Chapin, Harry - A Better Place To Be Lyrics
It was an early morning bar room
And the place just opened up
And the little man come in so fast and it
Started at his cups
She was a big old friendly girl
And 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 ?
The little man just sat there like he'd never heard a sound
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 that waitress this story
I am the midnight watchman down at Miller's Tool and Die
And I watch the metal rusting, 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
You see, she was so damned beautiful she could warm a winter's frost
But she looked 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
And I was tongued-tied like a school boy
I stammered out some words
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 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'
When 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, "I know just how you feel
And if you want to come here with me 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"
When the morning came so swiftly I held her in my arms
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'
You know 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 goddamned 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 emptiness 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 I know we both have been so lonely
And if you want me to come with you that's all right with me
'Cause I know I'm goin' nowhere and anywhere's a better place to be'"
Other Lyrics by Artist
- Chapin, Harry - Bluesman
- Chapin, Harry - Why Do Little Girls
- Chapin, Harry - Flowers Are Red
- Chapin, Harry - Somebody Said
- Chapin, Harry - Stranger With The Melodies
- Chapin, Harry - Copper
- Chapin, Harry - The Day They Closed The Factory Down
- Chapin, Harry - Pretzel Man
- Chapin, Harry - If My Mary Were Here
- Chapin, Harry - Old Folkie
- Chapin, Harry - Get On With It
- Chapin, Harry - We Were Three
- Chapin, Harry - Poor Damned Fool
- Chapin, Harry - Flowers Are Red
- Chapin, Harry - It Seems You Only Love Me When It Rains
- Chapin, Harry - Jenny
- Chapin, Harry - Country Dreams
- Chapin, Harry - I Do It For You, Jane
Rand Lyrics
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Chapin, Harry A Better Place To Be Comments
Probably one of the best stories about the human condition and the need for social interaction. If you listen to it alone and in a quiet place you get a feeling of just how powerful this story really is. We all are going nowhere, and somewhere is a better place to be.
I heard this song a million years ago just one time. It’s so poignant, what a great writer/singer. I searched for that song for years and just heard it again. Now I’m an old man full of stories, memories and regrets. The song had the line about the overweight waitress.
There will never be another musician/person like him. Times are different today. Thankfully, his music and legacy will live on forever:-)
Back in the day when people attended concerts to hear the artist.
Funny thing, did not know what was a tool and die place was , then I became a tool and die maker .
LUCK SHONE DOWN ON ME THE NITE HARRY CHAPIN & BAND PLAYED " MY FATHER'S PLACE", ROSLYN, LONG ISLAND. DROVE ON A WHIM, ONLY STANDING ROOM TICKETS. HOUSE PACKED, ALIVE, HARRY'S ELECTRICITY LIT UP THE ROOM. EVERYONE CHEERED OR CLAPPED WHEN HARRY SANG" I STUFFED THE BILL IN MY SHIRT". WHAT A JOY IT WOULD HAVE BEEN TO HAVE MET HIM. STILL PLAY/JAM TO HIS SONGS. REST IN PIECE.
This song turned me into a huge diehard fan I discovered his other songs and how hard he worked to change our world into a better place to be!
There needs be a revival of story telling music. This is the best.
Memories… Early 1981, a few months before he died, I sang and played this song in an Air Force 'Tops in Blue' competition. I didn't win, presumably because they told me in practice to leave out the waitress's profanity... and I kept it in. I saw and heard more than a few tears and sniffles in the audience, and I considered that an homage to Harry and never regretted doing it. And when he passed away in July of that year, I cried like a baby.
heartbraking..miss harry so much h write the most wonderful stories
Was lucky enough to be in the crowd on a rainy night in Davenport. The house lights went down at showtime, and the crowd began to cheer, and a few minutes passed, . . . no Harry, in fact, no power. Finally Harry came out and yelled for quiet, explained that a gas generator was being delivered, but until it got there, he sat on stage while security and anyone with a flashlight did their best to illuminate the stage.He sat with his legs overhanging the front of the stage and asked a bunch of women to sit alongside him as he played for 15-20 minutes. Then he announced that the generator had arrived, and they would try to get it running ASAP. He said in the meantime he'd be hanging around the back door if we wanted to say hi. Surprisingly most people stayed put and my friends and I were able to meet him and talk for a few minutes. MAGICAL.. RIP HARRY, you made the world a better place to be.
