Story of a Life
Harry Chapin · 1999
233 min · 47 tracks · traditional folk music
A poignant tapestry of storytelling woven through folk melodies and reflective lyrics that capture the essence of human experience.
Top tracks — play these first
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Taxi — This track exemplifies Chapin's signature storytelling ability, chronicling a poignant encounter between a taxi driver and a former lover with emotional depth.
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Cat’s in the Cradle — As one of Chapin's most recognized songs, it powerfully addresses themes of fatherhood and regret, making it a timeless reflection on familial relationships.
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W·O·L·D — This track showcases Chapin's ability to weave complex narratives through music, exploring themes of loneliness and unfulfilled dreams in a radio DJ's reflections.
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Better Place to Be — The song illustrates Chapin's knack for character-driven storytelling, presenting an intimate glimpse into the lives of two individuals seeking connection.
Is this for you?
Good fit if you like
- narrative-driven lyrical exploration
- patient unfolding with emotional peaks
- thoughtful reflections on life
- engaging storytelling for quiet moments
- heartfelt melodies for introspection
Maybe skip if you
- prefer instant gratification tracks
- seek high-energy party anthems
Where this album fits
- Career context
- Released in 1999, 'Story of a Life' is Harry Chapin's final studio album, marking the end of a prolific career that began in the early 1970s. At this point, Chapin was renowned for his narrative songwriting style, particularly exemplified in hits like 'Cat’s in the Cradle'. This album reflects his matured perspective on life's stories and challenges, solidifying his legacy as a master storyteller.
- Stylistic neighbors
- Jim Croce· Gordon Lightfoot· John Denver
Tracklist
Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.
Disc 1
- 1 Taxi 6:42
- 2 Someone Keeps Callin’ My Name 2:53
- 3 Could You Put Your Light on, Please 4:30
- 4 Empty 2:58
- 5 Greyhound 5:39
- 6 Any Old Kind of Day 4:45
- 7 Sunday Morning Sunshine 3:50
- 8 Sniper 9:57
- 9 Better Place to Be 8:35
- 10 They Call Her Easy 4:03
- 11 Mr. Tanner 5:12
- 12 Mail Order Annie 4:54
- 13 W·O·L·D 5:12
- 14 Old College Avenue 4:27
- 15 Circle 3:22
Disc 2
- 1 Short Stories 4:35
- 2 Cat’s in the Cradle 3:48
- 3 I Wanna Learn a Love Song 4:24
- 4 30,000 Pounds of Bananas (live) 10:58
- 5 Shooting Star 4:06
- 6 What Made America Famous? 6:52
- 7 Vacancy 4:01
- 8 Dreams Go By 4:43
- 9 Tangled Up Puppet 3:42
- 10 The Rock 4:12
- 11 She Is Always Seventeen 4:18
- 12 The Mayor of Candor Lied 8:21
- 13 Caroline 3:40
- 14 Laugh Man 3:35
- 15 Taxi (live) 6:52
Disc 3
- 1 Corey’s Coming 5:38
- 2 If My Mary Were Here 3:26
- 3 Dance Band on the Titanic 5:11
- 4 Mismatch 4:55
- 5 I Wonder What Happened to Him 4:09
- 6 Dancin’ Boy 3:52
- 7 Flowers Are Red (live) 5:07
- 8 Poor Damned Fool 4:34
- 9 Jenny 4:47
- 10 I Wonder What Would Happen to This World 3:29
- 11 Old Folkie (live) 5:02
- 12 Remember When the Music - Reprise 3:56
- 13 God Babe, You’ve Been Good for Me 3:23
- 14 Story of a Life 5:21
- 15 November Rains 3:50
- 16 Sequel 6:40
- 17 Last Stand 5:05
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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