Tracy Chapman — Smoke And Ashes
Album: New BeginningAvg rating:
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Total ratings: 2538
Length: 6:35
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I'd heard rumors and I'd heard talk
About the trail you'd left of broken hearts
About the sea of tears too wide to cross
But a little bad press has never scared me off
So I burned a path to figure out
How to get me some of what you got
I've got a red hot heart
If the talk is true yours is the same
And we should be together
And let our passions fan love's flame
When I looked for you I almost passed you by
You were so cool and calm
I thought my friends had lied
But I thought so much reserve must make you wild inside
It was there and then that I knew
I had to get some of what you got
I've got a red hot heart
If the talk is true yours is the same
And we should be together
And let our passions fan love's flame
I thought I'd won your heart when I held you hand in mine
I thought it was true love the way we complemented each other
But my right is your wrong
And when you're right then I'm left with nothing
Your light and your heat have all been spent
Leaving only smoke and ashes
Only smoke and ashes baby
I've got a red hot heart
And your heart's as blue as the blood in your veins
I say there's fire down below
You say it's only smoke and ashes baby
I'm crying all the time
Salty stinging tears
And mourning for the past carbon-dated years
But knowing now for certain that you were always right
Because if a breeze could blow you out of my life
It's only smoke and ashes baby
Only smoke and ashes baby
I've got a red hot heart
And your heart's as blue as the blood in your veins
I say there's fire down below
You say it's only smoke and ashes baby
I was blinded by devotion
My unwavering love for you
So blinded that I thought all your lies were true
But now I know for certain since you've gone away
It was just a smoldering fire I mistook for a blaze
Only smoke and ashes baby
I've got a red hot heart
And your heart's as blue as the blood in your veins
I say there's fire down below
You say it's only smoke and ashes baby
Only smoke and ashes baby, baby
About the trail you'd left of broken hearts
About the sea of tears too wide to cross
But a little bad press has never scared me off
So I burned a path to figure out
How to get me some of what you got
I've got a red hot heart
If the talk is true yours is the same
And we should be together
And let our passions fan love's flame
When I looked for you I almost passed you by
You were so cool and calm
I thought my friends had lied
But I thought so much reserve must make you wild inside
It was there and then that I knew
I had to get some of what you got
I've got a red hot heart
If the talk is true yours is the same
And we should be together
And let our passions fan love's flame
I thought I'd won your heart when I held you hand in mine
I thought it was true love the way we complemented each other
But my right is your wrong
And when you're right then I'm left with nothing
Your light and your heat have all been spent
Leaving only smoke and ashes
Only smoke and ashes baby
I've got a red hot heart
And your heart's as blue as the blood in your veins
I say there's fire down below
You say it's only smoke and ashes baby
I'm crying all the time
Salty stinging tears
And mourning for the past carbon-dated years
But knowing now for certain that you were always right
Because if a breeze could blow you out of my life
It's only smoke and ashes baby
Only smoke and ashes baby
I've got a red hot heart
And your heart's as blue as the blood in your veins
I say there's fire down below
You say it's only smoke and ashes baby
I was blinded by devotion
My unwavering love for you
So blinded that I thought all your lies were true
But now I know for certain since you've gone away
It was just a smoldering fire I mistook for a blaze
Only smoke and ashes baby
I've got a red hot heart
And your heart's as blue as the blood in your veins
I say there's fire down below
You say it's only smoke and ashes baby
Only smoke and ashes baby, baby
Comments (198)add comment
Lyrics didnt hit me but Tracy could sing the phonebook and I would listen. Love her voice.
Soulful and holds up well all these years later.
One of Tracy's best. Great song.
bhromo1 wrote:
You can do what I do. Give a song a poor rating and hit the "Next" button.
Is there a way to avoid listening to this crying repetitive woman
You can do what I do. Give a song a poor rating and hit the "Next" button.
Lyrics are phenomenal, and her worn-out (sounding) voice is perfect for delivering them.
I hate to be a spelling cop, but it’s tracy, not tracey,
Turn it up a notch and cruise that open that open road with our Tracey.✌️
The vamp at the end of this song could go forever in my books, baby. This album is one of my desert island picks!
geonuine wrote:
Well said!
Timeless Tracy. Falling back and reflecting.
It is songs like this that make the passing of time more meaningful
It is songs like this that make the passing of time more meaningful
Well said!
Sasha2001 wrote:
Bats are playing Baseball these days? Iv'e seen them mostly stick to Ballet.
Anyway, for sure, what a voice!
When she hits the bridge, for me, it's like the musical equivalent of the sound a bat makes as it's hitting a homerun.
Bats are playing Baseball these days? Iv'e seen them mostly stick to Ballet.
Anyway, for sure, what a voice!
Timeless Tracy. Falling back and reflecting.
It is songs like this that make the passing of time more meaningful
It is songs like this that make the passing of time more meaningful
Timeless.
