Love her "less is more" approach to this song. Every note is purposeful, and every lyric meaningful. Her voice is soulful, folksy and the vibrato borderlines on yodeling; but still distinct. Reminded me of Joni Mitchell. Remember when this came out and was on constant rotation on MTV... NEVER got tired of it. Song deserves more attention. Glad this made it around.
@dhunninghake - your having been reminded of Joni Mitchell created an "Ah-ha" moment for me. You are so right. I listened to this album (Tracy Chapman) in the Nineties, but hadn't yet heard much Joni -apart from Big Yellow Taxi and Clouds- until relatively recently. Thanks for the important connection.
I always thought it spoke to women, the sacrifices they make and how generational mistakes are so difficult to escape from. Poverty, alcohol, divorce...at the end she finds that she married a guy just like her dad, but doesn't want to turn into her absentee Mom. She ends up in the exact same place she left. The tumult of life, indeed. It's interesting how you interpreted her father's alcoholism to be the result of her mother's departure, while I always assumed that the alcohol is why the mother left.
Lyrics in order: 1. he lives with the bottle (he's a drunk) 2. His body is too old for working (anyone that has known an alcoholic knows that their body breaks down prematurely) 3. Her mom left (she got fed up living with an alcoholic). Clearly the mother left an alcoholic and he didn't become an alcoholic because the mother left him.
@@andrew348 It doesn't really matter about the order the lyrics are in. Many songs give events/timeline out of order to create a specific feel, including this song: 1. 'See, my old man's got a problem, he lives with the bottle, that's the way it is. He says his body's too old for working, his body's too young to look like his' (all sung in present tense). 2. 'My mama went off and left him, she wanted more from life than he could give, I said somebody's got to take care of him, so I quit school and that's what I did' (all sung in the past tense). What matters more is the context: 'She wanted more from life than he could give'. This phrase lends itself more to being about a lack of ambition or not having the motivation to better one's life/situation. Essentially it could be either way, it's very open to interpretation.
Love when people discover Tracy Chapman, but everybody does Fast Car. Great song, but that album has no bad songs. They are all really good. My faves are Mountains of Things and She's Got a Ticket. Do yourself a favor and listen to the whole album.
I first heard this song on the radio in 1988 when my girlfriend and I were driving home from dinner. After 15 seconds my girlfriends said "pull over" and we listened completely enraptured. It's one of those unique musical experiences you never forget.
She's such a good storyteller. The music complement the lyrics so well. Loved it first time I ever heard it & I still do. Thank you for reacting to it. Yea, and I love her voice too... Saludos ✌️
This was her hit, for obvious reasons, but she has so much more. Please do us a favor and delve into her library. One of my favorite songs of all time. Yearning desperate escapism set to perfectly fit music. A masterpiece IMO.
Nephew this song/album was so popular (across all cultures, both black and white). It won every music category. Best song, best new artist, best female artist etc. etc. Glad you enjoyed Traci C. performance. Traci is a G.O.A.T
I love her so much. She always kept true to herself, didn't let "the machine" change her sound or look. Love her, she's a beautiful soul. 'Talking about a revolution" is an incredible song by her. One more comment, I always felt like this was the musical sister of "Harlem" by Langston Hughes.... she is singing about that "dream deferred".
"We gotta make a decision, leave tonight or live and die this way" such a power line especially if you've been met with that circumstance in real life.. hits you extra hard
John Mellencamp was asked about this song because it's melody sounds a lot like his song "Jack and Diane" ,and it was suggested he could sue her. He told one interviewer "Why the fuck would I sue her? It's an amazing song."
just a side note; your vocabulary is impressive brother. I stop counting how many big words you used and that’s not a put down. Not a lot of people use prose as you do. kudos!
Tracy is an incredible storyteller. Pair that with her beautiful voice and her lyrics that every word has a meaning and takes you to a farther place. I love this song and every song on this album. But let me just say I am so so very impressed by you. It’s not just your intelligence or your understanding of music, but your ability to get into cool person is and what they’re really trying to say using very specific relevant words that are exactly on point. This got really popular in the 90s but she is so much more than this song. Tracy Chapman is a legend and she deserves so many more accolades and so much more listening to even today. This song also spoke to me about the truth of society and where people get stuck. I hope to hear more of Tracy Chapman from you. Give me one reason to stay here could be a great choice! Or almost anything from this album. I’m so excited to watch you more! So mature and you made this song relevant for so many people that haven’t really listened into it before.❤️✌️
Repeating the guitar figure across several chorus-free verses builds tension in the song while setting up the eventual chorus to provide the resolution longed for in the lyrics -- "And I-I had a feeling that I belonged..."
This and her song 'Give Me One Reason' (1995) are the only ones that got a lot of radio airplay. The album this came from earned Chapman six Grammy Award nominations, including Album of the Year, three of which she won: Best New Artist, Best Female Pop Vocal Performance for her single "Fast Car", and Best Contemporary Folk Album. Along with her debut, her other standout album 'New Beginning', are both worth complete listens. She is one of the best songwriters of our generation IMHO. Unfortunately, she is under recognized because she came out right at the start of the "grunge" movement and had a hard time gaining traction.
My most memorable concert experience ever was Spring 1988, I’m at the 10,000 Maniacs show for their In my Tribe album and there’s this opening act. Just a woman and her acoustic guitar. She says her name is Tracy Chapman and mentions her debut album will be coming out in a few weeks. Then, she starts playing these songs, and the whole crowd got hushed and was mesmerized. I’ve never since experienced a crowd so mesmerized by the opening act
Your observation of the dichotomy between the music and lyrics is spot on. I had not thought of it quite in those terms but you are correct in that the music portrays a hopeful feeling of longing for better times whereas the lyrics are not quite at the point of despair but reflect a sort of entrapment that she dreams of escaping from. Your insight always adds a layer of analysis that makes your reactions so enjoyable to watch. Glad you enjoyed the song. I remember how much it touched me when I first heard it.
That last bit about staying where she's at, she's saying she's not like her mother to abandon the kid(s), but also realizing she and her kids are better off without him.
I'm glad you noticed the instruments, particularly the drums. Usually people overlook the instrumentals. All I can say is her voice and the instruments....its undeniable talent right here on display for everyone with ears to hear.
It's been a hot minute since I have been able to catch one of your reactions...always love how real you are, and you breaking out all the vocab in this one...thanks as always J-Rah! You are the best man!
Jay,...You are not allowed to use such words,..."efficacious" adjective: (successful in producing a desired or intended result; effective). Some of us are not as edumacated as you are!!! I had to look it up!!! Lol😜.... Such a wise & smart young man you are!!! You are a charm!!
The music in this song portrays a sense of childlike optimism but the lyrics were almost desperate and defeated. Its interesting that the narrator became a caretaker for her father who gave up on life, and then she got into a relationship with a man who also gave up on life. But her optimism allows her to keep the dream alive and keep hoping for a brighter outcome. Whenever I listen to this song I always hope she'll make better choices, cut ties with those that hold her back and seek fortune on her own.
I was like 10 when this song came out and it was a big deal. I remember it giving me feelings that I couldn't understand at the time. Now as an adult, who grew up poor in a working class family, I feel those binds from generational poverty and how hard it is to escape that fate. I did alright all things considered but I remember feeling that feeling of desperation from growing up poor in a toxic environment and wondering how I could ever get out of there. It's one of those all time classic songs that blurs the lines between folks and pop. I'm glad to see younger folks discovering it. Great reaction brother!!!
What! What? No Tracy yet? Oh honey you are in for a treat. Other great songs by her are "Talkin' Bout A Revolution", "Give Me One Reason", and "Baby Can I Hold You". Please deep diver Tracy she is worth it.
Such an emotional song, about having to quit school to take care of her dad, when he was old and sick. I can relate to this song, as many others can too. As our folks age, more children are becoming their mom or dad's caregivers. God Bless all of you that have done this. God knows what you have done, and he loves you very much. I've been there. God Bless you.
