Tracy Chapman – Give Me One Reason

• 0
  My Interpretation:It takes two to have a relationship. The singer is the one doing all the work, and she isn't feeling appreciated. She loves the person, but she's tired of being taken for granted and is giving them one chance to prove that they're willing to make an effort, too. The final line--"I've told you that I love you, and there ain't no more to say"--makes it clear that she's not doing this out of spite or because she's no longer interested, but out of necessity. I also think that the other person is either younger or someone who wishes for the spontaneous and fast-paced love of the old days.

  Flag littlerachon May 02, 2013   Link

  • No Replies Log in to reply
    
      There was an error.
• +1
  My Interpretation:She said once at a concert that she left this song on someones answering machine. So I guess its a song about trying to court someone thats being hesitant and I guess she's tired of chasing that person in circles so she decides to kind of give them an ultimatum hoping that it'll catalize the persons decision on whether or not to pursue a relationship with her.

  Flag themockingbirdssongon June 21, 2010   Link

  • No Replies Log in to reply
    
      There was an error.
• 0
  General Comment:Most of us can really relate to this...I know I can. But in real life, I think Tracy wrote this song as a vent from her relationship with Alice Walker, who couldn't even decide whether or not she was a lesbian.

  Flagged AlcinoustheXIIthon February 22, 2010   Link

  • No Replies Log in to reply
    
      There was an error.
• +1
  General Comment:'I told you that I loved you and there aint no more to say', that's still the girl. I agree with almost everybody. She's told him she loves him and is tired of repeating it without him reciprocating. If he can't show her that he wants/needs her in his life then she's leaving...although she'd rather not.

  Flagged proudtobeon August 09, 2008   Link

  • No Replies Log in to reply
    
      There was an error.
• +2
  General Comment:So far everyone has been wrong and identifying with the girl..... Read the last couple of lines. This song is about the girl being too immature to realize that the only thing they need to have for an awesome relationship to exist is love. She's telling him to do all these things that have nothing to do with love and and the end he wins the argument by saying 'I told you that I loved you and there ain't no more to say.'

  Flag omygoton March 19, 2008   Link

  • No Replies Log in to reply
    
      There was an error.
• 0
  General Comment:delial, i really like how you saw it haha.
  Now everytime i listen to this song im going to think of that image.
  It happened to me the other day, i never pour my heart out to any guy, but i decided to take the chance and tell him everything i felt, he just sat there and goes, okay.
  Now i want to walk away, but if he gives me one good reason to stay, i will.
  Best line "you know that i called you, i called too many times".
  :) Tracy Chapman is fantastic.

  Flag rad:)on February 10, 2008   Link

  • No Replies Log in to reply
    
      There was an error.
• 0
  General Comment:This song is about author Alice Walker.

  Flag EmancipationofJamieon October 06, 2007   Link

  • No Replies Log in to reply
    
      There was an error.
• 0
  General Comment:I first heard this on American Idol sung by Jordin and LOVED it!!! It rawks!

  Flag punkrawkgrrlon July 21, 2007   Link

  • No Replies Log in to reply
    
      There was an error.
• 0
  General Comment:What an amazing voice she has! Tracy Chapman is awesome.

  Flag imponderableon May 08, 2007   Link

  • No Replies Log in to reply
    
      There was an error.
• +2
  General Comment:I've heard this song plenty of times before, and I always thought it was okay. It plays in the store I work at sometimes, and I always thought it was okay. Until recently.
  
  About a week ago I basically poured my heart out to this one girl, something I had never done before. She basically acted like I hadn't said anything. I asked her what I do from here, because I didn't know. She said she still wanted to be friends. I didn't believe her. I told her there was a difference between a friend and an acquaintance. Basically, I put the ball in her court as to whether or not she actually wants to be my friend.
  
  A couple days ago at work, it was really slow, so it was quiet. I was listening to the music they play, and this song came on. I bought it that night, and have been listening to it almost nonstop ever since. It's sad one way of thinking about it, but at the same time I feel like it's making me stronger, making me able to walk away.
  
  
  Short Version: Really good song.

  Flag ffzmanon April 10, 2007   Link

  • No Replies Log in to reply
    
      There was an error.

Log in now to tell us what you think this song means.

Don’t have an account? Create an account with SongMeanings to post comments, submit lyrics, and more. It’s super easy, we promise!