A few comments here - some posted more than a decade ago! - comparing Tracy Chapman to Joan Armatrading. The instrumentation and Chapman's phrasing make it clear to me that Armatrading was a huge influence. I have no problem with that.
Had an opportunity to read the lyrics.....bumping from 9 to 10! Great tune.
TLynneHenry wrote:
Update 11/5/19 - same pairing! Still good.
Update Feb 5, 2020 - No change; still awesome!!!
Update 11/5/19 - same pairing! Still good.
Update Feb 5, 2020 - No change; still awesome!!!
Webfoot wrote:
Update 11/5/19 - same pairing! Still good.
Wow, great pairing with Brilliant Disguise Bill! 
Update 11/5/19 - same pairing! Still good.
I remember reading it took her several years to put this album together. I respect that. She's a hard working musician. The real deal.
Solanus wrote:
Knowing that I am replying to a seven-year-old post from a beloved commenter who was taken from us way too soon (RIP), I must disagree with Cynaera's approach here.
Completely taking out whatever jagdriver's faults may be (no opinion) or his thoughts regarding Tracy Chapman (I can see where other people may not like her, either due to over-saturation or just aesthetic incompatibility, but I like her stuff), he's at least partially right about some people keying on the music well before the lyrics ever kick in (definitely me). There is nothing wrong with either approach; it's just the way that music hits you. And I would never try to assign anyone into camps, as if one is wrong or that they need to be segregated.
As for whether I would write off a song with great lyrics because the music is lacking, of course I would. Music listening is primarily an emotional interaction for me and if a song fails to strike the right "tone" for me, I'm probably not going to continue to listen to it. If I get around to learning the lyrics, I might become more interested in it (maybe not; some of it just doesn't work for me). If I've liked other stuff from a particular artist, I'm more likely to give additional tracks a fair shake. As much as I appreciate the far-ranging musical choices on RP, I know there is plenty of other music out there that turns me off, regardless of the quality of lyrics.
As for whether my views would make me a narrow-minded snob, I would say absolutely not. How I would classify a snob is someone that looks down upon others for having a different opinion than theirs. There is nothing wrong about somebody liking a good beat that's easy to dance to, the same as for those that like poetry with a little accompaniment. Everyone's opinion on music is correct, assuming that facts are observed within that context.
I wish I could have taken the opportunity to discuss music appreciation with Ann. I've never met you, yet I miss you now.
WOW....very well stated, and I know exactly what you mean about both 'lyrics vs. music' and missing Ann without having known her. Which is another reminder, right? That our physical death is not the complete end of being; something lingers after the body is gone (or turned into Smoke & Ashes [pun intended!')
I will say I'm a bigger fan of Joan Armatrading's voice to TC's, though I have this tune rated a 7, it is a tad below the current 7.1 average.
Long Live RP!!
Knowing that I am replying to a seven-year-old post from a beloved commenter who was taken from us way too soon (RIP), I must disagree with Cynaera's approach here.
Completely taking out whatever jagdriver's faults may be (no opinion) or his thoughts regarding Tracy Chapman (I can see where other people may not like her, either due to over-saturation or just aesthetic incompatibility, but I like her stuff), he's at least partially right about some people keying on the music well before the lyrics ever kick in (definitely me). There is nothing wrong with either approach; it's just the way that music hits you. And I would never try to assign anyone into camps, as if one is wrong or that they need to be segregated.
As for whether I would write off a song with great lyrics because the music is lacking, of course I would. Music listening is primarily an emotional interaction for me and if a song fails to strike the right "tone" for me, I'm probably not going to continue to listen to it. If I get around to learning the lyrics, I might become more interested in it (maybe not; some of it just doesn't work for me). If I've liked other stuff from a particular artist, I'm more likely to give additional tracks a fair shake. As much as I appreciate the far-ranging musical choices on RP, I know there is plenty of other music out there that turns me off, regardless of the quality of lyrics.
As for whether my views would make me a narrow-minded snob, I would say absolutely not. How I would classify a snob is someone that looks down upon others for having a different opinion than theirs. There is nothing wrong about somebody liking a good beat that's easy to dance to, the same as for those that like poetry with a little accompaniment. Everyone's opinion on music is correct, assuming that facts are observed within that context.
I wish I could have taken the opportunity to discuss music appreciation with Ann. I've never met you, yet I miss you now.
WOW....very well stated, and I know exactly what you mean about both 'lyrics vs. music' and missing Ann without having known her. Which is another reminder, right? That our physical death is not the complete end of being; something lingers after the body is gone (or turned into Smoke & Ashes [pun intended!')
I will say I'm a bigger fan of Joan Armatrading's voice to TC's, though I have this tune rated a 7, it is a tad below the current 7.1 average.
Long Live RP!!
Cynaera wrote:
So - you're dividing music appreciators into two camps? You've already formed your framework? Tell me - into which of your two camps do I fit? And, just hypothetically-speaking, what happens if you hear a song that's horrible musically? Do you just write it off, even if the lyrics are brilliant? And if you do, doesn't that make you a narrow-minded snob? Here's the thing - you're welcome to be whatever you want, but once you make it public on a forum, you subject yourself to a different set of parameters. In your private life, you can believe whatever you want. You can be the baddest pirate on the ship. Take it public, and you better be able to justify it with more than "My experience..."
