British guitarist analyses Tracy Chapman live in 1998!

[@derred723]

the lyrics are ridiculously good and real and genuine.

[@TheEricroberson]

She is amazing

[@adamlane6453]

I cry every time I hear this song. Every. Damn. Time.

[@gregoryemmitt252]

instablaster

[@lawrencewestby9229]

"Fast Car" was nominated for a Grammy as Song of the Year. It lost to Bobby McFerrin's "Don't Worry, Be Happy". 1989 was the last time I watched the Grammy Awards.

[@johnnymossville]

Now that is a tragedy. Her song is far superior.

[@gingercat777]

Whaaaaaaaaaaat!....yeah the Grammy's sux.

[@saraheart2804]

Listen, Don't Worry Be Happy is fun but I wouldn't consider it a great song.

[@IMJW1000]

I still sometimes sing, "Don't worry, be happy", but I never cry when I hear that song. I always cry, when I hear "Fast Car". I have never watched the Grammies.

[@LiamDTurner]

Jethro Tull VS Metallica?....Anyone?!?

[@tahoemike5828]

I went to the Amnesty International benefit in Oakland, Ca back when this song was a hit. It was actually a pretty lackluster show, until the moment Tracy Chapman came on stage. When she started singing it stopped me in my tracks, snapped my attention back to the stage, and I stood there in awe while she sang. She was the unequivocal highlight of the night, and among the greatest performances I have ever seen live.

[@jonnyroy2008]

YES! I was there…..to see Sting....but he was a no-show :-/ Then Tracy made the day!

[@jenwendy7]

Wow that's awesome.

[@frankromero5581]

I wish i was there too . geesh . those were the days my friend . 👌

[@phil2bfree]

Tracy has so many talents----singer, songwriter, musician and story teller. What I admire about her is stayed true to herself & did not go through the traditional route: "I wanna be a pop star & play music that people can dance to" etc. Instead of looking for big bucks & celebrity status, her songs are more rooted in folk music & she has been involved in social activism. These are not ways to rake in loads of cash. We need more Tracy Chapmans!!

[@jazzcat8786]

Such a beautiful song!! Her voice over the verses is amazing, telling a story and playing really cool chord melodies🤯 her first album is awesome🤘🏻

[@bekind6763]

Ditto!😎

[@TheSillykelly]

I bet anyone here who was around when that song came out, has a distinct memory of where they were at in life. It’s one of those memory invoking, little bit melancholy songs❤️ Great video👍

[@boydrid]

I think most good music or at least the music you like is that way. And yes I do know that there is a difference between what you might like and what is considered good by other artists.

[@trudiborland3867]

Watched the Nelson Mandela 70th birthday concert and remember watch her walk out onto the stage by herself and I was blown away. Her whole debut album is just one mind blowing song after another. Behind The Walls sends shivers down my spine every time I hear it.

[@lisajohnsoneinhorn]

I do. At the Jersey shore with my husband and six month old baby. We didn’t have cable in Brooklyn but the motel did. I wept when I heard this song.

[@suzannelemieux3357]

Hey, I even remember the exact place I was in my apartment the first time I heard this song! It sure got my attention. I stopped what I was doing and just stared at the radio...such an amazing song..

[@shawnbates1804]

Was 12 snd in group homes. Didnt feel so alone when i heard this song

[@teacat55]

You can feel the rush of the wind through the windows when the chorus kicks in. Every. Damn. Time

[@BeatlesCentricUniverse]

Tracy Chapman has so many great songs. A true artist. I saw her live in the early 90s and she was amazing. I remember she talked about how much she respected John Lennon. Great analysis Fil!

[@BeatlesCentricUniverse]

Her first album is great. Her most well-known songs are Talkin' "Bout A Revolution (kzbin.info/www/bejne/bWOUe4SQrJuGpsk) , Give Me One Reason (kzbin.info/www/bejne/jGfLgmx-iLCff6c) Baby Can I Hold You (kzbin.info/www/bejne/a6WnpYGLerCNerM) and Fast Car (above).

[@dexxxhunt]

One of the greatest songs in history!Right on Fil.✌🏾/ROCK

[@seelenwinter6662]

it was the time of chapman, lisa loeb, eddi brickel, kate bush, suzanne vega, alanis morrisette, avril lavigne, tori amos, fiona apple and and and... and today we have to listen to no voice bitches like gaga, swift, grande, gomez or cyrus... what a shame...

[@heelerjustheeler879]

When this song came out it was a golden age for female vocalists - Tracy, kd lang, Melissa Etheridge all putting out music. I'd love to see analyses of Melissa and kd, too, especially kd when she is at full "voice."

