This song perfectly describes both, the despair and hope of those struggling just to survive, while optimistically making plans and dreams for the future. Heart wrenching and beautiful at the same time. It's the mark of a great artist that can use their medium to transmit the emotion and ideas felt by the artist at the time of creation. This song gets me every time.
This song hits so different as I get older. In 1988 I was 21 years old and thought “this is a good song”. Now, at 56? “Damn, this song is just so much more.” It is in my opinion, one of, if not the best, songs ever written.
It perfectly captures the human experience in our modern society. 'Finally see what it means to be living" hits me hard every time now that I've got years behind me (I'm in my mid 40s) and can see and imagine how life could be so different if different choices had been made.
I'm the same age... the song always hit me in the feels, but I didn't really know why. Just turned 56 and, yep, life experience hits harder when I hear it. She was phenomenal on the Grammys!
I was in 8th grade when this came out and even still no matter where I am, if this plays, like at the supermarket or wherever, it’s like everything stops and I’m in a zone. I’m too old to use the expression “it’s a vibe”” …but that’s exactly what this song is for me, no better way to say it.
I don’t even know how to express the impact of this song. She’s such a brilliant songwriter and performer. “Baby Can I Hold You Tonight” gets me in the feels every time. Brilliant. She was just recently the first black woman ever awarded song of the year by the CMA’s for this song. It stands the test of time.
Anyone who grew up with addicted parents, who tried so hard to escape, only to hitch their wagon to someone with the same trouble as their parents, probably feels the same way about this song as I do.
I grew up differently but it still hits hard. The hope and desperation in the beginning, leading to the strong confidence of the woman at the end? It crosses all boundaries.
I was a college student in Boston in the 80's and there was a little coffee shop with live music I used to frequent. One evening, there was an unknown (to me) singer/guitarist performing named Tracy Chapman. I was stunned by her talent & not surprised at all when she hit the big time.
There is a relative handful of songs, like Old Man by Neil Young, and this song, that I consider the greatest singer-songwriter performances of all time. I've loved this song ever since it came out. I have to admit I tear up and get choked up every time I hear it because I had a very very rough childhood and young life, and this song is all about wanting to escape all that and having dreams and trying to make them happen with little resources. It's a battle I know well. Tracy Chapman is absolutely fabulous. Very nice reaction as always.
It's timeless. It's hard to believe it's 35 years old. Sounds as fresh today as when it was released and the story is just as relevant to so many today that live in hard times and are trying to escape them.
All I can say is this. As a sttaight, white, 12 year old in 1988, I remember vividly this song coming on the radio in the car and just basking in the greatness of it. A gay black woman, who I wasn’t even sure was a man or a woman, was singing this heartbreaking, emotional, transcendent work. It was a lightning strike, even for someone like me. It has stood the test of time and deserves every accolade it gets.
Tracy Chapman is a great singer-songwriter & storyteller. Have always loved her unusual voice. She is best known for her hit singles "Talkin' 'bout A Revolution", "Baby Can I Hold You", "Crossroads", "Give Me One Reason" etc.
So glad you liked this, it was a massive hit when it was released. She truly sings from the heart. Other songs to hear are Crossroads and Give Me One Reason. They won't disappoint!
Love Fast Car. My favorite Tracy chapman song is Give Me One Reason. If you are interested to see an older Tracy Chapman in a very cool, smooth, sexy video: Tracy Chapman & Eric Clapton - Give Me One Reason (1999). Perfection.
I actually like all of the songs in this album. That really really are very special. She did it a wonderful job producing this and pulling it all together. I think you'd enjoy the whole thing. Very unique
I'm so glad young people are discovering this song. I don't really like the cover but her original version is very much a part of my musical youth. Such a great song! And her voice is feminine yet gritty at the same time and I love to sing along with it because it's perfectly in my range.
As someone who struggled with heavy addiction in my twenties This song just sums up the desire I felt for so long to get sober & then finally getting sober & the hope I had found In it This song is just simply art. There’s nothing else to say
Not everything is about “collecting coin”. Tracy made a lot of social commentary about materialism and industry greed. In fact she refused to let people change her meaning by sampling it.
This song is enduring. It speaks to most people in one way or another. The sad part is how true this song can be for so many people. Grow up in a house with an addict, one parent leaves and the child is left to take care of the parent, gets the strength to leave only to hitch themselves to another deadbeat, and thus repeating the cycle all over again for their own children. The good thing is at least in this song the narrator kicks the deadbeat to the curb and thus stands up for themselves and not leaving their children to do as they had to.
how she captivated the audience at the Nelson Mandela concert, such a special song timeless classic. Try and find the UA-cam video of her singing it at the concert.
I was 19 when i watched that Nelson Mandela Birthday concert. there was this shy lady in front of the gigantic Curton on that stage. Only weapons a Micro and her guitar. And i knew i wanted that album. A great Person. And i feel you anjoying this
I remember as if yesterday seeing her in 1988, bought the album on that performance and it is one of the best of that era I have ever heard. One of the most underrated singers on planet earth.
This Álbum is as relevant today as the day it was released. It still has the power to make me cry. It actually makes me sad to think that there are still people out there who have never heard of her. Glad for you that you've discovered her. Now do yourself a favor ( and us) and go down the rabbit hole. She is an amazing singer- songwriter, storyteller and person.
This song is a great introduction to her work! Such a beautiful artist. I have yet to encounter a song of hers that isn't amazing. Back in the day when we bought CDs or albums, it was a crapshoot with regard to bargain. My first CD from her was 100% awesome! She's so underrated and it's criminal that she doesn't get more attention.
Thanks Salvog .. hope and despair song beautifully song by Tracy Chapman. the voice once heard never forgotten. a gift from above. Beautiful, soulful and so moving. How true the song to life. Dreams that we all have.
Tracy Chapman is fantastic ❤. Saw her a few times in concert and she was always amazing. Great singer and songwriter. SalvoG please react to more Tracy Chapman, you will like her !! Across the lines is my favorite
Tracy Chapman has lovely voice & this is her most well played tune, you also should listen to her "Talkin' 'bout A Revolution", it is still relevant today.
I like when you said that you could melt into it again and again. You put in towards exactly what I was feeling. I remember when this song came out and I adore it. Just the music the lyrics the
SO Happy for Tracy and her CMA 30+ years later. I was lucky enough to see her play her entire first album live prior to release in a small music industry venue in LA back in the day when I hug out with music industry folk :-D #myformerlyhotlife
Another great artist along these lines is Natalie Merchant. Her song “Carnival” and her cover of “Because the Night “ are absolutely amazing. Just criminally underrated.
My first listen to anything by Tracy Chapman was ‘Behind The Wall!. It was obvious from that moment that she is outstanding lyrically and in her musicality.
I remember when this came out and I was a rocker, still am but when I heard this I was like wait a minute here WTH am I hearing here. Let's not overlook her guitar playing here, finger playing strumming and singing. She's great! I would pay money to see her today! What a singer and story teller
Such a heavy song with a unique sound. Glad you found this. Saw her at Red Rocks and the concert was great. As usual, you hit on the important points. Her voice. Her lyrics. The hint of hope. But only a hint. Tracy is special. Incredible, true.
She has a degree in poetry. Definitely see it in her works. I haveoved her since the 80s. Give Me One Reason my favorite. She wrote it and record label would not put it on her album until she became famous and well known later on. One of her biggest hits. I love her album New Beginnings song called, Cold Feet.
So glad you finally found Tracy Chapman! - Next song request by her Baby Can I Hold You. Other wonderful women singer songwriters of the 90s Mary Chapin Carpenter, Paula Cole, Sarah McLaughlin, along with Sheryl Crow and Alanis Morissette.
I always loved this one. She's a great artist. You hear that into and immediately know what it is. So distinctive. So simple yet so effective. Lovely reaction.
@@thewalruswasjason101 *Edited for spelling: Just for another example. Lesley Gore's, You Don't Own Me is a bit of a lesbian anthem too. Sure, she was singing to a boy when she was 17, but Lesley was an out and proud lesbian for the vast majority of her life. Even if she weren't, the ideas it was spreading and the growth of the feminist movement following its release that made it so meaningful anyway.
I remember the first time I got to hear Fast Car. I was a teenager, never really knew what a broken heart was then and was so blessed with a wonderful family life. But the moment I heard Tracy sing, I felt the sadness, the pain and the resolution in her voice. Like I lived another life with her lyrics. Almost 15 years later and the first three guitar notes still moves me like the first time I heard it all those years ago. Tracy, a thousand thank yous to you for sharing your gift with us.
Just watched your ELO reactions! Loved your moves in Last train to London and enjoyed seeing Me Blue Sky through new eyes like yours. Tracy Chapman's Fast Car is quite a heavy song, but I loved it when I was younger. Still as good today! Thanks.
I rarely listen to reactions other than Pentatonix-but your channel has changed that! Thank you! Gorgeous gorgeous moving song ❤️. Thank you for appreciating its beauty!
I still cant listen to this song without balling my eyes out and its been that way since I first heard it in jr high, about a million years ago...its just that powerful!
"There is an electric dance version" How does one dance to this? I can only think of Midnight Oil when I hear something like that. "How can we dance when we can't stop crying? How do we sleep while our love is dying?"
You should definitely check out Luke combs’ version, which won song of the year at this past CMA awards. Tracy is the first black artist to win this award.
This song perfectly describes both, the despair and hope of those struggling just to survive, while optimistically making plans and dreams for the future. Heart wrenching and beautiful at the same time. It's the mark of a great artist that can use their medium to transmit the emotion and ideas felt by the artist at the time of creation. This song gets me every time.
Every time it gets me
This song hits so different as I get older. In 1988 I was 21 years old and thought “this is a good song”. Now, at 56? “Damn, this song is just so much more.” It is in my opinion, one of, if not the best, songs ever written.
It perfectly captures the human experience in our modern society. 'Finally see what it means to be living" hits me hard every time now that I've got years behind me (I'm in my mid 40s) and can see and imagine how life could be so different if different choices had been made.
Yep.
I'm the same age... the song always hit me in the feels, but I didn't really know why. Just turned 56 and, yep, life experience hits harder when I hear it. She was phenomenal on the Grammys!
I was in 8th grade when this came out and even still no matter where I am, if this plays, like at the supermarket or wherever, it’s like everything stops and I’m in a zone. I’m too old to use the expression “it’s a vibe”” …but that’s exactly what this song is for me, no better way to say it.
I don’t even know how to express the impact of this song. She’s such a brilliant songwriter and performer. “Baby Can I Hold You Tonight” gets me in the feels every time. Brilliant. She was just recently the first black woman ever awarded song of the year by the CMA’s for this song. It stands the test of time.
there's a beautiful version of Baby Can I Hold You Tonight she did with Pavarotti... stunning.
@@sdhartley74 - I’ve seen it! Pavarotti absolutely gets me in the feels too!! Love this version!
Anyone who grew up with addicted parents, who tried so hard to escape, only to hitch their wagon to someone with the same trouble as their parents, probably feels the same way about this song as I do.
I grew up differently but it still hits hard. The hope and desperation in the beginning, leading to the strong confidence of the woman at the end? It crosses all boundaries.
Yup, once you grow up like that unfortunately you are always attracted to addicted people, no matter what the addiction is.
"Leave tonight or live and die this way" Anyone who has been in a desperate situation can relate.
Yes🙌
”All that you have is your Soul” is a wonderful song by Tracy. Get’s my vote for next one to check out🙂
I was a college student in Boston in the 80's and there was a little coffee shop with live music I used to frequent. One evening, there was an unknown (to me) singer/guitarist performing named Tracy Chapman. I was stunned by her talent & not surprised at all when she hit the big time.
She is in the mould of Joan Armatrading a proper singer-songwriter who writes her own songs and plays the guitar too. She is exceptional live too.
Drop the Pilot -- first song I ever heard from her :)
Ugh, obsessed with Joan.
There is a relative handful of songs, like Old Man by Neil Young, and this song, that I consider the greatest singer-songwriter performances of all time. I've loved this song ever since it came out. I have to admit I tear up and get choked up every time I hear it because I had a very very rough childhood and young life, and this song is all about wanting to escape all that and having dreams and trying to make them happen with little resources. It's a battle I know well. Tracy Chapman is absolutely fabulous. Very nice reaction as always.
By far the best version her voice is amazing❤🇨🇦
It's timeless. It's hard to believe it's 35 years old. Sounds as fresh today as when it was released and the story is just as relevant to so many today that live in hard times and are trying to escape them.
There are so few songs that evoke emotion the same way this song does. It captures that desperation and despair perfectly.
An incredibly sad and beautiful song. Like a poem with music added.
All I can say is this. As a sttaight, white, 12 year old in 1988, I remember vividly this song coming on the radio in the car and just basking in the greatness of it. A gay black woman, who I wasn’t even sure was a man or a woman, was singing this heartbreaking, emotional, transcendent work. It was a lightning strike, even for someone like me. It has stood the test of time and deserves every accolade it gets.
Tracy Chapman is a great singer-songwriter & storyteller. Have always loved her unusual voice. She is best known for her hit singles "Talkin' 'bout A Revolution", "Baby Can I Hold You", "Crossroads", "Give Me One Reason" etc.
So glad you liked this, it was a massive hit when it was released. She truly sings from the heart. Other songs to hear are Crossroads and Give Me One Reason. They won't disappoint!
Love Fast Car. My favorite Tracy chapman song is Give Me One Reason. If you are interested to see an older Tracy Chapman in a very cool, smooth, sexy video: Tracy Chapman & Eric Clapton - Give Me One Reason (1999). Perfection.
❤ yes
I love this song. Beautiful, sad, hopeful.
I actually like all of the songs in this album. That really really are very special. She did it a wonderful job producing this and pulling it all together. I think you'd enjoy the whole thing. Very unique
I'm so glad young people are discovering this song. I don't really like the cover but her original version is very much a part of my musical youth. Such a great song! And her voice is feminine yet gritty at the same time and I love to sing along with it because it's perfectly in my range.
I love that Luke covered the song with great respect for Tracey. Now a whole new generation gets to fall in love with her music.
As someone who struggled with heavy addiction in my twenties
This song just sums up the desire I felt for so long to get sober & then finally getting sober & the hope I had found In it
This song is just simply art. There’s nothing else to say
Legend . Her catalog is full of unique and beautiful arranged work
Still active and still collecting her coins on HER music. Great Artist.
Not everything is about “collecting coin”. Tracy made a lot of social commentary about materialism and industry greed. In fact she refused to let people change her meaning by sampling it.
This song is enduring. It speaks to most people in one way or another. The sad part is how true this song can be for so many people. Grow up in a house with an addict, one parent leaves and the child is left to take care of the parent, gets the strength to leave only to hitch themselves to another deadbeat, and thus repeating the cycle all over again for their own children. The good thing is at least in this song the narrator kicks the deadbeat to the curb and thus stands up for themselves and not leaving their children to do as they had to.
Tracy Chapman’s Magnum opus ❤
You know it was a hit if you can start singing the chorus after a first listen.
A true masterpiece.
how she captivated the audience at the Nelson Mandela concert, such a special song timeless classic. Try and find the UA-cam video of her singing it at the concert.
Give Me One Reason is awesome!
This song led me to her album back in high school, and I've never been the same since. She's one of the best artists during my lifetime.
I was 19 when i watched that Nelson Mandela Birthday concert. there was this shy lady in front of the gigantic Curton on that stage. Only weapons a Micro and her guitar. And i knew i wanted that album. A great Person. And i feel you anjoying this
I remember as if yesterday seeing her in 1988, bought the album on that performance and it is one of the best of that era I have ever heard. One of the most underrated singers on planet earth.
In my top 5 favorite songs EVER. It’s lyrics are timeless
Her voice is so rich, like maple syrup. And the story is so achingly sad.
“Revolution” by Tracy Chapman is powerful. “The Promise” is the most beautiful love song ever imo.
Love this song in all its heartbreaking splendor.
This Álbum is as relevant today as the day it was released. It still has the power to make me cry. It actually makes me sad to think that there are still people out there who have never heard of her. Glad for you that you've discovered her. Now do yourself a favor ( and us) and go down the rabbit hole. She is an amazing singer- songwriter, storyteller and person.
This song is a great introduction to her work! Such a beautiful artist. I have yet to encounter a song of hers that isn't amazing. Back in the day when we bought CDs or albums, it was a crapshoot with regard to bargain. My first CD from her was 100% awesome! She's so underrated and it's criminal that she doesn't get more attention.
Thanks Salvog .. hope and despair song beautifully song by Tracy Chapman. the voice once heard never forgotten. a gift from above. Beautiful, soulful and so moving. How true the song to life. Dreams that we all have.
I am so lucky I heard this song debut on the radio when I was a pre-teen. I truly grew up with some of the best music the world had ever known ❤
Definitely do more Tracy Chapman!
Another song with somewhat similar vibes is “Luka” by Suzanne Vega. Also heartwrenching and catchy all at once. 💐
Thanks for doing this one. Tracy is so talented! 🔥
Tracy Chapman is fantastic ❤. Saw her a few times in concert and she was always amazing. Great singer and songwriter. SalvoG please react to more Tracy Chapman, you will like her !! Across the lines is my favorite
I was in 8th grade when this came out. I’ve listened hundreds of times. To this day… chills. Every. Damn. Time.
This entire album from Tracy is a great experience. She is an amazing songwriter and sings from her heart. I suggest the album for your collection!
Tracy Chapman has lovely voice & this is her most well played tune, you also should listen to her "Talkin' 'bout A Revolution", it is still relevant today.
Tracy Chapman es increible! pasan los años y sigo viviendo sus canciones como la primera vez que las escuche 🥰🥰❤🩹
Love this song. So. Much.
I like when you said that you could melt into it again and again. You put in towards exactly what I was feeling. I remember when this song came out and I adore it. Just the music the lyrics the
SO Happy for Tracy and her CMA 30+ years later. I was lucky enough to see her play her entire first album live prior to release in a small music industry venue in LA back in the day when I hug out with music industry folk :-D #myformerlyhotlife
Once you hear her voice you won't forget her. Her voice is unique. 😊
Another great artist along these lines is Natalie Merchant. Her song “Carnival” and her cover of “Because the Night “ are absolutely amazing.
Just criminally underrated.
My first listen to anything by Tracy Chapman was ‘Behind The Wall!. It was obvious from that moment that she is outstanding lyrically and in her musicality.
I remember when this came out and I was a rocker, still am but when I heard this I was like wait a minute here WTH am I hearing here. Let's not overlook her guitar playing here, finger playing strumming and singing. She's great! I would pay money to see her today! What a singer and story teller
Such a heavy song with a unique sound. Glad you found this. Saw her at Red Rocks and the concert was great. As usual, you hit on the important points. Her voice. Her lyrics. The hint of hope. But only a hint. Tracy is special. Incredible, true.
I really appreciate you going through the wiki to get a real feel for the background.
Yes, Salvo, you do indeed want to hit "Give Me One Reason."
One of the best singer songwriters; this song is nothing short of powerful and amazing.
So glad you got to this song. It’s so impactful. Love her and your channel. 🥰
She has a degree in poetry. Definitely see it in her works. I haveoved her since the 80s. Give Me One Reason my favorite. She wrote it and record label would not put it on her album until she became famous and well known later on. One of her biggest hits. I love her album New Beginnings song called, Cold Feet.
So glad you finally found Tracy Chapman! - Next song request by her Baby Can I Hold You. Other wonderful women singer songwriters of the 90s Mary Chapin Carpenter, Paula Cole, Sarah McLaughlin, along with Sheryl Crow and Alanis Morissette.
Tracy is very compelling in her expressions and her art I just love her voice..............good choice!!!
Grew up with this song, mom and dad were in a band when I was a kid and covered this song ❤ rip mom.
This is one of my favorite songs ever. And a perfect example that you can make a sad song in major key.
Such a beautiful but sad song. Trying to escape a terrible childhood, but ending up repeating the cycle.
I always loved this one. She's a great artist. You hear that into and immediately know what it is. So distinctive. So simple yet so effective. Lovely reaction.
Beautiful way to express her pain and ours...Thx SalvoG
your grunts of approvable are surprisingly endearing
This song is one of the two universally accepted Lesbian Anthems. Fast Car will forever be one of the best songs ever written and appreciated by all.
Brandi Carlile - The Story, is the other. Also definitely worth a listen. It was covered by Dolly Parton.
Huh? She was a heterosexual woman in the song.
@@thewalruswasjason101 *Edited for spelling: Just for another example. Lesley Gore's, You Don't Own Me is a bit of a lesbian anthem too. Sure, she was singing to a boy when she was 17, but Lesley was an out and proud lesbian for the vast majority of her life. Even if she weren't, the ideas it was spreading and the growth of the feminist movement following its release that made it so meaningful anyway.
The Promise is my favourite song of hers. It's absolutely heartbreaking and beautiful
Tracy is just fucking amazing
My aunt worked with Tracey Mom in the 80s. Nice to see her song getting new attention. 🎉
I remember the first time I got to hear Fast Car. I was a teenager, never really knew what a broken heart was then and was so blessed with a wonderful family life. But the moment I heard Tracy sing, I felt the sadness, the pain and the resolution in her voice. Like I lived another life with her lyrics. Almost 15 years later and the first three guitar notes still moves me like the first time I heard it all those years ago. Tracy, a thousand thank yous to you for sharing your gift with us.
"The Promise" is a great, great song as well.
Talking About a Revolution and Give Me One Reason are both great.
A true legend. All her songs are amazing. Check out, Baby can I Hold You Tonight? Live
Just watched your ELO reactions! Loved your moves in Last train to London and enjoyed seeing Me Blue Sky through new eyes like yours. Tracy Chapman's Fast Car is quite a heavy song, but I loved it when I was younger. Still as good today! Thanks.
This whole album is filled with spectacular song writing.
This is absolutely stunning … hope you enjoy
I've heard this song for decades and I tear up every time. That's just how powerful this song is.
So glad to see you do this one, such a great song and voice!
“Baby can I hold you” next please. The April 2020 live video. There is an equally good duet with Pavarotti.
I rarely listen to reactions other than Pentatonix-but your channel has changed that! Thank you! Gorgeous gorgeous moving song ❤️. Thank you for appreciating its beauty!
Ne she won a CMA award last year for the Kuke Combs cover. First time a black woman won a CMA for writing.
I still cant listen to this song without balling my eyes out and its been that way since I first heard it in jr high, about a million years ago...its just that powerful!
Impossible not to sing along to this song.
Fast Car and You Gotta Be by Des'ree are such good songs...enjoyed listening to them in my high school years in the early 90's
Loved this!❤
Few albums are perfect; but, this is one of them! Every single song is amazing. ❤
"There is an electric dance version"
How does one dance to this? I can only think of Midnight Oil when I hear something like that.
"How can we dance when we can't stop crying?
How do we sleep while our love is dying?"
You should definitely check out Luke combs’ version, which won song of the year at this past CMA awards. Tracy is the first black artist to win this award.
She's so good. Love her.
Watch this years CMA awards.. Fast Car .. Luke Combs.. crazy
Her song promise is my favorite and so under appreciated because it didn’t get radio play
Beautiful. Great reaction
Her cover of Bob Dylan's song The Times They Are A' Changin is very good.
this song makes me think that happiness is fragile while struggle is absolute, so we keep on striving to be where we wanna be, happy
Such an underrated artist. She is phenomenal live.
I was 34 when this album came out. Yes, I’m old. I played this thing to death! I still remember the lyrics to all of the songs.
The whole album is brillant