Tracy Chapman
musicismylife78
Posts: 6,116
Anyone a fan? I remember my mom playing her songs on the tape player when I was a little kid. I also remember having a conversation with my high school history teacher about how unbelieveable the first album was, just how shocking it sounded and sounds now.
The first album, you have Talkin Bout a Revolution which still sounds fresh, even 21 years later. Next up, Fast Car, one of the most beautiful and meloncholy songs ever written. The imagery in it is unmatched. These characters are real. I know them. You know them. The mere promise of a car that may or may not exist, that can take them out of the hell of the inner city. The song really isnt totally about escape although thats obviously on the minds of the narrator and the characters. Fast Car seems even more about the fact that the narrator feels if she is merely in a car driving around, in the passanger seat, that things would be better, just a little better. Just the act of being in the car makes her feel like she is human, like life is worth living. HOLY CRAP! Goosebumps galore!
Across the lines illustrated the racism still inherent in american society
Or Why? where she takes on american militarism.
Behind the Wall took on the violence in the inner city and the disreguard to the violence by the people who are supposed to protect us, the police.
I just love the starkness of the songs. The rage is refreshing and shocking. Its sad to think about the characters in her songs, and think about how much really hasnt changed since. We like to think of ourselves as evolved, and so race free, race blind. Yet, do the characters in Fast Car make it out of the inner city in Obamas America? Are the police any less callous, and vicious, and racist in Obamas America? Are the poor folks standing at the welfare lines any more cared for under Obama?
The first album, you have Talkin Bout a Revolution which still sounds fresh, even 21 years later. Next up, Fast Car, one of the most beautiful and meloncholy songs ever written. The imagery in it is unmatched. These characters are real. I know them. You know them. The mere promise of a car that may or may not exist, that can take them out of the hell of the inner city. The song really isnt totally about escape although thats obviously on the minds of the narrator and the characters. Fast Car seems even more about the fact that the narrator feels if she is merely in a car driving around, in the passanger seat, that things would be better, just a little better. Just the act of being in the car makes her feel like she is human, like life is worth living. HOLY CRAP! Goosebumps galore!
Across the lines illustrated the racism still inherent in american society
Or Why? where she takes on american militarism.
Behind the Wall took on the violence in the inner city and the disreguard to the violence by the people who are supposed to protect us, the police.
I just love the starkness of the songs. The rage is refreshing and shocking. Its sad to think about the characters in her songs, and think about how much really hasnt changed since. We like to think of ourselves as evolved, and so race free, race blind. Yet, do the characters in Fast Car make it out of the inner city in Obamas America? Are the police any less callous, and vicious, and racist in Obamas America? Are the poor folks standing at the welfare lines any more cared for under Obama?
Post edited by Unknown User on
0
Comments
Interesting to look at the lyrics of "Fast Car," though. I'll have to check it out.
She writes some exceptional lyrics.
Charlotte 03
Asheville 04
Atlanta 12
Greenville 16, Columbia 16
Seattle 18
Nashville 22
Ohana Festival 24 x2
But.
I lost a lot of respect for the writer of "Fast Car" who, after making a ton of money while acting like a champion of the poor and being all humble, suddenly became less and less of a public figure advocating help for the homeless and those impoverished when she was photographed driving a brand new BMW. She made it, and lost her way.
Typo Man: "Thanks kidz, but remembir, stay in skool!"
Eddie: Dublin & London
well, if the health care reform bill goes through, than that is a huge milestone for the poor. even if it doesn't pass its still a historical mark in our modern society, the farthest its ever been pushed.
plus, many of the "welfare poor" have already been getting a free ride for a loooong time now, but don't get me started on that.
nice shout out to Tracy Chapman's awesome talent. I think she's awesome too. Happy New Year to you, miml78.!