Tracy Chapman - Chapman, Tracy (CD 1988)

If you like Passionate music with that soulful sound You will love Tracy Chapman
Preface
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I first heard of Tracy Chapman in the late eighties when I was in High School when Fast Car was being played all over the radio, I adopted this song as my theme song
later on when I realized that I was living it. I bought the tape back then and listened to it over and over again. Tracy is an artist that I can never get tired of listening to.
Her songs are all passionate and are centered around issues that we face as a society.
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The Artist

Before her career took off Tracy played on the Streets of Cambridge( Harvard Street) she graduated from Tufts University with a degree in Anthropology. Her songs speak to the soul and definitely contain truth about so many of Society's problems. You don't just listen to Tracy's Music, You feel it

The Songs

1. Talkin' Bout a Revolution
This song with it's powerful lyrics reflects the harsh reality of Poverty and the frustrations of being poor.

Chorus
Poor people gonna rise up, And get their share
Poor people gonna rise up, And take what's theirs

2. Fast Car
This song speaks to my heart I have passed thru some of the hurdles she describes realizing the futile efforts of a failing marriage, but keeping a glimmer of hope alive for
better times, and finally finding the courage to say Good-bye

You got a fast car
But is it fast enough so you can fly away you gotta make a decision,You leave tonight or live and die this way

3. Across the Lines
A power look at racism that (I am sad to know still exists in this day and age)the most powerful of the messages is reflected in this verse:

Little Black girl gets assaulted
Aint no reason why, Newspaper prints the story
And racist tempers fly, Next day it starts a riot
Knives and guns are drawn,Two black boys get killed
One white boy goes blind

Can see the meaning here?

4. Behind the Wall
A subtle yet gripping take on the reality of Domestic Abuse

Last night I heard the screaming,Then a silence that chilled my soul I prayed that I was dreaming When I saw the Ambulance in the road And the policeman said "I'm here to keep the peace"

5. Baby can I hold you
This song is a touching reflection on emotional expression or a lack of

I love you, Is all that you can't say
Years gone by and still,Words don't come easily
Like I Love You, I Love You

6. Mountains O' Things
The conflict between dreaming of material things and those who have them

Mostly I feel lonely, Good good people are,Good people are only My stepping stones

7. She's Got her Ticket
A tale of the strength to follow ones heart despite what others say or think

Some folks call her a Runaway a failure in the race,
She knows where her ticket takes her she will find her
place in the sun

8. Why
Powerful look at real issues that effect the world
Thought provoking

Why do the babies starve, When there's are food to feed the world, Why when there's so many of us,Are there people still alone, why are the missles called peacekeepers when their aimed to kill, why is a woman still not safe when she's in her home.

9. For my Lover
A look at the sometimes crazy things we do for love

The things we won't do for love, Climb a mountain if I had to, And risk my life so I could have you,you, you, you

10. If not now
A painful look at the price of waiting too long to love

If not now then when, If not today then
Why make your promises, A love declared for days to come
,Is as good as none

11. For You

No words to say, No words to Convey
This feeling inside I have for you, Deep in my heart
Safe from the guards of intellect and reason,
Leaving me at a loss for words to express my feelings,
Deep in my heart

Please Note: that the little intro for each song is my own interpretation of the meaning to me, Only Tracy knows the true meaning in each song but you get a strong look at the depth of her passions with every word she sings. I highly Recommend Tracy Chapman to everyone. I personally want to say to Tracy I love You Tracy,your music and your style. Keep pumping out your beautiful music. I have owned
four out of five tapes and Cd's and I Love them all!

Amount Paid for CD $11.97
Audiocasette price $7.58

Tracy's Official Website
www.webobjects.elektra.com

You will have to enter the site and click on Tracy's name