Excellent assessment of the songs arrangement and the implied optimism in the tempo changes and chorus as each verse tells a story of hardships and pain. I've always loved this song because it's musically a great song, but there's such deep and powerful things that are expressed so subtlety and smoothly it can be overlooked
It's Saturday night (as I type this) and I have watched many reviews of this song and yours is the best. Thanks for taking the time to react to a truly great song. Cheers.
Enjoyed this reaction Jay Rah! 😁👍🔥 Tracy is one of the best folk singer-songwriters of the modern era. Akin to Joni Mitchell and Joan Baez ahead of her. Besides "Fast Car," do have a listen to "Give Me One Reason," "Talkin' bout a Revolution," and "Crossroads" Hope you are doing well 😀
I grew up on this song, played every hour, on all the radio stations, and would sing as loud as my mom's speakers would go! Didn't know what it all meant when I was 8, but love this song to this day! Hope someone plays it at my funeral...
I love your breakdown. Listening to your reaction made it alive again. There’s little that she has done that I haven’t appreciated. Remember buying this CD when it was released and seeing her in concert then. I found her quiet, unassuming brilliance to be captivating. Another performance that I think you might like was a cover of “Stand by Me,” in an appearance on thee David Letterman show 2015. It demonstrates the quiet power that she has in a live performance.
I believe it is only one guitar. It is a simple riff, but she finger picks the low root and higher root with some other part of the chord (major fifth, major third or minor third) at the same time making it sound like two guitars playing in harmony.
This song was hot. It was during a short era of "Alt-rock" which was a little more folksy and acoustic. As an alternative to big production that was going on in the late 80s. Maybe like Suzanne Vega? Maybe I made that up. Thanks for the review, tho!
Understated is the word that I would use. Who would have thought that emotion could be conveyed without screaming? Agree with your comments regarding Anita Baker and Sade. To those names I would also add Oleta Adams name. Great song choice.
Dude, from an old man to a young man....I like yer channel, you've got excellent taste in music, and I'm jazzed that you're listening to Tracy Chapman. She's great.
Loved seeing you turned on to Tracy. Great comments, too. If I may suggest Wedding Song by her. A bit more obscure, deep track but the lyrics are evocative as well. Even if you don’t do it here, give it a whirl! ✌🏼❤️🎶
A good few LPs featuring black women were on the floor of the bedroom of us three Irish brothers. We had two folksy women who spoke to us. Joan Armatrading and Tracy Chapman. Respect to those women for writing songs relevant to men.
Tracy's voice has such crisp modulation and a tight, natural vibrato, much more so than Anita Baker or Sade, and she keeps within her narrow vocal range without pushing beyond its limits, a wise tendency also characteristic of Karen Carpenter, another singer who keeps within a limited natural vocal range, allowing her natural tone to fully shine.
This is one of my favorite songs ever because she tells a story that so many have experienced and in all of those instances we, as a society, could have helped, but we didn't. And we don't.
When this song came out on the radio in the 1980's, I was driving in my own 'fast car' to school as a teenager living in a nowhere town, living on welfare, with a drug addict for a mom, nearly suicidal, thinking I was never going to make it out, and along with Rush's Middletown Dreams, both these songs helped me survive that period.
This song was at least 30 years ago, at that time perhaps she was young maybe just out of high school, thinking that this man she chose to be with was going to find a way for them to escape the monotony of life they perhaps were born in. Not sure if that was Tracy Chapman's actual experience, but, I know she did escape on her on, she found that fast car and drove out of there and found her own dreams! Peace and God bless!🤙🙏
Love her "less is more" approach to this song. Every note is purposeful, and every lyric meaningful. Her voice is soulful, folksy and the vibrato borderlines on yodeling; but still distinct. Reminded me of Joni Mitchell. Remember when this came out and was on constant rotation on MTV... NEVER got tired of it. Song deserves more attention. Glad this made it around.
minimalism ftw
@dhunninghake - your having been reminded of Joni Mitchell created an "Ah-ha" moment for me. You are so right. I listened to this album (Tracy Chapman) in the Nineties, but hadn't yet heard much Joni -apart from Big Yellow Taxi and Clouds- until relatively recently. Thanks for the important connection.
You need to listen to her song Give Me One Reason. She’s been around quite awhile. Very talented.
One of my favourite songs.
Agreed
I always thought it spoke to women, the sacrifices they make and how generational mistakes are so difficult to escape from. Poverty, alcohol, divorce...at the end she finds that she married a guy just like her dad, but doesn't want to turn into her absentee Mom. She ends up in the exact same place she left. The tumult of life, indeed.
It's interesting how you interpreted her father's alcoholism to be the result of her mother's departure, while I always assumed that the alcohol is why the mother left.
Lyrics in order: 1. he lives with the bottle (he's a drunk) 2. His body is too old for working (anyone that has known an alcoholic knows that their body breaks down prematurely) 3. Her mom left (she got fed up living with an alcoholic). Clearly the mother left an alcoholic and he didn't become an alcoholic because the mother left him.
@@andrew348 It doesn't really matter about the order the lyrics are in. Many songs give events/timeline out of order to create a specific feel, including this song:
1. 'See, my old man's got a problem, he lives with the bottle, that's the way it is. He says his body's too old for working, his body's too young to look like his' (all sung in present tense).
2. 'My mama went off and left him, she wanted more from life than he could give, I said somebody's got to take care of him, so I quit school and that's what I did' (all sung in the past tense).
What matters more is the context: 'She wanted more from life than he could give'. This phrase lends itself more to being about a lack of ambition or not having the motivation to better one's life/situation.
Essentially it could be either way, it's very open to interpretation.
Love when people discover Tracy Chapman, but everybody does Fast Car. Great song, but that album has no bad songs. They are all really good. My faves are Mountains of Things and She's Got a Ticket. Do yourself a favor and listen to the whole album.
EXACTLY
Those lyrics... break my heart. Most beautiful melodies in any song ever.
I first heard this song on the radio in 1988 when my girlfriend and I were driving home from dinner. After 15 seconds my girlfriends said "pull over" and we listened completely enraptured. It's one of those unique musical experiences you never forget.
Her song ‘talkin bout a revolution’ is the absolute business
And across the lines is really raw.
YES!!!
Tracy Chapman. Baby Can I Hold You. So good
She's such a good storyteller. The music complement the lyrics so well. Loved it first time I ever heard it & I still do.
Thank you for reacting to it.
Yea, and I love her voice too...
Saludos ✌️
Tracy Chapman is a legend. All her stuff is great please check out more.
The words are deeper than the instrumentals
This was her hit, for obvious reasons, but she has so much more. Please do us a favor and delve into her library. One of my favorite songs of all time. Yearning desperate escapism set to perfectly fit music. A masterpiece IMO.
The whole album is really worth a listen.
Nephew this song/album was so popular (across all cultures, both black and white). It won every music category. Best song, best new artist, best female artist etc. etc. Glad you enjoyed Traci C. performance. Traci is a G.O.A.T
Tracy Chapman's debut with Fast Car blew me awaywhen I first heard it. All these years later it still moves me.
She is legendary, truly a great artist
Brilliant summation. Thank you. 💔❤️
I love her so much. She always kept true to herself, didn't let "the machine" change her sound or look. Love her, she's a beautiful soul. 'Talking about a revolution" is an incredible song by her. One more comment, I always felt like this was the musical sister of "Harlem" by Langston Hughes.... she is singing about that "dream deferred".
"We gotta make a decision, leave tonight or live and die this way" such a power line especially if you've been met with that circumstance in real life.. hits you extra hard
Music at its purest form. The depth, strength, simplicity and hope in her plea. Her voice touches you deep. We can all relate to her situation.