[@heelerjustheeler879]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/eXTQdmWppbRobrM and kzbin.info/www/bejne/rHaXn5ygaKaNqdE

[@tomnorton992]

So...87 or 88...winter in Boston. I came up out of the Central Square T stop and Tracy was busking this song...heard it as she hit the first bridge...listened to the rest and threw $10 in her guitar case...started to walk away and she asked if I wanted to hear something else...asked for the whole song since I came in in the middle...about a year or so later I drove by a small record store in a strip mall in Dedham Mass, a blue collar town about 10 miles outside of Boston. They had copied the cover of Tracy's first album about 500 times and taped them to every square inch of window space in the store. The album was releasing 2 says later but I guess they were getting the party going early. Anyway...always felt REALLY lucky to walk out of the T station exactly then

[@dreamweaver1603]

I’ve loved Tracy Chapman’s music since I first heard it back in 1988. She’s got such a beautiful voice and what a songwriter. For some reason she kind of dropped off my radar, but recently I was on a road trip with my teenage kids and Give Me One Reason came on the radio. My kids reacted to it just like I did all those years ago. Now I’m seeing a bunch of the reaction channels reacting to her music. It’s funny how that happens, but I’m glad the younger generation is getting to hear her now.

[@tomh5006]

Well said

[@joshua-we9xr]

When I was at University in my songwriting class the professor made everyone study this song for an entire week just to prove simplicity over complexity works on some occasions. Such an amazing song ❤

[@KailynsJoy]

The lyrical syllables and notation while keeping that steady finger picking .... 🤯🤯🤯 She is a goddess. I've always had much respect for her.

[@jasholden9741]

I love Tracy Chapman. When the song came out she caught a lot of flack for telling the truth. They _can't handle the truth!_ I love Tracy Chapman.

[@SoCal_619]

My childhood was a nightmare, this song came out and gave me hope. I'm 55 now, have lived a pretty successful life ❤❤❤

[@imhereforitall9218]

You just made me cry. God Bless you. ❣

[@mollyyerrakadu5808]

She is wonderful. I grew up on Joan Armatrading albums and when Tracy released her debut I was struck by the similarities in their deep, rich vocals (not to mention songwriting and guitar chops). Thank you for the in depth appreciation of her talents.

[@katydidiy]

As much as I admire Tracy's voice and guitar, song writting, I also am grateful for for your obvious appreciation of great storytelling. Thanks Fil. Your comments always give us something new to think about🍷

[@JCourts2k23]

I have always loved this song

[@kiplambert64]

Thank you, I've forgotten how much I loved Tracy Chapman... She is just wonderful!!

[@ella5319]

Most beautiful singer & the songs she wrote are just so pure & timeless.

[@kurtisle]

I've got a soft spot for Tracy Chapman. "Give Me One Reason", "Talkn 'bout Revolution". Yeah she came along to my attention at a time I was getting jaded on music.

[@bradnelson4778]

kurtisle The apparent simple ones are the ones that resonate with us as human beings because they are genuine and heart felt. Great review Fil.

[@kurtisle]

@@bradnelson4778 absolutely.

[@robing9278]

You are so ridiculously good at this. Thank you!

[@wingsofpegasus]

Thanks!

[@saraheart2804]

I absolutely love this song. With every song she sings I tear up because it's so beautiful. Also, I forgot what a pretty face she has. She is just so natural.

[@hiheeledsneakers]

First song I heard from her was, 'Give Me One Reason'. Ive always loved it.

[@christopherwood9213]

Great song...thanks for the reminder!!

[@bcaye]

Great song, great album but I hope you checked out this earlier album as well because it is phenomenal.

[@saraheart2804]

I love that song!!!

[@kimberlyparrish7522]

Tracy has wonderful story teller and some of her songs hit close to home for me and this track especially. “All the you have is your soul” is a beautiful song as well. Another awesome analysis Fil.

[@paulablissett9396]

Hey, Mate, thanks for honoring mine and a few others requests for Tracey Chapman..... Her musical talents have always gotten my attention, her voice, her finger picking style, her stage presence, great back up band, the whole ball of wax.. I always wondered what happened to her? I'm glad she's still with us...... Your analysis was perfect, you did her justice, Filip......

[@wingsofpegasus]

No problem!

[@aryanmia9281]

She was studying to become a Lawyer back in early 1990's. That is what happened to her, she has a career as a Barrister.

[@RobertErnestLewis]

Great review ... love Tracy Chapman. A true gem with so much insight into the human condition with her music.

[@MichaelLittle47]

She hits you at a really emotional level. I haven't been able to listen to her "Crossroads" album through yet, without getting a little teary eyed. Amazing artist.

[@vmat1000]

Fan from the early times of the '80s Thanks , fil.

[@passionforlust]

One of the sweetest voices out there, just love and get lulled by her magic!

[@aprils6589]

Spot as usual, Fil. There is such an intimate feeling to the performance. One more element I love are her subtle facial expressions as she plays and sings.

[@GameBrou]

Amazing review. Tracy Chapman is such a unique voice and performer. Her music catched all over the world and spoke and touched to so many people. When I heard this song for the first time I was learning english and this song was one of the top song at the radio in Brazil. We used to watch the videoclip with translated lyrics on MTV. Music breaking language barriers.

You keep featuring local (to me) artists. I saw Tracy Chapman on the street near Harvard Square, Cambridge, MA when my parents were visiting. We saw a bunch of people gathering around and they all seemed to know who she was. I believe it was the summer of 1985. It was just Tracy and her acoustic guitar. Right after she began, you knew she was no ordinary busker. She was phenomenally talented from an early age. I've been happy to see how successful she's been -- she very much deserves it. She sings like an angel. I hadn't really thought that much about sampling in rap, etc., but you're right -- you made a very good point.

[@UnGranSaurio]

Everytime I hear these lyrics I get goosebumps

[@lastone783]

Great performance. Love Tracy and her unique sound and style. Thanks, Fil, for a fantastic analysis ❣️

[@kaynewsom6780]

I just viewed your Utube for the first time a week ago. I am shocked. Bee Gees, Tracy Chapman, Jim Croche, Willy Nelson, Vince Gill etc. all my favorites. You present them so well. I am in my mid 60’s. I don’t think my children, grandchildren, etc realize that we didn’t have the internet. Only information we could learn on our favorite artist is on TV, radio, magazines and newspaper. I am always pleasantly surprised how much information we can find and watch going back many years. You keep thing very interesting enjoying you!,,,

[@wingsofpegasus]

Thanks Kay!

[@Drewg351]

To me, the sign of a "great" artist is when they play live. IF they can sound as great live, similar to their album, than you know they're truly talented. Wayyyyy too many artists sound fantastic on their studio album, but hear them live and you're left wondering "is this the same band/artist ??? “ Tracy sounds absolutely perfect. You almost couldn't tell this was live. That's incredibly difficult to do. So many artists speed up, slow down, hold notes too long/short, etc... and sound great on their album, terrible live. I'm pretty tough on live acts, and not a Tracy Chapman fan, but I gotta say: She killed it here. Every note perfect. Speed right on. Great job !!!!!

[@sine-nomine]

I've known "baby, can I hold you" for 2-3 years, when I discovered it was a woman singing. I'd always thought it was a dude. And that's the cool thing about her voice; it's awesome both for a man and a woman.

[@andrewbartonwood5782]

Sure you weren't listening to the Boyzone version..?

[@sine-nomine]

@@andrewbartonwood5782 Since I've never heard a Boyzone version - yes.

[@edwinmassie]

This song has always given me chills! The first one I remember doing that is Joan Baez' "Diamonds and Rust", which could be a good one to analyze!

[@lizzymoore54]

I always appreciate your analysis of an artist and their vocal, musical, writing and composing abilities. You bring up deeper things that untrained listeners may not be conscious of and this helps us to appreciate the artist even more. You're dead one with Tracey. I've always loved her music and now I understand why! Thanks. ☺️

[@slydawwg]

I don't normally give out a "well done" on line comment with what now is over done & generally flooded with the masses of misunderstanding. However, your theme & breakdown profile is right where it should be when it comes to some important music, or just unique tunes, & that is appreciated ( for more than just a "grew up with" vibe ;) & teaches in a calm, cool, collected & genuine way . Very refreshing, & is used in our advanced classes on occasions. Cheers

[@wingsofpegasus]

Thanks for the kind words!

[@kensod6034]

I still have her old albums

[@mitchettie1581]

What a talented performer, she really made one helluva climb back in day in a very tough environment for musicians. Fil Yer The Man🤘🍺ROCK

[@jerryp7721]

Fil , as always love your smile when the drums kick in. You are truly a student and fan of artistry as well as being a great artist in your own right. 👍🎸🎤

[@gablen23]

I love her storytelling and her voice. I saw her in 1988 at the Human Rights Now tour, in Budapest with Sting, Springsteen, Peter Gabriel etc., what an amazing show it was!