The greatest man ever
harry wrote the most wonderful stories
this song breaks my heart
One of the most underrated musicians to ever live
We saw Harry in Chicago in the early '70s. He had so much material that his fans wanted to hear that he did two different shows. One Friday night and One Saturday night. One ticket covered them both! We stayed at the hotel at the venue and saw both shows. Still one of the best weekends I ever had.
Spellbinding performance.A master class the late great Harry Chapin
Pick up line level expert.
Mercy ..seen him many times.I was a waitress years ago and when he passed I was shocked and cried all day .He was the GREATEST story teller ever .I even wrote a poem about him and his music and World Hunger..weeks after he passed...sure miss him
I saw harry Chapin live in the National Stadium in Dublin in 1977. I was seventeen years old. Danceband on the Titanic had just been released and he played it all. He also played many of his more favoured songs that night. I remember that Concert and I also remember just how good it all was. Only later in life did I come to realize how privileged I was then to be present at that concert. He surely was a great loss to the world in that crash in New York.
Chapin was my music lyric poet when I was 17– til his heartbreaking death- and has been my “comfort” music ever since 💕
"Comfort Music".... such an excellent description. He is my "go-to" guy to feel good.
he was a great story teller through his songs, thinking we're missing these talented musicians these days.
He came to Houston and did a concert for World Hunger. To reduce cost he came alone and was the guy in the lobby selling merchandise. All for the cause.
The greatest song and singer ever!
He was truly an inspiration, a poetic genius, gone too soon.
A truly great talent stolen from us cruelly way too soon. These videos posted here are a treasure to be cherished. THANK YOU for sharing this with us.
The wordplay in this song is beautifully sculpted. Poetry in motion, and emotion in poetry.
I was at this Hamilton Concert - 4th one for Harry - best one as well - love his songs - they remain in my heart and soul - cheers Harry - miss you till this day - wonderful man and musician
in loving memory of Barb, at Charlotte's Web in Rockford IL , 1976.
This is the reason I like the internet. I am just a little too young to have seen him before he passed. It’s awesome to see him live. Also one of my favorite songs. The bartender always chokes me up at the end.
Harry spoke for us all. My God,So sadly too soon gone. This talent...Way,and I do mean way too rare today.
Im a 47 year old Kiwi who can and will shed a tear for Mr Chapin anywhere any time.
I was lucky enough to see Harry at the Circle Theater in Indy in the 70's. Harry--It Sucks!
Truly superb. And like Croce, gone before we wanted them too. Who writes, and sings songs like this anymore? Is it possible?
I grew up listening to the song writers and story tellers...i was way to young to really appreciate Harry's death...I was in Okinawa Japan at only 8 years old when he passed. So even now i am still effected by his death. He amongst the other talened artists of this time period to this day laid the foundation of admiration and awe of music with soul. I never knew him while he was alive but i will love him til the day i die
Simply one of the best ever ! X
You know a song is a classic when you still cry 40 years later— every time.
1″ THING I’D CHANGE”I WOULD HAVE SAID TO”HER;”im off duty, better walk on bye”}:{HARRY STILL' INSPIRES MY " PLAYING/WRITING/DREAMING"}ONE HECK OF A CONCERT BY HARRY CHAPIN AT " MY FATHER'S PLACE" IN ROSLYN LONG ISLAND, N.Y., I WAS LUCKY TO ATTEND, STANDING ROOM ONLY; THE AUDIENCE APPLAUDED/CHEERED WHEN " HE STASHED THE BILL IN HIS SHIRT". A TRUE MAESTRO SINGER/SONG WRITER/STORY TELLER/ CHAMPION OF WORLD HUNGER, & OTHER CAUSES. R.I.P.{STANDING ROOM ONLY AT "MY FATHER'SPLACE}}} Reply 2
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Dedicated to my friend Joanne. You didn't have to take your life, you were never alone. I hope you found peace in the end. S.I.P my friend.
I was at the concert at Hamilton Place and this has always been one of my favourite songs.
Miss u Harry!
American history
RETURNED ONCE MORE FOR THE SEQUEL. ONLY HARRY CHAPIN BRIDGED TIME & SPACE THROUGH HIS MUSICAL STORIES. " THERE'V BEEN TOO MANY MILES & TOO LITTLE SMILES, BUT "I STILL REMEMBER YOU". "THERE'S A WILD MAN WIZARD HIDING IN ME, DRIVING A PRINCESS BLIND"." BABY'S SO HIGH THAT SHE'S SKYING, SO HIGH, SHE'S AFRAID TO FALL, I'LL TELL U WHY BABY'S CRYIN', CAUSE SHE'S DYIN"., AREN'T WE ALL". LOVE & LOSS THRU HARRY CHAPIN'S WORDS & MUSIC. " TAKIN' TIPS & GETTIN" STONED. I GO FLYIN' SO HIGH WHEN I'M STONED".R.I.P.
4
Nia the Gulf Gypsy
Nia the Gulf Gypsy
4 years ago
Guy De Maupassant would be in awe of the talent that Harry possessed.
And rightly so.
Saw Harry Concert at The Morris Stage in Morristown N.J. One week before the accident. A Very Sad Day when I Heard.
John Heinz -I was at that show also.
Touches your heart as only he can.
this song always brings a tear to my eye. Beautiful story.
BEAUTIFUL STORIES.
The greatest musician & poet of all time...
Loved & will always miss Harry...
The best songwriter in my lifetime...
Modern day Mozart...
Thanx for enriching my life Harry...
I saw Harry in concert with friends 8 times mostly at the Greek Theater in Los Angeles and once in Santa Barbara. Steven was on piano, big John Wallace on bass. Kim Fields on Cello, Howie on drums, and Dougie played the lead guitar. You could get high from the pot throughout the crowd. It's hard to believe it's been 36 years.
America's balladeer
My favourite. Song. From, the .greatest, story. Teller there's. Ever .been,on this. Planet. Miss, him so, much
The greatest .story.teller. ever great human .being. also miss you Harry god bless my hero
Right up there with songs like 'Piano Man', and rare others!
I can visualize this whole story. I close my eyes and see it playing out. What a great talent! One of my favorite songs!
36 people never been lonely - lucky them.
I was in that audience in 1981 in Hamilton Place in Hamilton, Ontario, Canada. Listening to him live was the way to really appreciate his storytelling and talent.............Dale Howard
My favorite of Harry's
never hear songs like this anymore
Gary Wilson Songs? That garbage in the airwaves are - songs? Get out! Those are not songs. Don’t know what they are, but “music/songs” is not a category for that, that- garbage!!!
Where are you listening to...Radio Stations. Why?
Hearing this after the many decades, gathering my bones off the floor!! Well done, Harry.
my shit!!
better places to be,
I keep coming back. Best storyteller ever!
true musicians performing here! 10:00 sure wouldn't make cut radio now!? hopefully Harry and band here is inspiring new comers.
harry can bring a grown man to tears
Mr. Tanner reduces me to a puddle...
Great song! Hello type in "Ron Howard Palace" listen to Opie sing "Lady"! R.I.P. Harry, you were one of the Greats!!
I'm outta Gin!
Harry was a gift to humanity From God...
Miss you my FRIEND...
I do too Celestino...
I was 18 when I first heard Harry and he became my best imaginary friend for 32 years and still going. Harry its been a while since you've been around, but I hope you are still the Midnight Watchman in that better place to be.
I loved Harry Chapin
Beautiful , I'd say , he will
I first heard Harry like most did...when Cats snuck in on the radio for longer than 15 minutes...
i was a fan since the 70 s my fist love sue
miss him
Fat is fat.
I love Harry's music especially this song but I also come here to read all the comments. Your stories and appreciation of the story telling ability of Harry and others make me feel that Harry's music will live on in more than just my household.
Love to you all.
Harry Chapin can still break my heart with his music. When I heard on the radio that he had been killed, I called my boyfriend home because I needed to be with someone who loved him as much as I did.
