Harry Chapin

Lyrics

[Verse 1]
Hello, honey, it's me
What did you think when you heard me back on the radio?
What did the kids say when they knew
It was their long-lost daddy-o?
Remember how we listened to the radio
And I said, "That's the place to be"?
And how I got the job as an FM jock
The day you married me?
It was two kids and I was into AM rock
But I just had to run around
It's been eight years since I left you, babe
Let me tell you 'bout what's gone down

[Chorus]
I am the morning DJ at WOLD-D-D-D-D-D-D-D (O.L.D.)
Playing all the hits for you
Wherever you may be
The bright good morning voice
Who's heard but never seen
Feeling all of forty-give going on fifteen

[Verse 2]
The drinking I did on my last big gig
It made my voice go low
They said that they like the young sounds
(Sounds, sounds, sounds)
When they let me go
So I drifted on down to Tulsa, Oklahoma
To do me a late-night talk show
Now I've worked my way down home again
Here to Boise, Idaho
That's how this business goes
[Chorus]
I am the morning DJ at WOLD-D-D-D-D-D-D-D (O.L.D.)
Playing all the hits for you
Wherever you may be
The bright good morning voice
Who's heard but never seen
Feeling all of forty-five going on fifteen

[Bridge]
I'm making extra money doing high school sock hops
I'm the big-time guest emcee
You should hear me talking to the little children
And listen what they say to me
I got a spot on the top of my head
Just begging for a new toupee
There's a tire around my gut from sitting on my—
But it's never gonna go away

[Verse 3]
Sometimes I get this crazy dream
That I just take off in my car
But you can travel on ten thousand miles
And still stay where you are
Thinking that I should stop disc jocking
And start that record store
Maybe I could settle down
If you'd take me back once more
[Verse 4]
Okay, honey I see
I guess he's better than me
Sure, old girl, I understand
You don't have to worry, I'm such a happy man

[Pre-Chorus]
(WOLD)
(WOLD)
(WOL)
(WOLD)

[Chorus]
I am the morning DJ at WOLD-D-D-D-D-D-D-D (O.L.D.)
Playing all the hits for you
Wherever you may be
The bright good morning voice
Who's heard but never seen
Feeling all of forty-five going on fifteen

[Outro]
I am the morning DJ at WOLD-D-D-D-D-D-D-D (O.L.D.)
WOLD (O.L.D.) D-D-D-D-D-D-D (O.L.D.)
WOLD-D-D-D-D-D-D-D (O.L.D.)
WOLD (O.L.D.) D-D-D-D-D-D-D (O.L.D.)
WOLD-D-D-D-D-D-D-D (O.L.D.)
WOLD (O.L.D.) D-D-D-D-D-D-D (O.L.D.)
WOLDEmbed

If you are a fan of folk-pop music from the 1970s, you might have heard of Harry Chapin and his song called W.O.L.D. The song, written and performed by Chapin, was released in 1974 and quickly climbed up the charts. Its emotional storytelling, relatable lyrics, and catchy melody have made it a favorite among his fans to this day.

About W.O.L.D.

W.O.L.D. is a song that tells the story of a disc jockey who has been on the airwaves for twenty-five years. The DJ is tired of his career and his life and wants to retire but is afraid of losing his identity as a radio personality. He is also aware that his listeners have come to rely on him and is worried that he will disappoint them if he leaves. The song shows the anguish and dilemma of the DJ as he faces the prospect of leaving his profession he has come to love.

The song's title stands for "Ward One Listeners' Desire," which refers to the imaginary radio station where the DJ works. The song was inspired by Chapin's brother Tom, who was a disc jockey and went by the name of Tom Chapin. He co-wrote the song with Chapin.

W.O.L.D. has a slow and melancholic melody, which complements the song's theme of loneliness and longing. The piano and guitar elements play an essential role in creating a reflective mood and capturing the angst of the DJ. Chapin's vocals are powerful and moving, and they convey the emotion of the song in a way that sticks with you long after the song has finished playing.

Since its release, W.O.L.D. has become one of Harry Chapin's most beloved songs. The song's simple yet poignant story resonates with listeners, and its popularity has endured the test of time. It has been covered by many artists, including Kenny Rogers and The Nitty Gritty Dirt Band. It has also been featured in several movies and TV shows, such as the movie "The Pursuit of Happyness" starring Will Smith.

W.O.L.D. is an ode to the radio industry, and it has become an anthem for those who work in the field. It speaks to the struggles of those who work tirelessly behind the scenes to bring music and entertainment to their listeners. It is a song that reminds us of the importance of connection in our lives and the role that radio plays in building those connections.

In the end, W.O.L.D. is a song that speaks to the human experience. It tells a story of someone who is facing a moment of uncertainty and is unsure of what the future holds. It is a song that reminds us of the value of taking risks and the importance of staying true to ourselves, even when facing difficult decisions. It is a timeless classic that continues to resonate with listeners today, and it will undoubtedly continue to do so for generations to come.

• Release Date: December 1, 1973
• Artist: Harry Chapin