I can’t remember exactly how old I was or what year it was when I first heard “Fast Car” by Tracy Chapman, but what I can tell you is this has to be one of the all-time greatest songs ever written or performed.

Some of you might find this hard to believe, but back in the day we had these things called CD players. We had them in our houses, our bedrooms, our kitchens, our cars. They were ubiquitous. I had this especially cool silver CD player that held 50 CDs! 50! I kept it at the foot of my bed on a wooden stand. I love music and I wanted to be as close to it as possible. I can vaguely remember hearing the song and being mesmerized by it. Even without the lyrics, the song can stand on its own. It’s so captivating. You just know the song as soon as you hear the first note. “I can name that tune in one note, Tom.”  (Some of you will get that reference.)

Then there’s the lyrics. The storytelling capability of Tracy Chapman is immeasurable. I loved the song and I needed to know who sang it. I needed to have the song so that I could listen to it over and over and over again whenever I wanted. I asked my mom, “Mom, who’s the guy that sings this song?” And yes that really happened. She gracefully responded, “I’m pretty sure that’s not a guy.” “Oh.” How embarrassing...

What’s important is how amazing this song and so many of Tracy Chapman’s other songs are. I can listen to this song on repeat no matter what kind of mood I am in. If I catch the song on the radio, whether it’s from the beginning, middle, or nearing the end, I will listen until it’s over. This song is over 30 years old and yet you can’t tell musically or lyrically when it was written. Sometimes songs sound too much like the era they were written in, but not “Fast Car.”

Tracy Chapman’s voice is so unique, melodic, and warm that you can’t help but buy whatever she’s selling. I don’t know how else to describe it. She’s just that talented. If you’ve never heard the song or have heard it 100 plus times, go listen to it right now! I promise you won’t be disappointed.