First Time Hearing Tracy Chapman - FAST CAR (REACTION)

[@christopherhutchings9621]

I cry every time I hear this, memory 💕

[@Lela-plants]

I appreciate this song so much more as a woman in my mid 50s than I ever did as a girl in my 20s.

[@daisylovelock9553]

Ditto

[@Misitheus]

I'm 58 year old dude....but ..yeah... Peace!

[@missmarthafawker]

I feel the same way

[@Torri42ness]

Facts.

[@Paul-fq4mm]

I'm a 38 year old man and I appreciate it more everytime I listen to it...

[@stevemadrid6522]

She sings as though her soul has lived a thousand years.

[@STEPNEYHECKLER-hv3mv]

She sings like her soul is on the outside.

[@stephanymurdy3165]

YES! An old and wise soul!

[@Gregory11811]

What people describe as “an old soul” is often times what a person has become as the result of trauma.

[@maddyp.w.6326]

I’m 75 yrs. old and I remember distinctly when I first heard “Fast Car” …loved it then and still love it. ❤

[@sherryherrick6567]

Me too. I'm 72.

[@bcfran3g844]

I am 75. Kid in thr 1950's Teen in the 60's .

[@celejones9097]

Me too! I am 74. Loved this song back in the day and still do.😊​@@sherryherrick6567

[@236260]

She breaks my heart every time I hear this song. Beautiful and brutal.

[@Marnie-hates-winter]

"Beautiful and brutal" Wow. I couldn't have put it better.

[@adamstevens1204]

Give me one reason too

[@tommymoore8892]

"Brutiful"

[@Sheila-h3f]

Beautiful and brutal. So accurate.

[@janacabenson8503]

Exactly

[@Bumperump]

'Fast Car' was released in 1988 and flew to the top of the charts, mega hit! The world fell in love with Tracy Chapman, she won a Grammy for this.

[@andidreyes5323]

She performed for Nelson Mandela. They asked for this song. It translates pretty well across all of the cultures.

[@richtigersoan]

I was 4 Bruh.... Crazy

[@lorihenrytaylor4438]

This is one of the best songs ever. I still cry every time I really listen to it. I’m also a singer so it’s a fun one to sing along with

[@mjm-7418]

@@lorihenrytaylor4438 I cry too.

[@vettechsrule]

Where did she go?

[@ladame68]

Tracy Chapman's music is timeless. Her music hits hard every time I listen.

[@yabbys5]

Tracy Chapman inspired me to get out. My fast car was joining the Army. I'm so glad she had music to get out.

[@jodymiller4168]

So many layers to this most amazing song! Drunk on pain, drunk on hope, drunk on disappointment... cycle of life, leaving the situation, then repeating it, hoping for better... Tracy Chapman, the Queen of storytelling and that voice!!

[@HammockQueen]

This is a classic example of betrayal trauma. If you don't get at least a little choked up from this song you have no heart. 😢

[@catmini72]

She was SO ahead of her time. It's nice to see that we've finally caught up to her. ❤

[@brendabeckley558]

Give Me One Reason is another of her best works. Love Tracy Chapman and have for well over 30 years.

[@elstongunn4277]

Tracy Chapman OWNS this song lock, stock and barrel. Her voice, her performance, her tone, her phrasing drives the story in a quiet yet completely believable manner that is mesmerizing. It is a sad and melancholy story that retells itself in millions of lives. Exquisite in every way.

[@atuuschaaw]

♥ Tracy Chapman is extraordinary! Now, just a few days ago, 35 years after she released this song, it won "Song of the Year" at the CMAs.

[@laurapalka3685]

No kidding, I didn't know that! Thanks for sharing that bit of information. I was wondering how, even back then at this recorded performance, how she could sing this song with such emotion each time she sang it. Because imagine she's already sang it many dozens of times in the recording studio, then many more performances before she got onto this stage. Then imagine over the years since then HUNDREDS of times she has sung this song. How can she still put emotion into it? Yet I've heard performances of her since then and each is just as brilliant. That comes from within. Amazing!

