Born in Cleveland, Ohio,U.S., Tracy Chapman began playing guitar and writing songs as a child. She received a scholarship through A Better Chance that allowed her to attend Wooster School in Connecticut, and was eventually accepted to Tufts University in Medford, Massachusetts.
Tracy Chapman helped restore songwriters to the spotlight in the '80s. The multi-platinum success of Chapman's eponymous 1988 debut was unexpected, and it had lasting impact. Although Chapman was working from the same confessional songwriter foundation that had been popularized in the '70s, her songs were fresh and powerful, driven by simple melodies and affecting lyrics. At the time of her first album, there were only a handful of artists performing such a style successfully, and her success ushered in a new era of songwriters that lasted well into the '90s. Along with 10,000 Maniacs and R.E.M., Chapman's liberal politics proved enormously influential on American college campuses in the late '80s.
Official Website: http://www.tracychapman.com
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All That You Have Is Your Soul
Tracy Chapman Lyrics
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'Cause she say she learned the hard way
Say she want to spare the children
She say don't give or sell your soul away
'Cause all that you have is your soul
Don't be tempted by the shiny apple
Don't you eat of a bitter fruit
Hunger only for a world of truth
'Cause all that you have is your soul
I was a pretty young girl once
I had dreams I had high hopes
I married a man he stole my heart away
He gave his love but what a high price I paid
And all that you have is your soul
Don't be tempted by the shiny apple
Don't you eat of a bitter fruit
Hunger only for a taste of justice
Hunger only for a world of truth
'Cause all that you have is your soul
Why was I such a young fool
Thought I'd make history
Making babies was the best I could do
Thought I'd made something that could be mine forever
Found out the hard way one can't possess another
And all that you have is your soul
Don't be tempted by the shiny apple
Don't you eat of a bitter fruit
Hunger only for a taste of justice
Hunger only for a world of truth
'Cause all that you have is your soul
I thought, thought that I could find a way
To beat the system
To make a deal and have no debts to pay
I'd take it all take it all I'd run away
Me for myself first class and first rate
But all that you have is your soul
Don't be tempted by the shiny apple
Don't you eat of a bitter fruit
Hunger only for a taste of justice
Hunger only for a world of truth
'Cause all that you have is your soul
Here I am I'm waiting for a better day
A second chance
A little luck to come my way
A hope to dream a hope that I can sleep again
And wake in the world with a clear conscience and clean hands
'Cause all that you have is your soul
Don't be tempted by the shiny apple
Don't you eat of a bitter fruit
Hunger only for a taste of justice
Hunger only for a world of truth
'Cause all that you have is your soul
Oh my mama told me
'Cause she say she learned the hard way
Say she want to spare the children
She say don't give or sell your soul away
'Cause all that you have is your soul
All that you have
All that you have
All that you have
Is your soul
In Tracy Chapman's song "All That You Have Is Your Soul," the message is clear and powerful - your soul is your most valuable possession. The song is a warning to all to value and protect what's most important in life. The lyrics are reflective, as the singer expresses regret for the mistakes she's made and the things she's lost, but she also expresses hope and determination for the future.
The first verse speaks to the importance of learning from the lessons of others, particularly one's parents. The singer's mother warned her of the dangers of giving away one's soul, advising her to protect it at all costs. The second verse advises against making the same mistakes as others, cautioning against being fooled by appearances or indulging in bitter and destructive habits. Instead, the singer encourages listeners to hunger for justice and truth.
The third verse gives a deeply personal account of the singer's mistakes in life, particularly her choices regarding love and family. She shares her disillusionment with the idea that creating a family could offer a sense of permanence or ownership over another person. The fourth verse reflects the singer's realization that no shortcuts or deals can replace the importance of staying true to oneself.
Overall, the lyrics of "All That You Have Is Your Soul" preach the importance of integrity, compassion, and responsibility. The song urges us to make choices that will honor and protect our souls, even if it means letting the shiny apples go.
Line by Line Meaning
Oh my mama told me
The singer's mother gave her advice that she now wants to pass on to others.
'Cause she say she learned the hard way
The singer's mother has experienced something difficult and wants to prevent her children from experiencing the same thing.
Say she want to spare the children
The singer's mother wants to protect her children from harm.
She say don't give or sell your soul away
The artist's mother warns her children not to compromise their values or morals for anything.
'Cause all that you have is your soul
The artist's mother emphasizes the importance of one's soul as the most valuable thing a person possesses.
Don't be tempted by the shiny apple
The singer warns against being lured by something that looks good on the surface but may have negative consequences.
Don't you eat of a bitter fruit
The singer warns against making choices that will ultimately lead to a negative outcome.
Hunger only for a taste of justice
The artist encourages a desire for fairness and equity in the world.
Hunger only for a world of truth
The artist encourages a desire for honesty and sincerity in the world.
'Cause all that you have is your soul
The artist reminds listeners that the most important thing they possess is their soul.
I was a pretty young girl once
The singer reflects on her past and the innocence she once possessed.
I had dreams I had high hopes
The artist had aspirations and ambitions for her future.
I married a man he stole my heart away
The singer fell deeply in love with someone who ultimately hurt her.
He gave his love but what a high price I paid
The singer paid a heavy price for the love she received from her partner.
Don't be tempted by the shiny apple
The singer reiterates her warning against being attracted to something that may have negative consequences.
Found out the hard way one can't possess another
The artist learned from her past experiences that no one person can truly own or control another.
And all that you have is your soul
The artist emphasizes the importance of one's soul, especially in relationships.
Why was I such a young fool
The singer critiques herself for being naive and foolish in her past.
Thought I'd make history
The singer had aspirations for greatness in her life, but this did not come to fruition.
Making babies was the best I could do
The artist had limited options or opportunities in her life and the best she could do was have children.
Thought I'd made something that could be mine forever
The artist believed that having children meant having something that would always be hers.
I'd take it all take it all I'd run away
The artist fantasized about taking everything she wanted and escaping her problems.
Me for myself first class and first rate
The singer wanted to prioritize herself and her own happiness over anyone else.
Here I am I'm waiting for a better day
The artist is currently hoping for a brighter future.
A second chance
The singer desires an opportunity to start over and make better choices.
A little luck to come my way
The singer hopes for some good fortune to improve her situation.
A hope to dream a hope that I can sleep again
The singer longs for the ability to have positive dreams and be at peace when she sleeps.
And wake in the world with a clear conscience and clean hands
The artist wants to be free from guilt and have a positive impact on the world.
'Cause all that you have is your soul
The artist restates the importance of valuing one's soul above all else.
All that you have
The singer emphasizes the fact that one's soul is truly all that they possess in this world.
Is your soul
The singer reinforces the central message of the song, that one's soul is the most valuable thing they have.
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: TRACY L CHAPMAN
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind