11 Bizarrely Unnecessary Sequels To Classic Songs

Harry Chapin's "Taxi," with its plaintive lyrics and powerful string accompaniments, was a hit that helped define his career. Its backstory is ambiguous, with different sources citing various inspirations, but the commonly accepted version of the tale is that "Taxi" was inspired by an actual former lover.

"Taxi" is narrated by a tired hack driver (not-so-subtly named Harry) on the night he happens to pick up a former lover named Sue. While Harry's life is in the dumps, Sue is wealthy and can afford to pay eight times her cab fare. Nonetheless, the lyrics suggest that her "handsome" life has failed to provide any real satisfaction.

Harry meets Sue again in the aptly named "Sequel." This time, Harry is a successful musician who feels that his new life isn't all it's cracked up to be. Sue has fallen into poverty. but appears far more self-assured than before. "Sequel" ends with Sue rejecting Harry's offer to give her some money, a narrative contrast to Sue's generous tip at the end of "Taxi."

This is where the problems arise. "Taxi" describes Harry as a man with something powerful inside of him that never gets to come out because he's too preoccupied with external desires. In "Sequel," Sue's contentment in the face of destitution should inspire something in the Harry who yearns for something real.

Unremarkably, he instead decides to continue pursuing fame and fortune. More than 12 minutes of lyrics across two songs are enough Harry for learn precisely nothing.