Tracy Chapman — Telling Stories
Album: Telling StoriesAvg rating:
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Total ratings: 2791
Length: 3:51
Plays (last 30 days): 2
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There is fiction in the space between
The lines on your page of memories
Write it down but it doesn't mean
You're not just telling stories
There is fiction in the space between
You and me
There is fiction in the space between
You and reality
You will do and say anything
To make your everyday life
Seem less mundane
There is fiction in the space between
You and me
There's a science fiction in the space between
You and me
A fabrication of a grand scheme
Where I am the scary monster
I eat the city and as I leave the scene
In my spaceship I am laughing
In your remembrance of your bad dream
There's no one but you standing
Leave the pity and the blame
For the ones who do not speak
You write the words to get respect and compassion
And for posterity
You write the words and make believe
There is truth in the space between
There is fiction in the space between
You and everybody
Give us all what we need
Give us one more sad sordid story
But in the fiction of the space between
Sometimes a lie is the best thing
Sometimes a lie is the best thing
The lines on your page of memories
Write it down but it doesn't mean
You're not just telling stories
There is fiction in the space between
You and me
There is fiction in the space between
You and reality
You will do and say anything
To make your everyday life
Seem less mundane
There is fiction in the space between
You and me
There's a science fiction in the space between
You and me
A fabrication of a grand scheme
Where I am the scary monster
I eat the city and as I leave the scene
In my spaceship I am laughing
In your remembrance of your bad dream
There's no one but you standing
Leave the pity and the blame
For the ones who do not speak
You write the words to get respect and compassion
And for posterity
You write the words and make believe
There is truth in the space between
There is fiction in the space between
You and everybody
Give us all what we need
Give us one more sad sordid story
But in the fiction of the space between
Sometimes a lie is the best thing
Sometimes a lie is the best thing
Comments (112)add comment
I'm always extra pleased when I hear Tracy Chapman sing something other than 'Car' or 'Reason'
I swear she could sing the book of Numbers and make it Beautiful! 
Isn't it strange when you have love an artist, their music and everything they stand for BUT for some strange twist of audiology, you don't like their voice. Tracy, Michael Stipe and Elvis Costello are in that box for me. Desperately want to get around it but can't. I'll always give their songs a high rating but can't listen to them, bugger it!
Such a talent! 
Love Tracy. Since fast cars she has always been in my playlist s
I get goosebumps listening to this
That's some damn fine poetry there, and the voice to match.
tinypriest wrote:
Is it harmful if you know it is a lie?
I mean, just because stories are fiction, they can still be useful, helpful, healing. I think this song is about using lies, fiction, stories, to illuminate and illustrate larger truths.
And in that, if this song is not happy, perhaps it is at least hopeful.
(unless, of course, i am massively misreading the artists intent).
A happy song, please, Tracy. Just one ....
Is it harmful if you know it is a lie?
I mean, just because stories are fiction, they can still be useful, helpful, healing. I think this song is about using lies, fiction, stories, to illuminate and illustrate larger truths.
And in that, if this song is not happy, perhaps it is at least hopeful.
(unless, of course, i am massively misreading the artists intent).
A happy song, please, Tracy. Just one ....
loved Tracy from the first time I heard FAST CAR .she remains a favorite. This cd doesn't disappoint
So much to like about this song. Love the lyrics. Gifted!
mrtuba9 wrote:
I have that problem too. Sometimes I speak the truth even when it gets me into trouble. It's a fault that I can't seem to get around.
"Sometimes a lie is the best thing"
My therapist once told me that I was too honest to a fault. She said that I told the truth when I should have said nothing... I try every day to decide if what I want to say is what I should say or if it will just hurt someone to be honest unless it will truly help them.
My therapist once told me that I was too honest to a fault. She said that I told the truth when I should have said nothing... I try every day to decide if what I want to say is what I should say or if it will just hurt someone to be honest unless it will truly help them.
I have that problem too. Sometimes I speak the truth even when it gets me into trouble. It's a fault that I can't seem to get around.
"Sometimes a lie is the best thing"
My therapist once told me that I was too honest to a fault. She said that I told the truth when I should have said nothing... I try every day to decide if what I want to say is what I should say or if it will just hurt someone to be honest unless it will truly help them.
My therapist once told me that I was too honest to a fault. She said that I told the truth when I should have said nothing... I try every day to decide if what I want to say is what I should say or if it will just hurt someone to be honest unless it will truly help them.
francesco_insyde wrote:
Hope uou're happy with my sad stories
My freedom is in the space between the reality and the fiction, the fantasm.
I'm only a dreamer, Tracy, but you're just a dream....
Thanks so much, and sometimes, it's true, a lie is the besst thing to keep loving
I'm only a dreamer, Tracy, but you're just a dream....
Thanks so much, and sometimes, it's true, a lie is the besst thing to keep loving
Hope uou're happy with my sad stories
Tracy Chapman is a performer, a person, of extraordinary depth. The kind that is often ignored due to it's deep talent and message.
Makes me think of a happy-but-sometimes-melancholy summer in Perugia...
chyk5 wrote:
Glad to see her comments keep getting bumped to the top. What a wonderful eccentric who made me laugh often.
She was , and is, still as real as it gets.
Glad to see her comments keep getting bumped to the top. What a wonderful eccentric who made me laugh often.
She was , and is, still as real as it gets.
mrpixel wrote:
It's good to hear something else from Tracy than "Fast Car." I get the impression she got pigeonholed by that song.
Where did she go? Amazing singer.
It's good to hear something else from Tracy than "Fast Car." I get the impression she got pigeonholed by that song.
This is a very simple song - simple harmony, simple solo, singing, lyrics, etc. but when put together it works so well and it's a such a brilliant song. One of my favourite.
There is fiction in the space between
Me and me
And this is a place for others people
Me and me
And this is a place for others people
I'm in love with this woman's voice...
Tracy Chapman is a master of both harmony and lyric. This song is a great example of that.
8>9 Any song that gives me shivers is a 9 at minimum. I think this might be my favorite Tracy Chapman song...and I love Tracy Chapman.
Lovely song and voice...
Ahhhhh....What a lovely song. Thanks
daaave wrote:
I’m thinking the same thing right now. I love this song. And RP is a treasure.
Thanks for this, and the last hour. 8-D
I’m thinking the same thing right now. I love this song. And RP is a treasure.
Where did she go? Amazing singer.
A lovely piece of work from this classy lady.
10
That voice and those lyrics 👌
Thanks for this, and the last hour. 8-D
Cynaera wrote:
Oh, Stingray - we agree again. This is twice in a lifetime. And look - I'm not afraid to be on the same thread with you, you dork. (Well, I'm a dork, too.) It's a beautiful song and as you said, simple and great.
Let's go out to the dump and shoot rats now, okay?
Glad to see her comments keep getting bumped to the top. What a wonderful eccentric who made me laugh often.
Oh, Stingray - we agree again. This is twice in a lifetime. And look - I'm not afraid to be on the same thread with you, you dork. (Well, I'm a dork, too.) It's a beautiful song and as you said, simple and great.
Let's go out to the dump and shoot rats now, okay?
Glad to see her comments keep getting bumped to the top. What a wonderful eccentric who made me laugh often.
Still lovely!
stevendejong wrote:
And no vocal acrobatics or autotuner.
Agreed, a lady who never sold out.
And no vocal acrobatics or autotuner.
Agreed, a lady who never sold out.
Luv it a lot - big fat 9 jcioban wrote:
And no vocal acrobatics or autotuner.
Lots of American Idol wannabees should list closely what a talented singer can do with simple, spare accompaniment....
And no vocal acrobatics or autotuner.
What a wonderful voice.
Cynaera wrote:
Oh, Stingray - we agree again. This is twice in a lifetime. And look - I'm not afraid to be on the same thread with you, you dork. (Well, I'm a dork, too.) It's a beautiful song and as you said, simple and great.
Let's go out to the dump and shoot rats now, okay?
Miss you so much, Cynaera...
love this song...
Oh, Stingray - we agree again. This is twice in a lifetime. And look - I'm not afraid to be on the same thread with you, you dork. (Well, I'm a dork, too.) It's a beautiful song and as you said, simple and great.
Let's go out to the dump and shoot rats now, okay?
Miss you so much, Cynaera...
love this song...
I've always liked TC, but the more I listen, the deeper my appreciation. Every song is a gem on so many levels.
Tracy Chapman invokes the same reaction as Phil Collins - instant mute. Can not stand either one's voice/lyrics/music/songs. You're right, I just don't get it. I don't really want to get it either.
Why do I care? Because after the instant mute, I forget to unmute, and then miss out on the normal quality RP listening.
Why do I care? Because after the instant mute, I forget to unmute, and then miss out on the normal quality RP listening.
A nice run of female classy songs going on now. Thanks
She's In Classes Above the Masses.
Exquisite songwriting!
Boss organ
Hats off to you Tracy! LOVE YOU!
Love this song. Love the Hammond.
jagdriver wrote:
I hope gone from the airwaves forever.
Too bad for you, since she has a new album called "Our Bright Future".
https://www.tracychapman.com/
I hope gone from the airwaves forever.
Too bad for you, since she has a new album called "Our Bright Future".
https://www.tracychapman.com/
JBarDom wrote:
I hope gone from the airwaves forever.
Where art thou, Tracy?
I hope gone from the airwaves forever.
A SOLID NINE.
Where art thou, Tracy?
Stingray wrote:
Oh, Stingray - we agree again. This is twice in a lifetime. And look - I'm not afraid to be on the same thread with you, you dork. (Well, I'm a dork, too.) It's a beautiful song and as you said, simple and great.
Let's go out to the dump and shoot rats now, okay?
....sooooo lovely!!!!!
TRUE MELODY!
SIMPLE AND GREAT!
TRUE MELODY!
SIMPLE AND GREAT!
Oh, Stingray - we agree again. This is twice in a lifetime. And look - I'm not afraid to be on the same thread with you, you dork. (Well, I'm a dork, too.) It's a beautiful song and as you said, simple and great.
Let's go out to the dump and shoot rats now, okay?
I'm not a huge Tracy Chapman fan, but this song is just amazing... Love it, love it, love it. 
Editing to add that I love "Smoke And Mirrors," and I think I said THAT was the only Tracy Chapman song I loved. I stand corrected. Tracy Chapman has SO much more to offer than "Fast Car." This song is proof. 
Editing to add that I love "Smoke And Mirrors," and I think I said THAT was the only Tracy Chapman song I loved. I stand corrected. Tracy Chapman has SO much more to offer than "Fast Car." This song is proof. ....sooooo lovely!!!!!
TRUE MELODY!
SIMPLE AND GREAT!
TRUE MELODY!
SIMPLE AND GREAT!
I love this song. Tracy is a very talented lady.
Girl's got some songwriting skills and a beautifully soulful voice to convey it.
A pearl.
Tracy's voice is stunning and heart-warming in this song Thomas.
a very wonderful time in my life..............................
peter_james_bond wrote:
...echo
I'm just going to echo what's previously been noted by other people on the board - terrific lyrics - terrific song... echo...echo...echo...
...echo
this is from another place. it so beautiful, i hear the wall flowers, sad, heart felt, but that truthfulness of Dylan. totally a spiritual experiance for me.
Love this song - needs to be played loud
Tracy is one of my kindred spirits. She has a backstage pass to my heart. 
Tracy's voice is so comforting to me. Love this song.
peter_james_bond wrote:
I'm just going to echo what's previously been noted by other people on the board - terrific lyrics - terrific song... echo...echo...echo...
Bill and Rebecca, this playlist just rocks the mic and rattles the transmitter.
I'm just going to echo what's previously been noted by other people on the board - terrific lyrics - terrific song... echo...echo...echo...
There is fiction in the space between
The lines on your page of memories
Write it down but it doesnt mean
Youre not just telling stories
There is fiction in the space between
You and me
There is fiction in the space between
You and reality
You will do and say anything
To make your everyday life
Seem less mundane
There is fiction in the space between
You and me
Theres a science fiction in the space between
You and me
A fabrication of a grand scheme
Where I am the scary monster
I eat the city and as I leave the scene
In my spaceship I am laughing
In your remembrance of your bad dream
Theres no one but you standing
Leave the pity and the blame
For the ones who do not speak
You write the words to get respect and compassion
And for posterity
You write the words and make believe
There is truth in the space between
There is fiction in the space between
You and everybody
Give us all what we need
Give us one more sad sordid story
But in the fiction of the space between
Sometimes a lie is the best thing
Sometimes a lie is the best thing
The lines on your page of memories
Write it down but it doesnt mean
Youre not just telling stories
There is fiction in the space between
You and me
There is fiction in the space between
You and reality
You will do and say anything
To make your everyday life
Seem less mundane
There is fiction in the space between
You and me
Theres a science fiction in the space between
You and me
A fabrication of a grand scheme
Where I am the scary monster
I eat the city and as I leave the scene
In my spaceship I am laughing
In your remembrance of your bad dream
Theres no one but you standing
Leave the pity and the blame
For the ones who do not speak
You write the words to get respect and compassion
And for posterity
You write the words and make believe
There is truth in the space between
There is fiction in the space between
You and everybody
Give us all what we need
Give us one more sad sordid story
But in the fiction of the space between
Sometimes a lie is the best thing
Sometimes a lie is the best thing
in album "Telling Stories" (2000)
** 8 / 9 **
Exquisite.
toterola wrote:
wow.. I just read the lyrics and thought hard about it. its friggin brilliant! thanks for pointing that out
"There is fiction in the space between
The lines on your page of memories
Write it down but it doesnt mean
Youre not just telling stories
There is fiction in the space between
You and me"
As far as lyrics go, it just doesn't get much better than that. What an incredible talent!
The lines on your page of memories
Write it down but it doesnt mean
Youre not just telling stories
There is fiction in the space between
You and me"
As far as lyrics go, it just doesn't get much better than that. What an incredible talent!
wow.. I just read the lyrics and thought hard about it. its friggin brilliant! thanks for pointing that out
"There is fiction in the space between
The lines on your page of memories
Write it down but it doesnt mean
Youre not just telling stories
There is fiction in the space between
You and me"
As far as lyrics go, it just doesn't get much better than that. What an incredible talent!
The lines on your page of memories
Write it down but it doesnt mean
Youre not just telling stories
There is fiction in the space between
You and me"
As far as lyrics go, it just doesn't get much better than that. What an incredible talent!
I am with the bulk of the comments below - she is good
sfListener wrote:
What's happening to me!!? I'm starting to like her.
Yeah, what is up with THAT?? same here!
jcioban wrote:
Lots of American Idol wannabees should list closely what a talented singer can do with simple, spare accompaniment....
You are so right!! She's a 10...and not just for one song.
Just gotta love that voice!
What's happening to me!!? I'm starting to like her.
Lots of American Idol wannabees should list closely what a talented singer can do with simple, spare accompaniment....
Such a great voice...fast car summed up every small town everywhere...some try to get out, some do, some try and fail, some can't be bothered to leave and the cycle continues.
meower215 wrote:
I think Joan's best is better than Tracy's best though. . . . .
It's like saying apples taste better than oranges.
meower215 wrote:
I think Joan's best is better than Tracy's best though. . . . .
Not a chance.
Just say no.
I like them both (Joan Armatrading very much - even have a cat named after her) but don't see a lot of similarity beyond this song.
Honeybee wrote:
If you like Tracy Chapman,
check out Joan Armatrading......
SHE ROCKS!
I think Joan's best is better than Tracy's best though. . . . .
Honeybee wrote:
If you like Tracy Chapman,
check out Joan Armatrading. . . . . .
SHE ROCKS!
Hey I was gonna say that!
brokemusician wrote:
-mt-
The resemblance to Gary Coleman is just too striking. 
-mt-
Certainly one of Tracy's finest albums. Telling Stories in it's entirity is excellent.
Oh, and the album art up there /\ is wrong 
Tracy just doesn't really do anything for me. Especially this song.
If you like Tracy Chapman,
check out Joan Armatrading......
SHE ROCKS!
The resemblance to Gary Coleman is just too striking.
... Go on Tracy, tell us all your stories, love 'em ... 
...
... i love this song. i know the feeling so well.
Fat_Man_Flo wrote:
I thought this was her debut album. ?
The picture above is her debut album, but this song is from an album of the same name and was her 5th release.
orpheus wrote:
nice to know she's still producing such high quality work :)
I thought this was her debut album. ?
Love me some Tracy!! 
Ya gotta love that organ!
Quite good, 7/10.
Happy Birthday, Tracy!
This song went a long way in redeeming Tracy Chapman after that dog-awful "Fast Car" song.
:sunny.gif: downbylaw, agreed. Roxy Music should be the only band allowed to use the "space between" theme.
she has one of the most interesting, complex voices IÂ've ever heard.
great song, great singer ... I love her for the stand she takes in her songs ... and the music is wonderful anyways.
Hey! She's actually singing! Not mumbling!
I don't feel like killing myself!
I keep expecting to be sick of this track the next time I hear it, but it hasn't happened yet. 
:-k
:-k Tracy is the finest.
"Poor people gonna rise up and get their share,
poor people gonna rise up and take what's theirs..."
Yes. 
one of tracy\'s best songs.
but doesn\'t every other radio single these days mention \"the space inbetween?\" it\'s becoming the new \"cuts like a knife.\"
nice to know she\'s still producing such high quality work :)
Very touching voice and mood...
tracy is a lesbian?
who knew I am so out of touch
this song is sexy
My therapist once told me that I was too honest to a fault. She said that I told the truth when I should have said nothing... I try every day to decide if what I want to say is what I should say or if it will just hurt someone to be honest unless it will truly help them.
Folks learn when to shut up in successful relationships.