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!
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...
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"
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.
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.
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.
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…
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.
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.
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!
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 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.
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!!
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.
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.
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.
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.
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 !!
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?”
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.
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
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.
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.
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
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.
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's as "someone as it gets" in the hearts of everyone who hears her music, her voice that speaks things for us that we can't articulate like she can!
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.
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. ❤
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!
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.
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.
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"
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.
She lost the Grammy to "Don't Worry, Be Happy." It was one of the last time I ever watched that show.
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.
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.
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.
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…
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.
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.
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).
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.
I remember that Tracy Chapman received a Grammy for top vocalist of the year, and it was because of this song
Fast Car.
Yes, she's amazing, one of the best songs ever written, in my opinion.
You're right. It's a masterpiece. She is a legend.
Her voice alone is enough. Nothing more needed ❤
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.
This song is pure perfection. Simple, powerful, impactful, and brimming with multiple emotions
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. 🙏🇨🇦👍
Perfection. The simplicity, the reality she describes combined with her warm voice and humbleness.
This song has always brought tears for me. Love it always.
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.
Don't see enough of her, she's great
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
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!!
Best singer ever. Started playing guitar because of her. Love Tracy
I think Tracy Chapman is universally respected and appreciated.
Quality not quantity Polo, tell your girls! Tracey is all that too, love her singing and her
I love this song. I love Tracey Chapman singing this. She got a beautiful voice
She's the epitome of true talent!
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 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.
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.
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.
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
Goosebumps. Every single time.
Truly a flawless performance. It’s a masterpiece. And no matter how much credit she’s got it’s not enough. Brilliant artist.
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.
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 !!
The power of literary voice. Amazing. So smart. Powerful.
I have loved Tracy since she came out
Tracy chapman one of the greatest female singers and story tellers ❤️❤️
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 ❤ 😊
Masterpiece. One could hear this song a thousand times and be moved each and every time.
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.
I love Tracy she is a treasure!
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
This song and Tracy are spectacular and very, very underrated!!
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 is amazing. She brings back good memories for me.
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.
Her voice is a stand alone. I could listen to her all day.
Beautiful performance. Like you said flawless. She doesn’t get the recognition she deserves.
I can't listen to this beautiful song without crying...ever. ❤
She is a world star, would say yes she get the credit she deserves.
Tracy is a songwriting genius. Still one of my all-time favs
Legendary. I cry every time I listen.
A masterful story teller with her music.
I never tire of hearing this beautiful song , thank you Polo for platforming the flawless Tracy Chapman on you-tube 🌹
Legendary. I love Tracy Chapman
Masterpiece is the perfect word for this. She is just amazing and I have loved her music for decades.
Doesn't get any better. The song. The vocal. The guitar playing, The unassuming performance. I agree. Flawless.
I love everything about Tracy.
She's that wonderful. "Gimmie One Reason" shows how she can switch it up, soooo smooth.
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.
I have always loved Tracy Chapman !❤
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
This was brilliance of emotions
This is one of the finest songs ever written.
One of the best of all time....
Looking at polo’s face at times .. priceless.
Tracy Chapman is incredible!
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 love her, she is brilliant and definitely, never got enough recognition for her talent. ✌️❤️
I feel that professional singers admire her work. I’ve seen her a couple live and loved it.
Musically she is one of my favorite human beings EVER! She has always been underrated
She's so amazing!! Such a beautifull voice!!!
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!!
Probably one of the most underrated artists of all time.
one of the greatest songs ever written
The melody is HAUNTING!!!!!!
Brings me to tears every time I hear it.
She is awesome. She should be in the Rock n Roll Hall of Fame.
She's as "someone as it gets" in the hearts of everyone who hears her music, her voice that speaks things for us that we can't articulate like she can!
This song really hit me to the core when it came out! Love Tracy's style, voice, delivery, emotion!
This is one of my favorite songs. Still emotionally stops me dead in my tracks.
I forgot how much I loved this song
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.
youre right. such a simple thing- just a guitar and 1 person singing, yet as you say, a masterpiece. god, what a voice.
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. ❤