Story Of Life
Chapin Harry Lyrics


Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴  Line by Line Meaning ↴

I can see myself it's a golden sunrise
Young boy open up your eyes
It's supposed to be your day
Now off you go horizon bound
And you won't stop until you've found
Your own kind of way
And the wind will whip your tousled hair
The sun, the rain, the sweet despair
Great tales of love and strife
And somewhere on your path to glory
You will write your story of a life

And all the towns that you walk through
And all the people that you talk to
Sing you their songs
And there are times you change your stride
There are times you can't decide
Still you go on
And then the young girls dance their gypsy tunes
And share the secrets of the moon
So soon you find a wife
And though she sees your dreams go poorly
Still she joins your story of a life

So you settle down and the children come
And you find a place that you come from
Your wandering is done
And all your dreams of open spaces
You find in your children's faces
One by one
And all the trips you know you missed
And all the lips you never kissed
Cut through you like a knife
And now you see stretched out before thee
Just another story of a life

So what do you do now?
When she looks at you now?
You know those same old jokes all the jesters tell
You tell them to her now
And all the same old songs all the minstrels sang
You sing 'em to her now
But it don't matter anyhow
'Cause she knows by now

So every chance you take don't mean a thing
What variations can you bring
To this shopworn melody
And every year goes by like a tollin' bell




It's battered merchandise you sell
Not well, she can see

Overall Meaning

The song "Story Of Life" by Chapin Harry is a poignant reflection on the journey of life. The song begins with a golden sunrise, and the lyrics encourage the listener to embark on their own path and find their own way in the world. As the song progresses, the lyrics describe the many experiences and encounters one can have on their journey, including passing through towns and talking to different people, dancing with young girls and finding a lifelong partner. The lyrics suggest that life is full of both happiness and heartache, with references to love and strife, sweet despair, missed opportunities and regrets. The song ends on a melancholy note, with the singer reflecting on the passage of time and the inevitability of selling "battered merchandise".


There is a powerful message in this song that encourages us to embrace the journey of life, with its highs and lows, and make the most of every opportunity. The lyrics suggest that although we may face challenges or make mistakes, we can always learn, grow and move forward. The song also celebrates the importance of love and human connection, which can bring meaning and joy to our lives.


Line by Line Meaning

I can see myself it's a golden sunrise
With hope and optimism for the future, I envision a new beginning, symbolized by the majestic sunrise.


Young boy open up your eyes
The singer encourages a young person to embrace the world around them with eyes wide open, ready to explore and learn.


It's supposed to be your day
The singer acknowledges the importance of a special day for the young person, perhaps a milestone or rite of passage that should be celebrated and honored.


Now off you go horizon bound
The artist exhorts the young person to set out and explore the vast horizon, free to discover new opportunities and experiences.


And you won't stop until you've found
The artist encourages the young person to persevere in their quest until they find what they are searching for, never giving up or settling for less.


Your own kind of way
The singer emphasizes the importance of carving out one's own path in life, free from the expectations and limitations of others.


And the wind will whip your tousled hair
The singer paints a vivid image of the young person facing the elements and nature, feeling the wind dance through their hair as they journey on.


The sun, the rain, the sweet despair
The artist acknowledges the highs and lows of life's journey, as the young person experiences joy, pain, and all the emotions in between.


Great tales of love and strife
The artist suggests that the young person will encounter stories of love, passion, and conflict as they venture forth, each one inspiring and instructive.


And somewhere on your path to glory
The artist hints that the young person will find a way to achieve greatness, even if they don't realize it yet, as long as they stay true to themselves and their purpose.


You will write your story of a life
The singer affirms the young person's agency and creativity, as they become the author and protagonist of their own life story, filled with challenges, triumphs, and meaning.


And all the towns that you walk through
The artist acknowledges the many places the young person will journey to, each one unique and offering a fresh perspective on life.


And all the people that you talk to
The singer recognizes the importance of human connection on life's journey, as the young person meets people from all walks of life and learns from their stories.


Sing you their songs
The singer suggests that the young person will hear music and poetry along the way, each one speaking to the heart and soul of what it means to be human.


And there are times you change your stride
The singer acknowledges that the young person may experience setbacks, obstacles, or change along the way, but they will adapt and find a new rhythm in life.


There are times you can't decide
The artist recognizes the complexities and uncertainties of life, as the young person faces difficult choices and dilemmas on their path.


Still you go on
The artist affirms the young person's resilience and courage, as they continue to move forward despite the challenges and obstacles they encounter.


And then the young girls dance their gypsy tunes
The singer conjures up an image of youthful joy and exuberance, as the young person encounters a group of energetic, carefree dancers who celebrate life's vibrancy.


And share the secrets of the moon
The singer suggests that the young person will learn from others who have discovered the mysteries and wonders of life, including the moon's hidden secrets.


So soon you find a wife
The artist acknowledges the possibility of love and companionship along life's journey, as the young person meets and falls in love with a soulmate who shares their dreams.


And though she sees your dreams go poorly
The artist recognizes that not everything in life goes according to plan, and sometimes our dreams falter or fail. Even so, the wife remains committed and supportive of her partner.


Still she joins your story of a life
The artist affirms the power of shared experience and partnership, as the wife becomes an integral part of the young person's life story, adding depth, meaning, and support.


So you settle down and the children come
The singer suggests that the young person experiences a season of settling down and starting a family, as the next generation arrives and brings new joys and challenges.


And you find a place that you come from
The artist acknowledges the importance of roots and community, as the young person discovers a sense of belonging and connection that enriches their life story.


