Tracy Chapman — Talkin' Bout a Revolution
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Length: 2:35
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Don't you know
They're talkin' bout a revolution
It sounds like a whisper
Don't you know
They're talkin' about a revolution
It sounds like a whisper
While they're standing in the welfare lines
Crying at the doorsteps of those armies of salvation
Wasting time in the unemployment lines
Sitting around waiting for a promotion
Poor people gonna rise up
And get their share
Poor people gonna rise up
And take what's theirs
Don't you know
You better run, run, run...
Oh I said you better Run, run, run...
Finally the tables are starting to turn
Talkin' bout a revolution
They're talkin' bout a revolution
It sounds like a whisper
Don't you know
They're talkin' about a revolution
It sounds like a whisper
While they're standing in the welfare lines
Crying at the doorsteps of those armies of salvation
Wasting time in the unemployment lines
Sitting around waiting for a promotion
Poor people gonna rise up
And get their share
Poor people gonna rise up
And take what's theirs
Don't you know
You better run, run, run...
Oh I said you better Run, run, run...
Finally the tables are starting to turn
Talkin' bout a revolution
Comments (115)add comment
dmiley wrote:
Put me in the camp that doesn't rob me of my wealth and my liberty. You figure it out.
"I'll just let the health insurance companies pick my pockets."
On_The_Beach wrote:
America's a wacky place.
Where else would they fight AGAINST affordable health care for all?
The rest of the free world shakes its head in disbelief.
We aren't fighting over affordable health care, we're fighting over how to achieve it. Some believe it's best left to the government others, the free market. Put me in the camp that doesn't rob me of my wealth and my liberty. You figure it out.
America's a wacky place.
Where else would they fight AGAINST affordable health care for all?
The rest of the free world shakes its head in disbelief.
We aren't fighting over affordable health care, we're fighting over how to achieve it. Some believe it's best left to the government others, the free market. Put me in the camp that doesn't rob me of my wealth and my liberty. You figure it out.
Now more than ever
Wonderful sound!
Love TC
https://blog.shanesnow.com/donald-trump-and-the-definition-of-insanity-82ab6db008c4#.yrhfw54wz
testpilot wrote:
What about the productivity gains that normally went to the workers up into the 1970s that execs and shareholders have since been taking - that wasn't theirs? It's not called stealing when they do it? Why are they now making 300-400 times what their average employee makes when they used to do just fine making "only" 30 times as much as their employees?
Let's not have a double standard, which in any language is what you're doing. If you're going to tell us that one lying, free-loading, tax-avoiding, conniving, extremely lucky executive son of a bitch is worth 300 or more of his/her employees, I'll tell you that you're full of shit to your ears.
Until you can write music or sing as well as TC, you don't have a right to call anyone dumb. More so given this ridiculous post of yours I quoted.
Poor people already have what's theirs - which is not much.
If they take anything else it'll be from somebody else.
It's called stealing in any language and no mass of people and "activists" is big enough to legitimize it.
And especially not a dumb singer/songwriter who thought she's the next Dylan.
To poor people: Tracy's net worth is around $8 million. Take it! She'll be glad.
If they take anything else it'll be from somebody else.
It's called stealing in any language and no mass of people and "activists" is big enough to legitimize it.
And especially not a dumb singer/songwriter who thought she's the next Dylan.
To poor people: Tracy's net worth is around $8 million. Take it! She'll be glad.
What about the productivity gains that normally went to the workers up into the 1970s that execs and shareholders have since been taking - that wasn't theirs? It's not called stealing when they do it? Why are they now making 300-400 times what their average employee makes when they used to do just fine making "only" 30 times as much as their employees?
Let's not have a double standard, which in any language is what you're doing. If you're going to tell us that one lying, free-loading, tax-avoiding, conniving, extremely lucky executive son of a bitch is worth 300 or more of his/her employees, I'll tell you that you're full of shit to your ears.
Until you can write music or sing as well as TC, you don't have a right to call anyone dumb. More so given this ridiculous post of yours I quoted.
