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
Talkin' Bout Revolution
Tracy Chapman Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
They're talkin' 'bout 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
Crying at the doorsteps of those armies of salvation
Sitting around waiting for a promotion
Don't you know
They're talkin' 'bout 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
'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
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' 'bout 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 "Talkin' 'Bout a Revolution" is a powerful social commentary about the plight of poor people who are standing in welfare and unemployment lines and waiting for a promotion. The lyrics of the song suggest that the poor will soon rise up and take what's rightfully theirs, as the tables are beginning to turn. Though the revolution is approaching slowly, its sound is gradually getting louder.
The lyrics focus on the idea that change is possible but it won't come from those in power. Instead, it will come from the people who have been marginalized and oppressed for too long. The poet is making a plea to the masses to take up the cause and fight for justice. Had she rather stated this more directly, it would have been considered a political song in the traditional sense, but by using the metaphor of whispering, Chapman subtly highlights the fact that the revolution is not yet strong enough to openly confront those in power with confidence.
The chorus, which urges the listeners to run, is a warning. It's suggesting that those who have benefited from the prevailing system could be in danger once the poor decide to rise up. The lyrics emphasize that the poor are only whispering, but their whispers are gradually growing louder and the growing strength of their voices is a threat to the status quo.
In conclusion, "Talkin' 'Bout a Revolution" is a powerful song that emphasizes the plight of the oppressed and encourages the poor to stand up for their rights. Chapman skillfully uses metaphorical language to show that though the revolution might be slow, it's also inevitable.
Line by Line Meaning
Don't you know
Are you aware
They're talkin' 'bout a revolution
There's a movement to change the political system
It sounds like a whisper
It's not openly talked about
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
People are struggling financially and stuck in dead-end jobs
Poor people gonna rise up
And get their share
Poor people gonna rise up
And take what's theirs
Those who have been marginalized will demand their fair share
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
Change is coming and you better prepare for it
'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
The balance of power is shifting and change is on the horizon
Don't you know
They're talkin' 'bout 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
Change is coming and people are starting to discuss it openly
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: TRACY L CHAPMAN
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@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