HOW DO WE DEFINE WHAT HAPPINESS IS?! First Time Hearing Harry Chapin

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HOW DO WE DEFINE WHAT HAPPINESS IS?! First Time Hearing Harry Chapin - Taxi Reaction!

Рет қаралды 15,604

Күн бұрын

🎤 About Harry Chapin:
Harry Chapin was a singer-songwriter famed for his engaging storytelling through music. His song "Taxi" is a poignant narrative that explores themes of lost dreams and the contemplation of what could have been. The song captures a taxi ride that turns into a journey through past memories and lost love, showcasing Chapin's ability to weave complex emotions into his lyrics.
Join us as we listen to "Taxi" by Harry Chapin for the first time! This track is renowned for its narrative depth and the soul-stirring melody that accompanies the story of the taxi driver and his fare, who turns out to be his old flame. Watch our reaction to see how we're moved by the song’s lyrical storytelling and Chapin's gentle yet impactful delivery.
🎵 What to Expect in This Video:
First Impressions: Our initial reactions to the song's opening lines and the setting of the story.
Lyric Analysis: A deep dive into the themes of regret, nostalgia, and the definition of happiness as depicted in the lyrics.
Musical Elements: Discussing Chapin's composition style, including his use of orchestral arrangements to heighten the emotional experience.
Overall Impact: Reflecting on the emotional weight of the song and its message about life's unexpected turns.
🤜🤛 Who We Are:
We’re a couple who loves exploring music that tells stories, especially those that evoke deep emotional responses and provoke thought. Join us as we uncover the narratives behind the songs and the artists who bring these stories to life.
👍 Like and Subscribe:
If you enjoyed our reaction to "Taxi" by Harry Chapin, please like, subscribe, and click the bell. We’re eager to share more reactions to music that not only entertains but also touches the heart and mind.
💬 Join the Conversation:
What did you think of "Taxi" and its exploration of happiness and life choices? How does Harry Chapin's storytelling resonate with you? Let us know in the comments below, and suggest other songs with powerful stories for us to react to!
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You can find Harry Chapin - Taxi at the link below:
• Harry Chapin - Taxi
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You can find Harry Chapin - Taxi on Spotify and Apple Music at the links below:
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#Harrychapin #taxi #firsttimereaction

Пікірлер: 313

@mikemiller3069 Ай бұрын

She didn't achieve her dream of being an actress. She married into wealth and the only acting she did was acting happy inside her handsome home. And the closest he got to flying was getting high in his taxi.

@Orange-Jumpsuit-Time Ай бұрын

You'd think she could have gotten her sugar daddy to provide a limo instead of her having to flag down a taxi in the rain? But then again, he might be ready to trade her in for a younger trophy?

@mikemiller3069 Ай бұрын

@@Orange-Jumpsuit-Time If you listen to "Sequel" you will find out what happens to her (I don't want to spoil it for you).

@MoMoMyPup10 Ай бұрын

@@Orange-Jumpsuit-Time Or maybe she was out with not-her-husband and didn't want the driver to be privy to her ways?

@Orange-Jumpsuit-Time Ай бұрын

@@MoMoMyPup10 If true, it was a wham-bam-thank you ma'am.........It was fun, now go outside in the rain and flag yourself a taxi.

@SweetThing Ай бұрын

@@Orange-Jumpsuit-Time - unless Harry was the limo driver in your scenario.. there would have been no storyline, so seeing as Harry was the storyteller, the story was good just as he wrote it..

@mikemurphy1700 Ай бұрын

It was his bass player singing the falsetto part....Big John.

@joelweaver174 Ай бұрын

Big John Wallace

@ZEPnALE Ай бұрын

@mikemurphy1700 I saw that recently in an old live performance on KZfaq. My jaw dropped. I'd always thought it was a woman singing that part.

@mikemurphy1700 Ай бұрын

@@ZEPnALE It is also him, Big John Wallace, doing the bass opera part on Mr. Tanner.

@PJMurphyNJ Ай бұрын

I saw John Wallace do this part on Bandstand when this was a new hit.. wow, that was a long, long, long time ago. I thought it was a woman when I heard it on the radio.. boy, was I surprised... not a small man.. lol If I remember he had a beard like grizzly Adams. Hahahaha

@hockemeyer1 Ай бұрын

The conclusion of this song Taxi is in Harry's next song called Sequel.

@paulmellette8925 Ай бұрын

definitely should listen to Sequel!

@JimKing-ij5um Ай бұрын

YES! You absolutely should follow this up with a reaction to "Sequel."

@rubroken Ай бұрын

"Taxi" is timeless, just like "Cats in the Cradle"was

@ronaldsinagra8825 Ай бұрын

Now you need to listen to the Taxi Sequel.

@markstoudenmire4935 Ай бұрын

You can never go wrong with Harry. "A Better Place To Be" is a great one.

@SpiderMcGee Ай бұрын

Excellent song.

@dangabbert3944 Ай бұрын

One of his best!

@ronc531 Ай бұрын

My favorite song of his, that and Mr. Tanner.

@ronc531 Ай бұрын

Also has to be the live version, preferably off of "Harry Chapin - Greatest Stories Live "

@kj320175 Ай бұрын

I have "I wish that I was beautiful or that you were halfway blind" tattooed on my forearm

@christopherhuot2826 Ай бұрын

Harry's MASTERPIECE 😅

@user-wk1pd5sr5x Ай бұрын

We were all robbed of his genius way too soon.

@davidmontgomery9846 Ай бұрын

Harry is the greatest .It was a real privilege to have seen him twice .He played one gig for himself and one for his charity .He was a true , true gentleman .

@mikemurphy1700 Ай бұрын

Best story teller EVER...saw Harry 10 times before he passed. His live performances were an emotional roller coaster ride...wore me out. You HAVE to listen to "A Better Place to Be " but you have to listen to it on his "Greatest Stories Live " album.....and Mr. Tanner too.

@ldavis8145 Ай бұрын

Those two are up on my all time favorite song list. And yes, those versions from the 'Greatest Stories Live' album are the ones you should listen to.

@reneerocha1796 Ай бұрын

For sure! 😊

@markmaley9929 Ай бұрын

Johnny Carson invited him back for a second night when he sang this song that put him on the map

@reesebn38 Ай бұрын

Did Johnny let him keep the ending. The Radio always cut it off. No getting stoned! Lol

@jeffbeaver4419 Ай бұрын

Neither are happy. They both did not achieve their goals. He is driving a taxi after wanting to be a pilot while she wanted to be an actress,but is only "acting" happy now.

@DJ-bj8ku Ай бұрын

Exactly. It’s surprising how few people get it.

@allendesalme197 Ай бұрын

He was just as captivating in concert and had some fun with the music - that high harmony and lead is one of his male band members

@davidpugh5982 Ай бұрын

The falsetto in the bridge is from Harry's long time bassist John Wallace. To hear his incredible vocal range listen to Harry's song Mr. Tanner. Keep that falsetto in mind as you listen to John's beautiful baritone. Also listen to any Harry Chapin that you can from his live album called Greatest Stories Live. He and his band really sound fantastic on that record.

@brotherrandyll4093 Ай бұрын

I love his song, “ Mr. Tanner.”

@patrickchachulski6804 Ай бұрын

Such a heartbreaking story that always brings a tear to my eyes. An absolute masterpiece.

@paulrebori2395 Ай бұрын

The other voice was Big John Wallace the bass player.

@markstoudenmire4935 Ай бұрын

@@paulrebori2395 Definitely doesn't get enough recognition for his talents.

@stevenbouler5783 Ай бұрын

All My Life’s A Circle live…I really miss Harry these days…saw him four times in the 1970s…

@karehelene Ай бұрын

*laughing* But it has to be played in order. Taxi, Sequel, All My Life's A Circle

@JBHogan Ай бұрын

This song is so great, I've never tired of it.