Insta-mute. Where are the negative numbers on this rating scale?
rdo wrote:
Do you actually know anybody? I mean really go out and talk to actual people and learn about their lives? I work for a living. On a daily basis I interact with 100s of people, different all the time every year. My theory of people who post things like this
is that they are secluded from society. I think a typical hippie was some rich kid who went to Berkely for a year and dropped out after hearing a radical professor rant and rant for two semesters. Then never gave it another thought after that — just parrot parrot parrot the rest of their life the stupid ideas. I know for sure working people do not come to comment boards. It is too risky. There is no reason in taking risks that some radical lunatic will seek revenge in some spat. Or worse, that they'll loose their job. This is why I am very careful about my privacy here.
This comment board is bizzaro world. It is not reality. Or, you are just trolling and having fun getting my goat. Right wingers do the same. It's always one side trolling against the other, nothing of substance is ever discussed.
Wrong. I run three companies, employing over 60 people and our customer base runs to 10s of thousands. . . I have a wife, grown up children and a large and multi national community I engage with. . . hardly isolated. Just because my opinion differs from you does not mean I am wrong.
Yes, I am for revolution. While every revolution in recent history has failed, that is because they are coopted or planned and promoted by the very people the revolutionaries wanted out in the first place and ended on horrid violence.
I am for a peaceful revolution. One where people wake up to the utter bollocks that is the current state of our collective world and how it is 100% manipulated by a tiny set of elites.
It is very gratifying that I see so many people actually waking up to the horrifying mess we now find ourselves in and this gives me real hope that we are indeed set for a revolution, one based simply on love and forgiveness, one where, as a collective force, we can reset this entire planet as it should be. That is what I promote to my children, my friends and to my wider community. I'm doing my bit.
And I don't want your goat thanks, I am a vegetarian.
Do you actually know anybody? I mean really go out and talk to actual people and learn about their lives? I work for a living. On a daily basis I interact with 100s of people, different all the time every year. My theory of people who post things like this
is that they are secluded from society. I think a typical hippie was some rich kid who went to Berkely for a year and dropped out after hearing a radical professor rant and rant for two semesters. Then never gave it another thought after that — just parrot parrot parrot the rest of their life the stupid ideas. I know for sure working people do not come to comment boards. It is too risky. There is no reason in taking risks that some radical lunatic will seek revenge in some spat. Or worse, that they'll loose their job. This is why I am very careful about my privacy here. This comment board is bizzaro world. It is not reality. Or, you are just trolling and having fun getting my goat. Right wingers do the same. It's always one side trolling against the other, nothing of substance is ever discussed.
Wrong. I run three companies, employing over 60 people and our customer base runs to 10s of thousands. . . I have a wife, grown up children and a large and multi national community I engage with. . . hardly isolated. Just because my opinion differs from you does not mean I am wrong.
Yes, I am for revolution. While every revolution in recent history has failed, that is because they are coopted or planned and promoted by the very people the revolutionaries wanted out in the first place and ended on horrid violence.
I am for a peaceful revolution. One where people wake up to the utter bollocks that is the current state of our collective world and how it is 100% manipulated by a tiny set of elites.
It is very gratifying that I see so many people actually waking up to the horrifying mess we now find ourselves in and this gives me real hope that we are indeed set for a revolution, one based simply on love and forgiveness, one where, as a collective force, we can reset this entire planet as it should be. That is what I promote to my children, my friends and to my wider community. I'm doing my bit.
And I don't want your goat thanks, I am a vegetarian.
Poor people already have what's theirs - which is not much.
If they take anything else it'll be from somebody else.
It's called stealing in any language and no mass of people and "activists" is big enough to legitimize it.
And especially not a dumb singer/songwriter who thought she's the next Dylan.
To poor people: Tracy's net worth is around $8 million. Take it! She'll be glad.
If they take anything else it'll be from somebody else.
It's called stealing in any language and no mass of people and "activists" is big enough to legitimize it.
And especially not a dumb singer/songwriter who thought she's the next Dylan.
To poor people: Tracy's net worth is around $8 million. Take it! She'll be glad.
bokey wrote:
How's that working for ya?
Great for Wall Street and the wealthy. Not so much for the poor suckers who bought his BS. And I mean the financially poor not the rest of the suckers who should have known that the earth would not cool and the oceans would not recede because this incompetent bone head was elected.
How's that working for ya?
