No need to apologize. That was a beautiful & natural reaction.

I loved this song as a young teen. Not knowing what the lyrics meant. Now at 64, it brings tears to my eyes. Knowing the meaning of the song! You are NOT alone with the tears, Ashley!!!!

@stoveboltlvr3798

2 ай бұрын

Same here. I lived this myself being at work and school when my kids were young. I rarely had time to do much with them and my wife. I deeply regret it now. Chasing money is a waste of time, you'll never have enough.

@Nonconformistwilderbeastman

2 ай бұрын

It happened to me and my Dad,it takes many years to realize the true meaning and message this song has, my Dad is gone now along with my Mom and youngest sister, I think of them every day and wish the hell I spent more time with them, but that's life I guess and I was just trying to live it 😢

Don't apologize for having a natural emotional response; just means you have a heart and soul, and they are working perfectly!

Sis don’t you ever apologize for crying. Your human, your allowed to feel real emotions. I commend you for letting those raw real emotions out. I just want to send you a great big hug all the way from Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. Don’t ever apologize. I cried with ya. And I’ve heard the song so many times. ♥️💖💜

@davidbordonaro1631

2 ай бұрын

agreed - NEVER apologize for crying or anything else !

@odellsumter805

2 ай бұрын

This song gets me every time

@christopherone1

Ай бұрын

i mean...it's you're...YOU'RE!

I've loved this song since it came out in the 70's, and as a grandparent now I've yet to hear another song that so clearly speaks to the importance of being in your kids lives as much as possible right from the start. They grow up so quickly, and you don't want to spend your later years regretting what you didn't do.

@MrLarryec

2 ай бұрын

Great song and artist. Classic. He and Jim Croce were great performers. May they rest in peace 🙏💯

I appreciate the fact that you allow yourself to be real on your channel. That's part of the reason the channel has grown. This is genuine emotion, not a fake. Even I, not the most emotional person, can sense that. Your personality comes through and people are responding to it. Keep being you.

@Fruit17-ip4vl

2 ай бұрын

Charles! You are so correct! Ashley’s channel is growing because she is so authentic! I have watched others, and she has a unique perspective on the songs! Just Jammin’ is another channel that I like! Thank you for your intelligent take on this matter! ❤️😎

Never heard this song before but it's a sad and powerful message throughout. And yes he just like his dad...too busy.

@TheOfficialAshleyReacts

2 ай бұрын

Agreed ! Message was so powerful and in other words “ if you don’t make the time,there will never be any” I absolutely felt everything about this song. It’s timeless for sure 💓💓

@thekidd8705

2 ай бұрын

@@TheOfficialAshleyReacts yes we must take advantage of the time we have with our loved ones because we never know when our day will come to leave this earth...you got me crying.

@Eugenesnufflebean

2 ай бұрын

Harry died in a horrific car accident in 1981 at the age of 38, love this song, RIP Harry

@stevenkovler5133

2 ай бұрын

He sadly died in a car accident right off exit 41 on the LIE. This was right by my then Girlfriend’s house. We were working at a day camp on Long Island when we heard the news. He was on his way to the Westbury Music Fair to perform.

@markr.devereux3385

7 күн бұрын

The back story about Chapin makes it even sadder. Only 38 yrs when he was killed. That last verse when the father realized his short comings ruined his sons relationship with him. In life our mistakes with love ones may have a day of reconing.

You're a good Mama don't forget that 🙏

A lovely young lady with a deep and rich "heart" full of love for her family and understanding of life lessons that songs often give. Beautiful reaction.

Great reaction. You have a tender caring heart.

A++... we used to ride to Houston from Dallas and back then no black radio til you reach houston😂... when I heard this song it made me tear up every time watching my daddy drive as he unknowingly didn't know I was staring thinking that one day he was gonna die.... he didn't notice me though... Everytime I heard this song it still affects me to this day😢😢😢.... he's in heaven now... 😢😢😅

Dont be sorry for your lovely reaction, you are real deal. Cheers from Finland!

When that line "he learned to walk while I was away" came, I'm like, "uh oh, Ash is in trouble here." Lol!

Cautionary tale and a powerful one. I have no doubt there are countless people over the years that made some extra time for their kids with this song still in their head.

Great song. I think it helped more than a man or two with their priorities. I like how you caught where it was going right away. Great reaction!

