Storytelling As a Strategy: Tracy Chapman Fast Car
Tracy Chapman made her debut as a singer/songwriter in 1988 with the release of “Fast Car”. This heartfelt song is described as one that tells a grittily realistic story of a poor working woman trying to escape the cycle of poverty, set to folk rock music. I thought it would make an excellent Case Study for you, whether or not you have already embraced storytelling as a strategy to connect with your audience.
We all have stories to tell. This is also how we are able to connect with others in a meaningful way. Over the years, I have learned to share stories with people in a way that helps us to recognize our commonalities over our differences. Using storytelling as a strategy is extremely powerful.
If you aren’t familiar with Tracy’s song, or even if you are, here are the lyrics…
You got a fast car
I want a ticket to anywhere
Maybe we make a deal
Maybe together we can get somewhere
Any place is better
Starting from zero got nothing to lose
Maybe we’ll make something
Me, myself, I got nothing to prove
You got a fast car
I got a plan to get us outta here
I been working at the convenience store…
