It's not often you hear an artist with a voice that speaks truth to power. When listening to Tracy Chapman, you get a sense of urgency. You feel as though you need to take action. Her words seems to compel you to contribute to a cause.
When you hear her, the words interrupt your thoughts and you're forced to listen to grasp the meaning of the lyrics.
Most often in today's society, music is not made to convey a feeling. You can barely decipher the words. Or, when you can determine what is being said, it's nonsensical or profanity that degrades either women or others.
However, there are some artists who utilizes music as a way to convey a deeper meaning of an injustice they feel needs to be addressed. For decades, music has been used this way.
Take for instance, Marvin Gaye's *What's Going On?" or "Inner City Blues". These songs in the mid 1970s and early 80' are meant to bring attention to problems left unaddressed in the political arena. The songs bring attention to the plight of a certain group or groups of people. Today, these songs are categorized and still viewed as essential listening in music history.
Social activism has been attempted by numerous artists and musicians in every decade and several genres. Some miss the mark while others' lyrics deafen your senses, pierce your heart, and leaves an indelible mark upon your consciousness.
What one group of people have experienced at the hands of another may be outright blatant in the public for all to witness.
However, it's the subtle acts either publicly or behind the scenes enacted into laws that may not be noticed or can't be formulated into words. Unless you're a victim, it doesn't affect you the same way.
Hearing about something abstract you can't connect with rather than experiencing it firsthand is a monumental perception to understanding the depth of social injustice.
It may have been Tracy's destiny to follow the path she took to activism. As a child in Cleveland, Ohio, she experienced frequent bullying and racially motivated assaults as a child. 1
I've been listening to this particular talented musician since her entrance onto the musical stage. Her voice is classified as one of the rare contralto that is not derived from a classical nature.
The past three years, I've been publishing posts for music that truly affects me in one way or the others. This is my first participation in #ThreeTuneTuesday organized by 
For those who don't know Tracy Chapman, I'd like to introduce you to her and three of her dynamic songs you won't forget.
Tracy Chapman
Tracy was born in 1964. As a child of a single parent, she grew up in a working class neighborhood where she observed life from that perspective. She attended Tufts University in Massachusetts.
She eventually moved away from her study of Anthropology and African studies. Instead, she began writing music and performing in Boston, recording songs at a local radio station. 2
In 1986, Tracy was introduced to a music executive at Elektra Records. There, she flourished adding numerous commercially successful albums to her credit.
That was the break she needed.
However, Tracy had in her soul a civic duty. It didn't go unnoticed when she appeared at Nelson Mandela's 70th Birthday Tribute.
She rose in the musical ranks quickly as a newcomer.
Although Tracy has numerous hits on several different albums, I wanted to explore three of her songs that I relate to personally.
I hope you enjoy them and their musical significance.
"Across the Lines"
A deep song in terms of social injustice. Across the Lines delves into the entrenched divide that is America. Racism and hatred that began over two hundred years ago, still plagues this nation today.
The lyrics to this song ring true in every decade since African Americans were freed in 1865. When Tracy speaks of "the American Dream", she's referring to the symbolism of success.
Home and property ownership, equality in education, and equal opportunity to advance in all areas of one's life were denied the former slaves.
During the periods of race riots and depravity in every decade of the 20th century, where you lived signified how successful you were and are today. The words in Tracy's song, "across the lines" and "the other side of the tracks" depicted a physical space where African Americans were designated to live as opposed to their Caucasian counterparts.
Listen carefully to the lyrics. It tugs at your heartstrings. It provides an allusion to several words and phrases.
"Give Me One Reason"
Although activism was important, Tracy explored other areas of her music. The songs again were deep and thoughtful rendition of a mixture of blues, pop, rhythm and blues, and rock.
When I first heard the song, Give Me One Reason, I immediately associated it with a person in turmoil or conflict. But even without hearing it, you realize the person is searching for validation whether to do or not do something.
In this case, that something is whether to remain in a relationship or give it up. Tracy's take on this version of a relationship is classic. When one person in a relationship is felt to be giving more than what they think the other person gives, then doubt can creep in. Commitment is questioned whether to continue or dissolve the relationship.
The song is poignant in that confirmation is sought as to the degree or depth is still intact related to the other person's feelings. This soulful blues combined with rock classic is what lays bare Traci's emotional feelings she brings to a song. You can hear it in the lyrics and the anguish of her voice.
I love listening to this song. It touched me as I also questioned a person's commitment to a relationship.
Later, Tracy collaborated with Eric Clapton for a slightly different version of the song. It also was a hit record.
"Fast Car"
Relationships. Adults have experienced probably one in their lifetime. When I listen to the words of this song, they remind me of my parents. Two people in the rural 1940s who come together for different reasons in an attempt to leave a small town and make a better life for themselves. It's a universal theme of hope for a better future.
In the lyrics to Fast Car, you can feel the desperation of hope that maybe something will take you away. "You got a fast car", let's just ride as fast we can to see how far we can go. This is what I took from the song after hearing the lyrics for the first time.
You got a fast car
I want a ticket to anywhere
Maybe we make a deal
Maybe together we can get somewhere
Anyplace is better
Starting from zero got nothing to lose
Maybe we’ll make something
But me myself I got nothing to prove
You got a fast car
And I got a plan to get us out of here
I been working at the convenience store
Managed to save just a little bit of money
We won’t have to drive too far
Just ‘cross the border and into the city
You and I can both get jobs
And finally see what it means to be living
*You see my old man’s got a problem
He live with the bottle that’s the way it is
He says his body’s too old for working
I say his body’s too young to look like his
My mama went off and left him*
She wanted more from life than he could give
I said somebody’s got to take care of him
So I quit school and that’s what I did
You got a fast car
But is it fast enough so we can fly away
We gotta make a decision
We leave tonight or live and die this way
I remember we were driving driving in your car
The speed so fast I felt like I was drunk
City lights lay out before us
And your arm felt nice wrapped ’round my shoulder
And I had a feeling that I belonged
And I had a feeling I could be someone, be someone, be someone
You got a fast car
And we go cruising to entertain ourselves
You still ain’t got a job
And I work in a market as a checkout girl
I know things will get better
You’ll find work and I’ll get promoted
We’ll move out of the shelter
Buy a big house and live in the suburbs
You got a fast car
And I got a job that pays all our bills
You stay out drinking late at the bar
See more of your friends than you do of your kids
I’d always hoped for better
Thought maybe together you and me would find it
I got no plans I ain’t going nowhere
So take your fast car and keep on driving
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
Fast Car won Tracy the Best New Artist and Best Female Pop Vocal Performance.
According to her discography, Tracy has released eight studio albums. In addition, she has to her credit two greatest hits albums, and 22 singles while at Elektra Records.
Traci's success is overwhelming. She produced four Platinum albums, two of which are multi-platinum, and two are Gold albums.
Her widely successful hits "Fast Car" and "Give Me One Reason" both hit the Top 10 on the Billboard Hot 100 charts. They peaked at No. 6 and No. 3, respectively. She also has a positive appeal overseas with both singles hitting No. 1 in Canada. 4
Happy rest of the week everyone with whatever your endeavors.
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1 Tracy Chapman. Wikipedia. Online at: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tracy_Chapman
2 Tracy Chapman's Biography. Biography.com Online at: https://www.biography.com/musician/tracy-chapman
3 Lyrics to Tracy Chapman's song "Fast Car". About Tracy Chapman. Online at: https://www.about-tracy-chapman.net/tracy-chapman-greatest-hits-lyrics/#fast-car
4 Tracy Chapman's Discography. Wikipedia.org. Online at: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tracy_Chapman_discography