Harry perhaps one of the best song writers/story teller try WOLD followed by Mr. Tanner so many great songs had the privilege of seeing him in concert many times at the westbury music theater wonderful times after the concert would be in the crowd meeting everyone a very special person
This is the ultimate right in the feels song. I remember when he died…he was a “local boy” for me.
This song gets me teary eyed every time I hear it and the words ring true. I have never heard the story behind it or seen the video of his wife and son. Thanks so much for reacting to this beautiful classic song.
The first time I heard this song I was in 7th grade. I loved it then and I love it now. I enjoyed the time I had with my children as they were growing up and I made sure I gave them lots and lots of my attention.
Loved this song forever.
Another similar song is “Father and Som” by Cat Stevens.
S & M…I remember as a kid back in 1974, this was the very first deeply meaningful & thought provoking song I’d ever heard…Still gets me every time…
this song can also apply to working moms
it always is a pleasure to watch you 2,as we grew up with this and know the story!!
I have loved this song since I was a child in the 70s. I even have my kids knowing it!
The lyrics and his voice are amazing
He died in a car crash not far from my home. I remember that day well. Very sad day for Long Islanders. He was a local boy.
Harry Chapin was such a great storyteller. He put so much of himself into his music. Another great artist who left us too soon. Thank you for your fantastic reaction. If you haven’t heard it yet, would love to see your reaction to TAXI. It’s also very melancholy. 😊
There is no storyteller like Harry. Every song on the “Greatest Stories Live” album is stellar. React to them all! Bring tissues!
Thank you for reacting to this video. I remember when this song came out in 1974, and thought how much it related to my relationship with my father. The nicest thing my father ever said to me was in 1984, on my wedding day, outside the church, after the ceremony, when he hugged me and said, "Congratulations. I don't hate you, I like you just as much as the others."
I saw him just a few months before he was taken from us. Such an awesome storyteller!
A simple song with so much emotion and SO MUCH TRUTH 😥
My father’s always loved this song. He introduced me to it when I was quite young, and I’ve enjoyed it ever since.
He was such a songwriter and story teller. He has other great songs such as, "Taxi", "A Better Place To Be", "W.O.L.D" , "Mr. Tanner".
He was one of the true greats. Not everyone was lucky enough to hear the old music from back then my
Saw Harry in concert many many years ago. His son was around 2 and was on stage with him. He told stories through his songs and they always held life lessons. Still listen to him today.
I’ve heard this song ever since it was released but it always yanks hard on my heart strings now.
Many years ago I went through some very dark times in my life…mostly self inflicted……and my son was in foster care…I was living in our broken down car outside of a motel for a short time…but I had visitations with him and was walking to a county building for it….I had a little time to kill so I stopped in a little gift shop to look around…and this song was playing….I had to leave so that I didn’t cry my eyes out!
After that, this song always reminds me of that day, that situation and those feelings!
Both of my kids are grown and live in other states. I raised them alone. I've been ill and it would be nice to see them more frequently before I pass to the other side.
All right now...I`ve been waiting for you both to do this song...A true classic.