I love this song. C'mon, jagdriver. Prove to me why I'm wrong and you're right.
It's been a long week today - Feel free to attack me tomorrow.
Knowing that I am replying to a seven-year-old post from a beloved commenter who was taken from us way too soon (RIP), I must disagree with Cynaera's approach here.
Completely taking out whatever jagdriver's faults may be (no opinion) or his thoughts regarding Tracy Chapman (I can see where other people may not like her, either due to over-saturation or just aesthetic incompatibility, but I like her stuff), he's at least partially right about some people keying on the music well before the lyrics ever kick in (definitely me). There is nothing wrong with either approach; it's just the way that music hits you. And I would never try to assign anyone into camps, as if one is wrong or that they need to be segregated.
As for whether I would write off a song with great lyrics because the music is lacking, of course I would. Music listening is primarily an emotional interaction for me and if a song fails to strike the right "tone" for me, I'm probably not going to continue to listen to it. If I get around to learning the lyrics, I might become more interested in it (maybe not; some of it just doesn't work for me). If I've liked other stuff from a particular artist, I'm more likely to give additional tracks a fair shake. As much as I appreciate the far-ranging musical choices on RP, I know there is plenty of other music out there that turns me off, regardless of the quality of lyrics.
As for whether my views would make me a narrow-minded snob, I would say absolutely not. How I would classify a snob is someone that looks down upon others for having a different opinion than theirs. There is nothing wrong about somebody liking a good beat that's easy to dance to, the same as for those that like poetry with a little accompaniment. Everyone's opinion on music is correct, assuming that facts are observed within that context.
I wish I could have taken the opportunity to discuss music appreciation with Ann. I've never met you, yet I miss you now.
So - you're dividing music appreciators into two camps? You've already formed your framework? Tell me - into which of your two camps do I fit? And, just hypothetically-speaking, what happens if you hear a song that's horrible musically? Do you just write it off, even if the lyrics are brilliant? And if you do, doesn't that make you a narrow-minded snob? Here's the thing - you're welcome to be whatever you want, but once you make it public on a forum, you subject yourself to a different set of parameters. In your private life, you can believe whatever you want. You can be the baddest pirate on the ship. Take it public, and you better be able to justify it with more than "My experience..."
I love this song. C'mon, jagdriver. Prove to me why I'm wrong and you're right.
It's been a long week today - Feel free to attack me tomorrow.
Knowing that I am replying to a seven-year-old post from a beloved commenter who was taken from us way too soon (RIP), I must disagree with Cynaera's approach here.
Completely taking out whatever jagdriver's faults may be (no opinion) or his thoughts regarding Tracy Chapman (I can see where other people may not like her, either due to over-saturation or just aesthetic incompatibility, but I like her stuff), he's at least partially right about some people keying on the music well before the lyrics ever kick in (definitely me). There is nothing wrong with either approach; it's just the way that music hits you. And I would never try to assign anyone into camps, as if one is wrong or that they need to be segregated.
As for whether I would write off a song with great lyrics because the music is lacking, of course I would. Music listening is primarily an emotional interaction for me and if a song fails to strike the right "tone" for me, I'm probably not going to continue to listen to it. If I get around to learning the lyrics, I might become more interested in it (maybe not; some of it just doesn't work for me). If I've liked other stuff from a particular artist, I'm more likely to give additional tracks a fair shake. As much as I appreciate the far-ranging musical choices on RP, I know there is plenty of other music out there that turns me off, regardless of the quality of lyrics.
As for whether my views would make me a narrow-minded snob, I would say absolutely not. How I would classify a snob is someone that looks down upon others for having a different opinion than theirs. There is nothing wrong about somebody liking a good beat that's easy to dance to, the same as for those that like poetry with a little accompaniment. Everyone's opinion on music is correct, assuming that facts are observed within that context.
I wish I could have taken the opportunity to discuss music appreciation with Ann. I've never met you, yet I miss you now.
So chilled
Every time I hear this song, my heart breaks again over you. And then my soul rises through the ash like a phoenix.
Every. Single. Time.
Every. Single. Time.
Gazraman wrote:
When I hear stuff like this I'm glad she survived the "Fast Car" over-saturation. I so don't miss FM radio.
I definitely suffered from Tracy Chapman fatigue back in the day, but this is such a well rounded song.
When I hear stuff like this I'm glad she survived the "Fast Car" over-saturation. I so don't miss FM radio.
Sasha2001 wrote:
Bats play baseball? Oh...never mind.
When she hits the bridge, for me, it's like the musical equivalent of the sound a bat makes as it's hitting a homerun.
Bats play baseball? Oh...never mind.
