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
TALKING ABOUT A REVOLUTION
Tracy Chapman Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
They're talkin' about a revolution
It sounds like a whisper
Don't you know
They're talkin' about a revolution
It sounds like a whisper
While they're standing in the welfare lines
Wasting time in the unemployment lines
Sitting around waiting for a promotion
Don't you know
They're talkin' about a revolution
It sounds like a whisper
Poor people gonna rise up
And get their share
Poor people gonna rise up
And take what's theirs
Don't you know
You better run, run, run, run, run, run, run, run, run, run, run, run
Oh I said you better
Run, run, run, run, run, run, run, run, run, run, run, run, run, run
Cause finally the tables are starting to turn
Talkin' bout a revolution
Yes finally the tables are starting to turn
Talkin' bout a revolution oh no
Talkin' bout a revolution oh no
While they're standing in the welfare lines
Crying at the doorsteps of those armies of salvation
Wasting time in the unemployment lines
Sitting around waiting for a promotion
Don't you know
They're talkin' about a revolution
It sounds like a whisper
And finally the tables are starting to turn
Talkin' bout a revolution
Yes finally the tables are starting to turn
Talkin' bout a revolution oh no
Talkin' bout a revolution oh no
Talkin' bout a revolution oh no
Tracy Chapman's song "Talking About A Revolution" is a powerful social commentary on poverty and the struggle of the working class to rise above their circumstances. The song has a sense of urgency, as though the revolution is happening right now and we all need to take notice. The lyrics describe people standing in welfare lines, crying at the doorsteps of armies of salvation, waiting in unemployment lines, and sitting around waiting for a promotion. These people are tired of waiting and are ready to take matters into their own hands. The chorus repeats the phrase "Don't you know, they're talking about a revolution, it sounds like a whisper", which suggests that the revolution is already happening, but it may not be visible to everyone.
The verses of the song describe the struggles of poor people, who are tired of waiting for someone to help them. The phrase "poor people gonna rise up and take what's theirs" suggests that they have had enough and are ready to fight for their rights. The repetition of "run, run, run" in the bridge suggests that the revolution is coming and people need to prepare for it. Finally, the lines "and finally the tables are starting to turn, talking 'bout a revolution" suggest that change is already happening, and it's only a matter of time before the revolution is complete.
The song "Talking About A Revolution" is a powerful anthem for anyone who feels disenfranchised or marginalized. It is a call to action, urging people to stand up and fight for their rights. Tracy Chapman's use of simple, yet powerful language, and her emotional delivery make this song a timeless classic that is just as relevant today as it was when it was first released in 1988.
Line by Line Meaning
Don't you know
Are you aware?
They're talkin' about a revolution
There is talk of a revolution
It sounds like a whisper
The talk is not widespread and seems secretive
While they're standing in the welfare lines
While people wait in line for government assistance
Crying at the doorsteps of those armies of salvation
Begging for help from charities
Wasting time in the unemployment lines
People are waiting for unemployment benefits
Sitting around waiting for a promotion
People are waiting to advance in their jobs
Poor people gonna rise up
Impoverished individuals will come together and stand up for their rights
And get their share
They will demand a fair share of resources
And take what's theirs
They will take back what they believe is rightfully theirs
You better run, run, run, run, run, run, run, run, run, run, run, run
You should flee now in fear
Cause finally the tables are starting to turn
The power dynamic is changing
Talkin' bout a revolution
We are discussing a revolution
Yes finally the tables are starting to turn
The balance of power is shifting
Talkin' bout a revolution oh no
We are talking about a revolution with both hope and apprehension
Contributed by John P. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
@leokimvideo
A one in a billion voice
@seylnylp8083
One in a billion voice, indeed! Miss her a lot
@nwakaegookeke445
You damn right — and you know it
@louisenesselaar606
You can say That!
@nicholaprincealves6
I NICHOLA BERNADETTE PRINCE ALVES...AGREES WHOLE HEARTEDLY WITH YOU 💯 %
@nicholaprincealves6
YES ❤️....LOVE HER VOICE.....
@teegee9330
She doesn't even need a guitar, she could hold that entire stadium in the palm of her hands with her voice alone.
@sblumenstein6688
Unlike the annoying, shiny circus clown, Ms. Cyrus.
@dikeledihlabangane3854
Beautiful voice of a story teller of all times pure gift❤
@Asdf-2
You ain't wrong