The album was critically acclaimed and helped to launch the 1990s female singer-songwriter movement, which included artists like Tori Amos and Sarah McLachlan. The first single "Fast Car" peaked at #5 in the US and #6 in the UK. The second single "Talkin' Bout a Revolution" reached #75, but received much airplay and also charted in the Adult Contemporary and Modern Rock charts amongst others. "Baby Can I Hold You", the third single, only reached #48 - however, the song was a #2 hit for Boyzone in 1997.
Tracy Chapman was awarded the Grammy Award for Best Contemporary Folk Album and "Fast Car" gained Chapman an award for Best Female Pop Vocal Performance at the 31st Grammy Awards in early 1989.
In 1989, the album was rated number 10 on Rolling Stone magazine's list of the "100 Greatest Albums of the 80's." In 2003, the album was ranked number 261 on Rolling Stone's list of the 500 Greatest Albums of All Time.
Talkin' Bout a Revolution
Tracy Chapman Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
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
Don't you know
They're talkin' 'bout a revolution
It sounds like a whisper
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, run, run, run, run, run, run, run, run, run
Oh I said you better
Run, run, run, run, run, run, run, run, run, run, run, run
'Cause finally the tables are starting to turn
Talkin' 'bout a revolution
Yes, finally the tables are starting to turn
Talkin' 'bout a revolution, oh no
Talkin' 'bout a revolution, oh
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
Don't you know
They're talkin' 'bout a revolution
It sounds like a whisper
And finally the tables are starting to turn
Talkin' 'bout a revolution
Yes, finally the tables are starting to turn
Talkin' 'bout a revolution, oh no
Talkin' 'bout a revolution, oh no
Talkin' 'bout a revolution, oh no
Tracy Chapman's song "Talkin' Bout a Revolution" is a powerful anthem for the oppressed and marginalized, with a chorus that becomes more passionate as it progresses. In the first verse, Chapman paints a picture of poverty, unemployment, and desperation. People are standing in welfare lines, crying for help, and wasting time waiting for a promotion. But despite these desperate circumstances, a revolution is coming - "It sounds like a whisper" - and it will be led by the poor, who will rise up and take what's theirs.
The song's chorus is both an exhortation to action and a warning to those in power. "You better run, run, run" because "finally the tables are starting to turn." Chapman suggests that the oppressed have been patient for far too long, but now they are ready to fight for their rights. The song's overall message is one of hope and empowerment, urging listeners to take control of their lives and demand change.
One interpretation of the song is that it speaks to the need for a systemic change in society, rather than just individual action. The image of people waiting in welfare lines and unemployment lines suggests that the current economic and political systems are failing them. The revolution that Chapman sings about is not just about individual self-improvement, but rather about the need for fundamental change in the way society is organized.
Line by Line Meaning
Don't you know
Are you aware
They're talkin' 'bout a revolution
There is a movement for change
It sounds like a whisper
The idea is spreading quietly
While they're standing in the welfare lines
People are struggling to survive
Crying at the doorsteps of those armies of salvation
Asking for help from charities and churches
Wasting time in the unemployment lines
Job opportunities are scarce
Sitting around waiting for a promotion
Career advancement is unlikely
Poor people gonna rise up
The marginalized will fight back
And get their share
Demanding an equitable distribution of resources
And take what's theirs
Claiming their rightful place in society
You better run, run, run, run, run, run, run, run, run, run, run, run
Those in power should be afraid
Oh I said you better
I warn you
Finally the tables are starting to turn
The power dynamic is shifting
Yes, finally the tables are starting to turn
Change is happening
Talkin' 'bout a revolution, oh no
Describing the movement for change
Lyrics © Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd.
Written by: Tracy L Chapman
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind