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
Open arms
Tracy Chapman Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Baby here I am
If tenderness is what you need
I've got that to give
If you need some affection
Baby these are open arms
Open arms, open arms, open arms, oh open arms
Every door your tried to open
Was closing in your face
I'm right here I'll be right here
I'll embrace you
I'll be open with my heart
I'll let you in
I'll be open with my thoughts
I'll be your best friend
If you need some attention
Baby these are open arms
Open arms, open arms, open arms, open arms
Every corner you turn
Oh, trouble come your way
But when you get home
I'll try to be there
And I'll embrace you
'Cause these, these are
These are
These, these are
Open arms
If time is what you need
Baby I'll stop clocks
If you're looking for something
Maybe I've got what you want
If there's one thing to remember
Don't forget that these are open arms
Open arms, open arms, open arms, oh open arms
These, these are
These, these are
These, these are
Open arms
Open arms
Open arms
Tracy Chapman's song "Open Arms" is a track that boasts of love, tenderness, affection, and companionship. The lyrics of the song are simple yet powerful, conveying a message of emotional support and unconditional love. Chapman expresses that no matter how rough the day or how many closed doors you face, her arms are always open to embrace and comfort you. Ultimately, the song suggests the idea of coming home to someone who will provide warmth, support, and compassion. Chapman makes it clear that her arms are always open for the one she loves.
In the first verse, Chapman makes it apparent that she is offering her love to someone who needs it. She declares that if love, tenderness, and affection are what that person needs, she is ready to provide them. The second verse is about being there for someone when they return home from a tough day. Chapman gives assurance to her partner that she will always be there to embrace and comfort them. The chorus adds to the song's message of unconditional love, conveying that Chapman's arms will always be open for her partner no matter what. The third verse sees Chapman offering to stop time for her loved one and provide whatever they need.
Line by Line Meaning
If love is what you want
I am willing to offer unconditional love.
Baby here I am
I am available for you.
If tenderness is what you need
I can provide you with gentleness and affection.
I've got that to give
I am capable of showing kindness and sensitivity.
If you need some affection
I am willing to provide emotional support.
Baby these are open arms
I am here for you with no judgment or conditions.
You come home you've had a hard day
I acknowledge your struggles and hardships.
Every door your tried to open
In life, you may face obstacles and failure.
Was closing in your face
These struggles can be frustrating and demotivating.
I'm right here I'll be right here
I am always here to offer support and care.
I'll embrace you
I offer comfort to help you deal with the world.
I'll be open with my heart
I am willing to show emotions and be vulnerable.
I'll let you in
You can trust me with your feelings.
I'll be open with my thoughts
I am willing to listen and communicate openly.
I'll be your best friend
I am here to support you through thick and thin.
If you need some attention
I am willing to listen and focus on your needs.
Every corner you turn
Life can be hard and unforgiving.
Oh, trouble come your way
You may face a multitude of troubles.
But when you get home
But when you come to me, you will be welcome.
I'll try to be there
I'll be your stable source of support.
'Cause these, these are
These arms here.
These are
These arms that offer comfort.
Open arms
Arms that are here for you.
If time is what you need
I am willing to put in time for you.
Baby I'll stop clocks
I'll put everything else on hold for you.
If you're looking for something
I am here for whatever you need.
Maybe I've got what you want
Perhaps I have what will fulfill your needs.
If there's one thing to remember
I want you to know one thing.
Don't forget that these are open arms
I am here for you with open arms.
Open arms, open arms, open arms, oh open arms
Arms that will offer comfort, care, and love.
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: TRACY L CHAPMAN
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind