Country star Luke Combs covered this last year, saying it was his fave song of all time. As a result, the COUNTRY Music Association acknowledged Tracy Chapman as the songwriter. This made her the first person-of-color AND the first lesbian songwriter to receive this honor. Combs’version was a smash on the country charts, and was nominated for a Grammy. He performed it at this year’s Grammy show. Unbeknownst to the crowd, the music comes up and on stage, singing with Combs was the legend herself, TRACY CHAPMAN. She’s nearly 60 now. And she hadn’t performed in public since 2009. They were AMAZING together. Please react to this LIVE performance, 2024 Grammy Awards Show!
@@nealm6764 Darrin is correct. It appears he does know her background. That doesn't in any way limit how brilliant her lyrics are. It's obviously a subject she very much cares about and it matters not that she lived it or not. Truth is truth.
@@nealm6764, Chapman stated, “I believe that I wrote the song “Fast Car” in 1986. At the time that I wrote the song, I actually didn’t really know who I was writing about. Looking back at it, and this happens with other songs as well, that I feel like I understand it only later… I think that it was a song about my parents… And about how when they met each other they were very young and they wanted to start a news life together and my mother was anxious to leave home. My parents got married and went out into the world to try to make a place for themselves and it was very difficult going. My mother didn’t have a high school diploma and my father was a few years older. It was hard for him to create the kind of life that he dreamed of… With the education that he had…. With the opportunities that were available to him… In a sense I think they came together thinking that together they would have a better chance at making it”
@@nealm6764 "songs which tell stories about peoples’ lives and very generally represents the world that I saw it when I was growing up in Cleveland, Ohio, coming from a working-class background … In part everything that a person writes is autobiographical but the songs are directly so and most of them were not, and ‘Fast Car’ wasn’t one that was directly autobiographical. I never had a fast car, it’s just a story about a couple, how they are trying to make a life together and they face challenges … "... Tracy's own explanation. A songwriter creates a story, it doesn't have to be based on their own lives to ring true if they express the emotion the lyrics convey. That's what being an artist is about.
Chapman said that "Fast Car" wasn't her personal story. It was the world as she saw it growing up in Cleveland. People in her community were struggling. Everyone worked hard, hoping that their situations would improve.
Chapman stated, “I believe that I wrote the song “Fast Car” in 1986. At the time that I wrote the song, I actually didn’t really know who I was writing about. Looking back at it, and this happens with other songs as well, that I feel like I understand it only later… I think that it was a song about my parents… And about how when they met each other they were very young and they wanted to start a news life together and my mother was anxious to leave home. My parents got married and went out into the world to try to make a place for themselves and it was very difficult going. My mother didn’t have a high school diploma and my father was a few years older. It was hard for him to create the kind of life that he dreamed of… With the education that he had…. With the opportunities that were available to him… In a sense I think they came together thinking that together they would have a better chance at making it.”
Tracy Chapman is one of the most highly underrated talented storytellers of our time. It is a crime that she doesn't get the recognition she truly deserves. You have to check out the rest of her catalog, there are songs there that you will carry with you for the rest of your life.
She's gotten a lot of recognition, she deserves every bit of it, but she's won several Grammys, a few best musical storyteller awards. She deserves them all, but she's gotten a lot, I honestly don't understand why ppl don't know this?
She has 4 Grammy awards and several other awards. The most recent was in 2023. She is no longer in the highest point of her career but she isn't underrated at all.
underrated...? in germany she was a big star at this time... after 30 years its normal, that our youth didnt know her... same with dylan, cash or young...
Let me clarify, yes, she's won of the hardware and yes, her fans around the world adore her, I'm one of them. I guess the point I was trying to make is that she never seems to be in the discussion when it comes to great songwriters and storytellers, and I never understood that.
I grew up outside Boston and saw her busking in Harvard Square in 1986 or so. About two years later I was in my dorm at UMass Amherst and I heard THIS song coming from somewhere down the hall. I coud never forget her voice and went down the hall and asked the girls who they were listening too and they held up the ablum cover and it was her! It was the woman I saw busking in Harvard Square.
Also, at the 57th Annual Country Music Association Awards in November 2023, she became the first Black woman to ever take home a CMA Award, winning Song of the Year for "Fast Car", which also made her the first Black songwriter to win that award.
Had to reread that because I couldn't imagine Darius Rucker hadn't won anything, but you said black woman. Why did she win a 2023 award for a song from 1988? That confuses me. Did she release a country version?
@@Goblingraphx So how did she win an award for a song someone else sang? Do they give the songwriter the award with the artist for Song of the Year? That seems really weird.
I will never forget 1988, the "Free Nelson Mandela" concert in Wembley. All the big name bands and musicians of the era on those stages with all their up to date equipment... and then, inbetween all the big names and shows, there was this young lady, stepping onto the stage. In a sweat shirt and jeans with nothing but her acustic guitar. And she made the world stop and listen. Blew up over night because of her performance there.
Tracy is an American treasure. This album was nominated for Album of the year, Fast Car was nominated for Song and Record of the year. She won Best New Artist and Best Female performance that year. She's a story teller.
yeah, I knee-jerked (internally, mind you) at hearing that little mistake. Came here for the relief hahah. We are strange animals aren't we? Glad you pointed this out
The last line, “You’ve got a fast car, it fast enough so you can fly away? You’ve gotta make a decision, leave tonight or live and die this way.” Breaks my heart every rime.
The character in the story repeats the cycle. She got together with a man that acted like her father. A drunk that cared more about himself then about the people around him.
This was released 1988 but was recently brought back into the light when she performed this song with Luke Combs at the 2024 Grammys. You should check that video as well. 36 years have passed and she has lost nothing.
This song is about NOT being able to break the cycle. She quit school to care for her dad that “Lived with the bottle”. Then she just wants to make it out and finds a man who is just like her father “Stay out drinkin late at the bars, see more of your friends than you do your kids.” She still will not leave “I ain’t got no plans, ain’t goin nowhere.” It is such a relatable song to so many! Tracy Chapman is a treasure! ♥️
I get how people are saying the narrator doesn't break the cycle, but I always thought of this as having a hopeful ending bc she's not letting herself slide down with the boyfriend - she's telling him to move on so she can focus on living her life instead of subsidizing his
Tracy is a natural treasure!! A country singer, Luke Combs, covered this song and he and Tracy sang it at this year's (2024) Grammy's, it was absolutely precious. It took some doing to get Tracy to the Grammy's as well, as she had lived away from the limelight for some years.
Tracy gave Luke permission to do the cover. It it #1 last year! Worth the listen. Pretty nice version!!! Grammy performance Luke and Tracy was so special!!!!!!!
We hadn't heard anything like Tracy when she came along. Beautiful heartfelt songs. She blew up 'overnight' after being a last minute replacement for Stevie Wonder at a 1988 concert for Nelson Mandella's Birthday. It was her second set of the day. In the two weeks following the concert she sold 2 M. copies of her album.
The song isn’t directly autobiographical, Tracy was raised by her mother after her parents divorced, she has said in interviews that the subject of “Fast Car” is something she saw many times in her community in Cleveland, Ohio as she grew up.
She has a number of great songs! "Talkin' Bout a Revolution", "Give Me One Reason", "Baby Can I Hold You" are 3 of my favorites. A beautiful voice that is so soulful and expressive and a wonderful songwriter.
@@amyk9175 I was going to add The Promise, I totally love that song. It's very hard to pick a favorite Tracy Chapman song because they are ALL good, but The Promise is a strong contender for which one would be my actual favorite.
@@DefenestrateYourself what are you talking about? I merely stated the story within the song was fictional and that she doesn’t come from the type of background most think she does. You’re taking it like stating facts are putting her down?! The diminishing is all in YOUR head. I’ve been a fan of hers since this first aired on MTV.
The verse is -you still ain’t got a job - he is partying and not trying like she is , it’s the crushing defeat of generational poverty. Tracy used to Busk near my apartment in Cambridge. She was mesmerizing even then . Her has so much great music first 3 albums are so gorgeous
I'd had a hell day at work and was stuck behind a fender bender in rush hour - this song came on the radio and when she sang about her fathers alcoholism and leaving school to take care of him I burst into tears. This song will stay with me forever.
Great reaction! This song changes as you age. I first heard it in 1988, young woman who dated a guy with a fast car. All I heard in the song was hope. She's working hard to get to a better future. Now I'm MUCH older and when I hear it I understand the long fight against poverty, alcoholism, and how even unknowingly we repeat the patterns through the generations. In the story she talks about how her mother left when she was young. Father was an alcoholic. She quit school to take care of him, right there sacrificing her own future. She gets her own man with a fast car and thinks it's what she wants because she feels like she belongs. But that man too drinks too much and doesn't get a job to work. She mentions that HER job pays all their bills. And in the end it seems that shes trying to decide if she should take the fast car and leave, like her mother did, or if she should stay, live and die that way. Today when I hear it I don't hear the hope any more.
Country artist Luke Combs loves this song. Added it to his album. He and Ms. Chapman won a Grammy. Please watch their LIVE performance recently. It is INCREDIBLE 😲 !! She is still incredible. Mad respect 🙏 🫡
This has always been one of my favorite songs. So powerful. Give Me One Reason is another outstanding track. My favorite track of hers is a lesser known one called Remember The Tinman.
Its cyclical. The father of her children became what her father was that made her want to leave in the first place. In the end her life went from supporting one dead beat to supporting another. Its quite tragic.
One correction - You’re assuming she’s referring to a man in this verse…. You got a fast car I got a job that pays all our bills You stay out drinking late at the bar See more of your friends than you do of your kids Tracy is a lesbian.
Tracy was in a relationship with author, Alice Walker (The Color Purple), in the 90s. It blows my mind that two such amazing storytellers found each other…if even just for a while.
Exactly, she’s supporting him, like she supported her dad. There is some cycle breaking concepts in this song that are addressed that were missed in the commentary
No frills, No fluff, No make-up, Not one ounce of fake or show. Just one human being bearing her soul to music. The 90s were really good for that. Everything in 90s music was about being as raw and real as you could be. Across genres that is the thru line. If your real is sadness and drug addiction, then make Grunge. If your real is gang banging on the streets of Compton, then make Gangsta Rap. If your real is dealing with an alcoholic father and trying to break free from that, then make 'Fast Car'. Just speak from the heart and we're here for it. We don't care what genre of music you play. That was the 90s, and I miss it.
Baby, give me one reason! Tracy Chapman is in her 60s and still performing and her voice still sounds immaculate! She has written hit after hit and is one of the most underrated singer songwriters ever. You don’t hear about her life because she lives a good decent, quiet life.
Over the course of her career Tracy Chapman has won numerous awards including four Grammy Awards and four MTV Video Music Awards. She was also inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in 2005.
First time I saw/heard Tracy Chapman was in 1988, live at a Nelson Mandela tribute concert in Wembley Stadium, London. Massive occasion, massive arena, massive stage. And she was standing there on her own, with an acoustic guitar. Looking so tiny. And then her voice came out, so strong. Love her. (If you like her you must check out Joan Armatrading)
This song was a crossover hit! It was played on country stations and rock/pop stations. That voice, the guitar, and the storytelling won over many, many fans. It's still on some of my playlists. It doesn't get old.
One of those songs that can still give me chills nomatter how many times i hear it. It's one of those songs i listen to when i need to just come back to center.
Talkin' About a Revolution, is another one her creative masters. She is completely phenomenal. That guitar is her. Lovely, full of light & grace. Thank you for sharing this one. She is now truly a legend.
When this came out, I remember it being in the back of my mind, my wife's father was the deadbeat. Her mom was unsure of me because I liked the drink when I was young. We married when I was 21, when our twins were born, I was still fond of drink. her mom still was unsure. I grew up and left drink behind, she got diagnosed with Breast cancer in 2000. We had been together 17 years. The "Bird" her mom as I called her affectionately, told me years later how wrong she was about me. She lived with us from the time the twins were almost 2 until she passed last June. She was as much a mom to me as my own was. Sorry for the raving, but this song reminded me that we got our fast car, and we made it. My beautiful wife is still with me, 41 years. We started a company in 2015 and now two of my three sons work with me, I had her retire five years ago to care for her mom, so she could have all the time she needed with her.
I'm so grateful to you for your thoughtful review. This song impacted me when it first came out. It still does. As a 988 crisis counselor, I speak with many people who could have easily written this song. Tracy is beseeching quietly to the universe - to God for a better life. Harry Chapin has a song, Dreams go by, that has a similar message. Thank you for your reaction. I think your Mom would be proud.
Tracy Chapman is an amazing singer/musician/song writer. Her beautiful voice is perfect for communicating the emotions of the story in this song. No one could do it better.
You are one of the most thoughtfully spoken, down to earth reactors who can and does relay thoughts in your brain, out of the mouth that we all can understand, and that makes sense. Really. Thank you for that. The most touching, beautiful, painful part of the song is when she sings, "I had a feeling that I belonged. I had a feeling I could be someone. "
Her albums are all treasures. I would listen to her songs for hours and each one was a story. The songs are all personal to her in some way. “Subcity” is about homelessness. “Baby, Can I Hold You Tonight” is about love. Her sound is very unique and powerful.
BP, One of the reasons that I appreciate your channel is that when most of what you react to is that when a lot of these came out , I would just listen to them in my car with cheap Panasonic speakers. I couldn't really appreciate the music plus I didn't have MTV or the like. I grew up in a similar upbringing like you did. So while I probably heard many of the songs, I didn't see the videos. So when you react, it triggers a memory and now I have a better appreciation for the music and lyrics. So thank you brother.
This whole album touched my life so hard when it came out. Tracy may never know just how important her songs and story telling were in my life but if I ever meet her I will have to simply thank her because I lack the words to express it.
I remember as a kid listening to Tracy Chapman while I was living in Mexico. I had no idea what the song said cause I didn't speak English but I knew I loved the song. I love all of Tracy's songs.
'Talkin 'bout a Revolution' is an amazing track from this same record. Very socially conscious and a stand out for the eighties. Surrounded by hair metal and pop rock, Tracy Chapman was spitting truth on the radio.
Check out her concert for Mandela. She performed earlier and was asked to fill time after Stevie Wonder backed out that day. She stood om stage with her acoustic guitar and played this. You could here a pin drop in that massive crowd. They were in awe and this pushed her into the spotlight. She has always been quiet and humble and im so happy she's in her renaissance.
Tracy Chapman's "Talking 'bout a Revolution" is so powerful, as it has the ability to dig into your soul and bring up literally every struggle and protest that the USA has been through and potentially will go through.
This is one of the best storytelling songs ever written. The way her life went in the song, unfortunately we know that is the story for many real women. She always had a job, he never did. She left with a bum who became a drunk and failed as a husband and a father just like the dad from whom she ran away. She finally left him, just like her own mom left her father, knowing life had more to offer her.