Wow, great pairing with Brilliant Disguise Bill!
jimtyrrell wrote:
Well stated jimtyrrell
Love Tracy Chapman too, an all out great musician
Wow, can she right a song. A beautiful but brutal portrait of love and love lost. I m in love with Tracy Chapman and her smokey voice, great guitar playing and brillant lyrics. 8.9
Well stated jimtyrrell
Love Tracy Chapman too, an all out great musician 
Sublime. One of my faves for conveying the emotion in the song.
Wow, can she right a song. A beautiful but brutal portrait of love and love lost. I m in love with Tracy Chapman and her smokey voice, great guitar playing and brillant lyrics. 8.9
Like all of her stuff, I simply love it
Sasha2001 wrote:
Well said
When she hits the bridge, for me, it's like the musical equivalent of the sound a bat makes as it's hitting a homerun.
Well said
Sasha2001 wrote:
!!!
When she hits the bridge, for me, it's like the musical equivalent of the sound a bat makes as it's hitting a homerun.
!!!
This song really grows on you. Don't let the surgeons cut it off.
A timeless piece of artistry. My favorite Tracy Chapman song EVER. Stunning.
Stunning piece of work, it soars and sweeps and brings my spirits along with it. Just like this spring day.
I can't think of a single song she doesn't just kill it on. Certainly one of my favorite artists.
When she hits the bridge, for me, it's like the musical equivalent of the sound a bat makes as it's hitting a homerun.
Piranga wrote:
Yeahhhh... Love this....
Whoa...I bought this in 1995 but I think I missed something. Fantastic.
Yeahhhh... Love this....
I definitely suffered from Tracy Chapman fatigue back in the day, but this is such a well rounded song.
mighty song
springof63 wrote:
Just clicked over to make the same comment!
'i'm only smokin hash-ish babe . . .'
(sorry, couldn't help it!)
(sorry, couldn't help it!)
Just clicked over to make the same comment!
springof63 wrote:
'i'm only smokin hash-ish babe . . .'
(sorry, couldn't help it!)
(sorry, couldn't help it!)
'i'm only smokin hash-ish babe . . .'
(sorry, couldn't help it!)
(sorry, couldn't help it!)
acqua wrote:
Uaw =) wat mooi !
Blech!
simply wonderful.
Beautiful! Thank you DJ for an awesome day
I thought this was a country song at first. Definite 9.
Bumped it to a 9. Resonates in a hundred ways, and a brilliant song from a great artist.
Sometimes, a big hit is a big hit because it's good.
Brilliant.
Whoa...I bought this in 1995 but I think I missed something. Fantastic.
It's a 10. Gotta get me some of what Tracy's got.
This was playing in the background as I watched a video my mentor just sent me of her new grandbaby laughing. Somehow, it was absolutely perfect.
I am not sure what I was smokin', but I had only given this a 9. This is a 10...fixed it.
What a brilliant song. 
with this playlist this AM, RP will have me hooked all morning. :)
| Posted: Feb 26, 2013 - 14:00 | < Reply > |
Cynaera wrote: One of my favorite songs by Tracy Chapman.  Thanks, Bill - what a great day of music I've been having! Miss you so much, Cynaera... love this song... |
I miss Cynaera too.
Bill helps so many people get through so many days. Thanks Bill!
Cynaera wrote:
miss you so much, Cynaera...
love this song...
One of my favorite songs by Tracy Chapman. Thanks, Bill - what a great day of music I've been having!
Thanks, Bill - what a great day of music I've been having! miss you so much, Cynaera...
love this song...
I love how at the end of the song, after the lament to lost love, and her words of anger about how the whole relationship was a lie, the very last words, fading out, are baby - baby - baby. Lingering longing. Supposedly this was about her affair with Alice Walker? Wow. I get it.
RP has kept me going this afternoon- this is just one of many high points.
This song is like coming home...
This song is like coming home...
Nice, very nice. and I'm not much of a Tracy Chapman fan.
+1
Coventry wrote:
Coventry wrote:
Majestic chords; iconic voice; serious jam potential. Nice song to write by.
Majestic chords; iconic voice; serious jam potential. Nice song to write by.
bailey_comus wrote:
The daughter of the Walker Brothers?
Isn't this about her affair with Alice Walker?
From her Wiki : "In the mid-1990s Chapman dated author Alice Walker.<6> Chapman maintains a strong separation between her personal and professional lives. “I have a public life that’s my work life and I have my personal life,” she said. “In some ways, the decision to keep the two things separate relates to the work I do."<7>"
From her Wiki : "In the mid-1990s Chapman dated author Alice Walker.<6> Chapman maintains a strong separation between her personal and professional lives. “I have a public life that’s my work life and I have my personal life,” she said. “In some ways, the decision to keep the two things separate relates to the work I do."<7>"
The daughter of the Walker Brothers?
I like everything about this song except for the too many ~baby~s.
Starts to grate.
Starts to grate.
Great discussion below. I can't see why anyone would complain about this voice though. Missing Cy.
