this song has both haunted and calmed me since I was 13. it is sad and somehow peaceful at the same time. one of the most under appreciated songs of all time despite the credit it rightfully does get. lucky enough to not experience this, but damn if this doesnt hit every single time.
with all due respect, why exactly are you surprised many young people can't relate? I far from consider myself young, but what, you figure this shit just happened to end with you?
Was a huge hit for reasons. The song, the voice, the guitar, the harmonies… the story we can all relate to. She’s a great. She is great. Check out her song ‘Gimme One Good Reason’
This song is deep on multiple levels. There's so much to unpack. When you pay close attention to the lyrics, she basically hooks up with the equivalent of her father-- a guy who doesnt work, stays out drinking, and leaves all the responsibilities on her shoulders. The same thing she was trying to escape in the first place--- being forced to sacrifice her own needs to be a caretaker.
We don't; with the most popular "artists" of today, the majority of their "talent" comes from other writers and post-production correction aka Auto-tune.
the late 80's and early 90's began the death of creative music. Corporations create plastic androids like Drake & Katy Perry that spew autotuned formula dreck to the 30% market of easy to please morons, like having the bread crumb concession for pigeons.
I understand why you feel that way. The biggest issue with modern music is like Andrew stated above, corporations have formulated what sells the most and have taken over all radio stations. If you want to find music like Tracy, it still exists, but you'll have to search deeper to find them.
The song is a classic Tracy Chapman rabbit hole and she calmly exposes her utter desperation. The mother left her deadbeat drunk father and she dropped out of high school to support him and while she works as a checkout girl at a convenience store her boyfriend is no different than her dad, unemployed and spending all his time drinking (with her money) with his buddies in a bar. The only time she feels alive is the momentary freedom while being the passenger in her boyfriend's fast car. The subject in the song is simply going down the hopeless life path her mother did; absolutely brilliant song written and sung with the understated genius that is Tracy Chapman.
For me, I was a junior in high school, a young gay boy from the country when this song came out. NO one was like me in my town, I was alone, afraid and desperate, waiting for that better life to come. When you are young you haven't had the experience to live past those moments, it felt like an eternity. The pain, heartache and fear was the way of life for me in my high school days. I can't relate to the poverty nor a parent whom had an abuse problem, however, I can relate to a father who was very strict and growing up in a house hold that was VERY religious, my gayness would not have flown for one second, this was a secret I kept until my late 40's. I knew if I came out back then that I would definitely be on the streets at 17. The '80's were not kind to LGBTQ folks. When this song played, I knew EXACTLY what she was talking about, it relayed a relief for me, her pain in the song, her voice was that of an angel, it gave me something to live for wanting that better future, I had attempted to end my life at least twice by this point, and after that song, those urges slowly dissolved. I honestly feel that this song 100% saved my life. I went on to join the United States Navy, retired from said service, saved three persons lives from a car crash in the '90's, also helped a family traveling back to Charleston, SC from Atlanta, GA during a blizzard in early 1996. I had a purpose in life, found it, helped others, and became something to be proud of, this is my ABSOLUTE favorite song of all time, no comparison. Tracy, thank you!! Angels really do exist among us, you are one!!
This is one of the greatest songs ever written. I loved it when it first came out, but the older I get the harder it hits me. A work whose meaning changes as you do in such a deep way is a work of genius. That's what makes something eternal.
The wife and I wore this CD out . Nothing like the 90's. I was 21 fresh out of the Navy, and she was 18. And the sky was the limit. We busted our ass to make it. 25 years later and three great boys, and our own place, running a farm feeding our community. It took 20 years to get there but we did it.
She has so many hits. Listen to, "Give me one reason", very bluesy tune. Fast Car really hits home for me. She's an excellent story teller. I love Tracy Chapman.
My brotha..I'm from the 🏝 of Jamaica 🇯🇲 and grew up listening to this song. What she's saying was always a dream of mine to get away from poverty and crime and somehow make it in my imaginary fast car. I've lived what's she's singing and so this song meant so much to me. Now I'm living in Canada and have a family of my own and so this song hits different everytime I hear it. Beautiful song, great reaction, God bless.
Tracy is the most underrated singer-songwriter of my generation. Her debut album, from which this comes, had no bad tracks on it. They all speak of the human condition with incredible eloquence. Sadly, even thought it is 30+ years old the themes covered in songs like 'Across the Lines', 'Talkin' 'bout a Revolution', 'Behind the Wall', and 'Baby Can I hold You Tonight' are timeless and definitely worthy of a deep dive. Her album 'New Beginning' is another that is worth a deep dive. 'Gimme One Reason' was the biggest hit but, while catchy, I felt that so many of the other songs carried more weight and importance. 'Tin Man', 'Mountains O' Things', 'Cold Feet', and 'Heaven's Here On Earth'. "You can look to the stars in search of the answers Look for God and life on distant planets Have your faith in the ever after While each of us holds inside the map to the labyrinth And heaven's here on earth We are the spirit the collective conscience We create the pain and the suffering and the beauty in this world Heaven's here on earth In our faith in humankind In our respect for what is earthly In our unfaltering belief in peace and love and understanding"
Radio didn't know where to put her. Her sound wasn't black enough for black radio and white radio wasn't ready for a black artist at the top of their charts. Brilliance upon brilliance
Everything about this song is perfect - besides being relatable. The melody, the lyrics, her delivery, all of it. You feel the hope she has in a miserable situation, but by the end of the song, you feel her strength, because she is the one who got herself out. The other person just had a fast car, but the narrator had the drive.