This song came out when I was 12-13 when my moms was once again living in a non-optimal situation for reasons that she couldn't fix at the time. It was better than the shelter for me, but not for her. This song, and some of those situations, shaped the man I became. I can't make nobody live and die that way.
Yep - this one gives me goosebumps near every time I hear it. Her optimism is incredible, even in the face of such tough circumstances. Her voice and the melody are also stunning. Cheers!
She might sound familiar because some people raised some stink that someone covered her song and they claim the guy who covered it culturally appropriated her song instead of realizing how it reinvigorate her popularity from the cover
Thank you for visiting so many classics on your channel. I remember the first time hearing this song out and I was stunned. How will the next generation of musicians develop without being exposed to skill, soul, deep talent, etc. There was a period that I never expected another young artist to ever put forward anything of greatness, but then in the last decade or so I have noticed a few step forward with new depth, skill, and talent. Be blessed!
Give me one reason another hit. Tracy Chapman deserves so many accolades. Her voice is so beautiful
Seriously this song is dope
She's won a lot awards for this song, why don't ppl know this already?
@@zoebella314 i do know that- but this and one more reason - beyond that most ppl don't know her body of work, which is unfortunate 😕
"Baby can I hold you" was also one of her hits
Oh yes 💕💞
Country star Luke Combs covered this last year, saying it was his fave song of all time. As a result, the COUNTRY Music Association acknowledged Tracy Chapman as the songwriter. This made her the first person-of-color AND the first lesbian songwriter to receive this honor. Combs’version was a smash on the country charts, and was nominated for a Grammy. He performed it at this year’s Grammy show. Unbeknownst to the crowd, the music comes up and on stage, singing with Combs was the legend herself, TRACY CHAPMAN. She’s nearly 60 now. And she hadn’t performed in public since 2009. They were AMAZING together. Please react to this LIVE performance, 2024 Grammy Awards Show!
I loved that performance! I nearly cried watching her be so humbled and flattered at the reception she got from the audience!
Thank You for that. I just looked it up. Amazing
Agreed! The performance with Luke Combs at the cma's was bomb! She definitely deserves accolades. She's truly a classy lady!
I usually hate covers, but his was actually pretty good. Tracy's was better of course, but his wasn't bad at all.
Quite the moment.
The song wasn't written about Chapman, but written from pure empathy and understanding a person who wants to leave poverty behind....
Absolutely.
Do you know her background, or just assuming she never dealt with struggling to get out of poverty etc?
@@nealm6764 Darrin is correct. It appears he does know her background. That doesn't in any way limit how brilliant her lyrics are. It's obviously a subject she very much cares about and it matters not that she lived it or not. Truth is truth.
@@nealm6764, Chapman stated, “I believe that I wrote the song “Fast Car” in 1986. At the time that I wrote the song, I actually didn’t really know who I was writing about. Looking back at it, and this happens with other songs as well, that I feel like I understand it only later… I think that it was a song about my parents… And about how when they met each other they were very young and they wanted to start a news life together and my mother was anxious to leave home. My parents got married and went out into the world to try to make a place for themselves and it was very difficult going.
My mother didn’t have a high school diploma and my father was a few years older. It was hard for him to create the kind of life that he dreamed of… With the education that he had…. With the opportunities that were available to him… In a sense I think they came together thinking that together they would have a better chance at making it”
@@nealm6764 "songs which tell stories about peoples’ lives and very generally represents the world that I saw it when I was growing up in Cleveland, Ohio, coming from a working-class background … In part everything that a person writes is autobiographical but the songs are directly so and most of them were not, and ‘Fast Car’ wasn’t one that was directly autobiographical. I never had a fast car, it’s just a story about a couple, how they are trying to make a life together and they face challenges … "... Tracy's own explanation. A songwriter creates a story, it doesn't have to be based on their own lives to ring true if they express the emotion the lyrics convey. That's what being an artist is about.
Chapman said that "Fast Car" wasn't her personal story. It was the world as she saw it growing up in Cleveland. People in her community were struggling. Everyone worked hard, hoping that their situations would improve.
Chapman stated, “I believe that I wrote the song “Fast Car” in 1986. At the time that I wrote the song, I actually didn’t really know who I was writing about. Looking back at it, and this happens with other songs as well, that I feel like I understand it only later… I think that it was a song about my parents… And about how when they met each other they were very young and they wanted to start a news life together and my mother was anxious to leave home. My parents got married and went out into the world to try to make a place for themselves and it was very difficult going.
My mother didn’t have a high school diploma and my father was a few years older. It was hard for him to create the kind of life that he dreamed of… With the education that he had…. With the opportunities that were available to him… In a sense I think they came together thinking that together they would have a better chance at making it.”
Tracy Chapman is one of the most highly underrated talented storytellers of our time. It is a crime that she doesn't get the recognition she truly deserves. You have to check out the rest of her catalog, there are songs there that you will carry with you for the rest of your life.
She's gotten a lot of recognition, she deserves every bit of it, but she's won several Grammys, a few best musical storyteller awards. She deserves them all, but she's gotten a lot, I honestly don't understand why ppl don't know this?
She has 4 Grammy awards and several other awards. The most recent was in 2023. She is no longer in the highest point of her career but she isn't underrated at all.
underrated...? in germany she was a big star at this time... after 30 years its normal, that our youth didnt know her... same with dylan, cash or young...
Let me clarify, yes, she's won of the hardware and yes, her fans around the world adore her, I'm one of them. I guess the point I was trying to make is that she never seems to be in the discussion when it comes to great songwriters and storytellers, and I never understood that.
Same goes for Joan Armatrading too except she's English obviously :)
I grew up outside Boston and saw her busking in Harvard Square in 1986 or so. About two years later I was in my dorm at UMass Amherst and I heard THIS song coming from somewhere down the hall. I coud never forget her voice and went down the hall and asked the girls who they were listening too and they held up the ablum cover and it was her! It was the woman I saw busking in Harvard Square.
Awesome story!!!!❤❤❤❤
same same
Hearing her busking in Harvard Square was one of those moments that stopped me dead in my tracks...absolutely mesmerized by her voice.
During her busking period she was a student at Tufts
@@tomroy7332 a testimony to Tufts that they had her for a student!
Also, at the 57th Annual Country Music Association Awards in November 2023, she became the first Black woman to ever take home a CMA Award, winning Song of the Year for "Fast Car", which also made her the first Black songwriter to win that award.
And the first lesbian songwriter.
Had to reread that because I couldn't imagine Darius Rucker hadn't won anything, but you said black woman. Why did she win a 2023 award for a song from 1988? That confuses me. Did she release a country version?
@@michaelrudolph7003 Luke Combs has covered Fast Car and its become a big hit again.
@@Goblingraphx So how did she win an award for a song someone else sang? Do they give the songwriter the award with the artist for Song of the Year? That seems really weird.
@@michaelrudolph7003i don’t know the specifics but song of the year probably reward the team that worked on the song.
I will never forget 1988, the "Free Nelson Mandela" concert in Wembley. All the big name bands and musicians of the era on those stages with all their up to date equipment... and then, inbetween all the big names and shows, there was this young lady, stepping onto the stage. In a sweat shirt and jeans with nothing but her acustic guitar. And she made the world stop and listen. Blew up over night because of her performance there.
Never will forget that. It was powerful
Tracy is an American treasure. This album was nominated for Album of the year, Fast Car was nominated for Song and Record of the year. She won Best New Artist and Best Female performance that year. She's a story teller.
She's the one working. She's the responsible one. He's the deadbeat. She's then telling him that he's got a choice to leave or do his share.
yeah, I knee-jerked (internally, mind you) at hearing that little mistake. Came here for the relief hahah. We are strange animals aren't we? Glad you pointed this out
He missed that big part. He let her down when she had a plan for better.
True. He never worked a single day over the course of this song.
The first time I heard this song I cried. Now I'm a 65 year old man and I just teared up again. Deep, deep song.
48 but same. 😢 What a throwback to my teenage years.
Very much so. And her truly deep and amazing voice is perfect singing it. One of my top 10
The last line,
“You’ve got a fast car, it fast enough so you can fly away? You’ve gotta make a decision, leave tonight or live and die this way.” Breaks my heart every rime.
The character in the story repeats the cycle. She got together with a man that acted like her father. A drunk that cared more about himself then about the people around him.
yeah, its heartbreaking
Sounds definitely,and unfortunately,he was a narcissist!!!! I can relate,both my patents,eyc.Sad!!! This song,Years ago,hit me deep!!! 🫶🫶🫶🩷🩷🩷🩷🌹🌹🌹🌹
She got together with a woman but not one like her dad. I don’t know where you got that.
Yep. One of the saddest songs I know. Every time I hear it, I root for the protagonist. And every time she ends up stuck. It's sooooo depressing.
@@user-mo6tz6oh9i From the Song? She = The Song's Protagonist, not Tracy herself. What are we listening to?!
This was released 1988 but was recently brought back into the light when she performed this song with Luke Combs at the 2024 Grammys. You should check that video as well. 36 years have passed and she has lost nothing.
This song is about NOT being able to break the cycle. She quit school to care for her dad that “Lived with the bottle”. Then she just wants to make it out and finds a man who is just like her father “Stay out drinkin late at the bars, see more of your friends than you do your kids.” She still will not leave “I ain’t got no plans, ain’t goin nowhere.”
It is such a relatable song to so many!
Tracy Chapman is a treasure! ♥️
I get how people are saying the narrator doesn't break the cycle, but I always thought of this as having a hopeful ending bc she's not letting herself slide down with the boyfriend - she's telling him to move on so she can focus on living her life instead of subsidizing his
Tracy is a natural treasure!! A country singer, Luke Combs, covered this song and he and Tracy sang it at this year's (2024) Grammy's, it was absolutely precious. It took some doing to get Tracy to the Grammy's as well, as she had lived away from the limelight for some years.
Tracy gave Luke permission to do the cover. It it #1 last year! Worth the listen. Pretty nice version!!! Grammy performance Luke and Tracy was so special!!!!!!!
I hate that trash country version. It lacks spirit and integrity.
She's the one that had the job throughout, btw.
We hadn't heard anything like Tracy when she came along. Beautiful heartfelt songs. She blew up 'overnight' after being a last minute replacement for Stevie Wonder at a 1988 concert for Nelson Mandella's Birthday. It was her second set of the day. In the two weeks following the concert she sold 2 M. copies of her album.
The song isn’t directly autobiographical, Tracy was raised by her mother after her parents divorced, she has said in interviews that the subject of “Fast Car” is something she saw many times in her community in Cleveland, Ohio as she grew up.
She has a number of great songs! "Talkin' Bout a Revolution", "Give Me One Reason", "Baby Can I Hold You" are 3 of my favorites. A beautiful voice that is so soulful and expressive and a wonderful songwriter.
All so great! I’d add The Promise (less familiar with most but as beautiful as Baby, Can I Hold You) and For My Lover.
Revolution is an amazing song 🎵
Mountains o' Things is my favorite.
@@amyk9175 I was going to add The Promise, I totally love that song. It's very hard to pick a favorite Tracy Chapman song because they are ALL good, but The Promise is a strong contender for which one would be my actual favorite.
My favorite was always "Remember the Tinman".
Tracys net worth is now 6 million.
She made it!
I love her music.
She is amazing,BELIEVED in herself,YES!!!!!!!🙏💖🫶💜🩷🩵🎵🎶🔮💪🌟⭐️🌈
She started off in a well to do home and went to college. This is a fictional story.
@@lez0n she still made it. Most musicians don’t. Let’s not diminish her hard work and and the accolades she’s accrued
@@DefenestrateYourself what are you talking about? I merely stated the story within the song was fictional and that she doesn’t come from the type of background most think she does. You’re taking it like stating facts are putting her down?! The diminishing is all in YOUR head. I’ve been a fan of hers since this first aired on MTV.
@@DefenestrateYourself She became a lawyer, she's not just a musician.
The greatest song about trying to escape poverty and homelessness. Thanks BP.😊
The verse is -you still ain’t got a job - he is partying and not trying like she is , it’s the crushing defeat of generational poverty. Tracy used to Busk near my apartment in Cambridge. She was mesmerizing even then . Her has so much great music first 3 albums are so gorgeous
Tracy Chapman “The Promise”, one of the most beautiful songs ever written. It is a must listen. Vote this up peoples👍🏻
I agree. Baby can I hold you is such a great song as well. Did she have a bad song?
I’ve heard this song hundreds of times and it still brings tears to my eyes
It's soooooo depressing.
Same
I'd had a hell day at work and was stuck behind a fender bender in rush hour - this song came on the radio and when she sang about her fathers alcoholism and leaving school to take care of him I burst into tears. This song will stay with me forever.
Great reaction! This song changes as you age. I first heard it in 1988, young woman who dated a guy with a fast car. All I heard in the song was hope. She's working hard to get to a better future. Now I'm MUCH older and when I hear it I understand the long fight against poverty, alcoholism, and how even unknowingly we repeat the patterns through the generations. In the story she talks about how her mother left when she was young. Father was an alcoholic. She quit school to take care of him, right there sacrificing her own future. She gets her own man with a fast car and thinks it's what she wants because she feels like she belongs. But that man too drinks too much and doesn't get a job to work. She mentions that HER job pays all their bills. And in the end it seems that shes trying to decide if she should take the fast car and leave, like her mother did, or if she should stay, live and die that way. Today when I hear it I don't hear the hope any more.
Country artist Luke Combs loves this song. Added it to his album. He and Ms. Chapman won a Grammy. Please watch their LIVE performance recently. It is INCREDIBLE 😲 !! She is still incredible. Mad respect 🙏 🫡
Yes!
The lyric “City lights lay out before us, and your arm felt nice wrapped around my shoulder” is such an awesome lyric
For me "his body is too young to look like this" is my favorite. Brilliant song.
Yes I remember feeling the excitement every time I heard that line as I was a teenager wanting to get away discover a new life when this song came out
I was singing that line wrong my whole life. My version was pretty physically impressive though … “your arms and legs wrapped ‘round my shoulders” 😂
This has always been one of my favorite songs. So powerful. Give Me One Reason is another outstanding track. My favorite track of hers is a lesser known one called Remember The Tinman.
Tracy Chapman is iconic and her music is timeless. She’s a brilliant songwriter. Go down that rabbit hole. You won’t regret it.
Saw her in concert. Her, her guitar and a chair and she had the place mesmerized. She was opening for a much bigger name and all I remember is her.
I saw her in concert too - 1996. Best concert I’ve ever seen.
she was the one with the job the entire time
Its cyclical. The father of her children became what her father was that made her want to leave in the first place. In the end her life went from supporting one dead beat to supporting another. Its quite tragic.
One correction - You’re assuming she’s referring to a man in this verse….
You got a fast car
I got a job that pays all our bills
You stay out drinking late at the bar
See more of your friends than you do of your kids
Tracy is a lesbian.
What children? Did she mention children?
@@user-mo6tz6oh9iyes… See more of your friends than you do of your kids
@@user-mo6tz6oh9i "See more of your friends than you do of your kids."
@@zivo24except the song is not about Tracy, she went to private school and graduated from Tufts. She’s just telling a story with this song
Tracy was in a relationship with author, Alice Walker (The Color Purple), in the 90s.
It blows my mind that two such amazing storytellers found each other…if even just for a while.
You misheard the lyrics. HE doesn't have a job, she is working in the market as a check-out girl!!
Exactly, she’s supporting him, like she supported her dad. There is some cycle breaking concepts in this song that are addressed that were missed in the commentary
I love this song. Tracy is the real deal...an amazing singer/songwriter! This song was an instant classic when released in 1988!💖💖
"Give Me One Reason" is fire!
The version with Clapton is good too
The recent duet Tracy did with Luke Combs is precious, she never really seeks the limelight and the audience reaction is fab.
Tracy Chapman has one of the most beautiful, and immediately identifiable voices in music. She’s brilliant.
As moving and powerful now as it was in 1988.
One of the best story tellers of the times. The music will be a hit forever and always will cross genres.
Tracy Chapman is a LEGEND !! Her music is Great ! ALWAYS RESPECT TO TRACY !
No frills, No fluff, No make-up, Not one ounce of fake or show. Just one human being bearing her soul to music. The 90s were really good for that. Everything in 90s music was about being as raw and real as you could be. Across genres that is the thru line. If your real is sadness and drug addiction, then make Grunge. If your real is gang banging on the streets of Compton, then make Gangsta Rap. If your real is dealing with an alcoholic father and trying to break free from that, then make 'Fast Car'. Just speak from the heart and we're here for it. We don't care what genre of music you play. That was the 90s, and I miss it.
Baby, give me one reason! Tracy Chapman is in her 60s and still performing and her voice still sounds immaculate! She has written hit after hit and is one of the most underrated singer songwriters ever. You don’t hear about her life because she lives a good decent, quiet life.
Over the course of her career Tracy Chapman has won numerous awards including four Grammy Awards and four MTV Video Music Awards. She was also inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in 2005.
First time I saw/heard Tracy Chapman was in 1988, live at a Nelson Mandela tribute concert in Wembley Stadium, London. Massive occasion, massive arena, massive stage. And she was standing there on her own, with an acoustic guitar. Looking so tiny. And then her voice came out, so strong. Love her. (If you like her you must check out Joan Armatrading)
This song was a crossover hit! It was played on country stations and rock/pop stations. That voice, the guitar, and the storytelling won over many, many fans. It's still on some of my playlists. It doesn't get old.
One of those songs that can still give me chills nomatter how many times i hear it. It's one of those songs i listen to when i need to just come back to center.
Love Tracy! Her voice is so amazing! Definitely check out Give Me One Reason! That's one of her other big hits!
I don't understand how a musician could have not heard of this song. It's arguably one of the greatest songs ever written.
Talkin' About a Revolution, is another one her creative masters. She is completely phenomenal. That guitar is her. Lovely, full of light & grace. Thank you for sharing this one. She is now truly a legend.
I listen to this every morning when getting ready for the day.
🫶🫶🫶💜🩷🩵
I grew up listening to Tracy Chapman. All her songs are soulful and amazing. You definitely should listen to more
This woman is an absolute LEGEND!
When this came out, I remember it being in the back of my mind, my wife's father was the deadbeat. Her mom was unsure of me because I liked the drink when I was young. We married when I was 21, when our twins were born, I was still fond of drink. her mom still was unsure. I grew up and left drink behind, she got diagnosed with Breast cancer in 2000. We had been together 17 years. The "Bird" her mom as I called her affectionately, told me years later how wrong she was about me. She lived with us from the time the twins were almost 2 until she passed last June. She was as much a mom to me as my own was. Sorry for the raving, but this song reminded me that we got our fast car, and we made it. My beautiful wife is still with me, 41 years. We started a company in 2015 and now two of my three sons work with me, I had her retire five years ago to care for her mom, so she could have all the time she needed with her.
I'm so grateful to you for your thoughtful review. This song impacted me when it first came out. It still does. As a 988 crisis counselor, I speak with many people who could have easily written this song. Tracy is beseeching quietly to the universe - to God for a better life.
Harry Chapin has a song, Dreams go by, that has a similar message. Thank you for your reaction. I think your Mom would be proud.
Tracy Chapman is an amazing singer/musician/song writer. Her beautiful voice is perfect for communicating the emotions of the story in this song. No one could do it better.
This ENTIRE album is amazing. Every single song!
Baby Can I Hold You is one of my favourite songs from my teenage years. I loved Tracy Chapman. She has such a beautiful voice ♥️
GIVE ME ONE REASON TO STAY HERE another great
I took my daughter to see Tracy Chapman when see was 13..It still bonds us..
Her song "She's Got Her Ticket" is one of my all time faves. Tracy is criminally under rated! 🇦🇺
You are one of the most thoughtfully spoken, down to earth reactors who can and does relay thoughts in your brain, out of the mouth that we all can understand, and that makes sense. Really. Thank you for that. The most touching, beautiful, painful part of the song is when she sings, "I had a feeling that I belonged. I had a feeling I could be someone. "
This is her hit from the 80's. She has another hit in the 90's called "Give One Reason." There is also a country music version of Fast Car
Talkin Bout A Revolution. Such a fucking powerful song.
Her albums are all treasures. I would listen to her songs for hours and each one was a story. The songs are all personal to her in some way. “Subcity” is about homelessness. “Baby, Can I Hold You Tonight” is about love. Her sound is very unique and powerful.
She's playing guitar 🎸 😍. She's so smooth,her voice. I've always loved her. Beautiful soul.😊💙✨️
Beautiful song ❤❤ Tracey Chapman is perfection.
Listen to Joan Armatrading. She preceded Chapman but the similarities are very clear. Love And affection is her number 1
BP,
One of the reasons that I appreciate your channel is that when most of what you react to is that when a lot of these came out , I would just listen to them in my car with cheap Panasonic speakers. I couldn't really appreciate the music plus I didn't have MTV or the like. I grew up in a similar upbringing like you did.
So while I probably heard many of the songs, I didn't see the videos. So when you react, it triggers a memory and now I have a better appreciation for the music and lyrics.
So thank you brother.
This whole album touched my life so hard when it came out. Tracy may never know just how important her songs and story telling were in my life but if I ever meet her I will have to simply thank her because I lack the words to express it.
BP! Please watch 2024 Grammys with her and Luke combs singing this song. She is glowing
One of the best songs ever written. Simple as that. Gets me every time although I had a different life. Or perhaps because of that
I remember as a kid listening to Tracy Chapman while I was living in Mexico. I had no idea what the song said cause I didn't speak English but I knew I loved the song. I love all of Tracy's songs.
first time i heard this when it was released i knew this would be around a long time. amazing lyrics amazing voice she is special
Love her voice. The guitar just sets the mood. Every time I hear this song, I stop whatever I'm doing and just get lost in it.
LOVE, LOVE, LOVE Gimme One Reason
A must watch
I remember the first time I heard Tracy Chapman and became an instant fan for life.
“Give Me One Reason” is her other major hit.
'Talkin 'bout a Revolution' is an amazing track from this same record. Very socially conscious and a stand out for the eighties. Surrounded by hair metal and pop rock, Tracy Chapman was spitting truth on the radio.
Love to Tracy Chapman! That voice combined with her story telling ability is hypnotic! Pure magic! 🥰
It's just hard to believe that you're not familiar with Tracy Chapman, but hey better late than never.. She's an Icon!
Check out her concert for Mandela. She performed earlier and was asked to fill time after Stevie Wonder backed out that day. She stood om stage with her acoustic guitar and played this. You could here a pin drop in that massive crowd. They were in awe and this pushed her into the spotlight.
She has always been quiet and humble and im so happy she's in her renaissance.
Tracy Chapman's "Talking 'bout a Revolution" is so powerful, as it has the ability to dig into your soul and bring up literally every struggle and protest that the USA has been through and potentially will go through.
This song, and especially the video, makes my eyes sweat every time.
This is a fantastic song! Luke Combs recently did a country remake of this song and performed at the Grammys this year with Tracy Chapman on stage!
You should react to it
Tracy is awesome. "Give me one Reason" Another great song by her.
Baby Can You Hold Me, Gimme One Reason and Talkin About a Revolution are all fantastic!
Give Me One Good Reason definitely Fire.
This is one of the best songs that has ever been recorded.
This is one of the best storytelling songs ever written. The way her life went in the song, unfortunately we know that is the story for many real women. She always had a job, he never did. She left with a bum who became a drunk and failed as a husband and a father just like the dad from whom she ran away. She finally left him, just like her own mom left her father, knowing life had more to offer her.
This song came out when I was 12-13 when my moms was once again living in a non-optimal situation for reasons that she couldn't fix at the time. It was better than the shelter for me, but not for her. This song, and some of those situations, shaped the man I became. I can't make nobody live and die that way.
Great reaction Tracy a true legend love and respect from the UK 👍👍🌟😀😀 amazing channel 👍
Wonderful so glad you have found Tracy love her 💖💫💖
Yep - this one gives me goosebumps near every time I hear it. Her optimism is incredible, even in the face of such tough circumstances. Her voice and the melody are also stunning. Cheers!
I grew up in the UK listening to Tracy - just beautiful
She might sound familiar because some people raised some stink that someone covered her song and they claim the guy who covered it culturally appropriated her song instead of realizing how it reinvigorate her popularity from the cover
Did they really? Shameful. You can't culturally appropriate being poor and wanting to get out. FFS.
Another great song of hers is called”Give me one Reason “
Thank you for visiting so many classics on your channel. I remember the first time hearing this song out and I was stunned. How will the next generation of musicians develop without being exposed to skill, soul, deep talent, etc. There was a period that I never expected another young artist to ever put forward anything of greatness, but then in the last decade or so I have noticed a few step forward with new depth, skill, and talent. Be blessed!
Not her story, but one that many people can relate to. She is just a masterful storyteller with an amazing voice and writing skills.