FIRST TIME REACTING TO TRACY CHAPMAN "FAST CAR" REACTION

[@CarnaghSidhe]

That song has always punched the middle out of me. They layers of sadness and hope tangled up together are just heartbreaking.

[@perijetton9275]

She’s incredible! This is about her first time on stage. You should watch the video. It’s incredible! The year was 1988. Seventy-two thousand people gathered-along with 600 million more watching along on their televisions-to see headliner Stevie Wonder as part of Nelson Mandela’s 70th birthday tribute concert. However, technical difficulties (or perhaps some divine timing) rendered Wonder unable to perform his act. Chapman had already played a three-song set earlier in the afternoon, and yet she agreed to step up to the microphone. Armed with nothing but herself and a guitar, the shy and stoic Chapman captivated everyone to silence. And the rest is history.

[@MugnifyRTS]

Thats where my nostalgia was kicking in Heavy someething was telling me I've heard her name somewhere

[@planojag595]

This song got played a lot when it first came out and I didn't pay it much attention. It was only when I got older, having gone through years of adult life by then that the song hit me with its deep, deep lyrics and Tracy's delivery. I grew to really love this song and want to share it with my kids when they are old enough to really comprehend the story within the lyrics.

[@ellej9871]

Same!

[@charlesdavis7461]

Very deep lyrics.

[@TheCakeSlayer]

Maybe it did not get attention in america but i grew up with this song in morocco and it was a hit

[@Lovelyone1]

@@TheCakeSlayerhuge hit in America

[@Lovelyone1]

Same. I didn’t realize that at the end of the song she got stuck too. I thought she made it out.

[@m3li55a5]

She’s got such a beautiful voice - I saw her live years ago at Red Rocks and was really moved

[@doctorjeff5698]

She has always been one of my favourites.

[@wearinganapron]

I love Tracy. My favorite is "Gimme one Reason," and then she did one with B B King, "The Thrill is Gone." She has so many besutiful , poetic songs!

[@jacqueline4514]

This is one of the saddest songs I’ve ever heard; heartbreaking lyrics. Powerful.

[@jessicaleblanc-nh1yl]

This one actually came out in 1988. Thank goodness you took a moment to listen. She is pretty fantastic.

[@AP-gb3eh]

The cycle of poverty and struggle. Chapman nailed it taking us right along in the fast car. It was so familiar 1988 . She started busking in Cambridge MA in the 80 s . Amazing artist

[@tinacingrani5128]

Great Storyteller She puts you right there. ❤💯

[@Gloren50]

It was originally released in 1988. I could really relate to the lyrics and message. It doesn't matter what race...I grew up in the 1950s in a po' white trash family, no future that I could see. The thought of getting in a car and just driving forever to get away was like a dream. I refused to quit school to take care of alcoholic parents, and left as soon as I was 18. I made a wonderful life for myself--education, family, career. I'm now 73 and I love life, have a beautiful family, and I don't regret for a second getting in that 'fast car' and driving away.

[@That-Ginger-Chick]

Love Tracy Chapman, gorgeous lady with a gorgeous voice. Other great songs by her are give me one reason, talking about a revolution, baby can I hold you, America and behind the wall (but be prepared to sob)

[@Gentleone236]

Love Tracy! 💜💜

[@lorriredmon8212]

It was first released in 1988. Just as relevant now as then. I love her smoky voice.

[@cbrasure925]

This song always brings me to tears. The sacrifices my mother made to take care of my alcoholic Granny after my grandfather walked out on them and my mother, being the oldest, taking care of her 8 younger brothers, dropping out of school at 15 y/o (1966) and working two jobs to raise them and take care of my Granny.

[@shaunb2110]

Your mom is a special lady!

[@cbrasure925]

@@shaunb2110 She most certainly is. She's my rock, my best friend and my hero. Thank you! ❤

[@shaunb2110]

@@cbrasure925 In today's world that is a treasure to have! Bless you and your mother!

[@cbrasure925]

@@shaunb2110 Bless you, your family and friends, my new friend!

[@shaunb2110]

@cbrasure925 I appreciate that! KZbin friends we are!