Great for Wall Street and the wealthy. Not so much for the poor suckers who bought his BS. And I mean the financially poor not the rest of the suckers who should have known that the earth would not cool and the oceans would not recede because this incompetent bone head was elected.
deepgaze wrote:
How's that working for ya?
Revolution indeed (Obama named Pres just a couple hours ago). Nice timing Bill.
How's that working for ya?
I'm in favor of fair treatment - which is not what she's singing about.
What is the big deal about this gal?
A nice song, but the refrain is pulling the ears a bit... :-/
Hasan wrote:
I understand your bitterness about the current situation. I would say that Tracy Chapman has nothing to be ashamed with this song. It is the rest of us who should blush. We didn't listen.
So, do not take (another) mortgage.
Turn off TV - it is feeding you rubbish. Or at least do not watch: sitcoms, realities, quiz shows, standup comedians,... Just science shows.
Listen to good music.
Then you can start actually turning the tables. That seems to be the step everybody has forgotten - to actually start turning the tables. It is not a one day event, it's gonna take time and effort.
I wonder if Tracy looks back embarrassed at that song.
The tables may have looked like they were turning in 1988.
The tables may have looked like they were turning in 1988.
I understand your bitterness about the current situation. I would say that Tracy Chapman has nothing to be ashamed with this song. It is the rest of us who should blush. We didn't listen.
So, do not take (another) mortgage.
Turn off TV - it is feeding you rubbish. Or at least do not watch: sitcoms, realities, quiz shows, standup comedians,... Just science shows.
Listen to good music.
Then you can start actually turning the tables. That seems to be the step everybody has forgotten - to actually start turning the tables. It is not a one day event, it's gonna take time and effort.
I wonder if Tracy looks back embarrassed at that song.
The tables may have looked like they were turning in 1988.
Here we are 25 years gone and I see no substantial improvement in Europe or N. America. Russia got itself free of communism but got thoroughly reamed by Wall Street as soon as it did, along with the "Asian Tigers". Generally, S. America is a bit more prosperous than before, but in the working classes -- the middle class is dwindling just as badly as in "The West". The Chinese are certainly on a roll -- why? 'coz they're quietly pulling the props out from under the USA, with eager assistance from American corporations. Islamic countries reel from blow to blow from the planetary bullyboy.
Revolutions come from massively coordinated rejection of the ruling order. Yet, through Google, Facebook, Twitter and mobile phone GPS we surrender daily 10,000 times more information than our rulers need in order to predict in advance which of us will respond favourably to an overture of coordinated action. Take tax declarations; 10 years ago artificial intelligence engines could run the numbers and profile every taxpayer according to their probability of avoiding taxes some time in the future. Who doubts that the next revolutionary leaders are already earmarked for a drone attack the very hour we all take to the streets?
Does anyone have a clue what the "next revolution" will look like?
The Republicans embraced and extended the Tea Party "revolution".
The Democrats embraced and extended the Occupy "revolution".
Voters vote precisely the way the ruling class tell them to vote.
Where will the next revolution come from? Where can it come from? Who could lead it?
P.S.
https://www.rollingstone.com/politics/news/the-vampire-squid-strikes-again-the-mega-banks-most-devious-scam-yet-20140212
The tables may have looked like they were turning in 1988.
Here we are 25 years gone and I see no substantial improvement in Europe or N. America. Russia got itself free of communism but got thoroughly reamed by Wall Street as soon as it did, along with the "Asian Tigers". Generally, S. America is a bit more prosperous than before, but in the working classes -- the middle class is dwindling just as badly as in "The West". The Chinese are certainly on a roll -- why? 'coz they're quietly pulling the props out from under the USA, with eager assistance from American corporations. Islamic countries reel from blow to blow from the planetary bullyboy.
Revolutions come from massively coordinated rejection of the ruling order. Yet, through Google, Facebook, Twitter and mobile phone GPS we surrender daily 10,000 times more information than our rulers need in order to predict in advance which of us will respond favourably to an overture of coordinated action. Take tax declarations; 10 years ago artificial intelligence engines could run the numbers and profile every taxpayer according to their probability of avoiding taxes some time in the future. Who doubts that the next revolutionary leaders are already earmarked for a drone attack the very hour we all take to the streets?
