The Chapman OG version is so much better but I can also appreciate Combs bringing this back to the main stream for a younger audience. In the end it also brought us this performance at the Grammys and seeing her perform life onstage
You’re right. Covers are rarely better and there’s no hope for someone doing this song specifically. But he did remind us all to go dig that album back out and re-discover the rest of her catalog.
Of all people, you see firsthand the impact an amazing song can have on people. Every story in “The Women Who Rode Away” is deeply moving in this same way. You constantly inspire me on and offstage.
This was fantastic! I had just heard a segment on the radio before the Grammys that was “kids who think they know more about our music” and one of the bits was about a kid convinced that Luke Combs just got the lyrics wrong - not knowing it was a cover. The DJ explained how Combs wanted to stay true to the song so kept the lyrics intact. I had more respect for him and his cover after hearing that, and more now after reading this and having backup of that idea. After learning more about Combs here, even more respect.
This album came out just as I was graduating high school. It’s a song and album that I still go back to a lot. Fast Car was so impactful. It’s one of those songs that I have a whole story about.
An interesting story I had no knowledge of. Comb's journey is encouraging. What is life if we can't make mistakes and learn from them? Thank you for this comprehensive piece.
Terrific writeup, as always! The Grammy performance is still dancing in my head several days later. That moment at the beginning, when the lights came up on Chapman's face and she started tearing up while singing through the warm applause, was just so wonderful.
Feb 8·edited Feb 8Liked by Songs That Saved Your Life
That a song like "Fast Car" still has relevance today- and appeal that clearly transcends narrow genre categories- is proof of Chapman's true gifts as a songwriter.
As you do so well, you distill a moment, a song, an album, an artist, down to its essence. I know this piece isn’t about you, but I wanted to acknowledge your stellar, thoughtful writing. Here and in all your pieces.
Superb. I also think it was/is high time a male artist covered (and showed admiration for) a female artist. Any woman, of any colour, queer or not. In fact, I think they struggle more with the stereotypically “feminine” artist than with, say, Tracy Chapman, Janis Joplin or Tina Turner. But in the country music context, it is remarkable.
Whether Luke and his fans will ever truly deconstruct themselves remains to be seen, as you astutely point out. But it’s nice to see some steps in the right direction.
This reminded me that Chris Dalla Riva had good research about how relatively unusual it is for men to perform hit songs written by women: https://pudding.cool/2023/07/songwriters/
Beautifully written piece as per normal. Back in November when Chapman won the CMA for Fast Car I took the opportunity to check out the Combs cover and wasn’t overly impressed. But the performance on Sunday night was a magical moment and felt truly authentic to me. Chapman’s joy was palpable and Combs was clearly enjoying being in her presence.
I’m glad too that he’s introduced the song to a new generation. That entire album, her self-titled debut, is still a remarkable display of songwriting prowess.
Wow. So great, Jami. This piece really captured the many feelings that emerged for so many watching this performance. Something real that pierced through the b. s. Music can still do that.
It was a special moment to watch this live performance with our young adult kids and their friends and see them catch on to the genius of this song. Thank you for the added context of Luke Combs' racist and ignorant history and his thoughtful steps over time to genuinely apologize in a way that seems to go much deeper than lip service. I have a deep appreciation for genuine apologies that heal relationships, and this was special to read about.
Thank you for writing this piece. I've long loved Fast Car and Tracy Chapman and watched the performance with Luke Combs and even wrote about today but didn't know all of the nuance and background you've shared here and very grateful for your sharing it. 🙏
Thanks for this beautiful essay about a beautiful song. I don’t really care to listen to the Combs version, I’d rather retain my untainted college memories of listening to the original a couple of decades ago, but I enjoyed reading your perspective on it.
The Chapman OG version is so much better but I can also appreciate Combs bringing this back to the main stream for a younger audience. In the end it also brought us this performance at the Grammys and seeing her perform life onstage
You’re right. Covers are rarely better and there’s no hope for someone doing this song specifically. But he did remind us all to go dig that album back out and re-discover the rest of her catalog.
💯 and also it did feel like the one authentic moment of the Grammys
Although the Stevie wonder and batiste in memoriam was touching
Yeah, the only cover I can think of that's better than the original is Cash's version of Hurt.
