I'm Ready
Chapman (Tracy) Lyrics

Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴

I want to wake up and know where I'm going
Say I'm ready
Say I'm ready

I want to go where the rivers are overflowing and
I'll be ready
I'll be ready

I'm ready to let the rivers wash over me
I'm ready to let the rivers wash over me

If the waters can redeem me
I'm ready
I'm ready

I'm ready to let the rivers wash over me
I'm ready to let the rivers wash over me

I want to wake up
I want to know where I'm going
I want to go where the rivers are over-flowing

I'm ready to let the rivers wash over me

I'm ready
I'm ready

Overall Meaning

The song "I'm Ready" by Tracy Chapman is an uplifting and hopeful ballad about being willing and prepared for a fresh start. The lyrics describe a longing to know where one is going and to be ready for any obstacles or challenges that may come their way. Using the powerful metaphor of a river, Chapman suggests that the answers we seek may come from surrendering to the flow of life and being open to redemption.

The opening verse emphasizes the need for direction and clarity. The repetition of "Say I'm ready" reflects a desire for affirmation and reassurance. The second verse introduces the image of a river and emphasizes the importance of being willing to go with the flow. Chapman suggests that the rivers are overflowing, which could represent abundance, opportunity, or even chaos. Nonetheless, the singer is ready, indicating that they are not afraid of what is to come.

The final verse is the most powerful, as it directly addresses the possibility of redemption. The singer is willing to let the waters wash over them, implying a cleansing or purifying effect. This could be interpreted as a religious or spiritual reference, but it could also simply indicate a willingness to let go of past mistakes and start anew. Overall, "I'm Ready" is a moving anthem about hope, resilience, and the transformative power of water.

Line by Line Meaning

I want to wake up and know where I'm going
Desire for clarity and direction in life

Say I'm ready
Expressing readiness for a change

Say I'm ready
Stating eagerness for a new beginning

I want to go where the rivers are overflowing and
Desire to experience abundance and richness in life

I'll be ready
Being prepared for new experiences and opportunities

I'll be ready
Having an open mind towards whatever comes next

I'm ready to let the rivers wash over me
Being willing to allow life's ups and downs to shape and mold you

I'm ready to let the rivers wash over me
Letting go of control and allowing life to be

If the waters can redeem me
Suggesting that redemption is possible through accepting life's uncertainties

I'm ready
Continuing to express willingness and readiness for change

I'm ready to let the rivers wash over me
Repeating the desire to let go and allow the flow of life

Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: TRACY L CHAPMAN

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind

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Most interesting comment from YouTube:

@Sunny25611

10y↑21

'I want to wake up and know where I'm going
Say I'm ready
Say I'm ready
I want to go where the rivers are overflowing
I'll be ready
I'll be ready
I'm ready to let the rivers wash over me
I'm ready to let the rivers wash over me
If it's love, flowing freely
I'm ready
I'm ready
If the waters can redeem me
I'm ready to let the rivers wash over me
I'm ready to let the rivers wash over me
I want to wake up..
I want to know where I'm going...
I want to go where the rivers are over-flowing
I'm ready to let the rivers wash over me
I'm ready
I'm ready ...' Here is one of my favourites Di S :)!

All comments from YouTube:

@LorrieSalvetti

11y↑6

she is not a religous artist, she is a spiritual one. her words are like warm rain, gentle and cleansing.

@paulramlogan496

10y↑17

Wow, such a beautiful voice and singer every song she has ever sung has touched my heart. Thank you Tracy.

@megnbttrfly2

9y↑1

Mine too!

@anidiquaojala1804

Yes ❣

@Sunny25611

10y↑21

@lamonathesoulful3188

10y↑29

I love the sound of the guitar and her great voice!!!!!!!!!!!!

@TheDeatz23

10y↑23

This song is medicine for the soul.