Does anyone have a clue what the "next revolution" will look like?
The Republicans embraced and extended the Tea Party "revolution".
The Democrats embraced and extended the Occupy "revolution".
Voters vote precisely the way the ruling class tell them to vote.
Where will the next revolution come from? Where can it come from? Who could lead it?
P.S.
https://www.rollingstone.com/politics/news/the-vampire-squid-strikes-again-the-mega-banks-most-devious-scam-yet-20140212
Poacher wrote:
Do you actually know anybody? I mean really go out and talk to actual people and learn about their lives? I work for a living. On a daily basis I interact with 100s of people, different all the time every year. My theory of people who post things like this is that they are secluded from society. I think a typical hippie was some rich kid who went to Berkely for a year and dropped out after hearing a radical professor rant and rant for two semesters. Then never gave it another thought after that -- just parrot parrot parrot the rest of their life the stupid ideas. I know for sure working people do not come to comment boards. It is too risky. There is no reason in taking risks that some radical lunatic will seek revenge in some spat. Or worse, that they'll loose their job. This is why I am very careful about my privacy here.
This comment board is bizzaro world. It is not reality. Or, you are just trolling and having fun getting my goat. Right wingers do the same. It's always one side trolling against the other, nothing of substance is ever discussed.
You know what? It is well time for a worldwide revolution. I don't care that in the past they have not gone to plan, I truly don't, let's start with the british royal family and take it from there.
Do you actually know anybody? I mean really go out and talk to actual people and learn about their lives? I work for a living. On a daily basis I interact with 100s of people, different all the time every year. My theory of people who post things like this
is that they are secluded from society. I think a typical hippie was some rich kid who went to Berkely for a year and dropped out after hearing a radical professor rant and rant for two semesters. Then never gave it another thought after that -- just parrot parrot parrot the rest of their life the stupid ideas. I know for sure working people do not come to comment boards. It is too risky. There is no reason in taking risks that some radical lunatic will seek revenge in some spat. Or worse, that they'll loose their job. This is why I am very careful about my privacy here. This comment board is bizzaro world. It is not reality. Or, you are just trolling and having fun getting my goat. Right wingers do the same. It's always one side trolling against the other, nothing of substance is ever discussed.
You know what? It is well time for a worldwide revolution. I don't care that in the past they have not gone to plan, I truly don't, let's start with the british royal family and take it from there.
.......... Has to be 9 LowPhreak wrote:
America's a wacky place.
Where else would they fight AGAINST affordable health care for all?
The rest of the free world shakes its head in disbelief.
Naw, I'd rather have gov't mandated servitude to the insurance corps & Big Pharma (fascism).
If the retarded right-wing inbreds would learn what the term "socialism" actually means, they'd know Obama & 98% of the Dems ain't that.
If the retarded right-wing inbreds would learn what the term "socialism" actually means, they'd know Obama & 98% of the Dems ain't that.
America's a wacky place.
Where else would they fight AGAINST affordable health care for all?
The rest of the free world shakes its head in disbelief.
On_The_Beach wrote:
And for the love of God, please don't let us have affordable heath care!!!
Naw, I'd rather have gov't mandated servitude to the insurance corps & Big Pharma (fascism).
If the retarded right-wing inbreds would learn what the term "socialism" actually means, they'd know Obama & 98% of the Dems ain't that.
And for the love of God, please don't let us have affordable heath care!!!
Naw, I'd rather have gov't mandated servitude to the insurance corps & Big Pharma (fascism).
If the retarded right-wing inbreds would learn what the term "socialism" actually means, they'd know Obama & 98% of the Dems ain't that.
jrichbourg wrote:
And for the love of God, please don't let us have affordable heath care!!!
Please don't play this socialist crap anymore....
And for the love of God, please don't let us have affordable heath care!!!
JIan wrote:
I apologize to my fellow RP'ers for the ad hominem attack here, but:
Hey bozo? Why not take a look at the meaning behind some of the songs that you personally rated very highly before posting nonsense like the above?!? If you don't like the tune, that's fine, to each their own, but why add the BS political comment?
Probably because it's a politically charged song?
I apologize to my fellow RP'ers for the ad hominem attack here, but:
Hey bozo? Why not take a look at the meaning behind some of the songs that you personally rated very highly before posting nonsense like the above?!? If you don't like the tune, that's fine, to each their own, but why add the BS political comment?
Probably because it's a politically charged song?
Always nice to hear some Tracy Chapman, and this cover is entertaining. Thanks for spinning it.
unclehud wrote:
Yeah, Bill; stick to the fascist crap!
RP does not play country, rap, punk, heavy metal, or...........
Yeah, Bill; stick to the fascist crap!
RP does not play country, rap, punk, heavy metal, or...........
jrichbourg wrote:
Yeah, Bill; stick to the fascist crap!
Please don't play this socialist crap anymore....
Yeah, Bill; stick to the fascist crap!
jrichbourg wrote:
I apologize to my fellow RP'ers for the ad hominem attack here, but:
Hey bozo? Why not take a look at the meaning behind some of the songs that you personally rated very highly before posting nonsense like the above?!? If you don't like the tune, that's fine, to each their own, but why add the BS political comment?
Please don't play this socialist crap anymore....
I apologize to my fellow RP'ers for the ad hominem attack here, but:
Hey bozo? Why not take a look at the meaning behind some of the songs that you personally rated very highly before posting nonsense like the above?!? If you don't like the tune, that's fine, to each their own, but why add the BS political comment?
Please don't play this socialist crap anymore....
Everybody in my church loves this song...
terrapin52 wrote:
...Gee, how broad-minded of you.
I really liked Tracy Chapman until I found out she was a clam bumper. I kinda still like her any way. :P
...Gee, how broad-minded of you.
romeotuma wrote:
awesome... love it...
DITTO ..
awesome... love it...
DITTO ..
I really liked Tracy Chapman until I found out she was a clam bumper. I kinda still like her any way. :P
kelty wrote:
Really?!? She holds less esteem in your eyes than THIS guy?
Michael Buble finding his niche and then over filling it with his ego.
another horrible song from my least favorite artist of all time, rock on!
Really?!? She holds less esteem in your eyes than THIS guy?
Michael Buble finding his niche and then over filling it with his ego.
I don't really understand why I don't care for Tracy Chapman... I don't object to her voice, I almost always enjoy songs that tell stories, the music is generally uninspired but not annoying... Her music just does nothing for me. Maybe it was hearing "Fast Cars" 10 billion times on the crappy radio stations back home. I don't know.
I just can't rate anything by her over a 4.
I just can't rate anything by her over a 4.
AM RADIO AGAIN.
not only good 4 the ears. also good 4 your brain :-)
kelty wrote:
Stay classy "keity"....show your colors.
another horrible song from my least favorite artist of all time, rock on!
Stay classy "keity"....show your colors.
talk about a revolution. yes.
Still timely, still beautiful. Thanks RP.
Dance to the revolution!!!! Sing to it!~!!!
That's how I feel right now!!!!! Thank you. It's time.
kelty wrote:
Thanks for that! We should care because...?
another horrible song from my least favorite artist of all time, rock on!
Thanks for that! We should care because...?
Ouch. I usually like Tracy Chapman, but this one hurts my ears.
another horrible song from my least favorite artist of all time, rock on!
romeotuma wrote:
This song is apropos... this is a revolutionary time... a stimulus bill will pass which is not just a giveaway to the rich...
Time will only tell... personally I think that the US taxpayers need to revolt. Stop the money flowing into the government... maybe that'll get the bastards' attention!
This song is apropos... this is a revolutionary time... a stimulus bill will pass which is not just a giveaway to the rich...
Time will only tell... personally I think that the US taxpayers need to revolt. Stop the money flowing into the government... maybe that'll get the bastards' attention!
Song is good. I will be redistributing my wealth to you! I think I might retire instead. romeotuma wrote:
This song is apropos... this is a revolutionary time... a stimulus bill will pass which is not just a giveaway to the rich...
This song is apropos... this is a revolutionary time... a stimulus bill will pass which is not just a giveaway to the rich...
HazzeSwede wrote:
takes more than a voice to make a song, lots of great songs have people with not so hot voices singing them and its Neil by the way
Like some say about Niel Young,CAN NOT STAND THE VOICE!!
takes more than a voice to make a song, lots of great songs have people with not so hot voices singing them and its Neil by the way
Revolution indeed (Obama named Pres just a couple hours ago). Nice timing Bill.
Tracy!
Orema, Marley then Chapman. Three African decendents in a row. Interesting...
Alpine wrote:
This comment warrants my first emoticon ever.
Her and Michael Feranti should go jump off a bridge somewhere. Then they wouldn't reproduce or make any more poor excuses for music.
This comment warrants my first emoticon ever.
Her and Michael Feranti should go jump off a bridge somewhere. Then they wouldn't reproduce or make any more poor excuses for music.
A dreadlock set?
I have to agree with some that I've always found the lyrics somewhat dumb though I like the sentiment overall and the feel of the song; when it came out it seemed really dumb since revolution seemed about as far away as one could imagine and I thought she sounded ultra naive though heart in the right place. Anyhow, I think most of the time evolution is better than revolution.
That said, I think much of this is way more serious discussion and thought and poring over a song that essentially is much simpler and not very deep really.
The simplicity of the song sometimes makes me like the song more, other times less.
Why just the poor? EVERYBODY rise up and take what's theirs. Oh.. wait.. the usurpers might not like it... and they have the finest government money can buy.
Poor people gonna rise up and take what's theirs? By midnite it'll be back where it was.
Like some say about Niel Young,CAN NOT STAND THE VOICE!!
You too?...
Arianrhod wrote:
Owe a lot to a particulary annoying ex for introducing me to her. Love this. 
dmax wrote:
You know, I adored this song when I first heard it. Great album, emotional performance.
But, the more I thought about it...
I've studied in school and worked hard at my job and taken care of my home and done OK for myself and my family. So, poor people rising up and "taking what's theirs" is absolutely not something that I can support. It sounds like "what's theirs" is what's mine.
I support the Southern Poverty Law Center and the Food Bank and volunteer in the community - and I'm not a Republican; I'm a Green.
I'm all for fairness, and helping your fellow man when he hits a rough patch to get them back on their feet. But this song's got a different message than "help your neighbor." It's "riot and steal."
This is not at all the take I have on the song, although I can see where one could come to that conclusion based on some of the language employed when viewed in isolation.
I do not see this as a call to riot and steal just to advance oneself as an indivdual. This would make one just a common thief. A criminal.
In my take, this is a broad call for social change.
I see this as her imploring those living in poverty not to give up hope. And, correspondingly, a call to those who live in relative comfort, and beyond, to try, at least occasionally, to view things from the perspective of those at the bottom, and to contemplate whether there might be a better way.
A strong and inspirational message.
thatslongformud wrote:
I'm just tired of the whisper part
Lucky one....I hate the entire song.
I'm just tired of the whisper part
Owe a lot to a particulary annoying ex for introducing me to her. Love this.
BillG wrote:
Just to keep things in context, this song is from her first album, written when she was very, very far from being wealthy.
Great segue, Bill, from Washington Bullets.
A revolution set. Maybe John Lennon's Workingclass Hero would be fitting?
inindian wrote:
It's not necessarily hypocritical to write about hard times, inequality or poverty if a wealthy artist is trying to convey a message to reach a wide audience.
Just to keep things in context, this song is from her first album, written when she was very, very far from being wealthy.
jlind wrote:
I'm officially sick of Tracy Chapman... I mean seriously... how are these lyrics even close to credible considering the amount of cash she makes. If I want to listen to someone talking about how fucked up their life is... well theres some great depression era blues for that.
It's not necessarily hypocritical to write about hard times, inequality or poverty if a wealthy artist is trying to convey a message to reach a wide audience.
tnt_thomas wrote:
Both you and dmax are missing systemic poverty!! When your race, colour, creed, religon exclude you from the success of hard work, frustration runs deeeeep. In Canada, I see it in the eyes of First Nations people. My foster brother is an ex-con who can't get a full time job, not because he's a con, but because he's an Indian.
Save your simple-minded explanations - you're blaming the victims.
tnt_thomas wrote:
Both you and dmax are missing systemic poverty!! When your race, colour, creed, religon exclude you from the success of hard work, frustration runs deeeeep. In Canada, I see it in the eyes of First Nations people. My foster brother is an ex-con who can't get a full time job, not because he's a con, but because he's an Indian.
