A Better Place to Be
Harry Chapin
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It was an early morning bar room, And the place just opened up. And the little man come in so fast and Started at his cup. And the broad who served the whiskey She was a big old friendly girl. And she tried to fight her empty nights By smilin' at the world. And she said "Hey Bub, It's been awhile Since you been around. Where the hell you been hidin'? And why you look so down ?" But the little man just sat there like he'd never heard a sound. The waitress she gave out with a cough, And acting not the least put off, She spoke once again. She said, "I don't want to bother you, Consider it's understood. I know I'm not no beauty queen, But I sure can listen good." And the little man took his drink in his hand And he raised it to his lips. He took a couple of sips. And he told the waitress this story. "I am the midnight watchman down at Miller's Tool and Die. And I watch the metal rusting, and I watch the time go by. A week ago at the diner I stopped to get a bite. And this here lovely lady she sat two seats from my right. And Lord, Lord, Lord she was alright. "Well, she was so damned beautiful she could warm a winter's frost. But she was long past lonely, and well nigh kinda lost. Now I'm not much of a mover, or a pick-em-up easy guy, But I decided to glide on over, and give her one good try. And Lord, Lord, Lord she was worth a try. "I was Tongued-tied like a school boy, and I stammered out some words. But it did not seem to matter much, 'cause I don't think she heard. She just looked clear on through me to a space back in my head. And it shamed me into silence, as quietly she said, 'If you want me to come with you, then that's all right with me. Cause I know I'm going nowhere, and anywhere's a better place to be. Anywhere's a better place to be.' "I drove her to my boarding house, and I took her up to my room. And I went to turn on the only light to brighten up the gloom. But she said, 'Please leave the light off, Oh I don't mind the dark.' And as her clothes all tumbled 'round her, I could hear my heart. The moonlight shown upon her as she lay back in my bed. It was the kind of scene I only had imagined in my head. I just could not believe it, to think that she was real. And as I tried to tell her she said 'Shhh.. I know just how you feel. And if you want to come here with me, then that's all right with me. 'Cause I've been oh so lonely, lovin' someone is a better way to be. Anywhere's a better way to be.' "The morning came so swiftly as I held her in my arms. But she slept like a baby, snug and safe from harm. I did not want to share her or dare to break the mood, So before she woke I went out to buy us both some food. "I came back with my paper bag, to find that she was gone. She'd left a six word letter saying 'It's time that I moved on.'" The waitress took her bar rag, and she wiped it across her eyes. And as she spoke her voice came out as something like a sigh. She said "I wish that I was beautiful, or that you were halfway blind. And I wish I weren't so god-damned fat, I wish that you were mine. 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." And the little man, Looked at the empty glass in his hand. And he smiled a crooked grin, He said, " I guess I'm out of gin. And know we both have been so lonely. And if you want me to come with you, then that's all right with me. 'Cause I know I'm goin' nowhere and anywhere's a better place to be."
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Written by: HARRY F. CHAPIN
Lyrics © Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
10 facts about this song
Song Release"A Better Place to Be" is a song by the American singer-songwriter Harry Chapin, released in 1973. It is a part of the album "Short Stories".
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Song LengthThe original song is about 8 minutes and 35 seconds long, making it one of the longest songs by the artist.
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PopularityEven though it was never a hit single, the song managed to become one of Chapin's most beloved and frequently performed songs.
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StorytellingKnown for his storytelling in songs, Chapin does not disappoint in "A Better Place to Be". It features a narrative about a lonely man and a hefty waitress in a midnight watchman.
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Live PerformancesDuring live performances, Chapin often preceded the song with a detailed narrative to set the background, sometimes making these spoken introductions longer than the song itself.
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CharityChapin, an activist for ending world hunger, often used his concerts, such as those where "A Better Place to Be" was performed, to raise money for charity.
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StyleThe song showcases Chapin's folksy, narrative style of songwriting, with raw, emotional lyrics and a catchy tune.
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Cover Versions"A Better Place to Be" has been covered by a couple of artists, demonstrating the song's ongoing influence and popularity. For example, Grayson Hugh covered it in his album "Road to Freedom" in 1992.
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Family BackgroundThe core of Chapin's work, including this song, was influenced by his father, who was a drummer, and his grandfather, who was a poet; they introduced Chapin to music and literature at a very young age.
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LegacyHarry Chapin died in a car crash in 1981, but his music, including songs like "A Better Place to Be", continues to be cherished and listened to by many.
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Citation
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"A Better Place to Be Lyrics." Lyrics.com. STANDS4 LLC, 2024. Web. 30 May 2024. <https://www.lyrics.com/lyric/35650400/Harry+Chapin/A+Better+Place+to+Be>.
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