-7 points for way to many "baybayyyyy"s
stunix wrote:
Me too. . . almost every day for decades.
yup, I be smokin' hashish baby!
Me too. . . almost every day for decades.
yup, I be smokin' hashish baby!
jagdriver wrote:
I've never considered this question. My experience is that music appreciators can be divided into two camps to begin: those who listen to the music first versus those who are driven first by lyrical content. I am definitely the former, so if a lead singer grates on my ears, it doesn't matter how wonderful the lyrics may or may not be. This explains why I'm not a Jackson Browne fan, for example, among many others who are considered to be top notch lyricists.
I don't want to butt into an argument here, but jagdriver does have a bit of a point. I almost always focus on the music and vocals first, then pick up the lyrics along the way - maybe it's just the way my brain is wired. I have a lot of musician friends and from talking to them, I appear to be a bit of a freak w/r/t that.
That said, I love the way Tracy Chapman sings - there is so much emotion and expressiveness in her voice that it is hard not to get caught up in it. I have a tendency (and not insignificant ability) to try to emulate unique vocal styles and she definitely qualifies in that regard. I sing at Open Mic nights and have been performing a nearly dead-on version of Behind The Walls for years. If you sing it deadpan, it kills the emotion of the song; the quaver in her voice conveys the seriousness of the situation and the sadness of the outcome.
As for the two camps, don't think of it as a binary proposition. I'm not latching on to one thing in particular and dismissing all the rest; it's just what catches my ear, so to speak.
I've never considered this question. My experience is that music appreciators can be divided into two camps to begin: those who listen to the music first versus those who are driven first by lyrical content. I am definitely the former, so if a lead singer grates on my ears, it doesn't matter how wonderful the lyrics may or may not be. This explains why I'm not a Jackson Browne fan, for example, among many others who are considered to be top notch lyricists.
I don't want to butt into an argument here, but jagdriver does have a bit of a point. I almost always focus on the music and vocals first, then pick up the lyrics along the way - maybe it's just the way my brain is wired. I have a lot of musician friends and from talking to them, I appear to be a bit of a freak w/r/t that.
That said, I love the way Tracy Chapman sings - there is so much emotion and expressiveness in her voice that it is hard not to get caught up in it. I have a tendency (and not insignificant ability) to try to emulate unique vocal styles and she definitely qualifies in that regard. I sing at Open Mic nights and have been performing a nearly dead-on version of Behind The Walls for years. If you sing it deadpan, it kills the emotion of the song; the quaver in her voice conveys the seriousness of the situation and the sadness of the outcome.
As for the two camps, don't think of it as a binary proposition. I'm not latching on to one thing in particular and dismissing all the rest; it's just what catches my ear, so to speak.
Sasha2001 wrote:
Agreed. I thought Tracy Chapman was a one hit wonder with her Fast Car. This is a great indy song that would never have made the charts. But it is great.
I love this song. It has such a wonderful rhythm and vibe to it. It always draws me in real close, then it hits me with that heartbreaking bridge. Then, inexplicably, the bridge returns for a double dose of of sweet, sweet loss. Jazz baby...
Agreed. I thought Tracy Chapman was a one hit wonder with her Fast Car. This is a great indy song that would never have made the charts. But it is great.
Cynaera wrote:
So - you're dividing music appreciators into two camps? You've already formed your framework? Tell me - into which of your two camps do I fit? And, just hypothetically-speaking, what happens if you hear a song that's horrible musically? Do you just write it off, even if the lyrics are brilliant? And if you do, doesn't that make you a narrow-minded snob? Here's the thing - you're welcome to be whatever you want, but once you make it public on a forum, you subject yourself to a different set of parameters. In your private life, you can believe whatever you want. You can be the baddest pirate on the ship. Take it public, and you better be able to justify it with more than "My experience..."
I love this song. C'mon, jagdriver. Prove to me why I'm wrong and you're right.
It's been a long week today - Feel free to attack me tomorrow.
Come on, Cyn, you know that there is very little "wrong" or "right" when it comes to matters of aesthetics and/or tastes; they can rarely be "justified", much less proven or disproved. There are no mathematical formulae or double-blind, clinical trials which can precisely measure or designate the quality of a song - or any work of art. To demand that someone "better be able to justify" an opinion which differs from yours, seems "narrow-minded", presumptuous, and somewhat hostile. What primary basis can one have for their personal tastes other than their own "experience"? Jagdriver was stating his opinion, he was not running for an elected office or writing a doctoral thesis. That post seemed more grumpy than your usual posts; I guess you were having a long week that day. Anyhow, I think this is quite a likable tune.
So - you're dividing music appreciators into two camps? You've already formed your framework? Tell me - into which of your two camps do I fit? And, just hypothetically-speaking, what happens if you hear a song that's horrible musically? Do you just write it off, even if the lyrics are brilliant? And if you do, doesn't that make you a narrow-minded snob? Here's the thing - you're welcome to be whatever you want, but once you make it public on a forum, you subject yourself to a different set of parameters. In your private life, you can believe whatever you want. You can be the baddest pirate on the ship. Take it public, and you better be able to justify it with more than "My experience..."
I love this song. C'mon, jagdriver. Prove to me why I'm wrong and you're right.
It's been a long week today - Feel free to attack me tomorrow.
Come on, Cyn, you know that there is very little "wrong" or "right" when it comes to matters of aesthetics and/or tastes; they can rarely be "justified", much less proven or disproved. There are no mathematical formulae or double-blind, clinical trials which can precisely measure or designate the quality of a song - or any work of art. To demand that someone "better be able to justify" an opinion which differs from yours, seems "narrow-minded", presumptuous, and somewhat hostile. What primary basis can one have for their personal tastes other than their own "experience"? Jagdriver was stating his opinion, he was not running for an elected office or writing a doctoral thesis. That post seemed more grumpy than your usual posts; I guess you were having a long week that day. Anyhow, I think this is quite a likable tune.
I love this song. It has such a wonderful rhythm and vibe to it. It always draws me in real close, then it hits me with that heartbreaking bridge. Then, inexplicably, the bridge returns for a double dose of of sweet, sweet loss. Jazz baby...
YES
this works for me..............
jagdriver wrote:
I've never considered this question. My experience is that music appreciators can be divided into two camps to begin: those who listen to the music first versus those who are driven first by lyrical content. I am definitely the former, so if a lead singer grates on my ears, it doesn't matter how wonderful the lyrics may or may not be. This explains why I'm not a Jackson Browne fan, for example, among many others who are considered to be top notch lyricists.
So - you're dividing music appreciators into two camps? You've already formed your framework? Tell me - into which of your two camps do I fit? And, just hypothetically-speaking, what happens if you hear a song that's horrible musically? Do you just write it off, even if the lyrics are brilliant? And if you do, doesn't that make you a narrow-minded snob? Here's the thing - you're welcome to be whatever you want, but once you make it public on a forum, you subject yourself to a different set of parameters. In your private life, you can believe whatever you want. You can be the baddest pirate on the ship. Take it public, and you better be able to justify it with more than "My experience..."
I love this song. C'mon, jagdriver. Prove to me why I'm wrong and you're right.
It's been a long week today - Feel free to attack me tomorrow.
I've never considered this question. My experience is that music appreciators can be divided into two camps to begin: those who listen to the music first versus those who are driven first by lyrical content. I am definitely the former, so if a lead singer grates on my ears, it doesn't matter how wonderful the lyrics may or may not be. This explains why I'm not a Jackson Browne fan, for example, among many others who are considered to be top notch lyricists.
So - you're dividing music appreciators into two camps? You've already formed your framework? Tell me - into which of your two camps do I fit? And, just hypothetically-speaking, what happens if you hear a song that's horrible musically? Do you just write it off, even if the lyrics are brilliant? And if you do, doesn't that make you a narrow-minded snob? Here's the thing - you're welcome to be whatever you want, but once you make it public on a forum, you subject yourself to a different set of parameters. In your private life, you can believe whatever you want. You can be the baddest pirate on the ship. Take it public, and you better be able to justify it with more than "My experience..."
I love this song. C'mon, jagdriver. Prove to me why I'm wrong and you're right.
It's been a long week today - Feel free to attack me tomorrow.
Isn't this about her affair with Alice Walker?
From her Wiki : "In the mid-1990s Chapman dated author Alice Walker.<6> Chapman maintains a strong separation between her personal and professional lives. “I have a public life that’s my work life and I have my personal life,” she said. “In some ways, the decision to keep the two things separate relates to the work I do."<7>"
From her Wiki : "In the mid-1990s Chapman dated author Alice Walker.<6> Chapman maintains a strong separation between her personal and professional lives. “I have a public life that’s my work life and I have my personal life,” she said. “In some ways, the decision to keep the two things separate relates to the work I do."<7>"
choffman2001 wrote:
Damn! From now on, when I hear this song, I will NEVER be able to get that out of my head...
One of the funniest mis-heard lyrics ever, for me anyway, "Only smoking hashish, baby..." 
This from a stoner with whom I used to work.
This from a stoner with whom I used to work.Damn! From now on, when I hear this song, I will NEVER be able to get that out of my head...
One of the funniest mis-heard lyrics ever, for me anyway, "Only smoking hashish, baby..." This from a stoner with whom I used to work.
This from a stoner with whom I used to work. Webfoot wrote:
Not to horn in, but she is just one of those singer/songwriters that we admire, but don't always land in the right spot vocally for some. The rare combo where both things (writing/singing) are technically excellent are even more rare. Here, in this case, I have some issues with both, but overall I like it. But that's just my opinion, which doesn't count for a whole lot. Butting out now.
Not horning in at all, Webfoot! My mom used to vault across the room to turn off the radio whenever a Johnny Mathis song played, because his vibrato made her ears hurt. John Gary was another one, because he always sang about a half a note flat - just enough that it was like listening to an untuned guitar. I like to think I'm pretty liberal about music, but every day at RP, I hear something that makes me want to rip my own head off, and something that I end up buying. I guess that's why this is Paradise - everything balances out nicely.