@nancytibbetts71

10y↑8

Truly, Tracy is one of the most beautiful children BORN OF LOVE that I have ever heard...all her lyrics, she writes...and indeed they come from the heart WHERE LOVE ABIDES...however, it is buried deep in most people...buried beneath lies and confusion, caused by man of darkened minds...man who were not, and are not able to SEE...they were and are "BLIND, BLIND, BLIND"...(as it was written in the gospel that most have never heard.) It is the with the heart that one is able to SEE the things of the Spirit.

@Malleolust

13y↑2

I left a status on FB about how I was heartbroken and nowhere near ready to leave my love, who lives in Seattle, and fly back to Cincinnati. A friend left this on my wall and nearly made me cry. Thank you for this song, Ms. Chapman. <3

@roryrory17

14y↑3

Tracy wrote this song about her grandmother. Her grandmother told her this when she was dying.

@78starfish28

11y↑2

one of the MOST underestimated songwriters of ALL TIME.

@phungbili

14y↑1

Wanna wake up and know where I'm going...who doesn't wish for that kind of clarity? Beautiful.

@AlleycatJo

14y↑5

This song takes me back to that magical place and time when everything in life was good and right..

@jeffndavid1

12y↑1

Every time I hear this song it makes me think of how great it will be to see Jesus Face to Face! Can't Wait!

@cdad81

9y↑2

Let`s create the official Tracy Chapman church!

@alohaservant

12y↑5

Tracy has held on to that Spirit of Love which we each have from the moment we are given birth, and that perfect Spirit we each have returns to the Great Spirit when our body returns to stardust. She never lost touch with her Spirit when the world tried to make her choose to see things selfishly rather then be responsible to our true nature as expressions of Love's sensitive compassion. She is very Special on account of her living true to our design and nature. Many thanks for sharing love.

@linzi1987able

10y↑11

"If the waters can redeem me, I'm ready"

@monad8776

9y↑5

You have always touched my soul & I thank you Tracy..1Love!!!

@gunsandrosestaylor

13y↑4

I listen to this song when im stressed and i just lay in bed and cry until i cant cry anymore i wipe away my tears and i feel so much better after i just let it all out this so has so much meaning <3

@phindilegqamlana6144

Love and light 💕

@massimoterra

13y

I don't believe Tracy is any more special then any1 else....No, she is not! but, what she is, is in the presence of God...Open, unfeathered by our material world and unmoved by the state of being that is outside the state of God-oness. Be Blessed.

@Beautifulrandomness1

13y↑2

I'm so glad my mother introduced me to this woman's gorgeous voice when I was younger

@paulwoolfrey4301

11y

MOST PEOPLE FOCUS ON FAST CARS(GOOD),BUT THIS IS BETTER,HER VOICE AND SONGWRITING ARE AMAZING.

@goldenralph78

14y↑1

what can one say after this wonderful song?...but....thank you Lord for Tracy!!!! for your beauty thru her voice and singing...thank you for blessing us one more time..we...humans...

@sbstnpofadder

15y↑3

truly beautiful...i could see myself listening to this 10 years from now...the type of music thats timeless..tarcy is an excellent siger and song writer...legendary female artist..truly blessed and gifted..

@smoothebony

11y↑1

she reminds me of alot from my childhood. Thanks Tracy for alot. Thanks uploader for your gesture.

@omotoladavies6339

1y↑1

I'm ready to let the rivers wash over me 🎵❤️. Blessed to have known and know this woman and her music 🎶 . I'm in awe. Takes me to places no one knows. Resonates deep in my soul.

@Mary-wf4tb

9y↑1

Tracy Chapman, I can only listen to her music with my eyes closed, so much of her soul mixed in.
I'm Ready

@juangarza3260

Great artist ,totally captivating

@anitamaciel4973

Same here Mary. You close your eyes and feel it in your soul.

@guylaurent8138

she has a great voice and talented too....

