Musical Interlude: Tracy Chapman, “Behind the Wall”
A couple weeks ago, music writer Hank Shteamer tweeted a link to Tracy Chapman’s 1988 song “Behind the Wall,” from her self-titled debut album, writing:
“Fast Car,” yes, for all eternity, but can we make some room for “Behind the Wall”? Made a huge impression back then and I’ve still never heard anything else like it. 110 seconds of unaccompanied voice. Spellbinding.
I hadn’t heard it in a while and was grateful for the reminder.
Discussion 3 comments
My sixth grade teacher played this for the class in 1989, and it blew us away
Man, good for her
All of the above, but also “If Not Now…” Thirty-six years later, I still haven’t heard a more perfect balance of weary sorrow and enduring hope.
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