[@joeypotter6051]

@@laurapalka3685 it won "Song of the Year" but it was repopularised because of a cover by Luke Combs that is perfectly adequate but has nowhere near the raw emotion of the original when Tracy sang it. Every time I heard it, I just wanted to hear the original lol.

[@susanhumphrey6427]

Was the best, or what?! ❤

[@mattmyers6916]

As a grandfather, I have always liked this song but I am growing to be heartbroken by it. I envision my granddaughter as the singer. She is a beautiful young woman who has endured many struggles. Some by her own design, some by outside circumstance. But as the song plays on, I see the deadbeat men she keeps associating with. Her struggles to get ahead and their lack of help. My only reprieve comes as in the latter verses she realizes the truth of these men and tells them to ride on and let her live her life. Beautiful song painfully delivered. TY for your reaction.

[@diane9247]

That was a beautiful reaction, Matt. I, too, have a granddaughter who's had terrible struggles and traumas in her young life. There is nothing I can do but just be here, if and when she decides she wants to get close to someone. Tracy makes me cry starting with the first note. Peace and have a good 2024.

[@MsMarple]

If only these youth knew how much their grandparents and others care. Live the love you feel for her. Do not give up and keep looking for ways to convince her of that love.

[@mermaidmama7880]

Tell your granddaughters how proud you are of her courage and strength. I wish my grandfather had expressed those ideas instead of the disappointment I now recall as the emotions I thought they felt toward me .

[@davy_K]

Her entire first album is brilliant.

[@johnrichardirby]

She invested so much into the men in her life and always refused to give up on them until so much time had already been wasted. Then she tells him to leave when she’s finally had enough. She followed the same pattern as her mother and the cycle repeats itself. Such a powerful song and it’s still relevant to this day.

[@firstsurname7099]

Sure.... 'pose it could be read like that...

[@karmicscope5259]

That’s actually not Tracy Chatman’s personal story, but the story of the character in the song.

[@patrickcorliss8878]

Well put. The character (which I don't imagine is Tracy's own personal experience) starts off with a no-hoper, dead-beat dad and ends up with a no-hoper, dead-beat husband. The kicker is the switch from "we can fly away" to "you can fly away". Great song with great lyrics.

[@Jojo-in1wx]

Y’all know she’s gay?

[@johnrichardirby]

@@Jojo-in1wx Yeah. She is now…

[@kestrelle5345]

I used to see her busking at the Harvard Square Subway station in Cambridge, MA. I'd miss quite a few trains listening to her.

[@diagonotter]

I also lived in Cambridge when she did, used to see her in Bread and Circus

[@debismith6239]

Tracy's performance of Fast Car with country singer Luke Combs at the recent Grammy show was phenomenal. Her shy smile and humble self with his appreciation of her as an artist was magical!

[@dianemullen5396]

Yes please find this and watch it!

[@DonnaKatoArt]

Did you see? Fast Car won song of the year at this year’s CMAs! That’s Country Music Awards! A 35 year old song, testament to its and her greatness.

[@gwenwells2286]

Tracy Chapman is always a hidden gem for new listeners. I'm so lucky to have grown up with her music.

[@ncat4369]

Tragically beautiful song. Her voice is soft but hits you hard. Great song

[@mattrr565]

One of the best songs ever written, and her style makes it all the better. The studio version is beautiful too.

[@christypriest30]

She was a breath of fresh air in the time of hair bands and electronic music

[@nancyp4337]

Yes!!! My mom loved her.

[@lillyann4926]

Fast Car came out when I was in my 20s and blew UP. Huge hit. It made a much bigger impact on me as I grew older. It’s such a hauntingly beautiful song. Tracy Chapman is just an extraordinary artist.

[@STEPNEYHECKLER-hv3mv]

This is about as good as she gets and then there is so much more.

[@reborndaughter445]

Her lyrics knit around and enfold you. Tracy is an honest and humble performer with many great albums. What a gift she is! Hope you enjoy the dive.

[@englishgoordie]

Actually she is supposed to be a absolute nightmare to work with. She pretty much disappeared because nobody would work with her.

[@MsHillsdale]

Middle daughter almost chose this path. (Except dad left us) I played this song over and over for her and she stepped out of destruction's way. She did fight her own addictions but now has 4 years clean and 5 years sober. And no weak men in her circle. This song... It means a lot to us.

[@angelatester2471]

For me she is singing about the lives many live. Hoping to escape and finding another prison. Remembering the dreams of a younger self. Poignant.

[@thewatchmen4920]

Back in the day. Turning 18yrs old. Leaving 🏚️. Going to college or joining the Military. Hoping you come back home. So many challenges in life. All around the 🌍🌎🌏

[@antoinetteshnooda9501]

Love Tracy Chapman , beautiful lady and magical voice . No make up , no fake body part , just beautiful Tracy ❤

[@debmc2291]

She is inside and out

[@wegotlumpsofitroundtheback5065]

True story: I grew up outside Boston. I saw Tracey busking in Harvard Square back in 1985, but at the time I had no idea who she was. Just her and her guitar with an open guitar case for donations. Flash forward two years and I was in my dorm at UMass Amherst when I heard this voice singing from down the hall. I stopped by the room it was coming from and asked the two girls who they were listening to and they showed me the album cover. It was her!! Tracey Chapman.

[@MsJuliette14]

That’s amazing that you saw her in the square and just like that she catapulted into fame.

[@pumpkinpie999]

Thanks for sharing your story ❤

[@L8nitedave]

Thats a great story and she's unforgettable.

[@patriciamurphy6730]

Great story.

[@airinyourtires2931]

i keep forgetting she's from massachusetts! honored to be from the same state as her

[@meadowlarkb.427]

Tracy Chapman sings so intimately. Every song, every lyric is different but absolutely real.

[@rplewis]

This song always hits.

[@Peter-oh3hc]

I understand the reasons, but "I quit school that's what I did" breaks my heart every single time

[@thewatchmen4920]

The only perfect people who don't make any mistakes are the ones in the ⚰️🪦

[@leslierobertsbelkner1428]

Agreed! That’s the line that punches you in the gut…

[@thatbostonchick890]

I love how wholesome your reaction is to her music. She has this velvety voice that’s absolutely perfect for this song… pouring herself and her heart out amidst all this turmoil and inner conflict. Tracey Chapman is a treasure ❤️

[@editorgyrl17]

I see you reacting to so many powerful, iconic songs from artists, and a lot of them as live performances. I ALWAYS hope you’ll go and listen to the studio recorded versions. Led Zeppelin, Elton John, KD Lang, Tracy Chapman…the album versions are even better.

[@vivianarosemena9952]

Hi Polo, I loved you played Tracy Chapman Fast Car. There's no one else like her. I remember exactly where I was the first time I heard this song,1988. I loved it instantly as most people do. Please play Tracy's Baby Can I Hold You , from the same album. Chokes me up every time I hear it. This album nominated for 6 Grammys 1989, won 3, Tracy won best new folk artist, she's sooo fab! Thanks for playing her, you're the best Polo!❤

[@mellowlemonmoon]

God she's amazing. This song just shatters your heart.

[@sallyrutledge4726]

Beautiful... goose-bump producing... so real that it hurts. I'm an old white lady who grew up in Ann Arbor and on Detroit sounds. Tracy Chapman is one of my all time favorites. Laid back... gives us hope but then rips your guts out at the same time. Yes... it is a movie with pain coming. So many, many, many of our kids have lived through this... and some never made it.

[@davidmichaelson1092]

She was very shy about her fame. I saw her once live at an Amnesty International concert. She was relatively new to the scene then, but the other acts showed her enormous kindness. She did "Don't Give Up" with Peter Gabriel, and she nailed it. When she was up for her gig, she was backed by Springsteen's E Street band. At one point she looked around at them like she couldn't believe they were there backing her. A grad school friend of mine went to college with Tracy Chapman. Apparently she really is that shy. Want a REALLY amazing female vocalist (and piano player...she originally wanted to be a concert pianist but in those days no chance): Nina Simone. One of the greatest voices in history.

[@theConquerersMama]

Ohhh, Nina ❤️❤️❤️❤️

[@MsAppassionata]

Great suggestion!

[@tammycordrey9317]

She is an amazing story teller. I really enjoy her music puts a smile on my face and joy in my heart. She is her authentic self and that is beautiful just the way God created her to be.

[@Daali]

amen!

[@tholbrook29]

She has a way of making people understand other peoples lives as if we’ve lived that way ourselves. Her gift is giving people empathy. I looooove this song. Her story telling skills are unreal

[@tomh5006]

Folk singer, story teller. Let's not look past her guitar playing. Finger playing too strumming and singing. Just her and her guitar. Great stuff man, just GREATNESS

[@dianedarby442]

I remember the first time I heard Tracy Chapman (I think it was "Give Me One Reason") she reminded me so much of Bob Dylan in the way her delivery helps to tell the story / makes the words so much more impactful. Love the reactions!

[@saraparker9765]

So beautiful ❤ Tracy Chapman is absolute fire 🔥All her songs are breathtaking 😊❤❤❤

[@cozycottage1970]

Tracy has been hands down, my absolute favorite artist/musician since I first heard her voice and songs in the late 80's when I was a teenager. Her songs are intricately and amazingly written, and timeless. Her voice is so soulful and beautiful. Her music cuts through to my core and I will never tire of it. Thank you so much for posting this video. 💗

[@saraheart2804]

Talkin' Bout a Revolution by Tracy brings me tears. She is just great.

[@margiesummers1303]

I love this so much. She sings my childhood.

[@brianbrooks1285]

Hey fellows if you find a girl out there like this truthful and all, willing to put everything she's got into someone to make a better future together! Go for it, you won't go wrong! What a great voice she has!

[@poloreacts27]

facts

[@pfcampos7041]

Yeah, but treat her better than this guy!

[@TheDivayenta]

@@ZsaraRealTalk what does sexuality have to do with character? Besides, OP said “ if you find a woman who…..”. He didn’t specify Tracy.

[@firstsurname7099]

@@pfcampos7041 Which guy?

[@approvedbychris]

This song came out in 1988 when I was 20. I wasn't a fan and didn’t get it back then. Now at 55 and having a lot more life experiences - I get it. Brings tears to my eyes. So many layers.

[@MsMarple]

35 years later I STILL LOVE Tracy Chapman! Didn’t know her background till I read it here. As always, thank you for listening to and appreciating the ‘soundtrack of my life’. There’re some GREAT songs and artists in there, and Tracy was a fav. She spent awhile during her Tufts College years in my backyard - in and around Boston - which we are very proud of. Btw, she won 3 - that’s THREE Grammies for this song. You bring me back to my early musical loves, but I love the reaction from sensitive musical souls such as yourself. I think you have started a career!

[@KrypticNerve]

I remember listening to this as a teen when it dropped for the first time and I made it one of the first songs on all my playlists (born 1980)

[@jeremybilbrey1133]

one of the best written song ever.

[@amylou5757]

I know another artist did it. BUT!!! Nobody can Fast Car like her. She's amazing!!!

[@Rosiepooh75]

Tracy Chapman is amazing. My favorites from her are: Behind the Wall (A-Capella) Across the Lines Talkin' About a Revolution

[@poloreacts27]

Gotta check these out

[@Peter-oh3hc]

Great choices

[@TehAmelie]

Chapman was never afraid to get real. My foremost recommendation is her cover of "The Times they are A-changing". Without changing a word, she just sings it like she means it; every word considered, deliberate.

[@Peter-oh3hc]

@@TehAmelie just listened to it. That was brilliant. Thanks

[@EricAndrewDodson]

I also nominate Crossroads

[@annabellgrey7657]

Tracy Chapman is just ……awwwwwww incredible! Meltingly so. ❤❤❤

[@juliabures204]

This song gives me chills every single time I hear her sing it !

[@Jeanean61TX]

I love your reaction. I can see the delighted happiness. I Love Her, always have. It’s the late 70’s, early 80’s. ❤

[@henryfreeman7748]

Tracy is a uniquely beautiful and talented woman, a truly wonderful artist 😎

[@brendamccready2928]

I have her on my play list. I listen to her daily. Bang Bang. Can I hold you and so much more wonderful music 😃❤️✌️

[@jenniferscott3527]

Tracy Chapman brings me to tears. Her voice is filled with so much emotion. ❤❤❤

[@MLeibs]

Next Tracey song to hear is Baby Can I Hold You Tonight. Another beautiful gem!

[@theConquerersMama]

Great song

[@jennifercortijo9490]

That one tears me to pieces.

[@Avigailish]

I get teary eyed every time she sings the words "...I had a feeling a could be someone, be someone"... 🧸Hope is such an elusive thing

[@michelleedler3414]

Her voice is one that just gets me every time. I could listen to her sing out of the phone book. Storyteller music was really big in the 90s. I wish it would come back.

[@CherylStyles-kz7yz]

I am Canadian and have love this amazing Artist since 1989 she's real !

[@pdatnc]

One of those unforgettable songs that feel you're living and not just hearing.

[@Yourenotreal7]

Love her❤

[@JoelJB60]

Tracy Chapman is amazing. She has such a unique delivery and sound, beautiful.

[@poloreacts27]

I loved the vibe of this track

[@scorpionlxvi]

Joan armatrading 1970s

[@karlakirkland5535]

JOAN ARMATRADING.... was the precursor to Tracy...."Love and Affection", listen to it.

[@ajp4860]

This song has so much soul. She was a street singer. So talented. I first saw her on SNL in the late 80s early 90s. I can’t believe you’re just now discovering her.

[@TheJuniperTree11]

Ive loved this song for more than 30 years. It was my anthem for 13 years. Still makes me cry. Shes amazing.

[@RonDexter]

Takes me back to my early days in the Air Force. I was stationed in Japan when this came out and I instantly went to the store and bought the cassette (yes I'm that old). Her lyrics are amazing

[@glibbyglobglooby5789]

At This Time In My Life is another one of Tracy Chapman's great ones.

[@elizabethle221]

Everything about her voice, her lyrics, I love. As the last lady said...Now I am in my 60's I appreciate the sensitivity in her lyrics. Good on you for stepping out of your comfort zone. All the best and cheers, from Elizabeth in Australia.

[@carolcollins4546]

Yes it's a very powerful song... God love you for recognising that and also enjoying it 👍

[@anthonyfamularo8875]

Wow, I was a little surprised to hear you say it's the kind of song that puts you in a good mood! I must've heard it hundreds of times when it was a radio hit, and I'd usually end up switching stations because it made me too sad.

[@ojsofus]

Tracy Chapman has an identical twin, and they live in San Francisco. We shopped the same space, and I only one time fangirled

[@Chris-kj7de]

Love, love, love, Tracy Chapman!

[@georgesheffield1580]

Check out her singing w/ Lochio Pavarotti

[@susanpolice8465]

I remember the first time I heard Tracy on a college radio station in Tampa...I was mesmerized and I kept calling to request it AGAIN till they CUT ME OFF! I just LOVE HER ! Thank you for The reaction! YOU ROCK!!! More Women PLEASE!!💞🕊☮

[@TerminalFailSafe]

Tracy Chapman is one of the most underplayed and unappreciated artists! I have listened to her and still have my albums, cassettes and CDs. I love her voice and as you said, her songs paint a picture in your mind and tells the story of so many people’s lives.

[@sanseiryu]

I am crushed and emotional every time I hear her sing this song. This wrung me out feeling her optimism despite the hardship, her dream of changing her life, all it would take is just the slightest change of fortune, a hand that reaches out to help. Poverty sucks! Do you not want to just be seen and heard? Nothing that I hear form music today comes close to this incredibly quiet simple song that tears my soul to pieces. To say that this is something that you would listen to while cleaning your house, is probably proof that you have no idea of what she was trying to say. Nice try but here's hoping that you will finally 'get' it.

[@txtopaz7997]

Beautifully worded.

[@jamesw1313]

Yes. Absolutely perfectly stated.

[@christiaanvandenakker901]

To be fair he said that before he heard the final crushing verse when her hope is gone.

[@jenniferscott3527]

I so felt this comment...well said ❤

[@DanDunbar-w4u]

This is the song sampled in "Sometimes I Rhyme Slow" by Eric B. And Rakim

[@hmonster1XL]

Sade is another singer from the same time period who is so smooth and laid back.

[@annwilson6606]

Beautiful, beautiful, beautiful.

[@veronicawaters3310]

I grew up loving this song and her. This is one of the best songs ever sung by one of the most beautiful and powerful soulful voices ever. Tracy has always been one of my top five favorites overall. ❤ So glad you finally heard it and appreciate it as much as it should be.

[@Buster316]

so happy shes still getting her recognition. Shes everything good inside and out, what an extraordinary human being. ♥♥

[@ruanniemann2604]

Sometimes your best memory is remembering how much you wanted something.

[@susanhumphrey6427]

Tracy Chapman is just amazing. Unique & beautiful voice.

[@gregharris4101]

Tracy Chapman is a great singer, songwriter With a fantastic voice and intelligent, insightful lyrics. She is a very private person who once said, after the release of her first album, that being famous and in the spotlight didn't suit her, and she might be the wrong person for the job. She is also multifaceted, If you like "Fast Car" try "Give Me One Reason". It's a Blues tune which she performed live for nearly a decade before releasing it.

[@grumpynanny7402]

Love Tracy Chapman. Every time we went on a car journey this was played

[@carolynquinn8325]

The expression on your face in the first few seconds of this song pretty much says it all. I think what she conveys with her presence and talent reels all of us in who value such beautiful authenticity. No need for bells and whistles when one has such deep roots. Whenever I feel down, there's something about her song "All That You Have Is Your Soul" that puts me right back on track. "don't be tempted by the shiny apple, don't you eat of a bitter fruit, hunger only for a taste of justice, hunger only for a world of truth".

[@TheDivayenta]

Bam that hit me hard tonight 😢

[@justkiddin84]

It’s such a beautiful song, her voice, her guitar. The hope, the heartbreak, and the fast car. ♥️✌️ Thank you, Tracy, for this gift.

[@lyn2569akaLynette]

Yes, Goddess Tracy has always gotten all of the accolades that she deserves🙏🏼🙏🏼🙏🏼🌺💝✌️🐿️

[@SkwithOv]

i adore this song so much and tracy chapman in general, she has such a beautiful voice and such powerful words

[@Sunpetal4ev]

Now I am exhausted. One of my favorites love tnis one so much! Have to watch it again.

[@kathykenzel5921]

and I love Tracy Chapman's voice

[@patriciamurphy6730]

Glad Tracy Chapman is getting praise. She is so deserving. Please check out her other songs. She is more than just this song.

[@carolwyban3947]

Tracy should be famous. She’s fabulous. Everything she does is deep and meaningful

[@megnakamura7652]

She is famous.

[@dreawearsshoes]

Very famous 😊 I listened to her for the last 30 years. She has had hits, for sure

[@legal_addiction62]

Top 2 favorite song. # 1 Otis Redding Sitting on the dock of. The bay #2 This song omg the ups & downs of her voice & her story takes my heartbeat with it. I love this song. Never ever get sick of it, i could play it on repeat all day!!

[@kennethroy2911]

Love this song Tracy is great , try Reberta Flack First time every I saw your face