Your wandering is done
The singer suggests that the young person's journey of exploration and adventure has come to an end, as they find a sense of peace, stability, and purpose in their current circumstances.


And all your dreams of open spaces
The singer suggests that the young person's dreams of discovery and freedom can still be realized, even if they are no longer traveling or exploring the world, since they can see those same qualities in their children.


You find in your children's faces
The singer affirms that children can bring hope, wonder, and new possibilities to their parents' lives, as they continue to grow and learn from each other.


One by one
The artist acknowledges the slow and steady pace of life, as each moment and milestone is savored and appreciated, one by one.


And all the trips you know you missed
The artist acknowledges that everyone has regrets and missed opportunities in life, including the young person, who may have wished they had traveled more or explored different paths.


And all the lips you never kissed
The singer acknowledges that everyone has romantic longings and regrets, including the young person, who may have wished they had pursued certain relationships or experiences.


Cut through you like a knife
The singer recognizes the pain and regret that can come with missed opportunities or unfulfilled dreams, as the young person reflects on what might have been.


And now you see stretched out before thee
The artist suggests that the young person is entering a new stage of life, one that involves reflection, wisdom, and appreciation for what they have experienced and achieved.


Just another story of a life
The artist affirms the universality and preciousness of every life story, each one unique and valuable, adding to the richness of human experience.


So what do you do now?
The artist poses a question that many people face as they approach the later stages of life, wondering what their purpose or calling may be in this new season.


When she looks at you now?
The singer suggests that the young person's spouse or partner plays a key role in their life story, adding love, companionship, and meaning throughout the journey.


You know those same old jokes all the jesters tell
The artist acknowledges the repetition and predictability that can sometimes come with the passing of time, as familiar jokes, stories, and experiences are retold and shared.


You tell them to her now
The singer suggests that sharing one's stories and humor with a loved one can create a sense of intimacy and connection, adding depth and meaning to the relationship.


And all the same old songs all the minstrels sang
The singer acknowledges the enduring power of music and storytelling, as familiar songs and tales continue to resonate across generations and cultures.


You sing 'em to her now
The singer suggests that sharing music and stories with a loved one can create a sense of unity and belonging, engaging the heart and soul in a unique way.


But it don't matter anyhow
The artist acknowledges that, in the grand scheme of things, these shared experiences and stories may seem small or insignificant, yet they still hold value and meaning for those involved.


'Cause she knows by now
The artist suggests that, with time and experience, a loved one will come to know and appreciate the person behind the stories and jokes, accepting them for who they are with love and grace.


So every chance you take don't mean a thing
The singer acknowledges that not every decision or opportunity will lead to success or fulfillment, yet they are still worth pursuing for the sake of growth and learning.


What variations can you bring
The singer encourages the listener to approach life with creativity and innovation, always seeking new ways to make a positive impact and express their unique voice.


To this shopworn melody
The artist acknowledges that life can sometimes feel repetitive or tedious, like an old song that has been played too many times, yet it still holds beauty and meaning for those who listen closely.


And every year goes by like a tollin' bell
The artist acknowledges the fleeting nature of time and the inevitability of aging and mortality, as each passing year seems to ring out like the toll of a bell, marking the end of something precious.


It's battered merchandise you sell
The artist acknowledges that life can sometimes feel like a commodity, with its ups and downs, joys and sorrows, successes and failures, yet it is still something precious and unique that should be valued and cherished.


Not well, she can see
The singer recognizes that the loved one can see through the singer's facade or bravado, recognizing the vulnerability and fragility that lies beneath.




Lyrics © Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: HARRY F. CHAPIN

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
To comment on or correct specific content, highlight it

Genre not found
Artist not found
Album not found
Song not found
Comments from YouTube:

Tim Cook

I saw him in 1980 in South Bend, Indiana a few day after John Lennon was killed. Harry Chapin came on stage exactly on time, but his band was on a different flight and they were late. He told wonderful stories and sang by himself. When the band arrived, they performed the entire show. It was a late night, but he still made time to meet his fans after the show and the majority of the proceeds went to his Food Charity, World Hunger Year (WHY). Still miss him after all these years.

Robert Divita

Tim Cook He was simply the best that humankind could offer. I saw him perform.
He sat with groups of ours, talked with us, inspired us.
I miss him to this day. He died way too young.
He was the first person I thought of when Billy Joel came out with “Only the good die young,”.
I’ll always remember him with special feelings and always miss him.
I too was at a performance where the power went out. He invited everyone to come down to the main floor. To sit around stage as he performed by himself and told the audience stories.
Mankind just doesn’t get any better than Harry Chaplin!

Curt Gallup

I'm from south bend and wish I would have seen that show. CHEERS FOR DOING SO .🎼🎶

Rose Federici

Rose Riley Federici. Tim, my husband, then boyfriend, and I were at that concert! what a small world. Most my siblings are ND/SMc, and so are three of our spouses. Harry san a cappella while he waited for the band. Till this day, it gives me chills

Bill Rawlins

How lucky you were to see him live one of favorite singers

Nelly Reid

A beautiful song, one of so many written and sung by a beautiful human being. He left a huge legacy. It almost makes you cry to think of how much better this world would be if he hadn't died so tragically so long ago. He would have added so much more to the huge amount of goodness that he spread during his short lifetime. They should make a movie about him.

PJb777

I still can't watch video's like this of Harry without it bringing a tear to my eye. Such a terrible loss.

Joe Soliz Music

I know exactly how you feel

ChadGlassify

I feel the same.

Judy Gavan

I miss him too. Love, love his songs, his words, and his voice.

More Comments

More Versions