Save your simple-minded explanations - you're blaming the victims.
Amen to that brother
Uhm Woody Guthrie wrote alot of depression blues and dust bowl blues...he was exactly poor but he wasn't rich either.
jlind wrote:
I'm officially sick of Tracy Chapman... I mean seriously... how are these lyrics even close to credible considering the amount of cash she makes. If I want to listen to someone talking about how fucked up their life is... well theres some great depression era blues for that.
eastcoast wrote:
with a very formulaic and unexpressive vocal style, IMO
ed: must have been in a bad mood because that comment is kind of dumb. I like her fine.
talkin bout singing the same in every song
with a very formulaic and unexpressive vocal style, IMO
ed: must have been in a bad mood because that comment is kind of dumb. I like her fine.
talkin bout singing the same in every song
... Kind of blah. Perhaps if I hear it again, while in a different mood, I'll enjoy it.
Uplifting.
It's just a song people...and a good one at that. Lighten up!
Daveinbawlmer wrote:
Well thought out and reasoned, I think. Same circumstances here as above. I've worked real hard. And I know folks who have done less than work hard at applying themselves to life and now they are in difficult circumstances and want someone else to buy their retirement or health care or whatever.
It's tough.
Plodding bass playing on this record.
Both you and dmax are missing systemic poverty!! When your race, colour, creed, religon exclude you from the success of hard work, frustration runs deeeeep. In Canada, I see it in the eyes of First Nations people. My foster brother is an ex-con who can't get a full time job, not because he's a con, but because he's an Indian.
Save your simple-minded explanations - you're blaming the victims.
jlind wrote:
I'm officially sick of Tracy Chapman... I mean seriously... how are these lyrics even close to credible considering the amount of cash she makes. If I want to listen to someone talking about how fucked up their life is... well theres some great depression era blues for that.
wow... harsh. How much art, literature and music is really literally true to one's own life ?
dmax wrote:
You know, I adored this song when I first heard it. Great album, emotional performance.
But, the more I thought about it...
I've studied in school and worked hard at my job and taken care of my home and done OK for myself and my family. So, poor people rising up and "taking what's theirs" is absolutely not something that I can support. It sounds like "what's theirs" is what's mine.
I support the Southern Poverty Law Center and the Food Bank and volunteer in the community - and I'm not a Republican; I'm a Green.
I'm all for fairness, and helping your fellow man when he hits a rough patch to get them back on their feet. But this song's got a different message than "help your neighbor." It's "riot and steal."
Well thought out and reasoned, I think. Same circumstances here as above. I've worked real hard. And I know folks who have done less than work hard at applying themselves to life and now they are in difficult circumstances and want someone else to buy their retirement or health care or whatever.
It's tough.
Plodding bass playing on this record.
I'm officially sick of Tracy Chapman... I mean seriously... how are these lyrics even close to credible considering the amount of cash she makes. If I want to listen to someone talking about how fucked up their life is... well theres some great depression era blues for that.
Great Album... Wonderful song!
I read some of the posts, and I thought:
Dont't you think it is great that a "simple" song is capable of rising different comments and opinions?
Music has the power!
Don't hear much Tracy Chapman on RP, looking at the comments..I see why??????
rgrace wrote:
True, true. But everytime it's been tried, millions have died.
Still, countless thousands die every day from poverty, pollution and starvation caused by the rich minority of the world not sharing even a small part of our immense wealth. The poor people of the world have all the rights to claim their share. Facts: (click here)
Another famous artist wrote:
So you scream from behind your door
Say whats mine is mine and not yours
I may have too much
But I'll take my chances
Because God stopped keeping score
And you cling to the things
They sold you
Did you cover your eyes when
They told you
That he cant come back
Because he has no children
To come back for
Who? George Michael.
I am of the opinion that a capitalist republic is the best system we've figured out so far (Star Trek's enlightened military dictatorship seems pretty good, but we don't know any Vulcans to set it up for us). Capitalism inherently requires stratification. However, it does not require that the gap between the richest and poorest be as large as it is today in the U.S., or worldwide, nor does it require that the poorest be lacking basic needs like food and medical care. I don't know how to fix this, other than giving as much of my time, talents, and treasures as I can spare when I'm not being a cog in the consumer machine.
Fully agree with you. She's a victim, didn't you know!
dmax wrote:
You know, I adored this song when I first heard it. Great album, emotional performance.
But, the more I thought about it...
I've studied in school and worked hard at my job and taken care of my home and done OK for myself and my family. So, poor people rising up and "taking what's theirs" is absolutely not something that I can support. It sounds like "what's theirs" is what's mine.
I support the Southern Poverty Law Center and the Food Bank and volunteer in the community - and I'm not a Republican; I'm a Green.
I'm all for fairness, and helping your fellow man when he hits a rough patch to get them back on their feet. But this song's got a different message than "help your neighbor." It's "riot and steal."
Art_Carnage wrote:
The song sucks, but that's no reason to twist what it says to fit whatever agenda you have. The song says:
Poor people are gonna rise up
And get their share
Poor people are gonna rise up
And take what's theirs
Note the word "their". It doesn't say "take somebody else's share". It doesn't say "take what's someone else's".
True, true. But everytime it's been tried, millions have died.
dmax wrote:
I'm all for fairness, and helping your fellow man when he hits a rough patch to get them back on their feet. But this song's got a different message than "help your neighbor." It's "riot and steal."
The song sucks, but that's no reason to twist what it says to fit whatever agenda you have. The song says:
Poor people are gonna rise up
And get their share
Poor people are gonna rise up
And take what's theirs
Note the word "their". It doesn't say "take somebody else's share". It doesn't say "take what's someone else's".
Perhaps my least favorite artist of all time. 'fast car' could be the only song worse than this one. Booooo!
dmax wrote:
You know, I adored this song when I first heard it. Great album, emotional performance.
But, the more I thought about it...
I've studied in school and worked hard at my job and taken care of my home and done OK for myself and my family. So, poor people rising up and "taking what's theirs" is absolutely not something that I can support. It sounds like "what's theirs" is what's mine.
I support the Southern Poverty Law Center and the Food Bank and volunteer in the community - and I'm not a Republican; I'm a Green.
I'm all for fairness, and helping your fellow man when he hits a rough patch to get them back on their feet. But this song's got a different message than "help your neighbor." It's "riot and steal."
Well put. I have to agree with this. As the years pass it becomes all too clear that no political system has ever been able to solve this one. Not left nor right. Socialist, Democratic, Revolutionary, Fascist, Despotic, etc. None of them And every time anybody 'rises up to take what's theirs' we get the most bloody wars.
Jesus advised that 'the poor will always be with us'. And he was not wrong about anything.
Nice message, but I don't see a lot of evidence that the tables have turned in the last 15 years ... at least not in the direction Tracy had in mind.
steeler wrote:
Unbelievable that it has merited so little comment from this community.
What can be said when a song is this perfect?
Poor people gonna rise up and TAKE what's theirs.
After New Orleans, hmmmmmmm.
Nicely written song, can't say I agree with its message, but it certainly is well done.
This and Jackson Browne's Lives in a Balance bring it all together for me.
Great track! My fiancee brought me into the world of Tracy Chapman about 2 years ago, not sure where i was before then. . .lol
that revolution ain't nevah gonna happen at this rate!
steeler wrote:
I didn't know whether to be grateful or insulted that they didn't take any of my other tapes.
Poor people are going to rise up and take what's there!
Yeah, my car was broken into in the early-90's and the only thing they took was my Tracy Chapman tape of her first album. I didn't know whether to be grateful or insulted that they didn't take any of my other tapes.
smokinsean wrote:
...an all time fave...
S.
Agreed. Unbelievable that it has merited so little comment from this community.
...an all time fave...
S.
Poor people are going to rise up and take what's there!
Beastie wrote:
Timeless classic with soul and message to match.
That states it succinctly and well.
Timeless classic with soul and message to match.
This album is INCREDIBLE!!! I love this song. Can\'t wait for her new one (hopefully out very soon). Agreed...you can play any song from this album.
Tracy Chapman is a very gifted songwriter who also happens to be a very talented musician as well. I put her social commentary (lyrics) on a par with that of Bruce Cockburn.
Simple...stunning...great!
This song it\'s great. Nobody scored under 7. Has anybody seen this before?