Tracy Chapman

Tracy Chapman was born in Cleveland, Ohio. She was raised by her mother, who recognized Tracy's love of music and, despite not having much money, bought her a ukulele when she was just three. Chapman began playing guitar and writing songs at the age of eight. She says that she may have been first inspired to play the guitar by the television show Hee Haw.

Chapman was raised Baptist and went to an Episcopal high school. She was accepted into the program "A Better Chance", which helps minority students attend private schools. She graduated from Wooster School in Connecticut, then attended Tufts University. She graduated with a B.A. degree in anthropology and African studies.

Chapman is widely regarded as a politically and socially active musician. In a 2009 interview with American radio network NPR, Chapman is quoted as saying: "I'm approached by lots of organizations and lots of people who want me to support their various charitable efforts in some way. And I look at those requests and I basically try to do what I can. And I have certain interests of my own, generally an interest in human rights." This interest in human rights can be seen lyrically in her music. Songs such as 1988's "Talkin' 'Bout a Revolution" highlight the importance of speaking up against injustice:

Don't you know, talking 'bout a revolution sounds like a whisper / when they're standing in the welfare lines.

Chapman's song "Fast Car" also brings awareness to the struggles of poverty, with lyrics such as:

I know things will get better / you'll find work and I'll get promoted / we'll move out of the shelter / buy a bigger house and live in the suburbs

"Change" - Tracy Chapman

If you knew that you would die today If you saw the face of God and Love Would you change? Would you change? If you knew that love can break your heart When you're down so low you cannot fall Would you change? Would you change?

How bad how good does it need to get? How many losses how much regret? What chain reaction What cause and effect Makes you turn around Makes you try to explain Makes you forgive and forget Makes you change Makes you change

If you knew that you would be alone Knowing right being wrong Would you change? Would you change? If you knew that you would find a truth That brings a pain that can't be soothed Would you change? Would you change?

Are you so upright you can't be bent if it comes to blows Are you so sure you won't be crawling If not for the good why risk falling Why risk falling

If everything you think you know Makes your life unbearable Would you change? Would you change? If you'd broken every rule and vow And hard times come to bring you down Would you change? Would you change?

If you knew that you would die today If you saw the face of God and Love Would you change? Would you change? "Give Me One Reason" - Tracy Chapman

Give me one reason to stay here And I'll turn right back around Give me one reason to stay here And I'll turn right back around Because I don't want leave you lonely But you got to make me change my mind

Baby I got your number and I know that you got mine But you know that I called you, I called too many times You can call me baby, you can call me anytime But you got to call me

I don't want no one to squeeze me, they might take away my life I don't want no one to squeeze me, they might take away my life I just want someone to hold me and rock me through the night

This youthful heart can love you and give you what you need This youthful heart can love you and give you what you need But I'm too old to go chasing you around Wasting my precious energy

Baby just give me one reason, Give me just one reason why Baby just give me one reason, Give me just one reason why I should stay Because I told you that I loved you And there ain't no more to say