Why FAST CAR is a perfect song 

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

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.

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.

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

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

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

Got chills when you sang that first line!!!

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! 👏👏👏

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

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.

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....

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!

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

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

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.

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

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.

Mary..... at 3:50, you said "We repeat the very actions that traumatized us in a subconscious effort to make sense of them; to try to gain a sense of control". I think that answers a question that has been in my mind since I was fourteen years old; I am now 69. I can't thank you enough!

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.

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.

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!!!

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

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!

Amazing commentary on an iconic musician. As a side note, the commentary is articulated beautifully with flawless diction. Such a breath of fresh air Ms Spender ! I cringe when I listen to a younger person speak with a limited vocabulary these days, falling back on the word “like” when they run out of ways to express themselves. When I listen to you, it’s comparing an exquisitely hand crafted piece of jewellery to a mass produced trinket. Oh, and you are such a versatile musician !

Hey Mary thanks for the video! Awesome work.

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

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.

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

Baby Can I Hold You is a different but equally astonishing song of hers from the same album. I still have the cassette.

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

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

'Fast Car'... an artistic work of genius... like 'Operator'... like 'Both Sides Now'... they don't come around often. Someone who impact-fully gives us great appreciation of 'genius' through her own artistry is also rare... Thank you Mary. You ARE a rare treasure indeed!

Another great one, Mary. This particular one got me tearing up in the loveliest of ways. I have always adored this song. Loved it since I was a kid. Tracy is a massive inspiration to so many artists and lovers of music alike.

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

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.

Mary...l am a first time listener, and boy lm So glad l found this tonight! I love your singing voice, but may even love your speaking voice even more? You also accomplished a Brilliant psychological analysis of an award winning song and the woman who wrote it. I was taken aback by this entire video! Thank You for letting me be a part of your world for a few moments. I hope to see and hear you again Soon ! ❣️😁🎵

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

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🌹

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

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

Love this video and this song. Love the bts feel with the gear set up and warm welcome into your space. Well made on all the levels and always musical!

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.

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

I really like your format of storytelling. I have never seen someone do it like this. Subscribed!

Nice, Mary! Tracy Chapman, thanks for this masterpiece ("Fast car"), thanks for "Baby can I hold you" and more. You're divine! 🌻

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!

One of the finest songs ever written. I' ve listened to it since it came out and will continue to do so; still own the vinyl album. Deep Lyrics I've in the past used in English classes. My favourite cover version is probably the one you did with Leo. A very Spenderish twist to it, yet totally respectful towards the original.

Great video! You know everything about the song that I never knew, and I know a little bit that you didn't include. I was driving through the Northeast USA on vacation when this (new) song came on the car radio, and I think I heard it from different radio stations in the 4 states I drove through! The song grabbed me right away, because it was so refreshing. As someone who has played guitar for over 50 years, I can tell you that the chord changes she used were highly unusual if not unprecedented at that time, at least for Pop music (Pop music simply means popular music to me -- not a slur as it seems to be to some.) That creates a different path for the melody line as well. She also sings comfortably within her range, making for a soothing delivery. And there are those evocative lyrics -- but you've totally covered that!

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.

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

Thank you. I love your videos. Not only a great guitar player and singer, but such cool stories about the songs. ❤️

Yes please do more of these. Really enjoyed this

❤ 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

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

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

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

I believe you have the most beautiful voice ever and I appreciate that you’re so committed to your craft. I absolutely adore your intelligence and love for the music, thank you so very much

That was great Mary..i loved your thoughts on this amazing song....fascinating!

Love the deep dive! Please do more.

We don't stop and measure the outcome of choices and changes. Are you better off after making a decision? What might you do differently? We seem to make the same mistakes because we don't take the time to learn from the experience. Love ya Mary!

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

Very much enjoyed your video. I took a deeper dive into Tracy Chapman's music a few years ago and I'm glad I did. I have a deeply personal connection to Fast car the song and your commentary has refreshed that connection for me. Thank you.

Mary Spender, what a brilliant video. You are a perfect storyteller. I guess it is due to your very friendly and humble personality. You have created a highly interesting story and interpretation.

Fantastic song and by a beautiful person. Had the great fortune to meet Ms Chapman several years ago. Down to earth. Sincere. An amazing storytelling. Mary, you do such a wonderful job with these videos. Got a huge thrill watching Chapman and Luke Combs on the Grammys. Seemed like pure joy for both.

Love this video so much, watched it several times. Song deep dives is a perfect podcast format 👍😄

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!

What a wonderful examination of and rumination on a popular song. It broadened my appreciation of Ms. Chapman and also made me a fan of Ms. Spender. Nice work.

“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!

One of my favorite songs

Saw Tracy Chapman at In Concert Against AIDS 5/27/89. Grateful Dead headlined and Garcia and Weir played with John Fogerty, who was just starting to perform Creedence material again. Tracy opened the show I think but her performance remains one of the strongest memories of the day for me. She is one of those performers, and there are not a lot of them, who almost compels you to watch and listen. It’s hard to describe but I will never forget it.

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

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

Just back from your duet cover of this song with Reina del Cid, four years back. I love the distinctive harmony the two of you built. I like your voice for its rich tone in this lower register, as when you and Rick Beato analyzed Jim Croce's "Operator". 7:00 "Maybe I'm naive ..." Every writer, medium regardless, knows that the work becomes a thing of its own and different in the perception of each person who takes it in. Your thoughtful interpretation is no less valid than my own.

The road is the way out of the life that the protagonist wants to escape. ‘Leave tonight or live - and die this way’ sums up the whole song. Your rendition is beautiful by the way

imagine 1987 listening to Prince's Sign o the Times, the masterpiece of funk and chill Then the year after buying Tracy Chapmans Album, oceans apart in style but captivating I was born in the year of woodstock, am fortunate to live next right nextdoor to Abbey Road Studios, music is my soul

What a fantastic video Mary. Thank you!

What an excellent video, thanks for sharing and breaking down the lyrics and it’s importance in American songwriting and life

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!

I just finished preparing this song in my singing lessons. It is indeed a perfect song!

I bet over the years. I’ve listened to that song a couple of hundred times and didn’t understand the depth and meaning behind it. Thank you, Mary, for taking the time to break it down for all of us. One of the best videos I’ve seen in a long time..

Best video yet by Mary. I am from Columbus, Ohio and Cleveland is my favorite city to visit. I also adore Tracie Chapman, Smoke and Ashes mesmerized me the 1st time I heard it, New Beginning is an amazing album. 🕊💖🎸

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.

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

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

This was a wonderful essay, Mary, thank you!

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

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

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

It’s such a perfect song. I remember listening to this song over and over while camping as a kid.

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

I heard Fast Car when it was first released on the local FM station in Calgary, Alberta and soon after went out and bought the album. It is good to hear young people like yourself appreciating the music and the musicians from the not to distant past. Loved your in depth story of the song and its history. You play and sing beautifully. I am anxiously waiting for more, maybe a song from Tom Waits?

If ever there was a song (that wasn't one of your own) that's perfectly suited for you Mary, it's this one.

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

Excellent as usual Mary!!!…🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