Luke Combs’ rendition of Tracy Chapman’s iconic song “Fast Car” has not only revitalized the classic but also brought forth a charming anecdote about lyrical accuracy. Every time Combs now performs his chart-topping country cover, he’s reminded of a correction directly from Chapman herself regarding the “Fast Car” lyrics.
During a recent concert, captured by an attendee and shared on TikTok, Combs shared the story of how Chapman gently pointed out his slight lyrical deviation. In his version, Combs had sung “still gotta make a decision,” whereas the correct lyric, as Chapman clarified, is “we gotta make a decision.”
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Tracy Chapman and Luke Combs share the stage at the 2024 Grammy Awards, performing “Fast Car” together.
Combs humorously confessed to the audience, “That was the first time that I knew that I recorded the song incorrectly. It was her telling me that. Because I remember, when she said that, I wanted to crawl into a hole.” His humility and respect for Chapman’s songwriting were evident as he recounted his initial reaction to the correction.
Fortunately, Chapman’s demeanor was far from critical. “Luckily, she was awesome about it,” Combs reassured his fans. This lighthearted exchange highlights the mutual respect and admiration between the two artists. Combs emphasized the lasting impact of this correction, stating, “And I think about it every single time that I sing the song, and I will think about it every single time I sing this song for the rest of my whole life.”
Going forward, Combs clarified that his live performances of “Fast Car” would reflect this newfound lyrical accuracy. “So the version you know is ‘still gotta make a decision.’ Not the words,” he explained. “It’s just not the words. I made that up in my head. So tonight, I’m going to sing ‘we gotta make a decision.’ Because Tracy Chapman told me to, and, dammit, I’m gonna do it.” This commitment to Chapman’s original lyrics underscores his dedication to honoring her artistry.
The story adds another layer to the already fascinating narrative of Combs’ “Fast Car” cover. The song, originally released by Chapman in 1988, tells a poignant story of a couple striving for a better life, with the car symbolizing hope and escape from their working-class struggles. Combs’ country version resonated deeply with audiences, mirroring his own memories of listening to the song with his father in their car.
The success of Combs’ rendition is undeniable. It topped the Billboard country charts and reached No. 2 on the Hot 100. Furthermore, it earned Chapman the historic distinction of being the first Black woman to win a CMA Award for Song of the Year in November 2023. The collaboration culminated in a memorable duet performance at the 2024 Grammys, further cementing the song’s renewed popularity and Chapman’s enduring legacy. Following their Grammy performance, Chapman’s original “Fast Car” even soared to the No. 1 spot on the iTunes store, demonstrating the powerful impact of Combs’ cover in introducing the song to a new generation and reminding older fans of its timeless appeal. The anecdote about the lyric correction serves as a testament to Combs’ respect for Chapman and his dedication to delivering an authentic and heartfelt performance of this classic song.