30000 lbs of bananas
Don Stack As a 61 year old woman who used to be cynical, I hope that you find a cure for yours. Life is short, shorter for some than others.
I know just how you feel.
Gone MUCH too soon. Along with Dan Fogelberg, Jim Croce, Freddie Mercury, and John Denver.
lobo81865 so,agree with your list of our lost musical treasures
Why repeat what everyone has already said--but then again, he was worth talking about. Regret to this day passing on a MN DFL fundraiser that he played at in 78. Deeply depressed on news of his death.
so much special meaning
was one of the greatest story teller of all time, what he did for world hunger was unbelievable
the world is still hungry
sprinter440 It always will be. There are broken things that cannot be fixed. A bandaid, a splint, here and there. But there are people who do not want it fixed. It’s their country and they want to rule woman iron fist so that they grow rich - and fat, of course. But there will always be hunger.
@sprinter440But there were days some in this world were not hungry for a day because of Harry.
Still listened to still missed. Greatest song writer and story teller ever x
my.favouritesongevermissyouharry
Saw him every time his sow came close to us and he always left us spell bound. A musical genius.
Saw him many many times when he came to the UK. Would keep the audience spellbound for hours. Brilliant. Buy his biography if you can - by Peter Coan.
I saw him in London in 1977 or 78. I was in the Air force there and my English girlfriend at the time had never heard of him and was blown away and became an immediate fan!
RETURNED ONCE MORE FOR THE SEQUEL. ONLY HARRY CHAPIN BRIDGED TIME & SPACE THROUGH HIS MUSICAL STORIES. " THERE'V BEEN TOO MANY MILES & TOO LITTLE SMILES, BUT "I STILL REMEMBER YOU". "THERE'S A WILD MAN WIZARD HIDING IN ME, DRIVING A PRINCESS BLIND"." BABY'S SO HIGH THAT SHE'S SKYING, SO HIGH, SHE'S AFRAID TO FALL, I'LL TELL U WHY BABY'S CRYIN', CAUSE SHE'S DYIN"., AREN'T WE ALL". LOVE & LOSS THRU HARRY CHAPIN'S WORDS & MUSIC. " TAKIN' TIPS & GETTIN" STONED. I GO FLYIN' SO HIGH WHEN I'M STONED".R.I.P.
"There are so many colours in a rainbow,
so many colours in the morning sun,
so many colours in a flower and
I see every one" !
Thanks Harry.
A great story performed live..
Harry Chapin has always touched me with his music. His studio stuff was okay, but you really had to see him live to get the full effect. I saw Harry and co. at Chrysler Hall in Norfolk, Va. I don't remember the year, but he announced the release of his new live album, "Legend of the Lost and Found". A truly wonderful show.
Aug 19 1980 Hamilton Place Hamilton Ontario Canada
I love you & miss you very much Harry... No one wrights music like this anymore... What a Jenious...
Gott Blezz hue !
I was there! He looks a bit stoned
He looks stoned naturally...stray eye and all
A great storyteller but even he outdone himself with this story of Love for us, as Leonard Cohen once said... are ugly but we have our music
never saw him but let me know that anyone, everyone should sing I did boo Tom off stage in Philadelphia back in 78 make a wish? snow storm
never saw him but let me know that anyone, everyone should sing I did boo Tom off stage in Philadelphia back in 78 make a wish? snow storm
What is that all about ?
this man is amazing with his song's
I saw Harry in Grand Rapids, MI shortly before he died and it was magical.......I was with my lovely ex-wife Linda and he really captured me...my mind and my soul....magical man.
Saw him at Stoneybrook University in NY around 74 or 75 a beautiful evening was had by all. I miss him so much. His work continues.
Without Harry Chapin..Billy Joel would never of had a success with his first hit Piano Man...Just saying
Robb Corless Billy Joel doesn’t hold a candle to Harry. Period.
Can't you like both Harry and Billy...
Depending on my emotional state this Song does Choke me up.
tosi ihana
From his last filmed performance, "Harry Chapin; The Final Concert"
("You can always count on the cheap seats!")
http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0187127/