@karehelene Ай бұрын

More Harry Chapin - W.O.L.D, Shooting Star, A Better Place to Be, Corey's Coming, Flowers are Red, 5 String Orchestra, 30,000 Lbs of Bananas, I Wanna Learn A Love Song, Mr. Tanner, Dance Band on the Titanic

@StephenMcDowell-nd5jg Ай бұрын

W.O.L.D! Yes!!

@robertwoods3750 Ай бұрын

harry chapin , cat Stephens, Jim Croce, all arrived at about the same time more or less in my mind as the great story telling song writers and performers , Neilson too, never will there be another group of such talented musicians in the same genre occupying the same stage at about the same time , i still get teary eyed listening to this story of potential love lost and it's been over 50 yrs.

@gwydion56 Ай бұрын

Harry was my wife's favorite singer, and we saw him in concert 3 times. I wish it had been 300 times. He had not just storytelling skills, but also charisma and a great love of his fans. He dedicated his life to fighting world hunger, and did so very many benefit shows. He is greatly missed.

@argonwheatbelly637 Ай бұрын

I still play this on the guitar, and it still makes me cry when I listen to it. If it doesn't make you cry, then you have no soul.

@Lakeshore14 Ай бұрын

So glad to see your reaction to another Harry Chapin tale, Taxi. He is a phenomenal storyteller and this one is my favorite. Sadly, the world lost a genius and a humanitarian when he passed away at age 38. Thank you for the great reaction. 👏👏👏🥰

@stevedoumas7701 Ай бұрын

The honesty of the lyrics is one of the things that sets this song apart. He was trying to make small talk and she just said take me to my destination. Such a real life scenario between a man and a woman when she doesn't know the mans intentions...And how the fact that they both gave up their chidlhood dreams but in a crazy way they ended up living somewhat a metaphor of their dreams... he is flying high stoned and she is acting happy in her life... Thanks as always for the great reactions and music choices!!!

@stephenhuber1219 Ай бұрын

WOLD

@thefoss5387 Ай бұрын

The operatic bridge was sung by Bassist, John Wallace. In Chapin's great song, Mr. Tanner, Wallace's pipes are vital in advancing the story.

@ldavis8145 Ай бұрын

The live version - on the "Greatest Stories" album is amazing.

@thefoss5387 Ай бұрын

@@ldavis8145 Agree. In fact ,I prefer the Greatest Stories Live versions of his songs better than any of the studio versions. Chapin really elevated when playing to an audience.

@barryhickman6911 Ай бұрын

There is a live version of this song and it shows the guy who accompanies Harry singing that high part, you guys should check that out for sure!

@gregrodriguez5697 Ай бұрын

One of my favorite songs and artist of all time. Thanks..

@wpollock1 Ай бұрын

"And here, she's acting happy/inside her handsome home" Yes, you got it!

@jonathansmith3742 Ай бұрын

The world misses Harry very much. My eyes leak quite often listening to him.

@charlierussell6577 Ай бұрын

Well...... he said she "was ACTING happy", so I take that as being the way in which she became an actress, just as being a stoned cabby was his "learning to fly"

@user-zk4vi5hw6x Ай бұрын

someone got it I go that the first time i hear it the yr it came out. Never got to see him live like many others of that time but love his thing. I went to 3 or 4 show a week in the day depending on how many I was doing with what ever band.

@dianedarby442 Ай бұрын

Next on the list you should check out "A Better Place to Be" - beautiful story. I probably told you last time that I went to his last concert without knowing it would be. A couple days later, driving home from work, someone called into the radio station I had on in the car and asked if they'd play Taxi "in memory of Harry Chapin" - he'd been killed earlier that day in a car accident on the LIE. I couldn't believe it! A great loss to us all. . .

@karehelene Ай бұрын

Harry was the best. I was lucky enough to see him concert 3 times. The piece about the princess and wizard was about his dream life is so much different than the life he's actually living. More living in his mind. He had many great songs, though most were too long for the radio. He wrote a sequel to Taxi, aptly named Sequel. You should check it out.

@reesebn38 Ай бұрын

Amazing you saw him in Concert!! WOW

@karehelene Ай бұрын

@@reesebn38 Once at University of Illinois, once at the Waikiki Shell and finally in Seattle. I was pregnant with my first child. Unfortunately, he died about 5 months later. He was always great.

@DJ-bj8ku Ай бұрын

The 1970s was a decade of introspection-the Me Decade, as it was called-and songs like these explored the artists’ interior lives that in a broader sense reflected the lost innocence and optimism of the 1960s. The middle part about Baby’s dying just accentuates the song’s main theme of the death of dreams and lost hope.

@ngkky Ай бұрын

Harry Chapin graduated from the prestigious Brooklyn Technical High School in New York City in 1960. In 1978 he returned to his former high school as a Distinguished Alumni and spoke at my high school graduation ceremony. As a teenager, I've watched him host and performed on episodes of "The Midnight Special" and was so sad at hearing of his tragic death in July 1981 from a car accident in Long Island, New York.

@ronaldbolton7338 Ай бұрын

Saw them live in college at SUNY Geneseo in '78 or '79. Incredible live performance. I believe it was the cellist that say that bit, but after 45 years I could be mistaken. It may have been the bass player? Long time ago. Just blown away by the musicality of something like this done live. The cellist was incredible, which may be why he's stuck in my mind. After the concert I immediately went and bought every album he had! So glad you did this one. We had two wonderful story tellers at that time Harry and Jim Croce. Both sadly died young and tragically.

@ThistleAndSea Ай бұрын

Love Harry's music! Mr Tanner is my avorite of his. Thanks for sharing this one! 🙂

@scottbrown670 Ай бұрын

Of course you must listen to the sequel

@robinmaseda339 Ай бұрын

"Sniper" is a very powerful song based on a true story.

@Paulxs420 Ай бұрын

I was listening to my favorite radio station in NYC (WNEW), when Pete Fornatale announced that Harry Chapin had been killed on his way to give a free concert. I Remember that day like it was yesterday. RIP Harry.

@rubroken Ай бұрын

She became an actress of sorts, she was "acting happy"

@stevemiller6923 Ай бұрын

I was delighted when I saw you guys were doing this one. I have loved this song for more than 50 years. Glad to see more people finding it.

@jameshorton7496 Ай бұрын

Another Harry Chapin song that tells about his life is, I Want To Learn A Love Song.

@Jettek1987 Ай бұрын

Harry has a sequel to this song called Sequel you should check it out

@thomastimlin1724 Ай бұрын

"We learned about love in a VW Bug, the lesson hadn't gone too far...." that's what we used to sing in high school lol

@fscottgray9784 Ай бұрын

Sequel is the follow up to this song and is worth a listen also.

@Jane-AnimalFriend Ай бұрын

W.O.L.D. is another great story song from him.

@Carln0130 Ай бұрын

The man singing the very high part was Big John Wallace. He could sing the deepest base and go that high. Remarkable talent. He was with Harry's band until the end. The song Sequel wraps this song up as well as shedding additional light on that part you were confused on. Even better Harry songs: A Better Place To Be and Mr. Tanner. Incredible music/story telling. He has a deep catalogue.

@jayarr961 Ай бұрын

A Better Place To Be is a great song/story. His live version is very well done. The high voice in Taxi was sung by Big John Wallace. If you listen to Mr. Tanner, another great song/story, you will hear the other side of Mr. Wallace's range. I suggest the live version of this one too.

@MichelleSanGiorgio Ай бұрын

Great reaction. Thank you so much!

@scottromer8584 Ай бұрын

Sue wanted to be an actress "Acting Happy" inside her hansom home. Harry, there is a wild man causing his "outside" drive his actions. Believe the message is about balance in life. Don't get caught up to much in your aspirations for wealth and don't let the shiny objects of fun (getting high) drive your life. Great song, thanks for reacting to it.

@dagmar.6954 Ай бұрын

Another great singer songwriter & storyteller. I had his "Greatest Stories Live" double album. "Taxi" was a 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.

@allenfutrelle9090 Ай бұрын

The falsetto voice was provided by big John the bassist, big John also played the cello early on in the band. Seeing them live in concert was a real treat.

@blackwolf6082 Ай бұрын

The best song ever written - IMO

@frankbolger3969 9 күн бұрын

I always think that this song has the best punchline in pop music. To me, the point of the song is that they each came to a bittersweet end of broken dreams. Maybe, since Harry is narrating the tale, he has a firmer grip on that fact than Sue does. Great song! Wouldn't you love to hear what he might have written if his life was not cut so tragically short?

@sandy2953 Ай бұрын

you can't go wrong with any harry song one of my fave is a better place to be

@johnathanstruble1064 Ай бұрын

At 54 years of age, since i was around 12, New Years Eve, there are two songs that i have to play.."Auld Angzyn" from Dan Folgeberg, and this Masterpiece, "Taxi" Harry Chapin....❤

@maine420grow8 Ай бұрын

I'm a medical cannabis patient in Maine. I've never equated the "high" from cannabis to flying an airplane. But I understand the symbolism and I've always loved this song.

@davidtullis2810 Ай бұрын

There were so many interpretations of this song Harry finally wrote a sequil to explain more

@ticnatz Ай бұрын

Harry's best.....

@vicprovost2561 Ай бұрын

Great song and mesmerizing story telling by one of the masters. Harry is always a listen for this old headbanger. One of the best singer songwriters, more Harry! Try Cats in the Cradle if you have not, if you have, do Circle instead. Enjoy! 🎵🎤🎸🎶

@daveray44 Ай бұрын

That high voice was actually was by one of the male band mates. The live version shows him singing that part

@kellylassen6769 Ай бұрын

Absolutely my favorite from him!

@littleogeechee223 Ай бұрын

That gorgeous high part is sung by the incredible John Wallace who performed with Harry for many years. The guy had an unbelievable vocal range as he could and did also sing some baritone parts as in “Mr. Tanner” another great Chapin song, and “30,000 Pounds of Bananas”. Believe it or not, he also sang the role of “Bluto” in the Robert Altman “Popeye” film of 1980 starring Robin Williams. Actor Paul L. Smith portrayed the character on screen.

@supasoulproductions Ай бұрын

Be sure to check out the 'Sequel' for the conclusion of their story.

@markh.7650 Ай бұрын

Harry and another great story teller in Billy Joel both grew up on Long Island, just like me. I grew up listening to them both on the radio. His (Harry) catalog is not as deep as it should be due to his early demise. The foundation he started here on the Island is still going strong. Regardless of his music, his legacy lives on.

@EdA1 Ай бұрын

So I know having this channel has been eye-opening for you guys when it comes to music you’ve never been exposed to. But for me what’s been eye-opening is discovery lyrics I never bothered to pay attention to! I grew up with this stuff being on the radio all the time in the 70s and I’ve heard this song a zillion times, but I never took the time to sit down with headphones and actually read the lyrics. It makes for a whole different experience for sure! Loved this!

@JOHNAlger-zh3gu Ай бұрын

Just beautiful music

@chazcp Ай бұрын

Harry Chapin's 'Empty'

@alanpeterson4939 Ай бұрын

Mr. Tanner and Sniper (studio version) are both GREAT Harry Chapin stories.

@rghilino6734 Ай бұрын

Harry was great. W. O.L.D is epic too.

@mikefitznb1 Ай бұрын

you need to hear part 2.....it don't end here

@traceycater Ай бұрын

Iconic!

@phillip8443 Ай бұрын

Harry was king of writing verbal movies he was the best story teller

@willfromyadkinville Ай бұрын

another great song from my childhood!

@scottwallace3450 Ай бұрын

As many have pointed out, you must now do "Sequel," which closes this story for sure. It was recorded 10 years later. You will love it!

@sorrystaunton Ай бұрын

10 years later Harry wrote his follow up to Taxi and told us what eventually happened to these two people…..Brilliant finish please listen to it…

@robertfindley921 Ай бұрын

Great song. A story about options and expectations and how they differ between a man and a woman. A lot of metaphors. Are there any story tellers like this today?

@hectorsmommy1717 Ай бұрын

Big John Wallace sang the falsetto part. Next you should listen to "Mr. Tanner" which also features John and shows off just how far his range spreads. He goes from counter-tenor to baritone.

@michaelparsons5352 Ай бұрын

Mr Tanner is a must.

@WMalven Ай бұрын

According to Wiki, the high parts were sung by John Wallace, who perfirmed with Harry for 10 years. Chapin pointed out when discussing the song, that he never mentions how they feel about each other...so there's a degree of mystery in it.

@ausfuhrpramienjagar Ай бұрын

The "Taxi" album.. I still have that vinyl in my collection. Harry was the greatest story teller of all time and in fact he actually was a taxi driver in 1971, when he wrote this masterpiece. I had tickets to see him live at a local venue in the summer of 1981, however, just a couple of weeks before the concert he was tragically killed in a vehicle accident in NY. I never did get to see him perform live.. 😪

@jddelvec1870 Ай бұрын

You have to listen to “Sequel” he wrote Taxi part 2 - ten years later. Also please do “A better place to be”

@donnabost4445 Ай бұрын

Now to follow up on this story is "THE SEQUEL" see what happens....it was written 10 years later....

@mikeconway9849 Ай бұрын

Great reaction! Harry was a fantastic storyteller.

@greenacreshomestead8302 Ай бұрын

Harry Chapin modeled the woman in this song on a former lover when they were young adults in New Jersey, who was pressured to end their relationship because she came from an upper class, and he was more working class. Clare Alden MacIntyre-Ross passed away on March 9, 2016.

@kellylassen6769 Ай бұрын

Chills now that I'm 59 and can understand the words.😔

@gaildevaney6074 Ай бұрын

Beautiful piece of music. The magic that just a few skilled musicians can produce is incredible.

@parkermills3328 Ай бұрын

Second vocalist...Big John Wallace. The bass player and if you see a picture of him you'd never guess that the voice was his !

@CadillacL Ай бұрын

You need to hear the song “Sequel” tells the rest of the story.

@hlawrencepowell Ай бұрын

One of the greatest songs ever. Now, listen to Sequel and you'll get the rest of the story.

@drmorqWarrenProject Ай бұрын

The high voice... is 'Big' John Wallace the bass player... there is live video of him singing this song..

@kennethkirchoff4824 Ай бұрын

Two more Harry Chapin songs to check out (there are many, but these are the two I'd recommend next) --"Mail Order Annie" and "WOLD"

@jonhenke1504 Ай бұрын

For me cat's in the cradle is okay compared to taxi! Taxi is way more emotional and Harry Chapin introduced this song on the Johnny Carson show and got a 5-minute standing ovation with an audience who had never heard the song before!!!

@rogerdaly6326 Ай бұрын

I agree "Cats" is a little more radio friendly in its structure which gave it the popularity its had.

@dennis2966 Ай бұрын

Not only my favorite Chapin song, but it's in my Top 10 all time favorites.

@lonnyjohnson2061 Ай бұрын

The point is neither is happy, they've settled.

@breakingdad8 Ай бұрын

I've been listening to this song since it's release and still don't know whether to smile or cry. You were right on point. Great job. You might like "Operator" by Jim Croce

@lindsaymac01 Ай бұрын

One of the greatest storytellers ever. His catalogue entirely composed of tales of life experiences. To name a few, Dreams Go By, Bluesman, WOLD, Dance Band on the Titanic, I Wanna Learn A Love Song, Dirt Gets Under the Fingernails, Manhood, and the goes on.

@reesebn38 Ай бұрын

God I love this song!! I love songs that tell a story. I've got 3 classic songs for you that tell great stories. Dan Fogelberg "Same Old Lang Syne". Vicki Lawrence "The Night The Lights Went Out In Georgia". Bobby Gentry "Ode To Billy Joe". One is a true story. The other two were turned into movies because the songs were such great stories..