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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It's Ok
Tracy Chapman Lyrics
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Love is only meant for some
I'm the rock
The shoulder you can cry on
I keep the walls from falling down
I keep the walls from falling down
I keep the walls from falling down
While you laugh and drink and party all night long
I'll designate myself
To be the driver who takes you home
I keep the walls from falling down
I keep the walls from falling down
You can be pretty and tragic
I'll try to keep the walls from falling down
You can be beautiful and fabulous
I'll try to keep the walls from falling down
I can't reach the pain you feel
But I'll try to keep the walls from falling down
If you can hold on
Lose your fear
I'll try to keep the walls from falling down
Falling down
Falling down
Where is your saint?
To let you know you're not alone
To bring you peace
Help me be your friend your confidante
And keep the walls from falling down
Keep the walls from falling down
Keep the walls from falling down
Tracy Chapman's song "It's OK" is often seen as a song about friendship and support, particularly when it comes to dealing with difficult emotions. The lyrics suggest that although the singer may not be able to fix everything for someone they care about, they can be a constant presence ("the rock") and try their best to provide some stability ("keep the walls from falling down").
The first verse seems to acknowledge that love is not always accessible or available to everyone equally. The singer offers themselves as a comforting presence for someone who may not have access to the love they want or need. The repetition of "I keep the walls from falling down" reinforces the idea that their role is to provide stability and support.
In the second verse, the singer continues to emphasize their role as the designated driver and constant presence for their friend. "Playing it straight" suggests that they are responsible and reliable, even when their friend may be engaging in more carefree or impulsive behavior. The line "You can be pretty and tragic, I'll try to keep the walls from falling down" highlights the idea that even when someone is struggling, they can still be beautiful and worthy of support.
The chorus emphasizes the singer's commitment to being there for their friend, even when they are struggling with intense emotions. The line "I can't reach the pain you feel" acknowledges the singer's limitations, but they still promise to do their best to support and comfort their friend.
Overall, "It's OK" is a song about the power of friendship and the importance of being a constant presence for someone when they are struggling. The lyrics highlight the fact that even when we can't fix everything for someone we care about, we can still offer our support and try our best to provide some stability in their lives.
Line by Line Meaning
It's OK
Everything is alright, don't worry
Love is only meant for some
Love may not be meant for everyone, but that doesn't mean we can't find love in other places
I'm the rock
I am someone you can depend on and rely on
The shoulder you can cry on
I am here to support you emotionally
I keep the walls from falling down
I provide stability and security in your life
I'll play it straight
I'll always be honest with you
While you laugh and drink and party all night long
While you enjoy your life, I'll be there to take care of you and keep you safe
I'll designate myself
I'll take on the responsibility for your safety
To be the driver who takes you home
I'll make sure you get home safely
You can be pretty and tragic
You can be beautiful and sad at the same time
I'll try to keep the walls from falling down
I'll do my best to protect you from emotional pain and hardship
You can be beautiful and fabulous
You can be stunning and amazing
I can't reach the pain you feel
I can't fix everything, but I'll still try my best to help you
But I'll try to keep the walls from falling down
I'll do my best to prevent things from getting worse
If you can hold on
If you can persevere through your struggles
Lose your fear
Let go of your worries
Where is your saint?
Where is someone who can help you?
To let you know you're not alone
To reassure you that you have support and companionship
To bring you peace
To help you find tranquility and calmness
Help me be your friend your confidante
Let me be the person you can trust and confide in
And keep the walls from falling down
I'll do my best to protect you and keep you safe
Keep the walls from falling down
I'll provide support and stability in your life
Lyrics © Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd.
Written by: TRACY L CHAPMAN
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind