Six String Orchestra
Harry Chapin Lyrics

The very day I purchased it
From the very moment I bought my guitar

I christened my guitar
I gave my guitar a name, as if it were a symbol for something bigger

As my monophonic symphony
Something that can create music all by itself

Six string orchestra
An ensemble of different instruments all played by one musician

In my room I'd practice late
I would spend hours practicing in my own space late at night when everyone else was asleep

They'd leave me alone
I was left alone to pursue my dreams and passions

My mother said, "You're nothing yet
Despite my passion for music, my mother didn't believe in me

To make the folks write home"
I wasn't good enough to create something significant for people to write home about

I'd play at all the talent nights
I would attend all kinds of talent nights, looking for my break

I'd finish, they'd applaud
I would finish playing, and people would applaud, recognizing the effort I put in

Some called it muffled laughter
To some people, the applause may have sounded like they were mocking me rather than cheering me on

I just figured they were odd
I chose to believe that those people just didn't understand my music

So I went up for an encore
I tried to do even better than before

But they screamed they'd had enough
People had enough of my music by this point

Or maybe I just need a group
Perhaps I need the support and collaboration of other musicians

To help me do my stuff
In order to make my music even better

And we would play together
In an ideal world, I would collaborate with other musicians in perfect harmony

Like fine musicians should
Just like a true band of professionals would

And it would sound like music
The end goal is to create something beautiful and meaningful

And the music would sound good
Not just any music, but something that is of high quality

But in real life I'm stuck with
But in reality, I'm challenged with something entirely different

That same old formula
Playing my usual music without improving, and failing to reach my potential

Me and my monophonic symphony
Just me and my guitar, and nothing more

Oh, I write love songs for my favorite girl
I write music that I hope will impress the person I care about the most

And sing them soft and slow
I choose to sing my music in a soothing and tender manner

But before I get to finish
Before I can finish my song, something or someone interferes

She says she has to go
The person I care about has to go or do something else

She's nice and says "Excuse me
The person I care about is polite during the interruption

I've got to find a bar
The person I care about needs a break and decides to go to a bar

I think I need refreshment
The person I care about needs a pick-me-up

For I hear you play guitar"
Implying that my music wasn't enough to hold their attention or interest for too long

Oh I sent a demo tape I made
I sent out a demo of my music hoping to receive a positive response

To the record companies
To potential investors who could help finance my career

Two came back address unknown
Two companies rejected my demo by returning it to sender, suggesting my music wasn't good enough to pursue

One came back C.O.D
While only one company responded, it was a rejection that required me to pay the return fee

Of course I got form letters
All I received were automated responses implying no one actually listened to my music

All saying pleasant things
Despite the rejections, they responded politely and expressively of their sympathy towards my situation

Like suggesting I should find a trade
Instead of pursuing music, they suggested I should focus on another career path

Where I would not have to sing
Something that doesn't require the pursuit of creative art

I've been taking guitar lessons
Despite the rejections, I continued to pursue my passion and take guitar lessons

But my teacher just took leave
My teacher went on leave, leaving me to pursue my dreams alone for a bit

It was something about a break down
My teacher had to take time off for something that happened in their personal life

Or needing a reprieve
Perhaps they needed a break themselves to restart, rethink or reconsider their priorities

I know I found my future
Despite everything, I'm confident in my dreams and in my future

So I will persevere
I will continue to work hard and not give up

And hold onto my dream of
I won't let my struggles and roadblocks prevent me from achieving my goals

Making music to their ears
Creating music that will succeed in pleasing and resonating with my listeners

Oh finger tip
A poetic way of describing the perfection and care that goes into playing music

Oh some day, I'm gonna be a star
Despite humble beginnings, I believe that someday I will become a star due to the hard work and dedication I will put into my craft