Not to horn in, but she is just one of those singer/songwriters that we admire, but don't always land in the right spot vocally for some. The rare combo where both things (writing/singing) are technically excellent are even more rare. Here, in this case, I have some issues with both, but overall I like it. But that's just my opinion, which doesn't count for a whole lot. Butting out now.
Not horning in at all, Webfoot! My mom used to vault across the room to turn off the radio whenever a Johnny Mathis song played, because his vibrato made her ears hurt. John Gary was another one, because he always sang about a half a note flat - just enough that it was like listening to an untuned guitar. I like to think I'm pretty liberal about music, but every day at RP, I hear something that makes me want to rip my own head off, and something that I end up buying. I guess that's why this is Paradise - everything balances out nicely. I've always loved this ladies music, she moves me into a place of strong emotion, yet soothing at the same time... probably doesn't make sense to most, but it does to me. "Sometimes I get into the music, and sometimes, not very often, the music gets into me!"
I love Tracy's work... just wonderful.
Cynaera wrote:
I've never considered this question. My experience is that music appreciators can be divided into two camps to begin: those who listen to the music first versus those who are driven first by lyrical content. I am definitely the former, so if a lead singer grates on my ears, it doesn't matter how wonderful the lyrics may or may not be. This explains why I'm not a Jackson Browne fan, for example, among many others who are considered to be top notch lyricists.
Okey-dokey. Just asking. So - if someone else was to cover this song (because the lyrics are pretty eloquent), who would you choose to do the vocals? Ball's back in your court, jagdriver. 
You're quick with opinions, but I bet there's a lot of other stuff simmering under the surface. And if there isn't, then I'm sadly disappointed, because you come across as an intelligent (albeit snarky) poster with definite opinions and ideas.
You're quick with opinions, but I bet there's a lot of other stuff simmering under the surface. And if there isn't, then I'm sadly disappointed, because you come across as an intelligent (albeit snarky) poster with definite opinions and ideas. I've never considered this question. My experience is that music appreciators can be divided into two camps to begin: those who listen to the music first versus those who are driven first by lyrical content. I am definitely the former, so if a lead singer grates on my ears, it doesn't matter how wonderful the lyrics may or may not be. This explains why I'm not a Jackson Browne fan, for example, among many others who are considered to be top notch lyricists.
Cynaera wrote:
Not to horn in, but she is just one of those singer/songwriters that we admire, but don't always land in the right spot vocally for some. The rare combo where both things (writing/singing) are technivcally excellent are even more rare. Here, in this case, I have some issues with both, but overall I like it. But that's just my opinion, which doesn't count for a whole lot. Butting out now.
jagdriver wrote:
I can't stand the sound of her voice is why.
Okey-dokey. Just asking. So - if someone else was to cover this song (because the lyrics are pretty eloquent), who would you choose to do the vocals? Ball's back in your court, jagdriver. You're quick with opinions, but I bet there's a lot of other stuff simmering under the surface. And if there isn't, then I'm sadly disappointed, because you come across as an intelligent (albeit snarky) poster with definite opinions and ideas.
| Cynaera (South of Neanderthal) |
|
I can't stand the sound of her voice is why.
Okey-dokey. Just asking. So - if someone else was to cover this song (because the lyrics are pretty eloquent), who would you choose to do the vocals? Ball's back in your court, jagdriver.
You're quick with opinions, but I bet there's a lot of other stuff simmering under the surface. And if there isn't, then I'm sadly disappointed, because you come across as an intelligent (albeit snarky) poster with definite opinions and ideas. Not to horn in, but she is just one of those singer/songwriters that we admire, but don't always land in the right spot vocally for some. The rare combo where both things (writing/singing) are technivcally excellent are even more rare. Here, in this case, I have some issues with both, but overall I like it. But that's just my opinion, which doesn't count for a whole lot. Butting out now.
I think this is one of Tracy's better vocal performances. More subtle and restrained than some of her tunes.
jagdriver wrote:
I can't stand the sound of her voice is why.
Okey-dokey. Just asking. So - if someone else was to cover this song (because the lyrics are pretty eloquent), who would you choose to do the vocals? Ball's back in your court, jagdriver. You're quick with opinions, but I bet there's a lot of other stuff simmering under the surface. And if there isn't, then I'm sadly disappointed, because you come across as an intelligent (albeit snarky) poster with definite opinions and ideas.
| Cynaera (South of Neanderthal) |
|
I can't stand the sound of her voice is why.
Okey-dokey. Just asking. So - if someone else was to cover this song (because the lyrics are pretty eloquent), who would you choose to do the vocals? Ball's back in your court, jagdriver.
You're quick with opinions, but I bet there's a lot of other stuff simmering under the surface. And if there isn't, then I'm sadly disappointed, because you come across as an intelligent (albeit snarky) poster with definite opinions and ideas. Cynaera wrote:
The groove feels cardiac - the way the heart thumps in the heat of lust and attraction with gasps of hesitation as one draws air.
I still love this song - such a hypnotic groove, with some pretty profound lyrics to go along with it. The perfect blend
The groove feels cardiac - the way the heart thumps in the heat of lust and attraction with gasps of hesitation as one draws air.
boober wrote:
There goes my new song....entitled.."Baybyyyyyy.....I want you Mama...Uh-huh,Yeah"
There goes my new song....entitled.."Baybyyyyyy.....I want you Mama...Uh-huh,Yeah"
Alafia wrote:
There goes my new song....entitled.."Baybyyyyyy.....I want you Mama...Uh-huh,Yeah"
King Alafia's new decree:
All pop musicians from this moment on shall receive 1 lash with a barbed-wire cat-o-nine-tails for every "Baybyyyyyy" in each song they write.
thatisall
EDIT: Addendum to the new decree:
1 lash each also for the words "Mama" "Uh-huh" and "Yeah"
All pop musicians from this moment on shall receive 1 lash with a barbed-wire cat-o-nine-tails for every "Baybyyyyyy" in each song they write.
thatisall
EDIT: Addendum to the new decree:
1 lash each also for the words "Mama" "Uh-huh" and "Yeah"
There goes my new song....entitled.."Baybyyyyyy.....I want you Mama...Uh-huh,Yeah"
i love her voice. however, i'm afraid this is one of the very few songs of hers i liked after that amzining first album of hers
The best I can say about this, is that I don't quite hate it as much as most of her other stuff.
I know where this set is going..... tugging on my breaking heart!
LowPhreak wrote:
Yes I am going up to a 9 also. Just beautiful
KILLER tune by Tracy. At least a '9'.
Yes I am going up to a 9 also. Just beautiful
Brilliant, Bill. Especially after playing The Boss.
ziakut wrote:
Yes indeed, 7 -> 8!
Great tune. Unpretentious and meaningful.
Yes indeed, 7 -> 8!
Great tune. Unpretentious and meaningful.
| Cynaera (South of Neanderthal) |
|
I can't stand the sound of her voice is why.
King Alafia's new decree:
All pop musicians from this moment on shall receive 1 lash with a barbed-wire cat-o-nine-tails for every "Baybyyyyyy" in each song they write.
thatisall
EDIT: Addendum to the new decree:
1 lash each also for the words "Mama" "Uh-huh" and "Yeah"
All pop musicians from this moment on shall receive 1 lash with a barbed-wire cat-o-nine-tails for every "Baybyyyyyy" in each song they write.
thatisall
EDIT: Addendum to the new decree:
1 lash each also for the words "Mama" "Uh-huh" and "Yeah"
I still love this song - such a hypnotic groove, with some pretty profound lyrics to go along with it. The perfect blend - and a wonderful way to start the week. Thanks, Bill and Rebecca! *hugs you*
She's so good.
KILLER tune by Tracy. At least a '9'.
God Like! jagdriver wrote:
Why?
blech!
Why?
One of my favorite songs by Tracy Chapman. Thanks, Bill - what a great day of music I've been having!
Thanks, Bill - what a great day of music I've been having! ladron wrote:
I agree 100%!!! bebe
Great, soulful vocals. Soul is the key word - on that level I feel that she's up there with the very best.
I agree 100%!!! bebe
moonchildsce wrote:
Me too.
My GOD...This is why I love RP. Chills.
Me too.
blech!
peacockangel wrote:
BAY BEE ~ bay bee
only smoke and ashes baby ...
BAY BEE ~ bay bee
only smoke and ashes baby ...
Great, soulful vocals. Soul is the key word - on that level I feel that she's up there with the very best.
fuh2 wrote:
Prince? Michael Jackson? (forgive me)
She sounds like another female black singer but I cant reemember her name.
Prince? Michael Jackson? (forgive me)
never fall for the bad boy, tracy. didn't your mother tell you that?
banesheim wrote:
... hic parp wheeze....Zzzzzzzz...huh?
2 - This voice never should have made it past the first 10th grade audition.
... hic parp wheeze....Zzzzzzzz...huh? cosmiclint wrote:,,I will deduct at least two points right away !
Nice song, but I could have sworn she was singing about smokin' hash.
She's not,,?? ,,I will deduct at least two points right away !Manic Street Preachers - If You Tolerate This
Augie March - Stranger Strange
Tracy Chapman - Smoke And Ashes
Bruce Springsteen - Brillliant Disguise
Great segue!
Augie March - Stranger Strange
Tracy Chapman - Smoke And Ashes
Bruce Springsteen - Brillliant Disguise
Great segue!
we all need new beginnings, i do anyway.
Nice
I've never been crazy about Tracy Chapman, thinking she sounds too much like Joan Armatrading (who I like a lot better) but this is nice.
Pretty song, nice piano work woven in and out.