British guitarist analyses Tracy Chapman live in 1998! 

the lyrics are ridiculously good and real and genuine.

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.

"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.

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!!

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🤘🏻

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

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👍

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

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

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!

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.

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 ❤

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.

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."

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......

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

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

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🍷

You are so ridiculously good at this. Thank you!

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.

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.

I have always loved this song

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

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

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.

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

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.

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

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.

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.

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.

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

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.

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.

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. ☺️

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

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

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.

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!,,,

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.

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 !!!!!

Everytime I hear these lyrics I get goosebumps

man, she owned that crowd.

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

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

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!

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. 👍🎸🎤

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

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

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

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. 💜 🎶 💜 🎶 💜

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

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!

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!!

This song always hits me right in the feelz

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.

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.

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

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!

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.

I still have her old albums

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

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.

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

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....✌❤🤘

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

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.

This is such a beautiful, heartbreaking song.

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

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

One of the truly great rock songs, thanks Fil!

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.

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

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

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!

🎼 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!!! ✌❤

Dude.. your layout of Tracy and explaining the depth of her processes were most excellent. I think you are a real asset and doing a great job. Keep it up dude...👏👏👏Rock On🔥🔥🔥👊😎🤘

One of my top 10!! She is so heart felt. Review Hold Me! Also I love your channel. You have taught me so much to look at in music. I am a visual artist and music is so much a part of my process. Also you have the greatest smile of anyone!

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

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

Wow - what a song, deep - I love Tracy's depth, and you identify it's subtleties so well, Love this vid !

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.

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

Excellent analysis and rundown. very cool layback performance by all here. thanks for this one Fil.

Ha I got 500 upvote, yay. Fil you are really really good at this. It was pleasure to watch and listen to your thought and analysis. I learn a lot and really appreciate your enthusiastic appreciation of these great artists. "Baby can can I hold you" was indeed a great song. I won't have been the only one to have to that song quite a lot.

Such a beautifully crafted song. Lyrics and music just fantastic. Great choice Fil. 👍🏻

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.

Great analysis as per usual! Such great song writing, so personal and sentimental and performed so beautifully. Love it!

I remember when this song came out. It was simplistic in sound (not a bad thing), which made you really dial in to the lyrics, which are both beautiful and sad. It's mournful verses which lead into a hopeful chorus. It's the type of track that just grabs you! This was an excellent live version - she sounded just as good as her 'studio' release, if not better!! Great reaction.

I received tickets to see Tracy in concert on her tour for the first album. One small woman, a guitar, a mic stand, and that voice. Filled the room. It was captivating and one of my favorite concert experiences. BTW, I married the woman that gave me the tickets.

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

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.

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!!

Her writing and the lyrics are so incredible. She wanted to get away from where she started, but ended up at the same place she began. I remember when this song came out. So real, such a artist

Tracy Chapman...how can you listen to just song by her? Her music is like a fine wine you taste for the first time....and become addicted to.

Thanks Fil. Keep up the good work. Your content is so rich, so helpful to performing artists. Tracy is Amazing. What is she doing these days?

Brilliant! Thank you, Fil.

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

You sometimes talk about hooks and this whole song is a hook. It just grabs you and won’t let go.

Tracy has shared it on her facebook! congrats man :-) great analyzation indeed!