Why FAST CAR is a perfect song

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[@MarySpender]

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[@vbarrto]

What interface is this and phone app to tune guitar?

[@Chucklingsaneman]

Can’t wait to come see you you’re a true inspiration to people everywhere and a reminder that true musicians still exist. Love you Mary you’re absolutely killing it

[@brusselssprouts560]

Wise words pet. Good luck in your career.

[@atynan40]

Any plans to do some dates in the US?

[@johnwestover206]

What guitar are you using?

[@Birkguitars]

"We repeat what we don't repair". That hit hard. Great video.

[@johnbarker5009]

No kidding. That goes so far to explaining why some people make the same mistakes constantly throughout their lives, while others transcend all of that in a way that looks effortless but isn't even close to that. For myself, I know I "wasted" about 5 years of my life figuring out how to climb out of the things which otherwise would have doomed me to that exact cycle of repeatedly falling into the same traps. Even beyond that, making ourselves who we wish to be isn't an event, it's a decades-long journey.

[@Bbbbad724]

I am 63 and blind and I built fast cars and worked like crazy. My wife has stood by me and we are still in love. I wanted to give her so much more. We educated our kids and she got a master’s degree and we both worked hard. I’m glad for what we had. And what we still have. But I was raised in poverty and my mother abused me terribly. And the interpretation of living your life trying to escape that mistreatment and sense of loss. I refused to accept the truth, but it is true. I can’t drive and escape. I have to practice spirituality. I so miss the freedom of driving. I became a hard man and a teacher of dignity and discipline. I want to live and share my life with my wife until we are 100. To realize that I have no need to escape, I am now at peace. Thank you Mary. You nailed this song perfectly, chapter, line and verse. And the only freedom is the permission that you give yourself to live.

[@Musician-Lee]

That’s an incredibly moving story. Thanks for sharing it publicly

[@howardowens721]

Thank for sharing such an honest and vulnerable insight in your life. It was moving to read.

[@ericdeer5887]

“The only freedom is the permission you give yourself to live” that hit me like a ton of bricks.

[@martinrobinson936]

Sounds like your wife was your helping hand to guide you to a new path. My second wife certainly has done so for me, but I still have to strive. Peace.

[@colinboniface194]

Academia means nothing if you lack the ability to dream. Bbbbad, you obviously have vision, you are a survivor and you are living the dream... Success is not measured by wealth, it is measured being free enough to set your own measure, and be content...

[@carolmartin4413]

1988 Wembley Stadium...we watched Tracy Chapman walk out to sing again. She quieted a raucous crowd of 74,000 ...scared, missed breaths from fear...this young woman unfolded into a world class singer/songwriter on a world stage. It was a life remembering experience...for her and for us. Nice job on your rendition and interpretation.

[@bruceharlick3322]

I saw her at the Amnesty International Concert in Oakland, CA in 1988. Playing on a bill with Bruce Springsteen, Peter Gabriel, and other high-powered acts, that woman and her guitar had us spellbound during her entire set. Been lucky enough to see her a couple of times since then. It's always a treat.

[@KyleS.1987]

Tracy's a master of her craft. Makes me happy to see her good work being recognized.

[@hosermage]

Really digging this new style of content, a mix of musical history, lyrics interpretation, and of course snippets of your singing. More, please.

[@DeeEllEff]

I am reminded of the time when you helped your friend Rick Beato describe how/why Jim Croce’s song “Operator” was a subtle work of genius. Likewise is “Fast Car.” And seeing that feeling of pride written on Luke Combs’ face at the Grammys as he performed it with Tracy…YES

[@TeclaSAPcomUlissesCarvalho]

Thank you, Tracy. Thank you, Mary. We’re so lucky to have both of you. 👏❤👏❤👏❤👏❤👏❤

[@atynan40]

Got chills when you sang that first line!!!

[@atynan40]

Yeah and by the end I was in tears lol. Thank you! So good

[@TomSramekJr]

The best part of the duet was how much Luke was grateful to have Tracy there, even though it was his cover version that had driven the song back to prominence. A great lesson in giving credit where credit was due....

