Six String Orchestra
Harry Chapin
The very day I purchased it, I christened my guitar
As my Monophonic Symphony Six String Orchestra
In my room I'd practice late, they'd leave me alone
My mother said "You're nothing yet to make the folks write home."
I'd play at all the talent nights; I'd finish, they'd applaud
Some called it muffled laughter, I just figured they were awed
So I went up for an encore, but they screamed they'd had enough
Or maybe I just need a group to help me do my stuff
And so I'd dream a bass will join me and fill the bottom inOh, I write love songs for my favorite girl and sing them soft and slow
And maybe now some lead guitar so it would not sound so thin
I need some drums to set the beat and help me keep in time
And way back in the distance, some strings would sound so fine
And we would play together, like fine musicians should
And it would sound like music, and the music would sound good
But in real life I'm stuck with that same old formula
Me and my Monophonic Symphony Six String...
Orchestra.
But before I get to finish, she says she has to go
She's nice and says "Excuse me, I've got to find a bar
I think I need refreshment for I hear you play guitar."
Oh, I sent a demo tape I made to the record companies
Two came back address unknown, one came back COD
Of course I got form letters all saying pleasant things
Like suggesting I should find a trade where I would not have to sing
And so I'd dream a bass will join me and fill the bottom inI've been taking guitar lessons but my teacher just took leave
And maybe now some lead guitar so it would not sound so thin
I need some drums to set the beat and help me keep in time
And way back in the distance, some strings would sound so fine
And we would play together, like fine musicians should
And it would sound like music, and the music would sound good
But in real life I'm stuck with that same old formula
Me and my Monophonic Symphony Six String...
Orchestra.
It was something about a breakdown or needing a reprieve
I know I found my future so I will persevere
And hold onto my dream of making music to their ears...
(CHORUS, THEN OUT)
The Smothers Brothers performed this live at a Harry Chapin tribute concert. It's a lovely track, punctuated by some of their older chestnuts.
DICK: Gee, Tommy, that's some of the best guitar playing I've ever heard from you.
TOM: Thank you!
DICK: That's not a compliment.
TOM: But you just said it was the best guitar playing you've heard from me!
DICK: Yes, I did, but it's not a compliment.