[@bethfreschi]

Along with being an incredible artist, Tracy Chapman radiates kindness and goodness. I feel this warmth and comfort coming from her when I watch and listen to her. I was lucky enough to see her in concert years ago, and I hope one day to see her again. I’m going to add that to my list of things I want to do once the pandemic is over. 💜 🎶 💜 🎶 💜

[@cmrjc74]

I absolutely love Tracy Chapman’s music awesome artist !!!! Thanks fil

[@brysonmacdougal7898]

This song always hits me right in the feelz

[@itslizmcmahon]

I continue to learn so much from your analyses, Fil. I'm not a musician, but as a fervent music lover that's the highest compliment I can give you.

[@spacemissing]

For far too many women, life is like the story in "Fast Car" --- the man has something that excites her at first, but that one thing is All he ever offers her, and at some point it's no longer the most desirable thing to her. The protagonist in this song really wants a better life, and the guy with the fast car carelessly holds her back, continuously failing to contribute his share.

[@MsAppassionata]

I believe the man she is singing about is her father, not a lover. He has a drinking problem. That’s why her mother left him. The daughter feels that she has to take care of her father because no one else will.

[@spacemissing]

@@MsAppassionata Her father is not the man with the fast car.

[@MsAppassionata]

@@spacemissing How would you know? She says that she has to take care of him. I assumed that she was singing about him and whether she should continue to do that or leave him and make a better life for herself.

[@bobnelson9480]

I distinctly remember the first time I ever heard this song. I was laying on my bed half awake, half asleep, and this song came on and it made me sit up and listen intently to the rest of the song. It was amazing.

[@emilygraham1153]

OMG I LOVE this woman"s work. Got the cd. Even my dogs love it. Thanks Fil. 😁 Emily Liberty.

[@anotherjoshua]

man, she owned that crowd.

[@catherinelynnfraser2001]

Love this version. What a beautiful voice and what a special way with a lyric.

[@frankromero5581]

Look at the video when she is performing on the grammys . shes performing solo with one guitar . its awesome .she got a standing ovation .

[@timward3270]

This is such a beautiful, heartbreaking song.

[@tmcgrenere]

In the 1990's I was into some dark metal, then I found Tracy, she opened my eyes.

[@polyprinz]

Biggest fan of this amazing talented lady. I love her so much, thanks for the reaction!

[@stumbling_through_history]

I just love this song and Tracy so much. She slowed it down here and made it even more heartbreaking. Simply beautiful.

[@SuperYt65]

I saw Tracy in 1998 and she had her guitar and one spot light on her for the whole concert totally mesmerizing concert.

[@loripond1839]

Thanks Fil!!...I have loved Tracy Chapman's music since the begin of her career! Her songs evoke such emotion about life's struggles and the determination to continue to dream despite your circumstances. Genuine lyrics from a genuine artist....✌❤🤘

[@josephwalther5979]

I have heard this song since the day it came out. I just noticed for the first time that the music gets faster and upbeat when she sings about getting away and living her dream, and becomes slow and solitary when singing about her life as is.

[@robintaylor485]

This is one of the best most influential pop-culture songs ever written is that special of a song. I mean this song will tear you up if you let it.

[@estherhazydreamsbatiktiedy4834]

Listening again tonight, love this song, so real, and she is beautiful, woman those, lyrics and her talent, vocal genius!

[@Winterof62]

🎼 dearest Fil, you are so knowledgeable about so many artist. How they were discovered ( like Tracy) , their arrangements, so forth & so on. But , forgive me , because I am new to your channel & not from the UK & just wondered if you've done or ever thought of doing a Q & A about yourself? Who is Fil Henley ( hope spelling is correct)?? Im sure your subscribers would agree that its not only for the informative education you leave us with, but, that they really like FIL!!! ✌❤

[@sukijohnson5398]

Such a lovely and heart-wrenching song! I've heard it so many times and it still. makes me cry...

[@keewatson]

Thank you for making me realize new things about an old song I've loved for years!

[@bluemooncanoe]

Thanks Fil. I'm a 73 year old man with a love for music, listening and playing. To this day I can't listen to this song without tears filling my eyes. Memories fill me, good and bad, tough times and glory days , dreams lost and gained. That is freaking ART!

[@lynndow3185]

Thankyouthankyouthankyou! This was such an instant favorite for me and to hear a live performance that differs very subtly from the (totally memorized) recorded version really just killed me. When that chorus swept in, so did the tears. It was wonderful to learn what the dynamics going on were and all about Tracy's career...great research and grrrrrrrrr about that sampling stuff!!