[@KevinMerinoCreations]

What a wonderful way to tell the story of Tracy Chapman telling her story! The context you highlight and the tangential moments captured do an excellent job shining light on both her and your ability to entertain! 👏👏👏

[@classicraceruk1337]

After 70 odd years I agree “we repeat what we don’t repair. “ I remember the day I stopped repeating 35 years ago. I planned went to university for the first time when I was in my late. 30’s. Went from a Bench in the park to a great life.

[@luisripoll1361]

i don't know the specific therapist referenced in the video, but sigmund freud wrote about this in nearly the same sense at the turn of the 20th century, in works like 'remembering, repeating, and working through' and 'beyond the pleasure principle,' the latter describing a tendency to repeat transcends the usual principle of pursuing pleasure and avoiding unpleasure, in order to master experiences initially felt to be out-of-control or traumatic. bearing witness and seeing things in a new way can be crucial!

[@classicraceruk1337]

@@luisripoll1361 You should not need other people to solve your problems. A bit of careful thought works wonders. I have never heard of that person before either. I just sat there and said to myself WTF are doing.

[@0num4]

@@classicraceruk1337 "should" is the mother of all mistakes. I'm glad you got out of your bad spot in life. You ought to be proud--truly. But most people in hard positions do need a helping hand, a bit of outside perspective, or at least an example to follow. Family, preachers, therapists, close friends, professors, or even just someone with a simple act of kindness can be a catalyst for major change. We've evolved to be social creatures, dependent on each other in order to overcome adversity and our individual limitations. The old "pulling up by the bootstraps" is largely a myth, after all. Personal responsibility is unbelievably important, but very few of us are islands.

[@classicraceruk1337]

@@0num4 Rubbish……You have had this crap spouted over social media. Expectations are pushed too high. When in fact what these expectations are false. I was quite happy playing on bomb sites, second hand clothes etc. I was not in a bad place just a stupid place. Pink Floyd had it correct, Running around over the same old ground, what have we found? The same old fears.

[@TheChrisCarrington]

I love Tracy Chapman. The self-titled album is nearly perfect from start to finish, so many great songs. I saw her in Munich in about 2003. When she sang Behind the Wall, she did it acapella, all the lights out in the area except a small spot on her. I cried. It was so beautiful. Her music is deep and full of stories and her melodies are unbelievable. One of the greatest musicians I ever had the pleasure to know about.

[@Brian-L]

I grew up with this song but never really "listened" to the lyrics, only hearing them. Gratitude to you Mary for breaking down this legendary tune. Your rendition was just as powerful as Tracy's performance. I'd love to hear more of your insights and observations of other artists and their music!

[@gvnpeacock]

You have found a genre that you are uniquely talented for, and I hope you do more of this.

[@tonecaster8102]

I love how you combine telling the story of the song and performing it! 🖤

[@scottkidwell3601]

Thank you, Mary 🙏🏻 I first heard "Fast Car" on the radio when I was stationed in Alaska. I bought the cassette the next time i went to town. Listened to it a lot, and tried to learn it on the guitar. Still a great song.

[@odelljl]

Beautifully written and delivered review of an American classic. I appreciate the song even more after hearing your analysis and tribute. Thank you so much for that

[@RollDeBonz2112]

I'm so glad that another generation was introduced to her immense talent. Her voice, melodies and lyrics just touch your soul.

[@geoffreyfrance9202]

Im guilty of knowing this song but never truly understanding it. You made me listen. Thank you

[@carolynramer600]

I was 16 when the Human Rights Now! tour came to Costa Rica. I ditched school (with my mom's permission) to go to the concert. The lineup was Bruce Springsteen, Peter Gabriel, Sting, Youssou N'Dour, and Tracy Chapman. At the time, I had no idea who Tracy Chapman was, but when she hit that stage, all by herself with no massive band behind her, with just her acoustic guitar and a red light in the background, I was floored! Her performance was flawless and enchanting. Up to this day, Tracy Chapman is one of my favorite artists, and the experience of seeing her perform back in 1988 remains at the top of my list.

