The 1988 folk hit song Fast Car, written and performed by Tracy Chapman, has made history by becoming the first-ever number-one country song to be credited solely to a Black woman. The song has been covered by country star Luke Combs, but its original version has long been embraced as an LGBTQ anthem. The latest surge in the song’s popularity, along with Chapman’s winning of the Grammy for Best Female Pop Vocal Performance, marks a long-overdue step forward in country music’s diversity. The opening line of Fast Car – “You’ve got a fast car.

I want a ticket to anywhere” – speaks of a longing to break out of bad situations. The song tells the story of a young woman trying to escape poverty and the dead-end job and relationship it brings. In the end, the woman decides to “take your fast car and keep on driving”. The lyrics of this poignant and intimate ballad are a metaphor for the fight for freedom and equality, and particularly resonate with the LGBTQ community. The success of Fast Car is long overdue in the country music genre, which has only seen a limited increase in diversity in its mainstream.

Tracy Chapman is only the fourth Black woman to have a writing credit of any kind on a top country song, and the second to have a sole writing credit on a number on Country Airplay since its launch in 1990. Sam Cooke’s 1964 song Good Times was previously recorded by Dan Seals and reached the top spot in 1990. The song has continued to show its staying power, with Rolling Stone ranking it at 71 out of the 500 greatest songs of all time.

Fast Car was also boosted by Chapman’s performance at Nelson Mandela’s 70th Birthday Tribute at London’s Wembley Stadium. In addition, the song has reappeared on the charts throughout the last three decades due to regular covers. The latest surge in the song’s popularity may have been brought about by its cover version, but fans have been quick to voice their preference for Chapman’s original version. Canadian legislator Janis Irwin wrote on Twitter: “Anyone who knows me knows that Fast Car by Tracy Chapman is one of my favourite songs of all time.

Anyway, I love that a new generation gets to experience her music.” Tracy Chapman’s Fast Car has become a symbol of liberation and freedom, and its rise to the top of the country music charts signals a step forward in diversity in the genre. Hopefully, the latest surge in the song’s popularity will give more people the opportunity to experience Chapman’s genius and celebrate the ongoing fight for equality.