Story of a Life

Harry Chapin

About Story of a Life

"Story of a Life" is a song written and performed by Harry Chapin. The song was included on his 1980 album, Sequel. The song is the final single released from the album, and Chapin's final single before his death in July, 1981. When released, it became a hit on the Billboard Bubbling Under Hot 100. Peaking at 105, it stayed on the chart for 5 weeks making all three singles from the album hits. It has been included on numerous anthology releases.


Year:
1988
5:15
79 
#1

 The easy, fast & fun way to learn how to sing: 30DaySinger.com

I can see myself it's a golden sunrise
Young boy open up your eyes
It's supposed to be your day
Now off you go horizon bound
And you won't stop until you've found
Your own kind of way
And the wind will whip your tousled hair
The sun, the rain, the sweet despair
Great tales of love and strife
And somewhere on your path to glory
You will write your story of a life

And all the towns that you walk through
And all the people that you talk to
Sing you their songs
And there are times you change your stride
There are times you can't decide
Still you go on
And then the young girls dance their gypsy tunes
And share the secrets of the moon
So soon you find a wife
And though she sees your dreams go poorly
Still she joins your story of a life

So you settle down and the children come
And you find a place that you come from
Your wandering is done
And all your dreams of open spaces
You find in your children's faces
One by one
And all the trips you know you missed
And all the lips you never kissed
Cut through you like a knife
And now you see stretched out before thee
Just another story of a life

So what do you do now?
When she looks at you now?
You know those same old jokes all the jesters tell
You tell them to her now
And all the same old songs all the minstrels sang
You sing 'em to her now
But it don't matter anyhow
'Cause she knows by now

So every chance you take don't mean a thing
What variations can you bring
To this shopworn melody
And every year goes by like a tollin' bell
It's battered merchandise you sell
Not well, she can see

 Become A Better Singer In Only 30 Days, With Easy Video Lessons!


Harry Chapin

Harry Forster Chapin (December 7, 1942 – July 16, 1981) was an American singer-songwriter best known for his folk rock songs including "Taxi", "W*O*L*D", and the No. 1 hit "Cat's in the Cradle". Chapin was also a dedicated humanitarian who fought to end world hunger; he was a key player in the creation of the Presidential Commission on World Hunger in 1977. In 1987, Chapin was posthumously awarded the Congressional Gold Medal for his humanitarian work. more »

5 fans

Written by: HARRY F. CHAPIN

Lyrics © Warner Chappell Music, Inc.

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind


12 facts about this song

Song's Origin
The song 'Story of a Life' was written and performed by Harry Chapin, who was a notable American singer-songwriter famous for his folk-rock music.
Album inclusion
The track comes from the album "Sequel," which was released in 1980. The album was Chapin's last before his death in 1981.
Song's Theme
The song revolves around the theme of recounting life's ups and downs. It also emphasizes the essence of love and growing old together.
Songwriting
Harry Chapin was known for his storytelling style of songwriting and 'Story of a Life' is one such example where he weaves a story using his lyrics.
Pivotal Song
'Story of a Life' is considered one of the pivotal songs in Chapin's career, showcasing his deep introspection and sensitive portrayal of human relationships and aging.
Chart performance
Although the song did not make the Billboard charts, the album "Sequel" did chart at #23 on the Billboard 200.
Legacy
Despite Chapin's untimely death, his music, including 'Story of a Life', continues to be appreciated by many for its depth and honesty.
Sarcastic Lyrics
The sarcasm in the lyrics of 'Story of a Life' is typical of Chapin's songwriting style and reflects his ability to include humor and criticism in his storytelling.
Philanthropic Implication
Like many of his other songs, 'Story of a Life' raised awareness for social issues. Chapin was known for donating a large amount of his concert proceeds to charities.
Construction
The song utilizes an ABAB rhyme scheme, implying the careful crafting that went into creating this memorable tune.
Recognition
Harry Chapin was posthumously awarded the Congressional Gold Medal for his humanitarian work, and 'Story of a Life' is a testament to his powerful songwriting that touched many lives.
Live Performances
Often during live performances, Chapin told a story or anecdote before performing his songs, 'Story of a Life' being no different. These short stories set the tone for the song and gave the audience a deeper understanding of the lyrics.

Discuss the Story of a Life Lyrics with the community:

0 Comments

    Citation

    Use the citation below to add these lyrics to your bibliography:

    Style:MLAChicagoAPA

    "Story of a Life Lyrics." Lyrics.com. STANDS4 LLC, 2024. Web. 24 Apr. 2024. <https://www.lyrics.com/lyric/2326970/Harry+Chapin/Story+of+a+Life>.

    Missing lyrics by Harry Chapin?

    Know any other songs by Harry Chapin? Don't keep it to yourself!

    Watch the song video

    Story of a Life

    252.9K
    1,192     0

    Browse Lyrics.com

    Quiz

    Are you a music master?

    »
    "Your out of touch, I'm out of time, but I'm out of my head when your not around" is lyrics from a hit 80's song by which artist?
    A Phil Collins
    B Air Supply
    C Foreigner
    D Hall and Oates

    Free, no signup required:

    Add to Chrome

    Get instant explanation for any lyrics that hits you anywhere on the web!

    Free, no signup required:

    Add to Firefox

    Get instant explanation for any acronym or abbreviation that hits you anywhere on the web!

    Harry Chapin tracks

    On Radio Right Now

    Loading...

    Powered by OnRad.io


    Think you know music? Test your MusicIQ here!