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
Fansite: http://www.tracychapmanonline.com
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Tracy Chapman Lyrics
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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
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
Tracy Chapman's "I'm Ready" is an introspective song about being ready for change and accepting redemption. The first line, "I want to wake up and know where I'm going", shows an urgency and a desire for direction. The repetition of "Say I'm ready" emphasizes this need for affirmation and validation, as if the singer is asking someone to confirm their readiness. The desire to go "where the rivers are overflowing" suggests that the singer is looking for abundance and vitality, for life and movement.
The chorus, "I'm ready to let the rivers wash over me" is a powerful image that can be read in multiple ways. On one hand, it can be interpreted as a willingness to surrender to a force greater than oneself, to let go of control and let life take its course. On another level, it can be seen as a desire for renewal and cleansing, for the waters to wash away past mistakes and pain. The idea of redemption is further explored in the line "If the waters can redeem me", showing a willingness to be transformed and healed.
Overall, the song speaks to a universal theme of searching for meaning and purpose in life, of being ready to take risks and embrace change. It suggests that change is not always easy, but that it is essential for growth and for finding peace within oneself.
Line by Line Meaning
I want to wake up and know where I'm going
I desire to awaken with clear goals and direction for my life
Say I'm ready
Declare that I am fully prepared and eager to take on whatever challenges await me
I want to go where the rivers are overflowing and
I yearn to journey to places where abundance and prosperity abound
I'll be ready
I will be fully equipped and confident to face any obstacles that may arise
I'm ready to let the rivers wash over me
I am willing to be engulfed by the blessings and abundance being offered to me
If the waters can redeem me
If being washed by and immersed in abundance and prosperity can heal me or make me a better person,
I'm ready
Declare that I am willing and prepared
I want to wake up
I desire to awaken and start each day anew
I want to know where I'm going
I long to have a clear vision and direction for my life
I'm ready
Reiterate my willingness and readiness to embrace new opportunities and experiences
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: TRACY L CHAPMAN
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@jeannettewelty6920
I met Tracy back before she was famous.I was in college and we were having a"Take Back The Night" march against domestic violence.I was a Volunteer.We were able to get her to come sing as part of the event.She was very young, shy and humble.Then she opened her mouth and sang.We were all mesmerized.Many of us crying as she sang the truth and touched our hearts and minds.
@pogojp
That must have been truly amazing.
@FredericBox
something totally magic in her
@RhiannaCaprice
WOW
@nandytshalamuamba3490
❤
@valeriewhitfield8232
Just remember she is "Great" in many of our hearts, Authentic singer
@valeriewhitfield8232
It is not the physical standpoint of mankind. It is what comes from inside, that formulates outwardly that makes a man-Wo-man, we must never give up on one another.
Tears!
@valeriewhitfield8232
Love is universal Help one another. Love Grows and spread. Never be misled by another. Jesus said: "LOVE perfectly.
@valeriewhitfield8232
I cry, and the sovereign of the Universe dry my tears Selah
@Vincent-ce9cf
Whose here 2024 .. if u see this message know that God is with u and he loves you… like the comment wanna come back for this song 🥹🥹❤️