About the song
*“Harry Chapin’s Taxi is more than just a song; it’s a journey through time, love, and the bittersweet nature of life. Released in 1972, this heartfelt ballad has resonated with listeners for generations. Chapin’s storytelling abilities shine through as he paints a vivid picture of a chance encounter between a taxi driver and an old flame.
The song begins with a rainy night in San Francisco, setting the mood for a nostalgic and reflective tone. The driver picks up a woman who seems familiar, and as their conversation unfolds, we’re transported back to their youthful dreams and aspirations. Chapin’s lyrics are filled with imagery that evokes a sense of longing and regret, as the characters grapple with the choices they’ve made and the paths their lives have taken.
One of the most striking aspects of Taxi is its universal theme of lost love. The song captures the pain of realizing that the people we once knew have changed, and that the connections we once cherished may be beyond repair. Chapin’s ability to convey these complex emotions in such a simple and relatable way is a testament to his songwriting prowess.
Musically, Taxi is characterized by its understated elegance. The gentle melody and acoustic guitar accompaniment create a warm and intimate atmosphere, allowing the lyrics to take center stage. Chapin’s vocals are filled with emotion, conveying a sense of vulnerability and longing.
Beyond its emotional depth, Taxi is also a testament to Chapin’s skill as a storyteller. The song’s narrative is both engaging and thought-provoking, leaving listeners pondering the meaning of life and the importance of human connection. It’s no wonder that Taxi has become one of Chapin’s most beloved songs, and a timeless classic in the American songbook.”*
Video
Lyrics
It was raining hard in ‘Frisco
I needed one more fare to make my night
A lady up ahead waved to flag me down
She got in at the light
Oh, where you going to, my lady blue
It’s a shame you ruined your gown in the rain
She just looked out the window
She said, “16 Parkside Lane”
Something about her was familiar
I could swear I’d seen her face before
But she said, “I’m sure you’re mistaken”
And she didn’t say anything more
It took a while, but she looked in the mirror
And she glanced at the license for my name
A smile seemed to come to her slowly
It was a sad smile, just the same
And she said, “How are you, Harry?”
I said, “How are you, Sue?
Through the too many miles and the too little smiles
I still remember you”
It was somewhere in a fairy tale
I used to take her home in my car
We learned about love in the back of the Dodge
The lesson hadn’t gone too far
You see she was gonna be an actress
And I was gonna learn to fly
She took off to find the footlights
And I took off to find the sky
Oh, I’ve got something inside me
To drive a princess blind
There’s a wild man, wizard
He’s hiding in me, illuminating my mind
Oh, I’ve got something inside me
Not what my life’s about
‘Cause I’ve been letting my outside tide me
Over ’til my time runs out
Baby’s so high that she’s skying
Yes, she’s flying, afraid to fall
I’ll tell you why baby’s crying
‘Cause she’s dying, aren’t we all?
There was not much more for us to talk about
Whatever we had once was gone
So I turned my cab into the driveway
Past the gate and the fine trimmed lawns
And she said, “We must get together”
But I knew it’d never be arranged
And she handed me 20 dollars for a 250 fare
She said, “Harry, keep the change”
Well, another man might have been angry
And another man might have been hurt
But another man never would have let her go
I stashed the bill in my shirt
And she walked away in silence
It’s strange how you never know
But we’d both gotten what we’d asked for
Such a long, long time ago
You see she was gonna be an actress
And I was gonna learn to fly
She took off to find the footlights
And I took off for the sky
And here, she’s acting happy
Inside her handsome home
And me, I’m flying in my taxi
Taking tips and getting stoned
I go flying so high, when I’m stoned