This woman raised me. I'm from the UK, my father used to beat us and my mother. Put this way, he tried to sell me on the day I was born for a pack of cigarettes, after that failed he named me after him. The earliest album I remember is this album and I needed Tracey to survive. Her work is massively underrated, this woman should be in a hall of fame and worshipped. Remember the Tinman is my fave track, but you cant go wrong with Chapman. Every track has meaning and 🔥
Not sure why... but I've been listening to this song since it came out and every time, I cry. The pain in having such hope and then having them vanquished is heartbreaking. Tracy is a genius in the way she can convey the stories she sings... great reaction btw
I was in high school when this came out and it made immediate waves. No one had ever seen or heard anything like it from an artist who looked like her! A masterpiece.
She just has a way of painting the picture with her voice, you can just feel that she lived that, and it’s tragic, but she still has a beautiful dignity to her voice. I always tear up just a bit when I hear this one, sad and beautiful, with just a touch of hope that if she keeps going things will get better.
Van, she's had platinum selling albums & won 4 Grammy's, so she hasn't been hidden, you have only just discovered her incredible talent. This achingly beautiful song was all over MTV back in the day, & I always stopped to listen. I think anyone who has had a dysfunctional background (most of us do), can relate to this song on some level . I see it as a timeless masterpiece.
I was in the Army at age 18. My basic training drill sergeant had preyed on half of our platoon. 27 out of 60 women testified against him later. I had moved on to Monterey California to language school and I started to melt down. Self loathing, PTSD, partying too much, and just lost. The first time I heard this song was as I rode in my friend's Trans Am up Hwy 1 at night driving up to San Francisco. The windows wide open. Me wishing I could fly away. The song reminding me that I could maybe still be someone.
This what you mean by Artistic Integrity in music. An artist who plays the song simply without excessive production. Just deep lyrics that are relatable and just being herself as Tracy Chapman is. We need to hear more music like this and more musicians that are truly artists. Glad you are taking the time to listen!
I just remember listening to this when I was a kid in the 90s and I just loved her voice and the guitar in this song. Didn’t quite understand the meaning back then but I sure appreciate it as an adult. Thanks for this reaction. You should do her “Gimmie one good reason”🙋🏻♀️🙌🏼👍🏼👏🏼💜🇨🇦
The self-titled debut album by Tracy Chapman is one of the greatest records of all time from 1988... Every song is powerful and classic! It sold over 6 million copies in the US... Check out the songs - "Mountains o' things" ... 'Talk about a revolution' ... 'Across the lines' ... "Baby can I hold you'... Another great song by Tracy Chapman - "Give me one reason" 🔥👍
Thank you father, for allowing me to be born in the 80s. So blessed to have been able to grow up to legends like Tracy. She just won a country award for this song last week. 35 years later and still dominating. Love you Tracy ❤
Tracy Chapman gives me goosebumps everytime I hear her sing. She touches my heart and soul. The best singers are able to get you to FEEL exactly what they are trying to convey. Tracy is one of those gifted people. 🥰
I love Tracey Chapman and this song since it came out. This song hits home for me as I had an alcoholic father and my mother left him and us children when I was 11 and the only girl. I found myself being a homemaker dishes laundry some horrible cooking that young. In the song you say she's talking about the American dream I agree yet at the end shes with a man just like her father, which happens frequently growing up in a dysfunctional family. Thanks for the upload Van
This is so pure and simple, a voice and a guitar, and such clear storytelling. The sadness and hope and resignation and snapshot of so many people’s reality. Gorgeous.
One of the heartbreaking realities of life is that the things we try so hard to escape from often come around full-circle to catch us again. You run as far and as fast as you can to get out of a particular situation, only to find yourself living the exact same life further down the line. Suffering is a cycle, and it can be very hard to break.
Why has this song never left the rotation since it came out? No matter who and where you are you can relate to problems outside of your control and the decisions you make between yourself and your family/ loved ones. This song is relatable to the SOUL!
Since you're in this genre, do a reaction to Luka by Suzanne Vega. About this song, it's the realism of the lyrics; the way she paints a picture with her words about the struggles and disappointments of common people. I feel like this song's lyrics cut across all demographics: race, sex, gender, whatever part of the country you're from. It's a song along the lines of Woody Guthrie's work.