@Meshalla1970

14y↑1

My Lord this song really touched me today, Tracy Chapman your voice is anointted by our Heavenly Father of God. Beautiful and that you are Ms. Tracy Chapman I been listening to your music since I was 18yrs old the song that capture me was Fastcar! I am now 40 yrs old and you are still blessing my soul! I love you sister and continue to keep on keeping on:)

@5104560711

12y↑2

Amen! this was the right time for me to find this song. Its time, and Im ready. Hallelujah! this is my confirmation ; )

@kackmalwieder

10y↑4

Tracy you are the greatest! Thanks for your voice.

@TheNerdyJ

12y↑1

I just graduated from high school and I feel exactly like this. I'm so ready!

@nozulumatjheni6978

10w↑1

2024 february...This song makes me wanna fall in love all again..

@guitarchicky111

15y↑2

Tracy is amazing! Her songs are so touching.. This is.Absolutely Beautiful!

@brittanybecerra1634

11y↑1

Tracy Chapman is amazing!

@anidiquaojala1804

Eternally Beautiful, TY Ms Tracy ❤ 💖 😘

@GoodenYou

11y↑2

she got me through elementary/high school. a treasure is found in her lyrics. LOVE

@jamesgreen7822

11y

Alot of things are bollocks but wanting peace and love is not bollocks and thats what we all want

@R.Mphow_ZA

1y↑2

Still heals my soul in 2022❤

@ryancrump5544

2y↑2

Great singer,one of my favorites ,so much emotion

@shazzwildflower

10y↑2

Can't get enough.

@lindaboyd6005

11y

SUCH A BEAUTIFUL HEART ...THANKS FOR BLESSING THE WORLD WITH YOU

@uzhca96

13y↑1

My dad told me he wants this to play at his funeral :( he is in the hospital idkk if he is ok :/ luv u daddy :)

@official.avdmj15

10y↑5

This speaks to me so much as do all her songs!

@official.avdmj15

10y

yeah i get that i get that

@jennifercorrea4929

10y

Ñe6m8öò2ë4l
ß8ïrñ

@jennifercorrea4929

10y

Ñe6m8öò2ë4l
ß8ïrñ

@official.avdmj15

10y↑2

cool!

@official.avdmj15

10y↑1

yeah man

@Qhawe100

indeed this women is guided by streams, currents and waters that run deep

@SpirituallyHuman

13y

i'm ready....tired of waitin'....want to go where the rivers are overflowing, I'll be ready, I'm ready to let the rivers wash over me...How long? How long? How long, God? HOW LONG DO WE HAVE TO WAIT???????

@kemo3731

13y↑1

I played this song over and over....me and my cat would sit on the balcony in Arizona....now 7 years later...here comes my cat...jumping up on the couch...and just taking it easy...listening to our song.

@michellevanzyl2148

She's one of a kind I must say ❤❤❤

@nandinoel

10y↑1

Gorgeous song

@timberlove6950

11y

The only artist that gets me thinking.

@charlespangeti7644

44w

It's been years since 2013. I'm still ready.

@kintche

14y

What can I say I just like all Tracy's songs It just killing me more and more. Hearing Tracy's songs make me dreaming all long.

@mulleskath

10y↑1

luv the voice xxxx

@teknogran

Tracy Chapman souls to soul I love this girl <3

@tatrogurong

13y

Excellent...Magnificent...........inspiring song.

@willtynellyworth

10y↑2

This is how I feel right now....................

@dianalaabs2874

12y

Das ist so schön! Wahnsinn!

@cathleentaylor3574

11y

I am speechless!!!!! and that takes alot!!!!!

@SeattleRainn1

10y↑6

If you're trying to create a new groove in your brain, this song is wonderful ♥

@Tumlus129

13y

I was introduced to the real Tracy Chapman music by a friend I had only hear the mainstream stuff. I was hooked instantly after hearing what didn't make it to the radio SOOOOO much more inspiring than the songs that went main stream

@JAZZsOULJAH

12y

WOW! WHAT WORD COULD SAY WHAT THIS SONG DOES TO THE SOUL; I REMEBER MEETING TRACY IN DALLAS,TX . IT WAS POURING RAIN AND SHE PERFORM IN THE ART DISTRACT; MY GIRLFRIEND RAN TO THE CAR; AND ASK TRAY IF SHE COULD JUST TOUCH AND HER HAND; AND TRACY SHLY SMILE; ( OH THE SMILE THAT SHE HAS) AND SHE EXTENDED HER HAND TO MY EX; AND WHEN THEY CONNECTED; MY EX COULD NOT MOVE; ME; I JUST STOOD THERE AND NEVER WANTED THAT MOMENT TO END****JAZPERI

@liserita5757

12y

the theme song for this moment in my life...she is my hero.