Thank you for this perspective, you genius human. Your writing gives me hope for humanity! ❤️
Of all people, you see firsthand the impact an amazing song can have on people. Every story in “The Women Who Rode Away” is deeply moving in this same way. You constantly inspire me on and offstage.
I found this piece really moving. Beautiful writing for a beautiful song ❤️
Thank you Lou! It was such a touching cultural moment. I’m so glad we’re all collectively listening to that song again now.
This was fantastic! I had just heard a segment on the radio before the Grammys that was “kids who think they know more about our music” and one of the bits was about a kid convinced that Luke Combs just got the lyrics wrong - not knowing it was a cover. The DJ explained how Combs wanted to stay true to the song so kept the lyrics intact. I had more respect for him and his cover after hearing that, and more now after reading this and having backup of that idea. After learning more about Combs here, even more respect.
This album came out just as I was graduating high school. It’s a song and album that I still go back to a lot. Fast Car was so impactful. It’s one of those songs that I have a whole story about.
“It’s one of those songs I have a whole story about.” - Isn’t that the truth? Few songs are so true for so many of us. Thank you for reading!
Appreciated reading your take on this.
Thank you for the support Jill.
An interesting story I had no knowledge of. Comb's journey is encouraging. What is life if we can't make mistakes and learn from them? Thank you for this comprehensive piece.
Terrific writeup, as always! The Grammy performance is still dancing in my head several days later. That moment at the beginning, when the lights came up on Chapman's face and she started tearing up while singing through the warm applause, was just so wonderful.
As soon as the first chord was played, tears just immediately started falling. It felt like a warm hug to see her again.
That a song like "Fast Car" still has relevance today- and appeal that clearly transcends narrow genre categories- is proof of Chapman's true gifts as a songwriter.
As you do so well, you distill a moment, a song, an album, an artist, down to its essence. I know this piece isn’t about you, but I wanted to acknowledge your stellar, thoughtful writing. Here and in all your pieces.
What an incredible compliment to receive, thank you Steve.
Agree 100%. This is terrific.
I second this.
Superb. I also think it was/is high time a male artist covered (and showed admiration for) a female artist. Any woman, of any colour, queer or not. In fact, I think they struggle more with the stereotypically “feminine” artist than with, say, Tracy Chapman, Janis Joplin or Tina Turner. But in the country music context, it is remarkable.
Whether Luke and his fans will ever truly deconstruct themselves remains to be seen, as you astutely point out. But it’s nice to see some steps in the right direction.
Totally agree Andres!
This reminded me that Chris Dalla Riva had good research about how relatively unusual it is for men to perform hit songs written by women: https://pudding.cool/2023/07/songwriters/
Awesome. Thanks!!
Beautifully written piece as per normal. Back in November when Chapman won the CMA for Fast Car I took the opportunity to check out the Combs cover and wasn’t overly impressed. But the performance on Sunday night was a magical moment and felt truly authentic to me. Chapman’s joy was palpable and Combs was clearly enjoying being in her presence.
I’m glad too that he’s introduced the song to a new generation. That entire album, her self-titled debut, is still a remarkable display of songwriting prowess.
Wow. So great, Jami. This piece really captured the many feelings that emerged for so many watching this performance. Something real that pierced through the b. s. Music can still do that.
I love reading your stuff.
Thank you so much Marshall!
It was a special moment to watch this live performance with our young adult kids and their friends and see them catch on to the genius of this song. Thank you for the added context of Luke Combs' racist and ignorant history and his thoughtful steps over time to genuinely apologize in a way that seems to go much deeper than lip service. I have a deep appreciation for genuine apologies that heal relationships, and this was special to read about.
Thank you for writing this piece. I've long loved Fast Car and Tracy Chapman and watched the performance with Luke Combs and even wrote about today but didn't know all of the nuance and background you've shared here and very grateful for your sharing it. 🙏
I'm so glad you wrote about this. Just read another article online and was hoping you'd have a piece on it.
Aw, appreciate you seeking it out! Glad it didn't disappoint. Thank you for reading!
Thanks for this beautiful essay about a beautiful song. I don’t really care to listen to the Combs version, I’d rather retain my untainted college memories of listening to the original a couple of decades ago, but I enjoyed reading your perspective on it.