She just told my life story from my youth I couldn't wait to get out of my alcoholic home, absent mom, and oppressive town. Really hit me harder today than it did in the 90s. As I reflect on it, this song may have subliminally influenced some of my choices to get out. I just didn't know how, but managed to eventually, only to go back to it and get out again. Thanks again for your realness. No need to edit yourself.
Tracy Chapman is my favorite female artist. She sings of real life and very familiar feelings and thoughts. No sugar coating of life. Have been a fan since the 80's. Wore out the cassette. Now have the DVD. Yeah, I'm old school at 61 years old. Ms. Chapman's music will never get old for me. Glad you enjoyed the song. Peace, from Nanabear in South Texas.
I’ve always loved this song. The story is so vivid, but at the same time it leaves room for whatever is going on in your life, so it can be about you, too. Great songs are like that.
Grew up with Tracy songs. This my favorite as my dad lived with the bottle.... part that still gets me at 45..... Tracy raw talent. Raw lyrics. Every day sh*t we all struggle with no body knows about........
This song was dedicated to me during the most difficult time in my life. I was 17 years old, and had to make some really tough decisions. I am moved everytime I hear it.
I love Tracy she’s a treasure. This song always brought tears to my eyes. I struggled single mom two kids but I had a great family and friends who had my back. She’s so talented never got the attention she deserved.
I use to play this song in my car, in the cassette player and sing it out belting. I can relate❣.family dysfunction~its heavy, not the drinking but that need to get away. Lots of family instability. So I left at 18. alone.. and moved a few hours away. Then after a few year. I moved to the other side of the country. Trying to escape in my car. I moved back 25 years later. 🩵 Chapman. Love her. love the song
This is song never fails to make me cry. I bought the album in 1988, when it was released. I absolutley adore Tracy. This hits my heart in so many ways, thank you Tracy for opening yours up to us.
One of the best songs ever written. “ take a fast car and keep on driving “ looking for that American dream that for a lot of people will never be found. Tracy is a very talented and well known artist. I don’t know anybody who doesn’t love this song.
She pulls you in to her story. She makes us all relate because we can feel her hope for better and her sadness in not seeing that happen. LOVE this song!
People that have it all eventually lose touch with reality. They forget what got them there. What it felt like to struggle. Tracy Chapman is awesome. Great song and one of my favorites.
Such a raw song from guitar, vocals, mood. Incredible piece of art. I don't know who has been around long enough in the human experience to not understand how powerful of a song it is. The thing about great art is how to relates to the people..... That's why it's so good.
When this song came out I was married to a man I was madly in love with. Unfortunately, he worked a total of two weeks the entire time we were together and became addicted to cocaine. I won't go into all the details here but this song affected me deeply and, after all these years, still does. Thank you for your reaction and I appreciate YOUR appreciation of Tracy Chapman. Oh, and I forgive you for bringing me to tears on a Sunday morning! :)
I remember when I bought Tracy Chapman's cassette tape because of this song. I love this song, and i gives me the chills each time i hear it. Talks about real life, and i love how Tracy Chapman didn't have to glam up. It hit me in the heart because I could imagine a young girl who lived in the projects, and had real dreams like every other young girl/person. She had dreams, yet knew she was needed at home. This song is from the true heart of someone who wanted to do better for herself, yet had to keep dreaming.
TRACY CHAPMAN "TALKIN BOUT A REVOLUTION",, "MOUNTAINS O' THINGS",, "BABY CAN I HOLD YOU",, "HAPPY",, "GIVE ME ONE REASON",, "ACROSS THE LINES" & "FOR MY LOVER"
What a beautiful voice! I love how much you enjoy & appreciate everything. All types of music too. I like almost every type of music but, if I had to react to a country or heavy metal song I would really struggle to appreciate it. You do a fantastic job & because you really seem to appreciate these songs, it makes your videos very enjoyable to watch.
Still love this song so much, so relatable since it's such a common theme in a lot of people's lives, sadly. She's also insanely talented!! Give Me One Reason is another one of her hits! 🎶🎵🔥🔥❤❤🤘🤘
It's definitely a beautiful, thought-provoking song. She's such an amazing storyteller. I think it really hit home with a lot of people, including me. It told us that no matter what you go through, you can't lose hope that things will get better if you just keep trying. Don't give up. That's what it says. Loved your reaction, as always.
Chilling, beautiful song. Ive watched a few reactions and get more emotional every time. Glad music can still move me sometimes. She's a legendary song writer.
I never knew if this was her life story song, so to speak, but it feels like it. She conveys so much emotion and heartache, and tragedy. If Tracy Chapman did not make you FEEL that pain, you are not human.
One of Tracy Chapman's most touching songs. So plain and simple and yet so deep and sad. I've heard the song a thousand times, but tears still come to my eyes.
Recorded this video from MTV back in the 80s, printed the lyrics, and had my 12th grade English students watch the video and absorb the lyrics. Musically, it's a beautiful song. Lyrically, it's masterful, and heartbreaking. What was most powerful for me was how the lyrics went from "WE've got to make a decision" to "YOU've got to make a decision - leave tonight or live and die this way." It shows that she has given up on the dream - at least at that moment. As if to say, "I thought you and I could make it together. Obviously we can't. So, I guess I'm stuck here - so, go on away from me and make a life for yourself - if that's even possible for you."
Exactly. Thanks for pointing that out because I think a lot of people miss that change in the lyrics the last time she sings it. It's always been the most powerful part of the song for me as well.
“She’s talking about the American dream right now…. Do you understand”…… as a half black man raised in the 90’s my black father and white mother loved this song , and we moved around time after time. We believed in the American dream as well but at a certain point we realized it was just that………a dream. I was the new kid at school over 15 times man….. I’ve stood in food lines , welfare offices with my mom, had to fight against her boyfriends to protect my two younger siblings….. and I was STILL expected to be the first one in the family to go to college …..and I fucking did that too…… and now every time I play this song while visiting mom we both tear up together….
You can't help but tear up when you hear this song if you were ever poor growing up My heart go's out to you because I grew up poor myself. Hard Life makes you have a softer heart for others.
Don’t blame America because your parents made bad decisions and your mother chose bad men who were abusive. Shouldn’t have to pay taxes to pay for other people’s kids!!!
I'm a 67 year old white woman. This song is on another level. And surprisingly many young people can relate to the lyrics. She sings from her heart.
this song has both haunted and calmed me since I was 13. it is sad and somehow peaceful at the same time. one of the most under appreciated songs of all time despite the credit it rightfully does get. lucky enough to not experience this, but damn if this doesnt hit every single time.
with all due respect, why exactly are you surprised many young people can't relate? I far from consider myself young, but what, you figure this shit just happened to end with you?
@@nautica1504 I didn't say they can't relate. I said they can relate. I remember what being young was like.
You did not need to mention your race.
@@JanetCousins-to3hz well if you can mention yours I can mention mine. Many young people of all races go through desperate times.
Was a huge hit for reasons. The song, the voice, the guitar, the harmonies… the story we can all relate to. She’s a great. She is great. Check out her song ‘Gimme One Good Reason’
Gimme One Good Reason is awesome. Please review/react to it please...
Gimme one Reason is my personal favorite by her
Totally..✌💛🎧
I appreciate you taking the time to show love to one of your favorite artists. And for watching the Reaction and commenting.
@@LFRFAMILY also check out "Talkin' Bout A Revolution" by her as well
This song is deep on multiple levels.
There's so much to unpack.
When you pay close attention to the lyrics, she basically hooks up with the equivalent of her father-- a guy who doesnt work, stays out drinking, and leaves all the responsibilities on her shoulders.
The same thing she was trying to escape in the first place--- being forced to sacrifice her own needs to be a caretaker.
Ew what guy? She's gay, hon.
@@truffleandrosalie fully aware of that, hon.
She's married to Sara Gilbert.
I was referencing the story in the song.
@@lisarainbow9703 she’s not married to Sara Gilbert. Sara Gilbert is married to Linda Perry from 4 Non Blondes
@@wanderlustaesthete4117 you're right, I stand corrected, thank you.
Exactly Lisa...many people do not catch that nuance.
Maybe I'm wrong but it feels like you just don't hear songs like this anymore...so pure and such an even flow
We don't; with the most popular "artists" of today, the majority of their "talent" comes from other writers and post-production correction aka Auto-tune.
definitely. The song is from the 90s and that was the last decade of good music n good lyrics.
the late 80's and early 90's began the death of creative music. Corporations create plastic androids like Drake & Katy Perry that spew autotuned formula dreck to the 30% market of easy to please morons, like having the bread crumb concession for pigeons.
I understand why you feel that way. The biggest issue with modern music is like Andrew stated above, corporations have formulated what sells the most and have taken over all radio stations. If you want to find music like Tracy, it still exists, but you'll have to search deeper to find them.
You are NOT wrong. Popular music today lacks depth and talent. Disposable; fast-food music.
For me it was Tracy herself as an artist. She wasn't selling an image. She was just showcasing her raw talent. The autenticity of that was compelling.
Tracy Chapman is like Hemmingway, she uses the fewest amount of words to make the most emotional effect. God bless her.
The song is a classic Tracy Chapman rabbit hole and she calmly exposes her utter desperation. The mother left her deadbeat drunk father and she dropped out of high school to support him and while she works as a checkout girl at a convenience store her boyfriend is no different than her dad, unemployed and spending all his time drinking (with her money) with his buddies in a bar. The only time she feels alive is the momentary freedom while being the passenger in her boyfriend's fast car. The subject in the song is simply going down the hopeless life path her mother did; absolutely brilliant song written and sung with the understated genius that is Tracy Chapman.
For me, I was a junior in high school, a young gay boy from the country when this song came out. NO one was like me in my town, I was alone, afraid and desperate, waiting for that better life to come. When you are young you haven't had the experience to live past those moments, it felt like an eternity. The pain, heartache and fear was the way of life for me in my high school days. I can't relate to the poverty nor a parent whom had an abuse problem, however, I can relate to a father who was very strict and growing up in a house hold that was VERY religious, my gayness would not have flown for one second, this was a secret I kept until my late 40's. I knew if I came out back then that I would definitely be on the streets at 17. The '80's were not kind to LGBTQ folks. When this song played, I knew EXACTLY what she was talking about, it relayed a relief for me, her pain in the song, her voice was that of an angel, it gave me something to live for wanting that better future, I had attempted to end my life at least twice by this point, and after that song, those urges slowly dissolved. I honestly feel that this song 100% saved my life. I went on to join the United States Navy, retired from said service, saved three persons lives from a car crash in the '90's, also helped a family traveling back to Charleston, SC from Atlanta, GA during a blizzard in early 1996. I had a purpose in life, found it, helped others, and became something to be proud of, this is my ABSOLUTE favorite song of all time, no comparison. Tracy, thank you!! Angels really do exist among us, you are one!!
Thank you for staying with us, dark times are sometimes so dark and messages like these can be the light that keeps others going. ❤
Beautiful and inspiring message to read. 💙
❤️🩹
This is one of the greatest songs ever written. I loved it when it first came out, but the older I get the harder it hits me. A work whose meaning changes as you do in such a deep way is a work of genius. That's what makes something eternal.
The wife and I wore this CD out . Nothing like the 90's.
I was 21 fresh out of the Navy, and she was 18. And the sky was the limit. We busted our ass to make it. 25 years later and three great boys, and our own place, running a farm feeding our community. It took 20 years to get there but we did it.
Thank you for all your hard work to get where you are. 🙏❤
Yeah, this whole album was great, played it on repeat like crazy!
GOD bless you!
God bless and keep you and your family and farm Cheering you on!!!!
Hey man I literally just got out am 21 with a 19 yo girl I swear it’s like situations always play out more than once
She has so many hits. Listen to, "Give me one reason", very bluesy tune. Fast Car really hits home for me. She's an excellent story teller. I love Tracy Chapman.
It was released in 1988
One of the most hauntingly beautiful and poignantly thought provoking songs ever. Tracy is a true artist. Thank you.
My brotha..I'm from the 🏝 of Jamaica 🇯🇲 and grew up listening to this song. What she's saying was always a dream of mine to get away from poverty and crime and somehow make it in my imaginary fast car. I've lived what's she's singing and so this song meant so much to me. Now I'm living in Canada and have a family of my own and so this song hits different everytime I hear it. Beautiful song, great reaction, God bless.
God Bless you as well. I appreciate you sharing your story.
Nice job bro. God bless.
Wow thank you for sharing this 😭❤️
I just literally teared up reading this. God Bless you. I am part Nigerian.
Tracy is the most underrated singer-songwriter of my generation. Her debut album, from which this comes, had no bad tracks on it. They all speak of the human condition with incredible eloquence. Sadly, even thought it is 30+ years old the themes covered in songs like 'Across the Lines', 'Talkin' 'bout a Revolution', 'Behind the Wall', and 'Baby Can I hold You Tonight' are timeless and definitely worthy of a deep dive.
Her album 'New Beginning' is another that is worth a deep dive. 'Gimme One Reason' was the biggest hit but, while catchy, I felt that so many of the other songs carried more weight and importance. 'Tin Man', 'Mountains O' Things', 'Cold Feet', and 'Heaven's Here On Earth'.
"You can look to the stars in search of the answers
Look for God and life on distant planets
Have your faith in the ever after
While each of us holds inside the map to the labyrinth
And heaven's here on earth
We are the spirit the collective conscience
We create the pain and the suffering and the beauty in this world
Heaven's here on earth
In our faith in humankind
In our respect for what is earthly
In our unfaltering belief in peace and love and understanding"
Radio didn't know where to put her. Her sound wasn't black enough for black radio and white radio wasn't ready for a black artist at the top of their charts. Brilliance upon brilliance
Everything about this song is perfect - besides being relatable. The melody, the lyrics, her delivery, all of it. You feel the hope she has in a miserable situation, but by the end of the song, you feel her strength, because she is the one who got herself out. The other person just had a fast car, but the narrator had the drive.
🖤 Damn that’s a dope view. Thank you
I firmly believe this is one of the greatest songs ever written.
This song broke me into tears every time it came on the radio. Such an amazing singer/songwriter. Hit me hard cuz my dad was an alcoholic.
Same here. Still depressing as all git out even 33 years after it was released.
Yeah, I started the video and was like 'maybe this is the time I will listen to this song without crying'. Nope
This woman raised me. I'm from the UK, my father used to beat us and my mother. Put this way, he tried to sell me on the day I was born for a pack of cigarettes, after that failed he named me after him. The earliest album I remember is this album and I needed Tracey to survive. Her work is massively underrated, this woman should be in a hall of fame and worshipped. Remember the Tinman is my fave track, but you cant go wrong with Chapman. Every track has meaning and 🔥
Not sure why... but I've been listening to this song since it came out and every time, I cry. The pain in having such hope and then having them vanquished is heartbreaking. Tracy is a genius in the way she can convey the stories she sings... great reaction btw
Me, too!!!
Same here. I cried last night when her and Luke Combs performed it on the Grammys. - 02-05-2024.
@@imhereforitall9218 I did as well! Love her💕
This song is a masterpiece
I was in high school when this came out and it made immediate waves. No one had ever seen or heard anything like it from an artist who looked like her! A masterpiece.
Tracy Chapman is a poet., as well as a great songwriter. No one better.
She played on the subway in Boston. This was one of my favorite songs in the 90's.
Great reaction Van keep up the great work
Definitely one of the top tracks of the 90's. Just a perfect son.
She just has a way of painting the picture with her voice, you can just feel that she lived that, and it’s tragic, but she still has a beautiful dignity to her voice. I always tear up just a bit when I hear this one, sad and beautiful, with just a touch of hope that if she keeps going things will get better.
I love "beautiful dignity". That is SO well said and perfect description of the gravitas in her voice.
Saw her in live in ‘96. Best concert I’ve ever been to. She was just amazing.
Best storytelling and vulnerable song of the last 30-35 yrs.
Van, she's had platinum selling albums & won 4 Grammy's, so she hasn't been hidden, you have only just discovered her incredible talent. This achingly beautiful song was all over MTV back in the day, & I always stopped to listen. I think anyone who has had a dysfunctional background (most of us do), can relate to this song on some level . I see it as a timeless masterpiece.
I was in the Army at age 18. My basic training drill sergeant had preyed on half of our platoon. 27 out of 60 women testified against him later. I had moved on to Monterey California to language school and I started to melt down. Self loathing, PTSD, partying too much, and just lost. The first time I heard this song was as I rode in my friend's Trans Am up Hwy 1 at night driving up to San Francisco. The windows wide open. Me wishing I could fly away. The song reminding me that I could maybe still be someone.
This what you mean by Artistic Integrity in music. An artist who plays the song simply without excessive production. Just deep lyrics that are relatable and just being herself as Tracy Chapman is. We need to hear more music like this and more musicians that are truly artists. Glad you are taking the time to listen!
I just remember listening to this when I was a kid in the 90s and I just loved her voice and the guitar in this song. Didn’t quite understand the meaning back then but I sure appreciate it as an adult. Thanks for this reaction. You should do her “Gimmie one good reason”🙋🏻♀️🙌🏼👍🏼👏🏼💜🇨🇦
The self-titled debut album by Tracy Chapman is one of the greatest records of all time from 1988... Every song is powerful and classic! It sold over 6 million copies in the US... Check out the songs - "Mountains o' things" ... 'Talk about a revolution' ... 'Across the lines' ... "Baby can I hold you'... Another great song by Tracy Chapman - "Give me one reason" 🔥👍
I second this. Please continue to listen to the songs from this album.
all of those songs are soooo dang classic.
Please please listen to more from this album there isn't a song I dont like of hers
This song is just pure honesty. She tells her story and doesn't hold anything back. It's so simple and just incredibly powerful. Perfect song.
Thank you father, for allowing me to be born in the 80s. So blessed to have been able to grow up to legends like Tracy.
She just won a country award for this song last week. 35 years later and still dominating. Love you Tracy ❤
Tracy Chapman gives me goosebumps everytime I hear her sing. She touches my heart and soul. The best singers are able to get you to FEEL exactly what they are trying to convey. Tracy is one of those gifted people. 🥰
I love Tracey Chapman and this song since it came out. This song hits home for me as I had an alcoholic father and my mother left him and us children when I was 11 and the only girl. I found myself being a homemaker dishes laundry some horrible cooking that young. In the song you say she's talking about the American dream I agree yet at the end shes with a man just like her father, which happens frequently growing up in a dysfunctional family. Thanks for the upload Van
This song is stunning.
And Tracy Chapman is amazing.
What a treasure she is.
This is so pure and simple, a voice and a guitar, and such clear storytelling. The sadness and hope and resignation and snapshot of so many people’s reality. Gorgeous.
I listened to her OVER AND OVER. Listen to Mountain of Things ..... timely and beautiful.
The chorus just washes over me every time. I can hardly hear this song without crying
She is a great singer and story teller.
One of the heartbreaking realities of life is that the things we try so hard to escape from often come around full-circle to catch us again. You run as far and as fast as you can to get out of a particular situation, only to find yourself living the exact same life further down the line. Suffering is a cycle, and it can be very hard to break.
This is real music.Most dont know real music anymore .
Raw and powerful.
Gets you im the gut.
Back on the map . #Tracy chapman .
Heart breaking.
Why has this song never left the rotation since it came out? No matter who and where you are you can relate to problems outside of your control and the decisions you make between yourself and your family/ loved ones. This song is relatable to the SOUL!
Beautifully said. Nothing fake about her. Just authenticness. Just beauty.
Since you're in this genre, do a reaction to Luka by Suzanne Vega. About this song, it's the realism of the lyrics; the way she paints a picture with her words about the struggles and disappointments of common people. I feel like this song's lyrics cut across all demographics: race, sex, gender, whatever part of the country you're from. It's a song along the lines of Woody Guthrie's work.
I'm gonna check that out..thanx✌💛🎧
Even though the Lyrics to this song sound hopeful there is a profound sense of sadness to it.
Yes, yes, yes...and then a deep dive down the rabbit hole of Vega's whole amazing set of works!
Oh yes, please listen to Luka by Suzanne Vega. Superb song!
She’s so delicate. And powerful. She just soothes my soul. Exquisite. ❤️
She just told my life story from my youth I couldn't wait to get out of my alcoholic home, absent mom, and oppressive town. Really hit me harder today than it did in the 90s. As I reflect on it, this song may have subliminally influenced some of my choices to get out. I just didn't know how, but managed to eventually, only to go back to it and get out again. Thanks again for your realness. No need to edit yourself.
Tracy Chapman is my favorite female artist. She sings of real life and very familiar feelings and thoughts. No sugar coating of life. Have been a fan since the 80's. Wore out the cassette. Now have the DVD. Yeah, I'm old school at 61 years old. Ms. Chapman's music will never get old for me. Glad you enjoyed the song. Peace, from Nanabear in South Texas.
One of the most amazing voices ever!! Every time I hear her sing, I feel her sing.
I've known this song for 30 years and have played and sung it for 20. It's art in the purest form and will always bring tears to my eyes.
I’ve always loved this song. The story is so vivid, but at the same time it leaves room for whatever is going on in your life, so it can be about you, too. Great songs are like that.
Grew up with Tracy songs. This my favorite as my dad lived with the bottle.... part that still gets me at 45..... Tracy raw talent. Raw lyrics. Every day sh*t we all struggle with no body knows about........
This song was dedicated to me during the most difficult time in my life. I was 17 years old, and had to make some really tough decisions. I am moved everytime I hear it.
I love Tracy she’s a treasure. This song always brought tears to my eyes. I struggled single mom two kids but I had a great family and friends who had my back. She’s so talented never got the attention she deserved.
I've been listening to her since I was a teenager in the 90s, one of my favorite voices to this day.
I use to play this song in my car, in the cassette player and sing it out belting. I can relate❣.family dysfunction~its heavy, not the drinking but that need to get away. Lots of family instability. So I left at 18. alone.. and moved a few hours away. Then after a few year. I moved to the other side of the country. Trying to escape in my car. I moved back 25 years later. 🩵 Chapman. Love her. love the song
Always loved her. ❤️🎶❤️
Authentic and talented, this was a HUGE hit for Tracy Chapman. 👍👍👍
This is music and it's purest form
One of the most beautifully crafted and genuine songs ever made
This is song never fails to make me cry. I bought the album in 1988, when it was released. I absolutley adore Tracy. This hits my heart in so many ways, thank you Tracy for opening yours up to us.
What a voice!! Love Tracy Chapmann🎶💙🎶
One of the best songs ever written. “ take a fast car and keep on driving “ looking for that American dream that for a lot of people will never be found. Tracy is a very talented and well known artist. I don’t know anybody who doesn’t love this song.
Anyone who hears it will definitely love this song
Tracy was absolutely amazing, so original and her music spoke to my heart.
Such a heartbreaking song. Bringing back memories of my childhood
Tracy Chapman is a music legend . All of her work is stellar .
She pulls you in to her story. She makes us all relate because we can feel her hope for better and her sadness in not seeing that happen. LOVE this song!
this one of the greatest folk songs ever...incredible singer/songwriter
People that have it all eventually lose touch with reality. They forget what got them there. What it felt like to struggle. Tracy Chapman is awesome. Great song and one of my favorites.
This song cuts my heart out every time.
"The people with the least have the most common sense" that's a real fact sir! Great reaction to a beautiful song thanks!
Tracy deserves so much more from her music. I grew up on her and she has the most humble soul. She deserves a Award..Dam it !
Such a raw song from guitar, vocals, mood. Incredible piece of art. I don't know who has been around long enough in the human experience to not understand how powerful of a song it is. The thing about great art is how to relates to the people..... That's why it's so good.
Tracy is a natural beauty and her voice is so honest and raw. I have been a fan since she began. Glad you got to hear her. Love your video.