John Mellencamp was asked about this song because it's melody sounds a lot like his song "Jack and Diane" ,and it was suggested he could sue her. He told one interviewer "Why the fuck would I sue her? It's an amazing song."
just a side note; your vocabulary is impressive brother. I stop counting how many big words you used and that’s not a put down. Not a lot of people use prose as you do. kudos!
As soon as I saw this, I knew you were going to love this song. Tracy is a first ballot musical genius.
Tracy is an incredible storyteller. Pair that with her beautiful voice and her lyrics that every word has a meaning and takes you to a farther place. I love this song and every song on this album. But let me just say I am so so very impressed by you. It’s not just your intelligence or your understanding of music, but your ability to get into cool person is and what they’re really trying to say using very specific relevant words that are exactly on point. This got really popular in the 90s but she is so much more than this song. Tracy Chapman is a legend and she deserves so many more accolades and so much more listening to even today. This song also spoke to me about the truth of society and where people get stuck. I hope to hear more of Tracy Chapman from you. Give me one reason to stay here could be a great choice! Or almost anything from this album. I’m so excited to watch you more! So mature and you made this song relevant for so many people that haven’t really listened into it before.❤️✌️
Repeating the guitar figure across several chorus-free verses builds tension in the song while setting up the eventual chorus to provide the resolution longed for in the lyrics -- "And I-I had a feeling that I belonged..."
Janet Jackson recently revealed that Tracy Chapman is her cousin on her mothers side.
Her album “Tracy Chapman” is great. All the songs are wonderful.
I love her. Her voice and storytelling is amazing. She has a live version at Oakland that I love.
This is an artist that has never made a "b" track... everything she makes is a masterpiece!!
This woman is a force and defies all norms. I love this song. It always makes me cry.
*I love Tracy!! Give me One Reason...please💜*
You look so relaxed Jay, awesome song and incredible Tracy Chapman what a nice singing voice, beautiful love your reaction!! ☺️✌️
I was in high school when this came out. That was a LONG time ago. I loved this song and still do!
This and her song 'Give Me One Reason' (1995) are the only ones that got a lot of radio airplay. The album this came from earned Chapman six Grammy Award nominations, including Album of the Year, three of which she won: Best New Artist, Best Female Pop Vocal Performance for her single "Fast Car", and Best Contemporary Folk Album. Along with her debut, her other standout album 'New Beginning', are both worth complete listens. She is one of the best songwriters of our generation IMHO. Unfortunately, she is under recognized because she came out right at the start of the "grunge" movement and had a hard time gaining traction.
My most memorable concert experience ever was Spring 1988, I’m at the 10,000 Maniacs show for their In my Tribe album and there’s this opening act. Just a woman and her acoustic guitar. She says her name is Tracy Chapman and mentions her debut album will be coming out in a few weeks. Then, she starts playing these songs, and the whole crowd got hushed and was mesmerized. I’ve never since experienced a crowd so mesmerized by the opening act
Anything Tracy Chapman!! She is an amazing artist.
Well said. Check out this new baby. ruclips.net/video/Dl03oBtixeQ/видео.html
Pure talented Singer, Songwriter and performer. Love Tracy Chapman and listen to her albums regularly……great reaction thanks.
I love this song. The story telling, the instrumental, her voice...bruhh...
I play the whole CD. Like every song. When this came out and for years later I played it a lot.
Great job as usual.
This is still on my playlist ❤️
I still have the CD.
She plays the lead guitar.
Your observation of the dichotomy between the music and lyrics is spot on. I had not thought of it quite in those terms but you are correct in that the music portrays a hopeful feeling of longing for better times whereas the lyrics are not quite at the point of despair but reflect a sort of entrapment that she dreams of escaping from. Your insight always adds a layer of analysis that makes your reactions so enjoyable to watch. Glad you enjoyed the song. I remember how much it touched me when I first heard it.
Beautiful Tracy Chapman inside and out. Please react to "give me one reason" with guest Eric Clapton.
That last bit about staying where she's at, she's saying she's not like her mother to abandon the kid(s), but also realizing she and her kids are better off without him.
Cool, glad to see you react to this. I like that you look into the songs after hearing them.
One of the best we need more Tracy Chapman’s
I'm glad you noticed the instruments, particularly the drums. Usually people overlook the instrumentals. All I can say is her voice and the instruments....its undeniable talent right here on display for everyone with ears to hear.
It's been a hot minute since I have been able to catch one of your reactions...always love how real you are, and you breaking out all the vocab in this one...thanks as always J-Rah! You are the best man!
Gimme one reason is also amazing
Great reaction!!
Jay,...You are not allowed to use such words,..."efficacious" adjective: (successful in producing a desired or intended result; effective). Some of us are not as edumacated as you are!!! I had to look it up!!! Lol😜.... Such a wise & smart young man you are!!! You are a charm!!
And he's clearly hot. Whew....
Agreed!!! 🙂
The music in this song portrays a sense of childlike optimism but the lyrics were almost desperate and defeated. Its interesting that the narrator became a caretaker for her father who gave up on life, and then she got into a relationship with a man who also gave up on life. But her optimism allows her to keep the dream alive and keep hoping for a brighter outcome. Whenever I listen to this song I always hope she'll make better choices, cut ties with those that hold her back and seek fortune on her own.
She is amazing - loved it when it first came out, and still love it today ...
Great song
Toni Braxton is also a lower register singer
Top notch storytelling, I love it
Fantastic song ~ 👍🙏 .. excellent reaction as expected 😉
This one of the most best songs ever made. So glad the younger generation getting familiar to stuff like this
I was like 10 when this song came out and it was a big deal. I remember it giving me feelings that I couldn't understand at the time. Now as an adult, who grew up poor in a working class family, I feel those binds from generational poverty and how hard it is to escape that fate. I did alright all things considered but I remember feeling that feeling of desperation from growing up poor in a toxic environment and wondering how I could ever get out of there.
It's one of those all time classic songs that blurs the lines between folks and pop. I'm glad to see younger folks discovering it. Great reaction brother!!!
What! What? No Tracy yet? Oh honey you are in for a treat. Other great songs by her are "Talkin' Bout A Revolution", "Give Me One Reason", and "Baby Can I Hold You". Please deep diver Tracy she is worth it.
Such an emotional song, about having to quit school to take care of her dad, when he was old and sick. I can relate to this song, as many others can too. As our folks age, more children are becoming their mom or dad's caregivers. God Bless all of you that have done this. God knows what you have done, and he loves you very much. I've been there. God Bless you.
i have said this for years. she is the greatest artist of all time. think about it
Simplicity. Not a single fancy word but comes up so poetic. The depth of her message was way beyond her age.
Gimme One Reason is bluesy fabulousness by Tracy.
Excellent assessment of the songs arrangement and the implied optimism in the tempo changes and chorus as each verse tells a story of hardships and pain. I've always loved this song because it's musically a great song, but there's such deep and powerful things that are expressed so subtlety and smoothly it can be overlooked
It's Saturday night (as I type this) and I have watched many reviews of this song and yours is the best. Thanks for taking the time to react to a truly great song. Cheers.
Worked in a music store when this album came out. This song and the album stunned me. This song still gets me.
Love your breakdown. You totally get it. Thanks for sharing your thoughts.
This is very first CD I ever got when CDs were a new thing to the market. Check out her song “Talkin’ Bout a Revolution” off the same album!
Enjoyed this reaction Jay Rah! 😁👍🔥
Tracy is one of the best folk singer-songwriters of the modern era.
Akin to Joni Mitchell and Joan Baez ahead of her.
Besides "Fast Car," do have a listen to "Give Me One Reason," "Talkin' bout a Revolution," and "Crossroads"
Hope you are doing well 😀
I love your critique-on-the-fly style like this, when you listen to songs for the first time.
I grew up on this song, played every hour, on all the radio stations, and would sing as loud as my mom's speakers would go! Didn't know what it all meant when I was 8, but love this song to this day! Hope someone plays it at my funeral...
I love your breakdown. Listening to your reaction made it alive again. There’s little that she has done that I haven’t appreciated. Remember buying this CD when it was released and seeing her in concert then. I found her quiet, unassuming brilliance to be captivating.
Another performance that I think you might like was a cover of “Stand by Me,” in an appearance on thee David Letterman show 2015. It demonstrates the quiet power that she has in a live performance.
This song, her voice and lyrics, still give me chills. Loved your reaction
I believe it is only one guitar. It is a simple riff, but she finger picks the low root and higher root with some other part of the chord (major fifth, major third or minor third) at the same time making it sound like two guitars playing in harmony.
This song was hot. It was during a short era of "Alt-rock" which was a little more folksy and acoustic. As an alternative to big production that was going on in the late 80s. Maybe like Suzanne Vega? Maybe I made that up. Thanks for the review, tho!
I have the album/CD from back in the day,still listen to it
Saw her perform at the Human Rights concert in Zimbabwe in 1988. Brilliant. Always loved her.
Understated is the word that I would use. Who would have thought that emotion could be conveyed without screaming? Agree with your comments regarding Anita Baker and Sade. To those names I would also add Oleta Adams name. Great song choice.
Perhaps even add Nina Simone's low voice.
Dude, from an old man to a young man....I like yer channel, you've got excellent taste in music, and I'm jazzed that you're listening to Tracy Chapman. She's great.
great reaction. I like your breakdowns of the song whether it be the structure, vocals or the instruments. I'll have to check out more
Tracy is/was a real badass. Her ability to paint a picture/story with words reminds me of Harry Chapin. Her simplicity tells the truth.
Loved seeing you turned on to Tracy. Great comments, too. If I may suggest Wedding Song by her. A bit more obscure, deep track but the lyrics are evocative as well. Even if you don’t do it here, give it a whirl! ✌🏼❤️🎶
I love how it was sampled in Nice N Smooth's "Sometimes I Rhyme Slow".
I saw Tracy live in 2009. the power in her voice is unreal
I always liked this song... it is haunting.... Love Tracy! =)
A good few LPs featuring black women were on the floor of the bedroom of us three Irish brothers. We had two folksy women who spoke to us. Joan Armatrading and Tracy Chapman. Respect to those women for writing songs relevant to men.
Tracy's voice has such crisp modulation and a tight, natural vibrato, much more so than Anita Baker or Sade, and she keeps within her narrow vocal range without pushing beyond its limits, a wise tendency also characteristic of Karen Carpenter, another singer who keeps within a limited natural vocal range, allowing her natural tone to fully shine.
I remember when this song came out..Great memories. RIP to my 1st wife Dannette 🙏🏻
Paula Cole’s “Where have all the cowboys gone?” always reminded me of this song.
This is one of my favorite songs ever because she tells a story that so many have experienced and in all of those instances we, as a society, could have helped, but we didn't. And we don't.
When this song came out on the radio in the 1980's, I was driving in my own 'fast car' to school as a teenager living in a nowhere town, living on welfare, with a drug addict for a mom, nearly suicidal, thinking I was never going to make it out, and along with Rush's Middletown Dreams, both these songs helped me survive that period.
all my Nice and Smooth fans know this guitar string
Her song “Give me one reason” please- 👍
Another song like this would be Joni Mitchell's "Big Yellow Taxi"...
This song was at least 30 years ago, at that time perhaps she was young maybe just out of high school, thinking that this man she chose to be with was going to find a way for them to escape the monotony of life they perhaps were born in. Not sure if that was Tracy Chapman's actual experience, but, I know she did escape on her on, she found that fast car and drove out of there and found her own dreams! Peace and God bless!🤙🙏
love your reaction and your insights/thoughts around the song structure/meaning---I can tell you take this stuff seriously!!
One of my favourite songs.
Thank you for posting this great song