[@compujohn96]

The main riff is so pleasing to play. Getting that slide accurately and keeping your flow takes some work but the payoff is so pleasurable.

[@strooomon]

An amazing song by an even more amazing artist. I get chills, every time I hear any version of this gem. Talkin About a Revolution brings a different set of feels. No matter what she sings, you feel. Thanks for sharing, this underplayed and I believe unappreciated artist.

[@highflyingduck]

Saw her in Zimbabwe in '88, Amnesty International Concert. She stole the show. Just her and her acoustic but what a presence!!! Huge fan.

[@peterrabbit4034]

I'm glad that you posted this - I bought this CD and loved it. I recommended this to you, along with Harry Chapin's "Taxi". I hope many others did as well.

[@robintaylor485]

Tracy Chapman is a pure musical talent and this song is a true masterpiece.

[@cheneyrobert]

Tracy is just an amazing songwriter and ARTIST 👏👏👏👏👏thanks Fil 👏👏👏👏

[@wheezyjefferson9136]

Love Tracy! I would love to see her live someday.

[@paulablissett9396]

ME3! for sure!

[@TheDivayenta]

I could listen to and look at this beautiful artist all day. 🌹🌹❤️❤️. Tracy and Clapton doing Gimme One Reason live is something to behold. You can see how much he respects her.

[@bcaye]

One of my favorite artists and songs of all time. This came out when my sister ad just died of alcoholism and strangely, the honesty eased my grieving.

[@johnnymossville]

Once in awhile something really special becomes a major hit. She is one example. Beautiful.

[@jerryp7721]

One of the truly great rock songs, thanks Fil!

[@RawOlympia]

You find the most amazing performances by thoughtful individuals, thank you ~

[@CharlieMcowan]

Simply magic.

[@diane9247]

With Tracy, you hang on every word. Her guitar playing supports that sense of wonder. Well, she's just magnificent.

[@suziejane1008]

This was 10 years later after it was released and Tracy was still amazing. I saw her in Bristol in 2008 - still wonderful. I have tried to sing this in my part-time job as a karaoke host and it's so hard - the breath intervals are paramount. Here, she sings it slower than the record.

[@elaineandjohn9599]

When you said “this is a classic example of...” I was thinking of the art of resolution in songwriting the transition to the chorus is. Both lyrically and musically. Great choice.

[@tuRbo-_-crOw_GTA]

I remember feeling how desperate the story made me feel. I went out and bought the cassette tape album.

[@gracie30ish]

When you listen to Fast Car it's like watching a poignant movie or reading a book. What a talent when you can tell a story and make the listeners feel what that girl in the story was feeling. It's not just a skill it's just pure God given talent.

[@arthunter92]

One of the best songs ever written and beautifully performed...

[@ianrobinson4200]

One of the greatest songs of the last 40 years,one of those songs you hear dozens of times on the radio and never seem to get sick of. Great performance!

[@andrewtrotter9023]

This is a to-the-bone song about real life that many humans live. I know personally. Brilliant.

[@BOOMNERD51]

This was wonderful Fil, and I so much appreciate each detail in the transition from low to higher dynamic range on that chorus. It's songs and analyses like these that make me want to go back to trying to write songs!

[@americalost5100]

Great as always. Have you thought about doing Traffic? "Dear Mr. Fanrasy 1972 Live" might be a good one. Stevie Winwood on guitar...

[@JFK1180]

Now that is a woman that just melts my heart. She is still fantastic.

[@deonal]

Our modern day Elizabeth Cotten ( Tracy Chapman ) transforming Freight Train to Fast Car, Tracy gives me chills...Again Phil, your depth n knowledge is greatly appreciated.

[@gerard1954]

This song reflecting a life searching for hope in a hopeless situation . Regular people relate to it the struggle of life . Reminds me of that saying no matter where you go there you are

[@jerryp7721]

Tracy and Tom Petty 2 of a select few that connect to an audience like that. Among the great modern musical story tellers.Could watch this video on a loop. Thanks again.

[@pattim8036]

This song has been making me cry since it hit the radio in the 80s. Absolutely amazing.

[@RocknRollMusic-xq7ho]

Hi Fil! Another great analysis of Tracy Chapman's music. You were right on when you stated that her songs were as it was a great page-turner in a book. I think I first saw her when she performed at Wembley stadium for Live Aid in the late Eighties. I was memorized by her song writing. What an incredible talent. We need more like her!!

[@flamencoprof]

A beautiful song of hope unexpectedly brought tears to my eyes, Thanks Fil for helping people to appreciate what goes into such Artistry.