[@marenehanson5526]

Her vibrato is stunning. Meaningful lyrics. A very private singer. ❤

[@wtimmins]

Man. This song makes me tear up. When I heard it as a teen, I didn't really process what was going on. Hearing it now, many years later? Hits like a brick. One thing I've picked up from many listens... the last refrain, I think the narrator is singing to her child. Don't do as I did, leave before you're trapped like me.

[@manicms]

Me too. I have a different take on the last bit. She's telling her deadbeat partner to take their fast car and get out. They're as useless as her father was.

[@wtimmins]

@@manicms that’s a good take

[@andywalker8064]

She's an amazing artist. A poet, a musician and a wonderful voice. A beautiful human, too.

[@markroberts3557]

Been listening to her music for years. Hands down one of the most talented to walk this earth

[@TheDivayenta]

She’s so beautiful!❤

[@deniseburney5543]

Tract Chapman is one of my top 10 artists I love! Her songs cut into my soul. She has this way of singing about life in a storytelling way, and yet you can feel the hurt and struggle underneath what she says. It's magnicent to me.

[@teaforthesoul]

I can't imagine having never heard this song. Forget gatekeeping, it's so cool that we can watch people discover songs that have been meaningful to so many people ❤

[@arlaabrell8658]

Tracy Chapman is a treasure, all of her songs are good or great, this one is great, lovely lyrics and exquisite guitar work, and let's mention that amazing voice as well. She's always kept her private life very personal as well, which is also admirable in this day and age.

[@whitenative4907]

It was from her soul.. ❤

[@theConquerersMama]

Not going to lie... If you ignore the lyrics this somg is so wonderful to roll down your windows and drive through the summer night to. This came out my freshman year in college. We did a fair amount of driving with no purpose then. I have seen Tracy Chapman at least a dozen times over the year. She always delivers as a performer. But I also love that my son put this on his songs to drive by the lake mix. Because it does work on so many levels. Personally, at this age now, I hope she kicked him to the curb & found her best life.

[@queenie.lawyergirl.pittymom]

Brings back my childhood. Tracy is a legend and this song is a timeless classic. A song that still gives you the same feels it did back in the late 80s, early 90s. She's always been my hero. ❤

[@angelabordack]

I LOVE this song ❤

[@dinaguenther9453]

26 years of social work. Yep!! In a club and she played a long time ago. Long time ago. Bring it back❤

[@vickihirsch8340]

This is such a great song. Both of her albums I have I could listen to her all day❤

[@tommyh4116]

She was more popular in Europe with her first album selling over 11.5 Million, that was more than the rest of the world. This trend continued until her 4th album that sold more in the USA. Fast Car had a lot or radio play in the UK. She also did a duet with Pavarotti.

[@barbarabweaver1]

This song is heartbreaking and so true. I love her work.

[@PeterLarter81]

Love this song one of my favs mugs

[@jeffreykennedy1266]

Always got time for some Tracy… 👍

[@jeanniefeliccia56]

Beautiful!

[@ronpotts6385]

The video of this performance may be recent, but the song and music video were released back in 1988. I was 13 or 14 then, and I paid no attention to it. Sometimes, though, one's life experiences alter how one interprets something like a song. At 25, I was still living with my mom and graduating from college. My buddies were urging me to move out and go rent an apartment with them, but my mom's health was declining, so I stayed at home with her. When she passed, I was 33 and feeling like I had missed out on some of my young adulthood, and was still a kid in some ways. At 34, I was living on my own for the first time and making all the mistakes that much younger people make. I suddenly related to "Fast Car"'s message of hope for a better future, sometimes hampered by reality. At the end of the song, she's admonishing her partner for not pulling his weight, hanging out in bars and refusing to get a job and contribute. In the last verse, she's telling him to leave, because, like the alcoholic father, he's holding her back from achieving her dreams, to "be someone".

[@shannontrough2680]

❤ Always loved the song.

[@barbaradawdy6317]

No matter how many times I hear it I always cry. The sad ending gets me.

[@terrieb13]

Such a talent! I love the song Give Me One Reason. The official video is 🔥. There is also a live performance with Eric Clapton. Both are great! ☮️❤️😎

[@gerdapons5730]

What a beautiful soul love to hear her singing.❤❤

[@cog4life]

GIMME ONE REASON is one of my favorites!

[@christinerenee]

I was really surprised how bored you looked. She is one of the best singers from my day. A brilliant lyricist and stunning voice.

[@lynnieiapichino1121]

☮️💙💙💙🔥love her

[@jolenewitzel7919]

A great, and heart breaking song. She is so talented.

[@daveglessner8204]

I'm glad to see your reactions being basically my reactions when I finally "got" the song rather than just "some kind of random song I heard on the radio" . It's a song that you'll always come back to prove to your self that you didn't miss something. And you inevitably do realize you're wrong in that assumption. Today, while listening to it for the 300th or whatever time, I realized I missed the "changes of tense" from "past to current to future", and was overwhelmed... IMHO this is one of THE BEST, if not THE BEST, songs ever written that got airplay on major radio stations.

[@827dusty]

Tracy is so special. This song hits home for me personally. God Bless

[@brittwilliams8217]

Such a classic. It's definitely stood the test of time. Still beautiful ❤️🎶

[@Chris-kj7de]

I love Tracy Chapman, her voice, stage presence, looks, and that deep intelligence that spills out in her songs. Love her!

[@Assassyn1980]

Fast Car came out in 1988. She is awesome

[@barbarabweaver1]

Talking about a Revolution is great. Also, Give me one Reason has a live video with Tracy and Eric Clapton. This song just got a CMA award because it was covered by a country singer this year.

[@itsakittyting]

My favorite Tracy Chapman performance is the one she did together with Eric Clapton doing the song Give Me One Reason ☺ hope you get round to that one some day

[@brenda9140]

⚘Thank you.

[@GreybeardMO]

Released in 1988. Amazing song

[@profanepersonality]

"Give Me One Reason" is even better by her. Any time a woman sings that to her level, I have to walk away before I fall in love. 😂😂😂

[@MrEvenStranger]

The version with Eric Clapton is superb!

[@TheMadJestyr]

The answer to the question: "Do you know how many people have to hold their life back to take care of someone else." is, too many.

[@pfcampos7041]

Tracey Chapmans premiere album came out when I was 15 so that would have been in 87? I wore out my tape cassette. Then had to buy the CD when I was in Art School. She is mad talented. Writes all her own music.

[@JD-fn7qf]

She’s amazing. So heartfelt.

[@Tommy-wm8gi]

Thanks for this. She probably never hit a bad note in her life. Love everything she has done. Put on drive enjoy think.

[@newgrl]

This song is so freakin' depressing. I've been rooting for the protagonist for 35 years now. And every time she loses.

[@angelabordack]

It was uploaded 3 years ago but the song is from 1988

[@maryhanrahan]

Unique voice and meaningful lyrics with a message - I think her best were this one and 'Give me one reason' and 'Revolution' - listened to her back in the 80's often

[@TheDivayenta]

The video was put up 3 years ago. The song is from 1988. Gimme One Reason ( official video or live with Eric Clapton) is my favorite!!!

[@57kwest]

I have a Chapman, Simoné, Jill Scott Playlist for woodworking 😂

[@JohnKenneymusic]

I had the chance in meeting Tracy a few times she played in Harvard Sq in Cambridge as I did we played at the Nameless coffeehouse and busked if front of the Coop store she is the most talented sweetest humblest person I've ever known a real joy to be around .

[@kathrynstafford7099]

Baby Can I Hold You, Give Me One Reason. She has several great songs in the 80s and 90s.

[@nickbelezbubjones6528]

Tune 👌

[@debrablumrogers5096]

I love Tracy! A great talent.❤️

[@garycarver5005]

One of my favourite songs of the 80's, great talent.

[@RhondaHill-mi7cw]

A great talent who deserved to have her music marketed just as much as the mindless, bubblegum majority of music that was, and is, out there that is strictly profit driven. It is a story of the assisted and working poor who strive to better their lives but are caught in the cycle of enforced and deliberate oppression. Too bad that even up until this very day, this song rings so true as the rich get richer, the poor get poorer, and the middle class is ceasing to exist. A very sad commentary on how we have failed as a society. I am so glad that Tracy is getting at least some of the recognition she deserves through the award winning cover of this song by no less than the country and western artist, Luke Combs. Way past time.

[@SparkimusPrime]

My nostalgia! I love her and this song is amazing 💜

[@polmus]

three years ago :D, I listened to this decades ago lol

[@eve7093]

Talking about a revolution ( live ) by her 👌🏼

[@ultem2323]

Go back to 5:52 and make sure you get the message of how this guy betrays her, That's the irony of this song. She is paying all their bills. He goes out & drinks it away. Sees more of his friends that he does his kids or (their kids) I'd always hoped for better. TAKE YOUR FAST CAR & KEEP ON DRIVING, I HAD a feeling I belonged. That's the true weight of song, right there.

[@danielleroberts2498]

@ultem2323 the song is about her father

[@amandathibodeau4996]

I've loved this song since it came out! Strange, but I'm a 63 year old white woman, but this reflects my life and how i felt in my marriage. Divorced for more years than we were married and still friends but this song has always resonated with me.

[@tishatittle1010]

In my family, I'm the one who put my life on hold. Took care of my mom with Alzheimer's and my sister as well. After my mom passed, my sister's were mental and some physical. Now both are now in Heaven. And, it's like I don't what to do with myself now. Cause thinking of taking care of myself is such a foreign concept.

[@marenehanson5526]

Oh I understand that. I’m in same place. Lack of purpose. Then my dog died. Very alone now. ❤

[@SunShine-qk4rb]

Beautiful but ultimately a heartbreaking story about a woman who was just trying her hardest not to end up just like her parents

[@ridgemanron]

This unique sounding artist shuns the spotlight and has never allowed other artists record her songs. some have offered her a for permission but she has never wavered from saying no to all of them.

[@NancyJackson]

I’ve heard her sing that song so much better when she first came out with it. She put so much feeling and energy into it back then. I’ve always loved that song!

[@thewatchmen4920]

It's about life. Ups and downs 🌀⛈️⚡🌪️🏥. Good days and bad. Most of us have been through unless you're 💰💵🏨💵

[@paulharbron8439]

No it was 25 years ago. I'm glad the country version is getting her some royalty checks. Its a song that can teach a man not to mess up

[@brookehornback1896]

She looks and sounds the same as in the 80s

[@charlesdavis7461]

Always made me sad for her but a great song.

[@BetsySchiller-sj2sm]

This song came out a long time ago. She's wonderful ❤ if you like her, you should also check out Phoebe Snow singing Poetry Man. She's brilliant ❤

[@kerrycronin3581]

She did a song called "All That You Have Is Your Soul" It is a chill giver.

[@darkomtobia]

This is a great showcase of acoustic guitar, singing and songwriting. "Another Day In Paradise" by Phil Collins is another worth checking out.

[@trishriley9681]

❤️❤️❤️

[@Tijuanabill]

Instead of three acts, this is a tragedy in three generations.

[@vickihirsch8340]

Her dreams of escaping poverty with her man. But he doesn't change or grow. He's got a FAST CAR but nothing else. She is still where started despite all her work and dreams

[@Peter-oh3hc]

It's knowing that people need to quit school that breaks my heart every time I hear this

[@sheenadees2701]

I would suggest checking out the radio version also because the radio version isn't as sad the live version there's more emotion in it the radio version was more upbeat

[@vickihirsch8340]

This album was late 80s

[@CatholicHousewife2017]

I Love this song by Tracy Chapman - it is so deep. Could you do your next video on: Sinéad O'Connor Nothing Compares 2 U

[@danielleroberts2498]

The song came out in 1988

[@kaceycarter2972]

Harmonize? She the only one signing. You can't harmonize with yourself.

[@merledietrich9168]

Tracey is a cousin to the Jacksons on their mothers side.

[@jamesskelton2988]

30 years ago is much closer

[@doriwiljt]

Not 3 years ago, the release date was April 1988

[@RhetoricalMuse]

Imagine writing a meaningful song, then having to sing it 1000s of times over the years. It's such an unnatural process.

[@missourimomofthree]

it was 35 years ago.

[@dbartyzel]

Poor people have poor choices. Ive tried to teach my kids this.

[@craighanson-rc1md]

I think it's just a song everyone especially women can relate to especially young adult let alone even as adults just thinking you or your partner could be more &/or disappointed by moments where it feels like people be it us or our partner are stuck in neutral & going nowhere. Its often especially these days enhanced by people being out of work or not even bothering to look for work & inflation going up & someone has to asked why they stay or why someone else doesn't pull more of their weight etc.