Tracy Chapman (born March 30, 1964 in Cleveland, OH) is an American singer … Read Full Bio ↴Tracy Chapman (born March 30, 1964 in Cleveland, OH) is an American singer best known for the singles "Fast Car", "Talkin' Bout a Revolution", "Baby Can I Hold You", and "Give Me One Reason." She is a multi-platinum and multi-Grammy award-winning artist.

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

Stand By Me
Tracy Chapman Lyrics

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When the night has come
And the land is dark
And the moon is the only light we′ll see
No I won't be afraid, no I won′t be afraid
Just as long as you stand, stand by me

And darling, darling, stand by me
Oh stand by me

Oh Stand
Stand by me

If the sky we look upon
Should tumble and fall
Oh and the mountains should crumble to the sea
I won't cry, I won't cry, no I won′t shed a tear
Just as long as you stand, stand by me

Oh darling, darling, stand by me
Oh stand by me
Oh stand
Stand by me

Whenever you′re in trouble you just stand by me
Oh stand by me
Oh stand
Stand by me
Stand by me

Oh darling darling stand by me
Oh stand by me
Oh stand
Stand by me
Stand by me

Stand by me
Stand by me

Overall Meaning

Tracy Chapman's "Stand by Me" is a heartfelt ode to loyalty and devotion in the face of insecurity and uncertainty. The first verse of the song describes a dark and uncertain night, where the only light is the moon. Even though the singer is afraid, she takes comfort in knowing that her loved one will stand by her. This allows her to face the night with courage, and she remains unafraid knowing that her lover is there to support her.

In the second verse, the singer takes this concept to the extreme, imagining a catastrophic scenario where the sky is falling and the mountains are crumbling into the sea. Despite the severity of the situation, the singer remains steadfast and determined, drawing strength from the idea that her lover is standing by her.

The chorus, "Oh stand by me," repeats throughout the song, serving as a powerful invocation to love and connection. It speaks to the human need for security and companionship in difficult times, and reminds us that we are not alone.

Overall, Tracy Chapman's "Stand by Me" is a powerful and moving testament to the importance of loyalty, devotion, and love in our lives.

Line by Line Meaning

When the night has come
When darkness falls

And the land is dark
And everything seems uncertain

And the moon is the only light we'll see
And the only light we can find is the moon

No I won't be afraid, no I won't be afraid
I won't be scared, no matter how difficult it gets

Just as long as you stand, stand by me
As long as you stay with me, I'll be okay

And darling, darling, stand by me
My love, stay with me

Oh stand by me
Stay with me

Oh Stand
Just keep standing

Stand by me
Stay with me

If the sky we look upon
Even if the sky above us