When this song came out I was married to a man I was madly in love with. Unfortunately, he worked a total of two weeks the entire time we were together and became addicted to cocaine. I won't go into all the details here but this song affected me deeply and, after all these years, still does. Thank you for your reaction and I appreciate YOUR appreciation of Tracy Chapman. Oh, and I forgive you for bringing me to tears on a Sunday morning! :)
This song, pure melody, pure greatness.
I remember when I bought Tracy Chapman's cassette tape because of this song. I love this song, and i gives me the chills each time i hear it. Talks about real life, and i love how Tracy Chapman didn't have to glam up. It hit me in the heart because I could imagine a young girl who lived in the projects, and had real dreams like every other young girl/person. She had dreams, yet knew she was needed at home. This song is from the true heart of someone who wanted to do better for herself, yet had to keep dreaming.
She touched so many. We could relate, family situations, yearning to escape.....
TRACY CHAPMAN "TALKIN BOUT A REVOLUTION",, "MOUNTAINS O' THINGS",, "BABY CAN I HOLD YOU",, "HAPPY",, "GIVE ME ONE REASON",, "ACROSS THE LINES" & "FOR MY LOVER"
She was awesome. I still listen to her music after all these years. Amazing artist.
What a beautiful voice! I love how much you enjoy & appreciate everything. All types of music too. I like almost every type of music but, if I had to react to a country or heavy metal song I would really struggle to appreciate it. You do a fantastic job & because you really seem to appreciate these songs, it makes your videos very enjoyable to watch.
Tracy is an amazing songwriter…..this song is beautiful and sad…..and timeless
You really dug deep into the poetry of this song. Awesome job! Nothing compares to art for art's sake. Tracy is the real deal.
Tracy Chapman is an amazing soul. she's such a good storyteller. i'm glad you found her.
Still love this song so much, so relatable since it's such a common theme in a lot of people's lives, sadly. She's also insanely talented!! Give Me One Reason is another one of her hits! 🎶🎵🔥🔥❤❤🤘🤘
Tracy was the bomb her voice was beautiful and her songs were beautiful also.
It's definitely a beautiful, thought-provoking song. She's such an amazing storyteller. I think it really hit home with a lot of people, including me. It told us that no matter what you go through, you can't lose hope that things will get better if you just keep trying. Don't give up. That's what it says. Loved your reaction, as always.
Chilling, beautiful song. Ive watched a few reactions and get more emotional every time. Glad music can still move me sometimes. She's a legendary song writer.
I never knew if this was her life story song, so to speak, but it feels like it. She conveys so much emotion and heartache, and tragedy. If Tracy Chapman did not make you FEEL that pain, you are not human.
One of Tracy Chapman's most touching songs. So plain and simple and yet so deep and sad. I've heard the song a thousand times, but tears still come to my eyes.
This is a great song. Simple, emotional and powerful. I agree with everything the reactor said and I wish he'd said more.
Gifted singer songwriter!
Recorded this video from MTV back in the 80s, printed the lyrics, and had my 12th grade English students watch the video and absorb the lyrics. Musically, it's a beautiful song. Lyrically, it's masterful, and heartbreaking. What was most powerful for me was how the lyrics went from "WE've got to make a decision" to "YOU've got to make a decision - leave tonight or live and die this way." It shows that she has given up on the dream - at least at that moment. As if to say, "I thought you and I could make it together. Obviously we can't. So, I guess I'm stuck here - so, go on away from me and make a life for yourself - if that's even possible for you."
Exactly. Thanks for pointing that out because I think a lot of people miss that change in the lyrics the last time she sings it. It's always been the most powerful part of the song for me as well.
Love this song. She demands respect because she's authentic and extremely talented.
Have a great Sunday everyone!
Thanks for grinding & bringing
us content, Van. I appreciate you!
🎵✌❤
"Take your fast car and keep on driving" .. beautiful ... sad . Always loved this song and her! It's real .. 💙💙💙💙💙💙🎶🎶🎶🎶🎶🎶
“She’s talking about the American dream right now…. Do you understand”…… as a half black man raised in the 90’s my black father and white mother loved this song , and we moved around time after time. We believed in the American dream as well but at a certain point we realized it was just that………a dream. I was the new kid at school over 15 times man….. I’ve stood in food lines , welfare offices with my mom, had to fight against her boyfriends to protect my two younger siblings….. and I was STILL expected to be the first one in the family to go to college …..and I fucking did that too…… and now every time I play this song while visiting mom we both tear up together….
You can't help but tear up when you hear this song if you were ever poor growing up My heart go's out to you because I grew up poor myself. Hard Life makes you have a softer heart for others.
Don’t blame America because your parents made bad decisions and your mother chose bad men who were abusive. Shouldn’t have to pay taxes to pay for other people’s kids!!!
I love Tracy Chapman's songs. Her lyrics combined with her music really affects me. I feel more awake after I listen to Tracy Chapman.
Such a deep song. A masterpiece in my opinion.
Tracy Chapman is a beautiful soul we need more like her