I owned a guitar store in Cambridge, Massachusetts in the 1980's. Tracy was playing on the streets nearby for tips and used to come in all the time for strings, music advice, and general chatter. One day she came in with a little four track tape recorder and asked me if I knew how it worked. I did. We went to a quiet spot and I demonstrated it. She told me a record executive had told her to record some demos of her songs. The song she played while I explained the machine to her was "Fast Car.' She shot to fame and within months was calling the store from the stage at Wembley Stadium to tell us to watch her on TV because she would be using the little amplifier we sold her. She remained a regular customer until she moved to the west coast, but stopped in whenever she was touring. She was a lovely, dignified woman. She was worthy of your thoughtful reaction.
Thank you for sharing this. I was feeling a little tired (mentally) and now this has me a little teary-eyed and smiling for both of you. Have a beautiful day!
The song's story just crushes me every time I hear it. Untold numbers of people are barely holding on, doing everything in their power just to not collapse into complete hopelessness.
Then you haven’t really listened to the entire song. It’s a hopeful song. She rises above it in the end. You can’t control where you start. You can control where you finish.
I know what you're saying, but I still find it kind of hopeful. The character in the song endures a difficult and bitter life, however unlike her mother who ran, her father and her partner who succumbed to drink, she decides to stand tall and make something solid and supportive for her Children. While it is not the life she dreamed of, she decides she will make the best of what she has, and in so doing, perhaps break the cycle of hopelessness for the next generation. It is a tough and heavy song for sure, but it also full of resilience and courage. It's a timeless and beautiful masterpiece of a song.
The crossroads album has real deep sentiments with me... a guide to life at an important stage - I needed her genius to make sense of the world!.. "all that you have is your soul"
I'm an almost 70 year ok white guy and Tracy's singing and lyrics have me crying every time. This song seems to reflect the desperation found in the human condition. Key lines -- "i quit school, that's what i did" -- The sacriface of a child's potential future to care for a parent. and " .... really feel what it means to be livin" The hopes that drift away like a tide receding. Dreams that disolve like shadows and become just out of reach.
I'm a 71 year old white guy, and I feel the same way about this song as you do. The thing that has always gotten to me is that she tells this piteous story in first person, but not once does her character ask for our pity.
I don't think Tracy Chapman has gotten the recognition she deserves. I could not believe my eyes and ears at the beginning of the Grammys a few weeks ago, as tears began streaming down my cheeks, hearing her song again after so long and seeing how sublime and beautiful her presence on that stage was. Thank you Polo, for this reaction.
The look of gratitude in her eyes at the audience's reception of her at that beginning of her Grammy performance is one of the greatest things I've ever seen in a musical number.
Stop saying this shit. She is in the top 150 greatest selling artists of all time with over 44 million in sales and some 8 grammy nominations. This very song was covered last year and won country song of the year...
Bro what? Her debut album went 6x platinum, was nominated for as many grammy's (winning 3) including album of the year...her second album won another grammy and again went platinum. Her fourth album went 5x platinum. This song, was on her debut album. The woman has just over 44,-000,000 in album sales making her one of the highest selling artists of all time, being in the top 150.
Tracy Chapman has always been underrated. In 2023 she became the first African-American songwriter to win the 'Song of the Year ' award at Country Music Association Awards. She won for 'Fast Cars' as Luke Combs did a cover of it. They were both given the award as she was the songwriter. At this year's Grammys, Luke and Tracy performed the song live. The song is just as relevant now as it has ever been.
I like how it starts with "we gotta make a decision" to ending with "you gotta make a decision". It's such a relatable story on so many levels. Despite our dreams, we still manage to fall into the same cycles, and still hold on to hope despite it.
@@flashlight12316It is a hopeful song. In the end, she does rise above her circumstances. She learns and grows. He doesn’t. So she says decide. That’s her taking control of her life.
Her voice is so unique in the absolute best way. Seeing her performance at the Grammy’s this year had me in tears. ETA: Joni Mitchell had me sobbing. Her 80 year old voice is so deep and meaningful, while her 21 year old voice when she wrote the song seemed fairly hopeful with its lilt PS I’m not normally one to v cry lol
I don’t cry. In public. I’m whiter than than Wonder Bread. You pull over to the side of the side of the road and go keep it together. I didn’t cry for years. But you hear a song and the tears come.
Check out girl. I’m so you want to die? Bag your own groceries. I have your kid doing piggy back rides and I’m sitting in my car on breaks trying. I’m well this is a learning experience. I’m 13 shopping wire cops in a row. I’m…
I admire the singers who can stand up on stage with one guitar and one amazing voice and have the audience captivated and hanging on every word. A real gift, a real treasure.
I’m 65 and I think it’s one of the most beautiful songs ever written. Tracy’s humbleness is something you just don’t see anymore. She makes you feel the lyrics.
Not sure you know who Tracy Chapman is. Her first album, got six Grammy nominations in 1989 & won three of those. You sound like a person trying to stir something that isn’t there.
The song is a Masterpiece. I am a white guy from New Jersey. There is so much pain and beauty and longing in this song. I am right there with her. Her song feels like my song.
Chapman is beloved here in Europe, so respected. Fast car is a perfect story told, lyrics are poetic, melody driving onwards, and to what? I see strength and resilience and never give up, make your own dreams.
@@flashlight12316, true, but she still recognizes it. She may be down and out, but she still wants him out and she knows what her life has become. She has not given up, she is overwhelmed, but she KNOWS.
@@flashlight12316 So so wrong. She turns her life around. He doesn’t. She recognizes this and tells him to leave. That’s growth. She’s sad he didn’t come with her in this growth but she’s made something better of her life. Chapman has stated in interviews it’s about an immature relationship and growth.
@@Silverhaired59Lyrics can be interpreted in so many ways. First, she had an alcoholic dad that she had to take care of, and the person with their 'Fast Car' was going to help her out to the City. Second stanza, the 'Fast Car' was cool, but local entertainment he still didn't have a job, but she was trying. Bright lights and dazzeling hope were out of reach, 'suburbs' were all she was hoping for. Third stanza, her partner still didn't have a job and spent more time w/friend than the kids. Seemed like the reprise was reminescent. Now she had kids and an unepmloyed/checked out (new) dad to care for -- knew she would never get out. My take was that she KNOWS, but what she knows is that it is going to be the same. Hence the leaving out of the last part of the chorus. Saying this, lyrics and music are interpreted much more by the listener than the musician (I think).
This is a story of all races who live in poverty when they're young and still try to hope for a better life. Some make but a lot don't. That is what is so poignant about this song. Flawless performance and flawless song
She holds a spot in my top three concert experiences. It was Spring 1988. The 10,000 Maniacs were performing at the Newport in Columbus, Ohio. The crowd is strolling in, milling about, waiting for the headliner to go on, when Tracy Chapman comes out on stage with only her acoustic guitar. She shyly introduces herself and mentions that her debut album will be coming out in a couple weeks. Then, she starts playing and wow, the songs! I don’t recall whether she opened with Fast Car. But I have never since experienced a crowd become so hushed and captured by the opening act
What a great experience! That was a great time for music - so many different artists doing things their own way. Tracy stood out immediately, though. I'm almost certain that I bought her CD immediately after hearing her sing once on the radio. Didn't know anything about her, but had to have that disc in my rotation. So glad I did - and I still have it!
On September 13 1988, I was a teenager in Costa Rica attending the Human Rights Now concert. One of my most cherished memories is hearing Tracy singing this song while Hurricane Gilbert was dropping tons of rain over us. The sight of the swirling clouds over the stage and her calm demeanor, her voice strong and our voices singing with her. I will never forget.
I was fortunate to see Tracy Chapman when she opened for David Bowie in cle, in the early 2000,s. She's Cleveland's own and she was there representing a real person from our hometown. She's pure, honest and present while performing perfectly. What more could anyone ask for? I was blown away by her recognition at the Grammys. Another beautiful performance.
Oh man. That would have been phenomenal! I just happened to wander into the performance area right before her set at Bumbershoot one year, and she was astonishing. Life-changing, even.
This song was released when I was in my first or second year of University…I was 19 years old and recognized what a genius musician and lyricist she was! She was a HUGE impact on the GenX’ers and as much recognition as she got…I don’t think it was enough for the calibre of music she put out!!
Talking bout a Revolution Mountain O thangs Across the Line * The entire self-titled album that fast car is on has these songs. I know it doesn't typically go this way with reaction channels. But I recommend starting at the beginning of the album and listening to it in order the way Tracy intended us to.
This was 1988, the year I graduated high school and started college. I had purchase my first CD player months earlier. This was one of the first CDs I owned along with Midnight Oil, Sinead O’Conner, George Michael, INXS, and U2. I remember loving music more after listening to this song a hundred times. I almost accidentally turned on the Grammys this year for the first time in years, and the first thing that happened when I started watching was this surprise performance. It was instantly emotional. It continued to build as I saw the reaction the song received from the biggest stars on the planet. From teens to seniors, everyone knew the song. It felt like everyone felt the importance of the moment. Time was irrelevant. Age was irrelevant. And the song meant more today than it did when it was new. And it was big when it was new. This is a legendary song and performance. I went on to devote my life to music.
I don’t think she was ever recognized for the soul and beauty of her songs, ones that many people across all color lines could relate to. An exceptional talent.
She’s got a really good album called Telling Stories. When I was still in school (early 2000s) I worked at Barnes & Noble. When I got stuck in the music section, I was in charge of the music that played in the whole store. We could only play approved CDs and there was nothing in the approved bin that I recognized, except Tracy Chapman. I played the album on heavy rotation. My manager complained at one point. She was like, “Are you playing that Tracy Chapman record again?”
She performs her famous song Give me one reason with Eric Clapton and she can’t stop smiling ! To me that is one hell of a performance! You should check that out !!
Fell in love with this song from the moment I first heard it. But her song “The Promise” has always been the one that stops me dead in my tracks. Do yourself and her the favor.
Tracy is a masterpiece, herself. She is a bit underrated now, however, when this first came out, it was all over the place. She was born with incredible gift. Appreciation for your honesty in this reaction.