[@fernleaf07]

Such fine vocals. I see Tracy Chapman standing over your shoulder and smiling.

[@zac3392]

She ain’t dead…

[@jaconova]

@@zac3392 Thanks for saying so, I was worried

[@davek729]

Great video! I first heard it on the radio when it came out in 1988. I am still deeply moved by it 35+ years later. I see it as a narrative that is both hopeful and crushing. But the narrator is continuously the source of strength as you suggest. I first saw Chapman on the 1988 Amnesty Tour, where they played in stadiums worldwide. She was a late addition to the tour that included Bruce Springsteen, Sting, Peter Gabriel, and others. They all had big stadium-ready shows. I saw her in Montreal in a very large cavernous stadium. Chapman appeared on stage just with her acoustic guitar, and she received a thunderous ovation--just an incredible, very moving moment.

[@HubofLovin]

Simply Brilliant. I wasn't expecting a lesson in advanced psychology but became so very impressed by Mary's 'deep dive' analysis. Thank you Mary for your top shelf productions, your taste, talent and skill. You're the best.

[@jlionz]

Mary, this is one of the most brilliant and moving analysis of a song I have heard from anyone in a long time and I want to thank you I learned so much just from the way that you approached what the characters were going through what the lyrics were saying, the melody was doing.I don’t need to add anything more but thank you thank you thank you for taking the time to do this. It was brilliant.

[@Tonedefy]

Such a big radio hit, but I can still vividly remember hearing and actually LISTENING to it for the first time when I was on my late teens in the 90s. Chapman’s lyric deeply resonated with me at the time, being in a situation where I felt trapped and longing for a better life! What a brilliant song!!!

[@gordonwong7158]

One of your best videos. More deep dives of any song from you would be amazing. thank you

[@firstnlast4779]

“I’m not going anywhere” 💡 Thanks. Changes the song. 👍🏻

[@WestCoastProf]

I like this video format. It reminds me of Rick Beato's "What makes this song great", except from a songwriter perspective rather than a producer. Well done.

[@natalievelasquez2664]

Every day time that chord progression is played, it takes over your senses and almost puts you in a trance. Phenomenal way to present this video in the way that you did with such a delicate and sensible approach.

[@HUK38]

This is the kind of video I wanna watch more of her...I like her approach to analysing songs.

[@masterxyr]

what an endearing and insightful video intertwining Tracy's beautiful songwriting and take on life with your own keen observations. A wonderful editing and scripting job to, Mary. Happy things and congrats on the new album!

[@JWForce1059]

I learned this for my wife recently, as this is her favorite song. That was a fun one to surprise her with!

[@mitchweiner]

I’m glad you referenced “The River “ by Bruce Springsteen,to me,the epitome of a perfect song and probably his best! It was the reason I became a Springsteen fan! I had never heard such depth in a rock song!

[@heidih2887]

A beautiful, insightful and respectful presentation of Tracy and her amazing skill and artistry! I became a huge Tracy fan from the first few notes of the first song I heard! MAGIC!

[@Laguy211]

That was an amazing breakdown of an all time classic.❤❤

[@Swimdeep]

Loved this video and your vocal phrasing on Fast Car. I very much enjoy your reaction videos; your insights are valuable.

[@lukeshawmusic]

Hey Mary thanks for the video! Awesome work.

[@zv8629]

Yes please do more of these. Really enjoyed this

[@warriorprincess865]

One of my all time fave songs ❤❤ you covered this beautifully 😍

[@sjazzp]

Great video and story Mary, this song brings me so many memories from the time when it was released

[@geoflyr]

“You can sleep while I drive” by Melissa Etheridge is also a great classic American driving and getting away from it all song. However Fast Car is one of my favorites!

[@defariase]

This is one of my favorite videos. Thank you for posting it. Cheers!

[@kellyverbicky2482]

Thank you Mary for sharing your breakdown of this powerful song. Your rendition was wonderful to listen to as well.

[@BookManiac1965]

Most interesting video Mary has done in awhile. Love the breakdown of Fast Car and The River. We need more of this.

[@mahina1963]

You sang this beautifully, with certain inclinations, that made me feel that song, even more than back then when it first came out!

[@enormouslittlethings6893]

That voice… that song… what a beautiful combination. Bravo, Mary. ❤️

[@AlleyKatt]

I didn't realise just how much Tracy Chapman's "Fast Car" always poked at my heart strings until just now after watching your wonderful take on it. Love this video, and you made my eyes leak a little.

[@TroyNaumu808]

Your work in music Ms. Mary Spender is also magic.

[@bulldograstus]

Thank you for this wonderful video. I really enjoyed your interpretation.

[@rocknreplay]

She's definitely an underrated musician. But also very humble and down to earth. I was very happy to see her song get a new life, but also glad that I was around for the song's debut and her rise to fame.

[@stephenreese9841]

Thank you Ms Spender... that was over the top!!

[@Humergaboo]

An excellent break down of an excellent song and artist. Mary you did this song justice with your performance of it. Thank You!

[@tezk9044]

I have watched PARTS of your video's b4 , BUT watched this one ALL THE WAY THROUGH . so i Subscribed .

[@ronbrumble6493]

Yes, love these deep dives. Hearing someones perspective on songs I grew up with or just love, is fascinating. The points of view you presented for Fast cars were some that I had not thought of, or simply did not read that far into the lyrics. Thank you Mary Also, as always, I love your voice and flare for your unique takes on covers.

[@tmarkrogers]

As so often with your content: a beautifully constructed video Mary. Wonderful subject, insightfully and respectfully interpreted. Thank you.

[@FedericoMatarazzo]

This was awesome and wholesome. Lack of attention made me try to quit watching to do something else, but i was just magnetised but the way you narrate. Love. This!

[@dazmusic101]

Love the deep dive! Please do more.

[@pirat87pl]

When I heard your and Leo's cover of this song, I immediately fell in love with that version of it. It is consistently in my top listened tracks every year. I didn't really know that song before it cause it's not really know in my country.

[@simoningate2056]

That was lovely Mary - thanks for doing - now off upstairs to learn it.

[@ShojiTakahashi]

wonderful op-vid! Great editing... your vocal rendition does Fast Car justice.

[@raymondwilliams7638]

I always loved this song. Thank you for the beautiful insights Mary! 😃❤🙏✌

[@InventorZahran]

It was your cover of this song (featuring Reina Del Cid) that first introduced me to it!

[@sword649]

Wow, so deeply informative! I watched that Mandla concert in real time, it was spectacular and don't recall the variable's about how she/Tracy got the gig. Thanks Mary, you're the real deal in your love of music, the in & outs what it takes, both making mistakes and the fact that there is no magic wand. Just a lot time spend in love with the sound plus hopefully smart choices and good people around to help pave a path bringing that love to the surface. Once again, nice one!

[@sergiomendes351]

Thank you very much for this video, it brought tears to my eyes!

[@cfusilier2]

This was beautiful. Thanks so much.

[@nerdmommy7114]

more lyrics deep dive pleaseeeeeee. this is so good!!!! love hearing your perspective and your research!

[@Musician-Lee]

What a fantastic video Mary. Thank you!

[@mattdeblassmusic]

I hadn't really thought about how "Fast Car" and "The River" had so much in common, before. Certainly both of them were really relatable growing up in a struggling working class family. And both of them have a few lines that cut you right to the bone. "Leave tonight or live and die this way" or "is a dream a lie if it don't come true, or is it something worse." Great breakdown!

[@andykramer4707]

Mary, that was outstanding. I like the story, then the lyrics. It is a great way to reinforce the story.

[@casanovawines]

Well done Mary. Such an eloquent analysis of a great song.

[@thispath]

This was a fantastic analysis of this beautiful song. Thank you

[@marcuscarrozza732]

I remember this song and Tracy Chapman from back in my teen years, she is only 4 years older than me . She was really talented and I was surprised that she disappeared for a while after a few hit songs . Fast car was one of those songs. Nice to know she is still around and making music . Thanks Mary🌹

[@RandalRoberts-jj5db]

Outstanding video - really enjoy your work

[@LateNightIM]

I love this song and your take on it. I remember when it came out and learning to play it as a kid. I wish I had your finger style chops. Thanks for making this video. I do want to see more of this. It reminds me of Rick's stuff -- what makes this song great. Except from the songwriter's POV instead of the musician. So yes please, more.

[@wilhelmhagberg4897]

It’s a truely great song, and great analyzis! I’ve been following your videos mainly for the guitar contents, somehow I’ve missed what a great singing voice you have! ❤️

[@johnnymossville]

She remains positive, even after living in another failure after seeing her mom and dad fail. I agree she is a strong woman, and never seems to give up hope, even when others around her do. One of the greatest songs ever written. Hits the same today as it did when she wrote it. Loved it then, love it even more now that I've grown up and have seen things.

[@rayo1371]

wow .. what a journey ... remember being quite rocked ... still play the album and no less moving as it was then .. nice video and beautiful singing

[@itstwenty20]

This was a wonderful essay, Mary, thank you!

[@luiseduardobittencourtreis4283]

Thank you for this fantastic video!

[@martinmaenza5513]

Mary, I enjoyed this look at a classic. I have always loved this song - from the first time I heard it back in the 80’s. Keep up the amazing (as always) content.

[@JoeBouchardRockStar]

Thank you, Mary. So emotional. That was the best!...😌

[@jhenrikandersen]

❤ love the Way You give a insight in the song. I remember the song from my youth and I loved it. Love when you make this kind of videos

[@StaceJohnson]

Wonderful video, mary, and thank you for leaving the distrokid advertisement until the end. I still watched it all the way through, and I have a distrokid account, but it's nice to be able to watch the video without the interruption in the middle

[@TroubleNow]

Great vid! I fell in love with this song and the whole album back when it first came out.

[@alecuando]

Totally agree whith you Mary... thanks

[@user-bo9vg6hy1s]

What a fascinating analysis. It really opens up they meaning of the song. Your performance of the song is outstanding, also.

[@stockwelljr]

A GREAT song for certain!!! Almost every time I listen to it my eyes well up with water.

[@mediocreape]

You really are incredibly talented. an effective communicator, a great singer, and a deeply interesting person. God Bless. Happy easter.

[@fabianthio4011]

What a lovely video showing the inspirational song fast car. Hey Mary, seriously your vocals totally did justice to Tracy itself. Keep up the good work!

[@pbooth0822]

Perfect song for your voice!

[@nlmoya7846]

Excellent deep dive, I would sign up for your class. I love knowing the background and inspiration of songs, makes the connection to the song so much more personal. I await any future deep dives on just about any song or artist. Hard to suggest just one….but The River sounded like a good one to breakdown. Thanks again.

[@gshick]

Loved this video!

[@macruudje]

Thank you for revisiting Fast Car - one of my all time favourites - singing it and sharing your Tracy Chapman story

[@bobcleveland7316]

Wonderful breakdown of this classic!

[@tylerhackner9731]

One of my favorite songs

[@barbaravyse660]

That was beautiful!

[@GaryRosenberg-wl6zg]

Great job Mary!!

[@alanbudgen2672]

Great video. I remember when it came out, it wasn't the sort of thing I was listening to at the time, but it just struck me straight away as something special. It is one of the best songs of the 80s... and all time.

[@cheneyrobert]

Your Frog Leap cover is on my running playlist 👏👏👏that version is outstanding 👏👏👏your vocals really warm to this song 🥂

[@ecurie101]

Mary, you get to the kernel of every song & songwriter that you review. Your videos are so refreshing! I missed most of the good music of the '70's & '80's but a few years ago I was drawn to the Dire Staits that my wife was playing. That's how I found you on KZbin as I was looking for more of Mark's music. Your voice complements and enhances all of these songs that you have chosen to cover. I'm not a musician, so I can't give details but I can enjoy! I see the hard work you are putting into what you do but also the enjoyment you get from it. And the fun and lighter side. Like hugging your new found 1936 Epiphone. Like it was a puppy from the pound or a kitten that chose you.