I'm sure you are a great mom and will continue to be and on the days you feel you didn't quite meet the mark give yourself Grace....

This was one of the best reactions ever. Very heartfelt and so, so true. Many thanks. Here's to your next one. 🙏😊

Another great singer songwriter & storyteller. I had his "Greatest Stories Live" double album. "Cat's In The Cradle" is his most famous piece. "Taxi" was another big hit for Harry Chapin. Ten years later he followed it up with "Sequel" showing what happened to the 2 people in the story. He had so many great songs such as "W·O·L·D", "Mr. Tanner", "Mail Order Annie", "They Call Her Easy", "I Wanna Learn A Love Song", "30,000 Pounds Of Bananas", "Shooting Star", "Halfway To Heaven", "Six String Orchestra", "Dreams Go By", "Remember When The Music", "Story Of A Life". We lost him too young in a car accident in 1981 at the age of 38. He left a great legacy of music.

Great ballad,life's story.

Wow, I'm 57 and never saw the interview and how much it changed their life, just wow! And what would the father/son relationship have been like especially not knowing the Dad was going to die so young. How many relationships did this one song save? Maybe even more now and in the future with lovely young people like yourself taking a chance on "old school" music. I'm very impressed with YOU, new subscriber here! Love from Texas 💝

Ashley don't ever apologize you show your true feeling there's nothing wrong with that

No need to apologize!! I am 66 years old and have loved this song since I was a teenager and it does get to you when you hear this song! Kids do grow up so fast and now I have grandchildren that are growing fast as well and they live 11 hours from us so it’s hard. We have to make the time count for sure! ❤

I’ve loved this song for 40 years. It really represents life.

Hard Hitting Song !!! Great Reaction !! Thank You Ashley

This is a beautiful song; I've always loved this song, yeah it gets me too.

I've LOVED that song, for longer than you've been alive! That's life in a nut-shell! If you think bout it - it's VERY sad - but SO realistic! It really makes you put things in perspective! Which is OFTEN so sad in reality!

I was lucky enough to see Harry Chapin in concert, he was an amazing storyteller and talent.

one of my all time favorite songs. Incredible song , I am a 53 yr old dude , and it brings a tear to my eye from time to time, reminds me of my grandpa who raised me

You just keep on being your genuine self! Good parents are what this world needs the most.

The song says it perfectly. Time precious. They grow up so fast.

Bless you Ash, and thank you for the genuine reaction.

Never be ashamed of showing your emotions. Love your reactions.

I'm 67 now, so this was on the radio while I grew up. Because of this song I always make time for my children.

I love that you actually listen to the songs with real intent.

No need for feeling sorry. But, we do miss your beautiful smile! Pushing well over 50 and this song always punches me square on the nose. Even growing up hearing it, we all realized we were living it. Nevertheless, it plays out and then is clearly and awfully true. Terrible trick of the light indeed. Blessings to all who hurt in hope for peace and pardon.

Thank you so much for your authentic and unguarded reaction. You've done nothing for which to apologize or feel embarrassment. I wish all reactors were as "real" as you and would listen to and think about (feel) the song lyrics as closely as you do. If Harry Chapin was still here with us, I have no doubt you would've just made him feel appreciated and understood -- which is a happy thing.

Music is the universal language. Harry chapin was quite a musician and story teller.

I have to add that this song has a lot of relevance to me as it does to many people. Shortly after my father passed away, unexpectedly, around 32 years ago, I heard this song on the radio when I was driving home on a Southern California freeway and busted out in tears. I knew I had to quickly change my emotions or I would have probably crashed. God rest the soul of my dad. God bless you all who have longed to have a better relationship with your fathers.

I heard this song for the first time in 1975. It drew tears from me then and it draws tears today. Wonderful reaction dear lady.

This song did a lot to make me a better parent. I'm sure many others from my generation would say the same. I was 10 when it was new but I got the message. Nothing is more important for your kids than you being with them. Actually being there. Money isn't as important as your time.

Props for being REAL. Thank you.

Time is so precious and fleeting. We think we have all the time in the world and before you know it........aw man😢

You can't get a more REAL and HONEST REACTION THAN THAT!!!❤🎉

Its ok sweetie ! No need to say sorry . We love ya, tears and all. God bless😎

It's gets everyone. No need to apologize.

Wonderful reaction. It's ok to "Cry" it's a part of being human. I'm now 52 going on 53 in dec - I have always cried when I hear this and first heard it when I was 18.

The studio version of this song is much more explosive because of all the instrumental strings and piano. Harry died in a tragic car accident at a young age. Rip

Gr8 reaction! This song can make anyone a better parent, while there's still time...

That's what music is meant for....to touch people and make them feel. God bless you girl. Thank you sharing YOU with us. ❤

God bless all the real fathers out there!

I wonder how many fathers, after hearing this song, wish they had spent time with their kids when they were growing up. Ashley, your reaction was so sincere and heart felt as if you knew.

Magical and relatable to any generation. From God to his Children to our own respective Father and Child. Beautiful. As a kid, always made me think of my own 'dad' ~ whom I never really knew.

You alright. I been crying and living that song since I first heard it in the 70's. I'm now 62. You ok!!! My musical taste is like yours. ❤❤❤

This song really really hurts every time I hear it. When life comes full circle, you know, but time is too gone away and usually unforgiven.

I was a teenager when this came out and I didn't appreciate the lyrics as much as I do now at 63. Made me tear up but also grateful that I had those moments with my mom and dad.

Ok Ashley you are making me cry. This song is about the life of so many fathers. Great reaction Ashley. 5 hearts ❤❤❤❤❤

A very relatable song to a lot of people. I've heard this song probably hundreds of times and watching you react to it, I choked up with you.

A genuine reaction to a beautiful song and message.

I cry too Ashley, it's okay to cry. I think about my son all the time. He passed away in 2017 but he lived to be 39 years, but I had a bad addiction and missed a lot of his growing up. So this song touch that part of my life that I truly did regret. But when he became older, we were really best friends and I stayed clean and sober. He passed away from Kidney disease, I miss him so much. Thanks Ashley, I enjoy your channel, keep reacting because I feel you have an old soul. Peace and Blessings.

So true, lost time is lost time.... can't get it back. I missed a few times due to my military career, but my daughter (34 years old) is still around where I live and we spend as much time together as we possibly can. WE ALWAYS HAVE A GREAT TIME TOGETHER! Your reaction made me cry. Harry Chapin was another artist gone way too early in life. RIP HC

Never apologize for being real ❤❤❤❤

So often we as humans prioritize the wrong things in our lives companies will not remember you when you leave but your kids will remember more than we know Love your heart young lady great reaction

I've heard this song dozens of times and loved it each time. Your emotions touched me in way where I felt it a bit deeper. Thank you.

Ashley the way you reacted to this song is the same way I did when it first came out. I wasn't a Mom yet at that point. Harry died right around my 19th Birthday. But I want to tell you. That song was always in the back of my mind. I was a single parent I worked part time but I always tried to be there and spend as much time with Bruce as I could. Also I volunteered at our local PBS Station and I asked Mr. Rogers what advice he could give me because I was due any day at that point. He said always look your kids in the eyes when they are speaking and really listen to them also, take your kids on special outings and devote your time to them. They are only young once. So between that Harry Chapin song and Mr. Rogers I tried my best to do that and create special memories.

Hi Ashley, I saw Harry play at a lunchtime concert in our theater at my college in NYC in 1974. I didn’t know him then but my friends did and said I had to go. My next class was 2pm so I had the time, or so I thought. My friends knew his song Taxi which was a small hit but big locally as Harry played a lot around NYC. Needless to say the concert turned into one of the best of my life. He went long and I cut my 2pm American History class as nothing there was changing and I already knew what I was experiencing. Cats was just about to come out and I assume he played it but I don’t remember. When it became a hit that year (#1 on Billboard Hot 100) then I knew. When Harry was killed in that car crash it was devastating. First John, murdered then Harry in the crash then Karen from anorexia. The early 80’s was rough, musically for me. You need to do Taxi, and keep some more tissues handy. Harry’s songs aren’t dance around and have fun, usually. But they hit hard when they connect. Go watch the opening segment again without concern you were on the wrong video, it’s strong, knowing what happened. I’m going to also make another different request based on you covering Carpenters. That’s how I initially found you and Harry was a personal bonus. I see you covered We’ve Only Just Begun. That’s the song but covered my a group of musicians from all over the world and a lead singer that was the reason Jim Wilkas thought it was now time to make the song he always wanted to cover. I’m not sure if I asked for this from you or not. I don’t see it. The song was just recently released on 3/2/24 Karen’s birthday in heaven, in her honor. I hope you will give this song a chance to win your heart over as this group are all Carpenters fans, including the 20 year old lead singer!! I’m an OG Carpenters fan and to me this is the finest cover of a Carpenters song, ever. Thank you for your time. Joe kzread.info/dash/bejne/fG1pzsiDodKfhrw.htmlsi=o38br8zU6pIW1XIZ .

I took this song to heart as a Mom. Yes I've cried! We can both be gone too long! Not just a Dad. 😢

All parents should hear this

A very standard reaction to this song. Probably one of the most influential songs to come out of the pop era, has changed lives around the world for decades.

This song still makes me cry after all these years ...

Don’t apologize Ashley. We love you because of your realness

Wow Ashley, you're really special. One of the sweetest, most human reactions I've seen

I raised 9 children, I always made sure I was as present as finances allowed. They all live with 10 miles of me now and visit me every weekend. 5 grandchildren are with me a lot. This song meant a lot to me when I was young. My dad was present and available.

Not only did we have our parents, grandparents , aunts and uncle , god mothers and god fathers, neighbors, teachers , preachers and church goers , and parents of your friends to teach us . The great thing about music of the 70’s, we had these songs that we heard on the radio everyday to teach us also.and I’m sure this song made more than a few people think about the time spent with their children. Plus it was just great music , with great lyrics, great singing and real instrumentation . Those who really love and care for their children will always try to make that fine line between working to give them a great life and time spent with them. They will be grateful for the roof over their head, food on the table , clothes in the closet , nice car to ride in , etc( even iPhones and iPads ). But they will always remember for the rest their lives the time that was spent with them..

Harry Chapin’s Greatest Stories Live is a classic great album!

Dear, that song messed all of us up. Every time we hear it. Let the tears flow.

Ashley, I grew up in a Navy family, joined at 18, and this song fits my Dad and I perfectly..

Like another great artist said in his song,Eddie Money,…. I wanna go back,and do it all over,but I can’t go back I know.”Keep your heart,my dear.

Ashley you're a beautiful woman and human. You're part of what the world needs more of

You cried because you have a beautiful heart.❤️

great review - this song is such a great cautionary tale - and its more relevant today than ever - people are busier than ever - so easy to lose sight of what is really important - your kids won't remember STUFF you bought them - but they will remember the time you spent with them!!!

It'd a song every parent should hear and try to understand what it means to care about your kids.

Even when I was a little kid this song made me cry.😢

Absolutely tremendous reaction. Thanks for being so real.

Such a beautiful song, and an absolutely beautiful reaction…

With this reaction you deeply touched my heart. Thank you.

Bless you. Your heartfelt reaction shows the beautiful person you are. ❤❤❤

Hart of gold.

I rarely react but, your genuine reaction is what is needed in today's society. Wish you the story before on the sinking of the EFC by GLF but, I appreciate all that you that you bring!

Sorry that made you cry ❤ I appreciate everything you had to say!

I had a dad who worked a lot and as a still working father, grandfather and great grandfather this song hits hard and at home

If you ever feel like telling your kid you dont have the time right now, just play a verse of this in your head and magically you will find the time.

this song got me too thanks for the video

Yeah, I miss my pops. My eyes sweat sometimes too. Peace, Love!!

I get choked up every time I watch a video of Harry singing this song. He was a top, top favorite of mine. As a suggestion, another song along the same emotional level, might wish to check out Jim Croce's "Time In A Bottle". Very touching and beautiful. Jim as well met with a tragic end, and knowing this adds even more empathy to the song as well.

As someone else stated, Harry is noted as one of the greatest storytellers of all time. Also listen to his other biggest song "Taxi"

Beautiful reaction, this song is tough. When youre a parent this one hits hard. Youre a good Mama!

Outstanding reaction and I'm happy that you showed true emotion. I can definitely relate to this song, so it hits hard. I sincerely thank you for doing this one and please be well.

We were crying this end too.

I’m 65 and still get emotional every time I hear this.

The ultimate cautionary tale!