About the song
Harry Chapin, a folk singer renowned for his storytelling abilities and socially conscious lyrics, penned “I Wanna Learn a Love Song” as a heartfelt tribute to the enduring power of love. This poignant ballad, released in 1974, became a staple on Chapin’s live performances and a beloved track among his dedicated fanbase.
With his distinctive raspy voice and intimate delivery, Chapin paints a vivid picture of a man yearning to understand the complexities of love. The song delves into the universal themes of longing, connection, and the search for meaning in relationships. Through introspective lyrics and Chapin’s emotive vocals, listeners are invited to reflect on their own experiences and emotions.
The opening lines, “I wanna learn a love song, a simple, easy tune,” set the stage for a song that explores the desire for love’s simplicity. Chapin acknowledges the challenges and uncertainties that often accompany relationships, but he remains hopeful and optimistic. The song’s refrain, “I wanna learn a love song, just to sing along,” conveys a longing for companionship and a desire to share life’s journey with someone special.
Throughout the song, Chapin uses vivid imagery and relatable anecdotes to illustrate his search for love. He references the “old, familiar places” where he and his loved ones have shared memories, and he contemplates the fleeting nature of time. The lyrics evoke a sense of nostalgia and a longing for the past, while also expressing a hope for a brighter future.
“I Wanna Learn a Love Song” is more than just a romantic ballad; it is a testament to the enduring power of human connection. Chapin’s heartfelt lyrics and soulful performance resonate with listeners of all ages, reminding us of the importance of love, companionship, and the search for meaning in life. This timeless classic continues to touch the hearts of audiences worldwide, serving as a reminder that the pursuit of love is a universal experience.
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Lyrics
I come fresh from the street
Fast on my feet, kinda lean and lazy
Not much meat on my bones, and a whole lot alone
And more than a little bit crazy
The old six string was all I had
To keep my belly still
And for each full-hour lesson I gave
I got a crisp ten dollar bill
She was married for seven years
To a concrete castle king
She said she wanted to learn to play the guitar
And to hear her children sing
So I’d show up about once a week
In my faded tight-legged jeans
With a backlog full of hobo stories
And dilapidated dreams
She said, “I want to learn a love song full of happy things.”
She said, “I want to learn a love song; won’t you let me hear you sing?”
She said, “I want to learn a love song, I want to hear you play.”
She said, “I want to learn a love song before you go away.”
So I tried to teach her a couple of chords
And an easy melody
But it always turned out she’d rather listen
To my guitar and me
I could hear her old man laughing in the den
Playing stud poker with the boys
While I sang so soft in the living room
Too scared to make much noise
I came one week and the den was dark
And she met me at the door
And we sat on the couch and we sang and talked
Till I could not sing no more
The silence kept on building
Her eyes grew much too wide
And I could hear both of our heartbeats
But there was no place to hide
She said, “I want to learn a love song full of happy things.”
She said, “I want to learn a love song; won’t you let me hear you sing?”
She said, “I want to learn a love song, I want to hear you play.”
She said, “I want to learn a love song before you go away.”
Well, I guess you know what happened
God, I never been so clean
Yes, I feel like I’m working in a Hollywood movie
Or living out a good bad dream
And all them pinup girls in that tinsel world
Never touched me like she can
It took another man’s wife in the real world life
To make this boy a man
She said, “I want to learn a love song full of happy things.”
She said, “I want to learn a love song; won’t you let me hear you sing?”
She said, “I want to learn a love song, I want to hear you play.”
She said, “I want to learn a love song before you go away.”
I guess you know I stayed