I am 23 years old, and have loved Harry Chapin’s music since I was a baby and my Mom played his records as lullabies. I have found that there are few people my age who have ever heard of Harry, unless of course you mention “Cat’s in the Cradle”, and then they say, “Hey, isn’t that a Ugly Kid Joe song?”
When I was 17, I went away to college, and as a graduation gift my mom gave me a CD player and “Greatest Stories Live”. I listened to that CD every night, probably driving my roommate crazy. (Of course, she WAS crazy, anyway, as most first semester roommates are!). Later, when I went through some tough relationship times, I turned to Harry’s music for comfort. And his songs always made me feel better.
My sister also loves Harry’s music, (she was named Corey after the song, so she kind of has to). We now attend college together, (she being married, I myself having a four-year old) and we listen and sing “W.O.L.D”, “Mr. Tanner”, “Taxi”, and the rest every morning. (Our other favorite is Art Garfunkel, are we nerds or did we have some cool parents, or what?)
Listening to Harry reminds us of our childhood, but also has created a bond between us, as we almost feel that Harry’s wonderful stories are our own little secret. Does that make sense?
Anyway, I am so glad to have the opportunity to read other people’s stories. I hope that we as a group can continue Harry’s legacy and bring others to his music. My son now also falls asleep to Harry, so I guess my life really is a circle.
Thanks, Harry, where ever you are!
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