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! 👏👏👏

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

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.

Hey Mary thanks for the video! Awesome work.

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

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!!!

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

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

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

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.

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

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!

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

Yes please do more of these. Really enjoyed this

Great Video and yes I am also touched by „ we repead what we don‘t repair“ - thanx a lot ❤️💐

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.

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!

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!

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

Love the deep dive! Please do more.

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

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!

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

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

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

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

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!

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!

❤ 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

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

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

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

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.

Great vid! I fell in love with this song and the whole album back when it first came out.

Most interesting video Mary has done in awhile. Love the breakdown of Fast Car and The River. We need more of this.

This is one of my favorite videos. Thank you for posting it. Cheers!

Excellent as usual Mary!!!…🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻

Mary your voice sounds so apt this song!

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

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

It’s a truely great song, and great analyzis! I’ve been following your videos mainly for the guitar contents, somehow I’ve missed what a great singing voice you have! ❤️

Thank you very much for this video, it brought tears to my eyes!

This was a fantastic analysis of this beautiful song. Thank you

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

Thank you Mary for sharing your breakdown of this powerful song. Your rendition was wonderful to listen to as well.

This was so great. I really enjoyed the breakdown.

“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!

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

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

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

Mary, I enjoyed this look at a classic. I have always loved this song - from the first time I heard it back in the 80’s. Keep up the amazing (as always) content.

What a fantastic video Mary. Thank you!

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.

This was a wonderful essay, Mary, thank you!

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.

Wonderful video, mary, and thank you for leaving the distrokid advertisement until the end. I still watched it all the way through, and I have a distrokid account, but it's nice to be able to watch the video without the interruption in the middle

Mary, you get to the kernel of every song & songwriter that you review. Your videos are so refreshing! I missed most of the good music of the '70's & '80's but a few years ago I was drawn to the Dire Staits that my wife was playing. That's how I found you on RU-vid as I was looking for more of Mark's music. Your voice complements and enhances all of these songs that you have chosen to cover. I'm not a musician, so I can't give details but I can enjoy! I see the hard work you are putting into what you do but also the enjoyment you get from it. And the fun and lighter side. Like hugging your new found 1936 Epiphone. Like it was a puppy from the pound or a kitten that chose you.

Outstanding video - really enjoy your work

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

Wonderful breakdown of this classic!

Nicely done Mary.

Yes, love these deep dives. Hearing someones perspective on songs I grew up with or just love, is fascinating. The points of view you presented for Fast cars were some that I had not thought of, or simply did not read that far into the lyrics. Thank you Mary Also, as always, I love your voice and flare for your unique takes on covers.

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🌹

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

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

I have watched PARTS of your video's b4 , BUT watched this one ALL THE WAY THROUGH . so i Subscribed .

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.

What a fascinating analysis. It really opens up they meaning of the song. Your performance of the song is outstanding, also.

Loved this video!

This is the tyoe of content you excel at. Well done, Mary.

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.

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.

Thank you for this fantastic video!

One of my favorite songs

You really are incredibly talented. an effective communicator, a great singer, and a deeply interesting person. God Bless. Happy easter.

That was lovely Mary - thanks for doing - now off upstairs to learn it.

What a lovely dedication and another great video. ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

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