This entire LP is unbelievable. I still remember going to Tower records in Boston as a college student. Very new to Boston and the big city but I had to get this CD. This is for me one of the first CDs I ever bought. Great memories. Love every song on this LP. I mean everyone you should listen to. They're great
And it takes a Grammy Awards program for people to remember how she made them feel then - and now. And she’s still pure and she’s still elegant in her own way. Has she been appreciated? No. Why has it taken a country singer covering this song to bring her back into our consciousness? He was admittedly reverent and deeply appreciative and respectful of her, and rightfully so. The performance was so unexpected at that kind of affair because she has avoided that whole scene, but it made folks - me included - weep. It’s time for this kind of simplicity and purity. Look for “Talkin’ About a Revolution”. We need more Tracy Chapman all the time. She’s best live. You may not like the Grammys but if you can get past it, her performance with Luke, (who does cover this beautifully with her permission, btw), is magical.
Often this song is viewed as optimistic and never let go of your dreams; nothing could be more misunderstood. This is a song about cyclical poverty driven by drug and alcohol abuse. As said this song is a masterpiece. With every verse the subject reveals her position in life is more desperate and dire. In the end she is her mother, while not deserting her children she tells their father to get in his car and keep on driving (a fast car doesn't buy food or rent). Another issue is TC genre is contemporary folk/ pop. She was wildly popular in the late 1980s and 1990s, but her genre was not popular with most black listeners.
@@loverofsong9830 Highly unlikely. Did you listen to the lyrics? It's about her relationship with a deadbeat dad who refuses to get a job and spends more time in bars (spending the money she earns; I've got a job that pays all our bills) than with his family (I always hoped things would be better). TC is notoriously shy and secretive about her personal life and has never been public (or an advocate) regarding her sexual preference; the vast majority of her fans have no idea, nor do they care. Instead she is recognized as a national treasure that refuses to draw any public attention to her many philanthropic endeavors in the black community.
@@loverofsong9830Then you know she was outed against her wishes. OTOH, people are certainly free to read into song lyrics whatever they want. IOW the Bob Dylan approach, as he never explained any of his songs, saying it's totally up to the listener to interpret the meaning of what he wrote.
Tracy Chapman sang a duet with Luciano Pavarotti, Baby Can I Hold You Tonight, at a benefit concert. The combination of their talents was very powerful; I love listening to that song as well as Fast Car. Thanks for this tribute to her.
This song still gives me chills. Perfection. When Tracy hit the scene in 88-89 she was a breath of fresh air compared to what was popular at the time. She's timeless.
She is just a class act ,I was so happy to see her come out of retirement and play at the Grammies and the applause from her peers who know she is just perfection was so worth it
What a talent. I think it was Live Aid... this enormous production with a football stadium sized audience, "everyone" who was someone in the biz, and watched by 1.5 BILLION TV viewers all over the world. And Chapman stepped out on that gigantic stage with nothing but herself and her guitar and knocked them all on their asses, artists and audience alike. Nuff' said. Now who's cutting damn onions again?
Tracey definitely hasn't gotten the recognition she deserves. She is so talented! Her first album is just all beauty and fire. You wouldn't go wrong listening to any song from it. My favorite songs of hers are "If Not Now…" "Talkin' 'bout a Revolution" "For My Lover" ✌🏼❤
Don't know how anyone could hear this and not feel something. So simple yet so evocative. Perfection. A true masterpiece. And no she never got the credit she deserved. Not even close.
Tracy, Chapman music writing and vocal delivery is beyond spectacular. I saw her recently with beautiful silver natural hair singing, and her voice has an aged in any way other than to be compared to a fine wine. She is a natural storyteller, captivating someone whose music will always be relatable throughout the barriers of culture and time. Thank you for your reaction young man. On a sidenote, I’m a great grandmother for the first time and I put this song on as I was rocking my great grandson in my chair to give his mother and grandmother a physical break from poor boys, cries of tears from teething. As I was humming along with Tracy, his breathing changed and little hiccups, and then a sigh, so deep from within him came out as a fat tear rolled down his face he inhaled and fell asleep that the power Tracy Chapman and old great grandmothers.
One of the few female artists who we altos can harmonize with a third ABOVE the melody. She and Annie Lennox are the best contraltos to come out of the 80s. Both are true artists and ooze character. It's impossible to get tired of hearing Tracy sing.
Couple few things: 1) UNDER NO CIRCUMSTANCES did Tracy get the recognition she deserved!!!! 2) I have listened to this song on repeat. It never loses its amazingness. Not one ounce. 3) I can now listen to YOUR REACTION of this on repeat. You literally mirror my every feeling about Tracy and all of her unbelievably wonderful and amazing self.
1988 Tracy released this song…most folks I know love this song! Now, due to a revival with Luke Combs she has been showcased for her abilities…about time! ❤️ Tracy!
She won a Grammy for this song in 88’ & many artists have remade the song, like Luke Combs, who she just sang the song with at the latest Grammy’s. You should check them out. It was an awesome performance.
When this song came out in the 80's, I couldn't stand it. There has been a lot of discussion about it, recently. You can't get away from seeing it or hearing it again. I have a completely different way of looking at it in my more mature years. It is brilliant. And props to Tracy. Timeless... Thank you for sharing it
It was great to see her on the stage at the Grammies being seen the way she deserves. Seeing a performer who can own the stage with talent, not needing the excessive dog and pony show, shows the world what we are missing. Authentic skill of a seasoned artist. Her first two albums are beautiful. ☮️
The first time I met Tracy, was in the early 80's and she was busking in the streets of Boston and singing at every open mic night, it's great to see someone that busted their rear end get what they deserve
She never got the recognition she should have received. Had a high then faded down. Very sad that she did not stay influential . She is amazing and has a story to tell. Amazing artist and song writer that needs to be shared. thank you for the reaction.
Saw, and more especially heard, the very talented new talent that was Tracy Chapman at the 1988 Nelson Mandela 70th birthday tribute at Wembley. She deserves much, much more recognition than she has received.
Tracy absolutely gets the credit she deserves. Anybody who knows anything about the 90s music knows that she was one of the best. Anytime you mention her name everyone always says great things. Iconic!!
She did get the recognition and I feel everyone wish she did more, as she represented an inner beauty that was so very enviable. She had a big big humanity, one we all could try to invest in. I think you're still a hopeless romantic Polo; don't deny the inner life, painful as it often is. Enjoy it all, baby, and be well.
You are not the only one who thought this was a masterpiece. Luke Combs covered it this year and it was a hit on country stations. She performed it with him on the Grammies and it was very moving. And no, she does not get credit. The country fans thought it was Luke’s song.
She was then…and still is one of my all-time favorite musicians. But, what makes her even more special is not the amazing melodies, the unique voice or her relatable lyrics….its the pure heart this woman has. She is a beautiful soul. ❤
This was popular back in my day. YES, she got the credit, lifelong....everyone in the USA was playing this song on repeat. She was amazing, still is. I am 50 yrs old and her music takes me back to some fun times in my life.
1989 Tracy got Grammys for best female pop performer, song of the year, and record of the year. Still she is underrated. Genuinely beautiful person with a gorgeous voice. This whole album was amazing (as are her other ones).
This song was massive when it came out. Constant radio play. And it continued to play on the radio for decades. She def got credit from the people. You can see here the crowd is absolutely silent when she sings, hanging on every beautiful word. I don’t think the industry ever gave her the credit she deserved.
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I owned a guitar store in Cambridge, Massachusetts in the 1980's. Tracy was playing on the streets nearby for tips and used to come in all the time for strings, music advice, and general chatter. One day she came in with a little four track tape recorder and asked me if I knew how it worked. I did. We went to a quiet spot and I demonstrated it. She told me a record executive had told her to record some demos of her songs. The song she played while I explained the machine to her was "Fast Car.'
She shot to fame and within months was calling the store from the stage at Wembley Stadium to tell us to watch her on TV because she would be using the little amplifier we sold her. She remained a regular customer until she moved to the west coast, but stopped in whenever she was touring. She was a lovely, dignified woman. She was worthy of your thoughtful reaction.
Thank you for sharing this. I was feeling a little tired (mentally) and now this has me a little teary-eyed and smiling for both of you. Have a beautiful day!
What a great story. What an awesome memory to hold onto.
That's an awesome story! What an honor to have met her and interacted pre-fame. And for her to call and want to share that moment with you...wow!
Wow. What a great story.
Proudly take that story to your grave! That's a good one!
The song's story just crushes me every time I hear it. Untold numbers of people are barely holding on, doing everything in their power just to not collapse into complete hopelessness.
Then you haven’t really listened to the entire song. It’s a hopeful song. She rises above it in the end. You can’t control where you start. You can control where you finish.
I know what you're saying, but I still find it kind of hopeful. The character in the song endures a difficult and bitter life, however unlike her mother who ran, her father and her partner who succumbed to drink, she decides to stand tall and make something solid and supportive for her Children. While it is not the life she dreamed of, she decides she will make the best of what she has, and in so doing, perhaps break the cycle of hopelessness for the next generation.
It is a tough and heavy song for sure, but it also full of resilience and courage. It's a timeless and beautiful masterpiece of a song.
One of the most meaningful songs ever written. Now go listen to Give Me One Reason.
I agree. I was looking for this comment, or I would have said it myself.
And" Talking about A Revolution"!
"Give Me One Reason" is probably the single best blues song written in the past 50 years.
And the version she did with Eric Clapton - god status musicians
The crossroads album has real deep sentiments with me... a guide to life at an important stage - I needed her genius to make sense of the world!.. "all that you have is your soul"
Simplicity is underrated. Pure talent doesn't need special effects
Yes, especially compared to the excess of the late 80s
*AGREED!!!*
😜
4 Grammys plus a bunch of other awards says she's rated appropriately.
@@MatthewC137 in a vast sense, every aspect of life
SHE is the special effect.
I'm an almost 70 year ok white guy and Tracy's singing and lyrics have me crying every time. This song seems to reflect the desperation found in the human condition. Key lines -- "i quit school, that's what i did" -- The sacriface of a child's potential future to care for a parent. and " .... really feel what it means to be livin" The hopes that drift away like a tide receding. Dreams that disolve like shadows and become just out of reach.
You're a writer, that's clear!
"Hopes that drift away like a tide receding."
...that's a powerful line.
❤
That summed up more than I care to admit and reduced me to tears. Powerful words.
I'm a 71 year old white guy, and I feel the same way about this song as you do. The thing that has always gotten to me is that she tells this piteous story in first person, but not once does her character ask for our pity.
I don't think Tracy Chapman has gotten the recognition she deserves. I could not believe my eyes and ears at the beginning of the Grammys a few weeks ago, as tears began streaming down my cheeks, hearing her song again after so long and seeing how sublime and beautiful her presence on that stage was. Thank you Polo, for this reaction.
Oh I so agree with you, same here 💔💜
The look of gratitude in her eyes at the audience's reception of her at that beginning of her Grammy performance is one of the greatest things I've ever seen in a musical number.
Goosebumps @@johno1765
Stop saying this shit. She is in the top 150 greatest selling artists of all time with over 44 million in sales and some 8 grammy nominations. This very song was covered last year and won country song of the year...
Her acclaim has been worldwide since the late 80s. For the last 20 years she chose to live her life privately for many reasons.
As much notoriety as she got for this song, she's very underrated.
Why would she get notoriety for this song? More like celebrated.
Still a legend 30 years later, one of the best
One hit in 40 years isn't underrated.
@user-tr9de6gm8k thanks for the input, Chuck. I can see you're killing it.
Bro what? Her debut album went 6x platinum, was nominated for as many grammy's (winning 3) including album of the year...her second album won another grammy and again went platinum. Her fourth album went 5x platinum.
This song, was on her debut album. The woman has just over 44,-000,000 in album sales making her one of the highest selling artists of all time, being in the top 150.
Tracy Chapman has always been underrated. In 2023 she became the first African-American songwriter to win the 'Song of the Year ' award at Country Music Association Awards. She won for 'Fast Cars' as Luke Combs did a cover of it. They were both given the award as she was the songwriter. At this year's Grammys, Luke and Tracy performed the song live. The song is just as relevant now as it has ever been.
Not in the least bit underrated.
Still making up my mind. But I think I prefer the Chapman version better.
Combs really didn’t change the song much.
Her performance at the Grammys is one of my all time favorites now.
I like how it starts with "we gotta make a decision" to ending with "you gotta make a decision". It's such a relatable story on so many levels. Despite our dreams, we still manage to fall into the same cycles, and still hold on to hope despite it.
Does she hold on to hope or does she accept/resent her circumstance. It's not a hopeful song.
@@flashlight12316 It's like life. There's hope, acceptance, and sorrow.
@@flashlight12316 There's slivers of hope all throughout this song
I do think it is a hopeful song. Her goals just changed. At first they included her partner, but by the end, they did not.@@flashlight12316
@@flashlight12316It is a hopeful song. In the end, she does rise above her circumstances. She learns and grows. He doesn’t. So she says decide. That’s her taking control of her life.
Her voice is so unique in the absolute best way. Seeing her performance at the Grammy’s this year had me in tears. ETA: Joni Mitchell had me sobbing. Her 80 year old voice is so deep and meaningful, while her 21 year old voice when she wrote the song seemed fairly hopeful with its lilt
PS I’m not normally one to v cry lol
We sat here and did the same.
I cried too!
Me too!
I don’t cry. In public.
I’m whiter than than Wonder Bread. You pull over to the side of the side of the road and go keep it together. I didn’t cry for years.
But you hear a song and the tears come.
Check out girl. I’m so you want to die? Bag your own groceries.
I have your kid doing piggy back rides and I’m sitting in my car on breaks trying. I’m well this is a learning experience.
I’m 13 shopping wire cops in a row. I’m…
I admire the singers who can stand up on stage with one guitar and one amazing voice and have the audience captivated and hanging on every word. A real gift, a real treasure.
I’m 65 and I think it’s one of the most beautiful songs ever written. Tracy’s humbleness is something you just don’t see anymore. She makes you feel the lyrics.
Only this year was Tracy Chapman finally recognised at The Grammys. Only 30 years too late. What a Star and What a Song. ❤❤
Not sure you know who Tracy Chapman is. Her first album, got six Grammy nominations in 1989 & won three of those. You sound like a person trying to stir something that isn’t there.
She lost the Grammy to "Don't Worry, Be Happy." It was one of the last time I ever watched that show.
The song is a Masterpiece. I am a white guy from New Jersey. There is so much pain and beauty and longing in this song. I am right there with her. Her song feels like my song.
This song is the human condition set to music.
Chapman is beloved here in Europe, so respected. Fast car is a perfect story told, lyrics are poetic, melody driving onwards, and to what? I see strength and resilience and never give up, make your own dreams.
Listen again to the lysics , she gives up, slowly. Doesn't have the strength or will to finish the last chorus. She knows she's trapped.
@@flashlight12316, true, but she still recognizes it. She may be down and out, but she still wants him out and she knows what her life has become. She has not given up, she is overwhelmed, but she KNOWS.
Yeah...I hear a story of hopelessness.
@@flashlight12316 So so wrong. She turns her life around. He doesn’t. She recognizes this and tells him to leave. That’s growth. She’s sad he didn’t come with her in this growth but she’s made something better of her life. Chapman has stated in interviews it’s about an immature relationship and growth.
@@Silverhaired59Lyrics can be interpreted in so many ways. First, she had an alcoholic dad that she had to take care of, and the person with their 'Fast Car' was going to help her out to the City. Second stanza, the 'Fast Car' was cool, but local entertainment he still didn't have a job, but she was trying. Bright lights and dazzeling hope were out of reach, 'suburbs' were all she was hoping for. Third stanza, her partner still didn't have a job and spent more time w/friend than the kids. Seemed like the reprise was reminescent. Now she had kids and an unepmloyed/checked out (new) dad to care for -- knew she would never get out. My take was that she KNOWS, but what she knows is that it is going to be the same. Hence the leaving out of the last part of the chorus. Saying this, lyrics and music are interpreted much more by the listener than the musician (I think).
Yes, she's amazing, one of the best songs ever written, in my opinion.
This is a story of all races who live in poverty when they're young and still try to hope for a better life. Some make but a lot don't. That is what is so poignant about this song. Flawless performance and flawless song
She holds a spot in my top three concert experiences. It was Spring 1988. The 10,000 Maniacs were performing at the Newport in Columbus, Ohio. The crowd is strolling in, milling about, waiting for the headliner to go on, when Tracy Chapman comes out on stage with only her acoustic guitar. She shyly introduces herself and mentions that her debut album will be coming out in a couple weeks. Then, she starts playing and wow, the songs! I don’t recall whether she opened with Fast Car. But I have never since experienced a crowd become so hushed and captured by the opening act
What a great experience! That was a great time for music - so many different artists doing things their own way. Tracy stood out immediately, though. I'm almost certain that I bought her CD immediately after hearing her sing once on the radio. Didn't know anything about her, but had to have that disc in my rotation. So glad I did - and I still have it!
I'd love to see her in concert.
On September 13 1988, I was a teenager in Costa Rica attending the Human Rights Now concert. One of my most cherished memories is hearing Tracy singing this song while Hurricane Gilbert was dropping tons of rain over us. The sight of the swirling clouds over the stage and her calm demeanor, her voice strong and our voices singing with her. I will never forget.
Polo, I agree that this song is a masterpiece. Tracy is a rare talent. This performance gives me goosebumps. Thanks for sharing this.
Yes! Immediate chills.
You're right. It's a masterpiece. She is a legend.
Her voice alone is enough. Nothing more needed ❤
Jesus. That's one of my all-time favorite songs. Makes me cry every time. It's wonderful. She's wonderful.
Yep, here I am crying too
I was fortunate to see Tracy Chapman when she opened for David Bowie in cle, in the early 2000,s. She's Cleveland's own and she was there representing a real person from our hometown. She's pure, honest and present while performing perfectly. What more could anyone ask for? I was blown away by her recognition at the Grammys. Another beautiful performance.
Opening for Bowie…and I thought my experience was good. I saw her just before her record came out, opening for Bob Dylan.
Oh man. That would have been phenomenal! I just happened to wander into the performance area right before her set at Bumbershoot one year, and she was astonishing. Life-changing, even.
This was a huge hit when it came out...and has aged perfectly. 🙏🇨🇦👍
This song is pure perfection. Simple, powerful, impactful, and brimming with multiple emotions
This song has always brought tears for me. Love it always.
This song was released when I was in my first or second year of University…I was 19 years old and recognized what a genius musician and lyricist she was! She was a HUGE impact on the GenX’ers and as much recognition as she got…I don’t think it was enough for the calibre of music she put out!!
I remember that Tracy Chapman received a Grammy for top vocalist of the year, and it was because of this song
Fast Car.
Talking bout a Revolution
Mountain O thangs
Across the Line
* The entire self-titled album that fast car is on has these songs. I know it doesn't typically go this way with reaction channels. But I recommend starting at the beginning of the album and listening to it in order the way Tracy intended us to.
Came here to say Talking bout a Revolution
Perfection. The simplicity, the reality she describes combined with her warm voice and humbleness.
This was 1988, the year I graduated high school and started college. I had purchase my first CD player months earlier. This was one of the first CDs I owned along with Midnight Oil, Sinead O’Conner, George Michael, INXS, and U2. I remember loving music more after listening to this song a hundred times. I almost accidentally turned on the Grammys this year for the first time in years, and the first thing that happened when I started watching was this surprise performance. It was instantly emotional. It continued to build as I saw the reaction the song received from the biggest stars on the planet. From teens to seniors, everyone knew the song. It felt like everyone felt the importance of the moment. Time was irrelevant. Age was irrelevant. And the song meant more today than it did when it was new. And it was big when it was new. This is a legendary song and performance.
I went on to devote my life to music.
The power of literary voice. Amazing. So smart. Powerful.
Decades of hearing this song, I tear up EVERY TIME! Love her, love this tune. Brings me back. Thank you Polo!
You can tell by his silence he loves this song. I do too!! That's why I clicked it
I love this song. I love Tracey Chapman singing this. She got a beautiful voice
I don’t think she was ever recognized for the soul and beauty of her songs, ones that many people across all color lines could relate to. An exceptional talent.
Hope filled yearning. My heart swells every time I hear her.
She has the genius to communicate her experience in a way that makes us feel as though it was our own.
She’s got a really good album called Telling Stories. When I was still in school (early 2000s) I worked at Barnes & Noble. When I got stuck in the music section, I was in charge of the music that played in the whole store. We could only play approved CDs and there was nothing in the approved bin that I recognized, except Tracy Chapman. I played the album on heavy rotation. My manager complained at one point. She was like, “Are you playing that Tracy Chapman record again?”
Good for you ❤ 😊
She performs her famous song Give me one reason with Eric Clapton and she can’t stop smiling ! To me that is one hell of a performance! You should check that out !!
Fell in love with this song from the moment I first heard it. But her song “The Promise” has always been the one that stops me dead in my tracks. Do yourself and her the favor.
I had the privilege of seeing Tracy in concert in the early 90's.She's all that and more! Poetry,musicianship,and off the charts talented!👏👊🏿🎶🎙
Tracy is a masterpiece, herself. She is a bit underrated now, however, when this first came out, it was all over the place. She was born with incredible gift. Appreciation for your honesty in this reaction.
I think Tracy Chapman is universally respected and appreciated.
Truly a flawless performance. It’s a masterpiece. And no matter how much credit she’s got it’s not enough. Brilliant artist.
This entire LP is unbelievable. I still remember going to Tower records in Boston as a college student. Very new to Boston and the big city but I had to get this CD. This is for me one of the first CDs I ever bought. Great memories. Love every song on this LP. I mean everyone you should listen to. They're great
And it takes a Grammy Awards program for people to remember how she made them feel then - and now. And she’s still pure and she’s still elegant in her own way. Has she been appreciated? No. Why has it taken a country singer covering this song to bring her back into our consciousness? He was admittedly reverent and deeply appreciative and respectful of her, and rightfully so. The performance was so unexpected at that kind of affair because she has avoided that whole scene, but it made folks - me included - weep. It’s time for this kind of simplicity and purity.
Look for “Talkin’ About a Revolution”.
We need more Tracy Chapman all the time. She’s best live. You may not like the Grammys but if you can get past it, her performance with Luke, (who does cover this beautifully with her permission, btw), is magical.
I have loved Tracy since she came out
Tracy Chapman "Mountains 'O Things" & "Happy"
Often this song is viewed as optimistic and never let go of your dreams; nothing could be more misunderstood. This is a song about cyclical poverty driven by drug and alcohol abuse. As said this song is a masterpiece. With every verse the subject reveals her position in life is more desperate and dire. In the end she is her mother, while not deserting her children she tells their father to get in his car and keep on driving (a fast car doesn't buy food or rent). Another issue is TC genre is contemporary folk/ pop. She was wildly popular in the late 1980s and 1990s, but her genre was not popular with most black listeners.
@@loverofsong9830 Highly unlikely. Did you listen to the lyrics? It's about her relationship with a deadbeat dad who refuses to get a job and spends more time in bars (spending the money she earns; I've got a job that pays all our bills) than with his family (I always hoped things would be better). TC is notoriously shy and secretive about her personal life and has never been public (or an advocate) regarding her sexual preference; the vast majority of her fans have no idea, nor do they care. Instead she is recognized as a national treasure that refuses to draw any public attention to her many philanthropic endeavors in the black community.
@@loverofsong9830Then you know she was outed against her wishes. OTOH, people are certainly free to read into song lyrics whatever they want. IOW the Bob Dylan approach, as he never explained any of his songs, saying it's totally up to the listener to interpret the meaning of what he wrote.
Tracy Chapman sang a duet with Luciano Pavarotti, Baby Can I Hold You Tonight, at a benefit concert. The combination of their talents was very powerful; I love listening to that song as well as Fast Car. Thanks for this tribute to her.
This song still gives me chills. Perfection. When Tracy hit the scene in 88-89 she was a breath of fresh air compared to what was popular at the time. She's timeless.
She is just a class act ,I was so happy to see her come out of retirement and play at the Grammies and the applause from her peers who know she is just perfection was so worth it
I have loved this song since I heard the first note of the guitar. A melodic story that touches my heart every time I hear it. ❤
Tracy chapman one of the greatest female singers and story tellers ❤️❤️
Doesn't get any better. The song. The vocal. The guitar playing, The unassuming performance. I agree. Flawless.
She is awesome. She should be in the Rock n Roll Hall of Fame.
What a talent. I think it was Live Aid... this enormous production with a football stadium sized audience, "everyone" who was someone in the biz, and watched by 1.5 BILLION TV viewers all over the world. And Chapman stepped out on that gigantic stage with nothing but herself and her guitar and knocked them all on their asses, artists and audience alike. Nuff' said.
Now who's cutting damn onions again?
Tears as always. I remember the first time I saw her on MTV. The world changed in its orbit and nothing, nothing has ever been the same.
I loved her the minute l heard her a while ago.If l live right❤
Quality not quantity Polo, tell your girls! Tracey is all that too, love her singing and her
Tracy Chapman is so beautiful and talented ❤
Tracey definitely hasn't gotten the recognition she deserves. She is so talented! Her first album is just all beauty and fire. You wouldn't go wrong listening to any song from it. My favorite songs of hers are
"If Not Now…"
"Talkin' 'bout a Revolution"
"For My Lover" ✌🏼❤
youre right. such a simple thing- just a guitar and 1 person singing, yet as you say, a masterpiece. god, what a voice.
Don't see enough of her, she's great
Her voice gives me legit goosebumps.
The goose🪿is loose. 😂
She is a world star, would say yes she get the credit she deserves.
Don't know how anyone could hear this and not feel something. So simple yet so evocative. Perfection. A true masterpiece. And no she never got the credit she deserved. Not even close.
Tracy, Chapman music writing and vocal delivery is beyond spectacular. I saw her recently with beautiful silver natural hair singing, and her voice has an aged in any way other than to be compared to a fine wine. She is a natural storyteller, captivating someone whose music will always be relatable throughout the barriers of culture and time. Thank you for your reaction young man. On a sidenote, I’m a great grandmother for the first time and I put this song on as I was rocking my great grandson in my chair to give his mother and grandmother a physical break from poor boys, cries of tears from teething. As I was humming along with Tracy, his breathing changed and little hiccups, and then a sigh, so deep from within him came out as a fat tear rolled down his face he inhaled and fell asleep that the power Tracy Chapman and old great grandmothers.
One of the few female artists who we altos can harmonize with a third ABOVE the melody. She and Annie Lennox are the best contraltos to come out of the 80s. Both are true artists and ooze character. It's impossible to get tired of hearing Tracy sing.
Couple few things:
1) UNDER NO CIRCUMSTANCES did Tracy get the recognition she deserved!!!!
2) I have listened to this song on repeat. It never loses its amazingness. Not one ounce.
3) I can now listen to YOUR REACTION of this on repeat. You literally mirror my every feeling about Tracy and all of her unbelievably wonderful and amazing self.
Goddamn..hadn't heard this in a long long time..made my eyes burn for just a second...
Oh wow Polo are you ever going to love this!
1988 Tracy released this song…most folks I know love this song! Now, due to a revival with Luke Combs she has been showcased for her abilities…about time! ❤️ Tracy!
She won a Grammy for this song in 88’ & many artists have remade the song, like Luke Combs, who she just sang the song with at the latest Grammy’s. You should check them out. It was an awesome performance.
I still get teary-eyed every time I listen to this song that came out in 1988, .... I agree a masterpiece 🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥
Tracy Chapman did a great duet with Pavarotti.
😮🤯 I gotta find that one!
@Ecclectic_citcelccE baby can I hold you tonight.
When this song came out in the 80's, I couldn't stand it. There has been a lot of discussion about it, recently. You can't get away from seeing it or hearing it again. I have a completely different way of looking at it in my more mature years. It is brilliant. And props to Tracy. Timeless... Thank you for sharing it
Definitely the same 🙂
It was great to see her on the stage at the Grammies being seen the way she deserves. Seeing a performer who can own the stage with talent, not needing the excessive dog and pony show, shows the world what we are missing. Authentic skill of a seasoned artist. Her first two albums are beautiful. ☮️
Best singer ever. Started playing guitar because of her. Love Tracy
The first time I met Tracy, was in the early 80's and she was busking in the streets of Boston and singing at every open mic night, it's great to see someone that busted their rear end get what they deserve
She never got the recognition she should have received. Had a high then faded down. Very sad that she did not stay influential . She is amazing and has a story to tell. Amazing artist and song writer that needs to be shared. thank you for the reaction.
This is one of my favorite songs. Still emotionally stops me dead in my tracks.
when it was ok to dream i remember that.
Saw, and more especially heard, the very talented new talent that was Tracy Chapman at the 1988 Nelson Mandela 70th birthday tribute at Wembley. She deserves much, much more recognition than she has received.
This is one of the finest songs ever written.
Tracy absolutely gets the credit she deserves. Anybody who knows anything about the 90s music knows that she was one of the best. Anytime you mention her name everyone always says great things. Iconic!!
She did get the recognition and I feel everyone wish she did more, as she represented an inner beauty that was so very enviable. She had a big big humanity, one we all could try to invest in. I think you're still a hopeless romantic Polo; don't deny the inner life, painful as it often is. Enjoy it all, baby, and be well.
You are not the only one who thought this was a masterpiece. Luke Combs covered it this year and it was a hit on country stations. She performed it with him on the Grammies and it was very moving. And no, she does not get credit. The country fans thought it was Luke’s song.
She was then…and still is one of my all-time favorite musicians. But, what makes her even more special is not the amazing melodies, the unique voice or her relatable lyrics….its the pure heart this woman has. She is a beautiful soul. ❤
This was popular back in my day. YES, she got the credit, lifelong....everyone in the USA was playing this song on repeat. She was amazing, still is. I am 50 yrs old and her music takes me back to some fun times in my life.
1989 Tracy got Grammys for best female pop performer, song of the year, and record of the year. Still she is underrated. Genuinely beautiful person with a gorgeous voice.
This whole album was amazing (as are her other ones).
Just a girl and her guitar. That's all that's needed. Perfection.
I feel that professional singers admire her work. I’ve seen her a couple live and loved it.
She's that wonderful. "Gimmie One Reason" shows how she can switch it up, soooo smooth.
Love this it's simply beautiful
This song was massive when it came out. Constant radio play. And it continued to play on the radio for decades. She def got credit from the people. You can see here the crowd is absolutely silent when she sings, hanging on every beautiful word. I don’t think the industry ever gave her the credit she deserved.
I remember hearing her for the first time and was mesmerized by her. She’s awesome.
She's one of my all time favorites. I heard her sing a haunting version if "All that you have is your soul"