@AngelaWrightSnaPPinGLiFE

13y

Simply Lovely <3 I've Been listening to her before she was Fashionable lol <3 Go Tracy You're still making beautiful Music ;D

@chotamulenga5560

Profoundly deep💕💕

@aubreylawrance1175

12y

Listening 2 her songs make me feel like am in Paradise

@ursulanzengui5877

11w

❤ from Gabon 🇬🇦 in Africa

@MixedMediaInk

I always thought this might be my funeral song

@cyagasa

11y

Only artist that sings to my heart

@patrickmartin4025

11y

thank u tracy your music inspired me as a musician and as a pereson.. you trully are and always have been my hero and altho you dont wear a cape your voice was the only comfort I ever knew as a child and to this day.

@maghiimagg7747

11y

the best song of her ever <3

@TheSaintBordeaux

11y

When I Recall My Late Mom Singing This To Me..*teardrop*..!

@jmjgirl93

15y

what a beautiful song!^^

@beatrizclemenciavargasrodr332

10y↑1

I'm ready to let the rivers wash over me … I'm ready!

@filteroil

12y

Simplemente ................. Espectacular

@rpisces71

12y

every time Iisten to this song my spirit is lifted that much more I could never got tired of hearing this song it's such a inspiration to the soul.

@annaleebillings

13y

HALLELUJAH HALLEUJAH HALLEUJAH HALLELUJHA HALLELUJAH HALLELUJAH HALLELUJAH HALLELUJAH HALLELUJAH HALLELUJAH HALLELUJAH HALLELUJAH HALLELUJAH HALLELUJAH HALLELUJAH in the name of JESUS

@myDanielism

11y

she is still a legend

@TheLisajk

11y

Another one of Tracy's songs that have great meaning

@Tally403

11y

Her music is like medicine for the soul.

@choat2000

11y

Great song. So peaceful and relaxing.

@COLOMBANIPM

13y

I LOVE YOU TRACY

@sagegirl1

15y

love it thanks for uploading

@marie-francelartin2612

WONDERFUL

@adeliahogarth2407

Soothing and comforting words that bring peace to my heart and soul.

@COLOMBANIPM

11y

I LOVE YOU TRACY ♥♥

@paulthreadgold664

Tracy hits me deep. ❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️

@COLOMBANIPM

11y

LOVE TRACY

@SWAGGETTES

12y

BEAUTIFUL SONG!

@ljazzconnectus3890

love this song too, you are such amazing talent.

@MiszChubbs

9y↑2

I love you lady

@pumpkinnella

Love this sing

@user-nl3xj9xd9o

10y

What. A good. Nature singer

@daoteci

12y

All I know is that she sings to my heart... Not in a to me kinda way, but in a like me kinda way.

@MegaNorma1959

11y

Hermoso... dulce

@COLOMBANIPM

12y

i love you Tracy

@RaquelBeatrizAgrayCortes

Canta con el alma una gran artista

@daveringeval6708

11y

rien a dire cette chanson est magnifique

@mosthigh73

15y

love this song she should have made a video for it. bless

@santinorubianolml

10y

beatiful song

@NilsonBarbosa1966

11y

talento da musica, com sua linda voz

@linnie2409

13y

i love this girl xxx

@joelitoovaldes2772

11y

Me encanta Su musica es imvaluable

@hectoralvarez7189

11y

es demasiado hermosa esta cancion es tan relajante,beautful song

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