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Tracy Chapman — Telling Stories
Album: Telling Stories
Avg rating:
7.5

Your rating:
Total ratings: 2788









Released: 2000
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
Comments (112)add comment
 mrtuba9 wrote:
"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.


Folks learn when to shut up in successful relationships.
Posted 2 months ago by jmhimber    [ Reply ]
I'm always extra pleased when I hear Tracy Chapman sing something other than 'Car' or 'Reason'
Posted 4 months ago by TerryS    [ Reply ]
I swear she could sing the book of Numbers and make it Beautiful! 
Posted 5 months ago by Harry_Tuttle_99    [ Reply ]
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!
Posted 6 months ago by Fishman    [ Reply ]
Such a talent! 
Posted 1 year ago by jimlandwehr2582    [ Reply ]
Love Tracy. Since fast cars she has always been in my playlist s
Posted 2 years ago by Malachy    [ Reply ]
I get goosebumps listening to this
Posted 2 years ago by rhlrstn    [ Reply ]
That's some damn fine poetry there, and the voice to match.
Posted 2 years ago by rhlrstn    [ Reply ]
 tinypriest wrote:

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). 
Posted 2 years ago by daiv    [ Reply ]
A happy song, please, Tracy. Just one  ....
Posted 3 years ago by tinypriest    [ Reply ]
loved Tracy from the first time I heard FAST CAR .she remains a favorite. This cd doesn't disappoint  
Posted 3 years ago by ratbbb2    [ Reply ]
So much to like about this song. Love the lyrics. Gifted!
Posted 3 years ago by jimlandwehr2582    [ Reply ]
 mrtuba9 wrote:
"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.


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.
Posted 3 years ago by SchrodingersCat    [ Reply ]
"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.
Posted 3 years ago by mrtuba9    [ Reply ]
 francesco_insyde wrote:
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
 
Hope uou're happy with my sad stories
Posted 4 years ago by francesco_insyde    [ Reply ]
Tracy Chapman is a performer, a person, of extraordinary depth.  The kind that is often ignored due to it's deep talent and message.
Posted 4 years ago by ozzie1313    [ Reply ]
Makes me think of a happy-but-sometimes-melancholy summer in Perugia...
Posted 4 years ago by zacharybnowak    [ Reply ]
 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.
Posted 4 years ago by derhey9416    [ Reply ]
 mrpixel wrote:
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.
Posted 4 years ago by kcar    [ Reply ]
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. 
Posted 4 years ago by MA    [ Reply ]
There is fiction in the space between
Me and me
And this is a place for others people
Posted 5 years ago by francesco_insyde    [ Reply ]
I'm in love with this woman's voice...
Posted 5 years ago by mrtuba9    [ Reply ]
Tracy Chapman is a master of both harmony and lyric. This song is a great example of that.
Posted 5 years ago by jhoward    [ Reply ]
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.
Posted 5 years ago by wilcogirl11    [ Reply ]
Lovely song and voice...
Posted 5 years ago by mrtuba9    [ Reply ]
Ahhhhh....What a lovely song. Thanks 
Posted 6 years ago by cavemanleong    [ Reply ]
 daaave wrote:
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.  
Posted 6 years ago by AbileneTexas    [ Reply ]
Where did she go? Amazing singer.
Posted 7 years ago by mrpixel    [ Reply ]
A lovely piece of work from this classy lady.
Posted 7 years ago by DaidyBoy    [ Reply ]
10
Posted 7 years ago by hayduke2    [ Reply ]
That voice and those lyrics 👌 
Posted 8 years ago by MS_Anchor    [ Reply ]
Thanks for this, and the last hour.  8-D
Posted 9 years ago by daaave    [ Reply ]
 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? {#Roflol}

 
Glad to see her comments keep getting bumped to the top. What a wonderful eccentric who made me laugh often.
Posted 9 years ago by chyk5    [ Reply ]
Still lovely!
Posted 10 years ago by Stingray    [ Reply ]
 stevendejong wrote:

And no vocal acrobatics or autotuner.

 
Agreed, a lady who never sold out.
Posted 10 years ago by TerryS    [ Reply ]
{#Heartkiss} Luv it a lot - big fat 9 
Posted 10 years ago by Peter_Bradshaw    [ Reply ]
 jcioban wrote:
Lots of American Idol wannabees should list closely what a talented singer can do with simple, spare accompaniment....
 
And no vocal acrobatics or autotuner.
Posted 11 years ago by stevendejong    [ Reply ]
What a wonderful voice.
Posted 11 years ago by stevendejong    [ Reply ]
 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? {#Roflol}
 

Miss you so much, Cynaera...

love this song...
 
Posted 11 years ago by Lazarus    [ Reply ]
I've always liked TC, but the more I listen, the deeper my appreciation. Every song is a gem on so many levels.
Posted 11 years ago by FlatCat    [ Reply ]
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. 
Posted 11 years ago by flyboy    [ Reply ]
A nice run of female classy songs going on now. Thanks
Posted 11 years ago by Lichenia,    [ Reply ]
She's In Classes Above the Masses.
Posted 12 years ago by tuttle99    [ Reply ]
Exquisite songwriting!
Posted 12 years ago by ziakut    [ Reply ]
Boss organ
Posted 12 years ago by nightmann    [ Reply ]

Hats off to you Tracy!  LOVE YOU!


Posted 12 years ago by bluecshells    [ Reply ]

Love this song. Love the Hammond.


Posted 13 years ago by TimeWaster    [ Reply ]
 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/


Posted 13 years ago by LowPhreak    [ Reply ]
 JBarDom wrote:
Where art thou, Tracy?
 
I hope gone from the airwaves forever.

Posted 13 years ago by jagdriver    [ Reply ]
A SOLID NINE.
Posted 13 years ago by simme2    [ Reply ]
Where art thou, Tracy?
Posted 14 years ago by JBarDom    [ Reply ]
 Stingray wrote:
....sooooo lovely!!!!!

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? {#Roflol}
Posted 14 years ago by Cynaera    [ Reply ]
I'm not a huge Tracy Chapman fan, but this song is just amazing...  Love it, love it, love it. {#Music} 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. {#Notworthy}
Posted 14 years ago by Cynaera    [ Reply ]
....sooooo lovely!!!!!

TRUE MELODY!

SIMPLE AND GREAT!
Posted 14 years ago by Stingray    [ Reply ]
I love this song. Tracy is a very talented lady.
Posted 14 years ago by ron5211    [ Reply ]
Girl's got some songwriting skills and a beautifully soulful voice to convey it.
Posted 14 years ago by scocam    [ Reply ]
A pearl.
Posted 14 years ago by Razz    [ Reply ]
Tracy's voice is stunning and heart-warming in this song Thomas.
Posted 14 years ago by rumblekg    [ Reply ]
a very wonderful time in my life..............................
Posted 14 years ago by ddbz    [ Reply ]
 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...
 
...echo

Posted 14 years ago by ambrebalte    [ Reply ]

this is from another place. it so beautiful, i hear the wall flowers, sad, heart felt, but that truthfulness of Dylan.  {#Meditate}  totally a spiritual experiance for me.


Posted 14 years ago by buzmaggie    [ Reply ]
Love this song - needs to be played loud
Posted 15 years ago by DaveInSaoMiguel    [ Reply ]
Tracy is one of my kindred spirits. She has a backstage pass to my heart. {#Sunny}
Posted 15 years ago by crockydile    [ Reply ]
Tracy's voice is so comforting to me. Love this song.
Posted 15 years ago by Dancing_banana    [ Reply ]
 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...
  {#Yes}


Posted 15 years ago by crockydile    [ Reply ]
Bill and Rebecca, this playlist just rocks the mic and rattles the transmitter.
Posted 15 years ago by rbigelo    [ Reply ]
I'm just going to echo what's previously been noted by other people on the board - terrific lyrics - terrific song... echo...echo...echo...
Posted 15 years ago by peter_james_bond    [ Reply ]
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

in album "Telling Stories" (2000)

** 8  /  9 **


Posted 15 years ago by calypsus_1    [ Reply ]
Exquisite.
Posted 15 years ago by RadioDoc    [ Reply ]
 toterola wrote:
"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!
 
wow.. I just read the lyrics and thought hard about it. its friggin brilliant! thanks for pointing that out

Posted 16 years ago by uwnav    [ Reply ]
"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!
Posted 16 years ago by toterola    [ Reply ]
I am with the bulk of the comments below - she is good
Posted 16 years ago by arserocket    [ Reply ]
sfListener wrote:
What's happening to me!!? I'm starting to like her.
Yeah, what is up with THAT?? same here!
Posted 16 years ago by bindi    [ Reply ]
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.
Posted 16 years ago by Ntropy    [ Reply ]
Just gotta love that voice!
Posted 16 years ago by throwback    [ Reply ]
What's happening to me!!? I'm starting to like her.
Posted 16 years ago by sfListener    [ Reply ]
Lots of American Idol wannabees should list closely what a talented singer can do with simple, spare accompaniment....
Posted 16 years ago by jcioban    [ Reply ]
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.
Posted 17 years ago by EssexTex    [ Reply ]
meower215 wrote:
I think Joan's best is better than Tracy's best though. . . . .
It's like saying apples taste better than oranges.
Posted 17 years ago by heathenchild    [ Reply ]
meower215 wrote:
I think Joan's best is better than Tracy's best though. . . . .
Not a chance.
Posted 17 years ago by LowPhreak    [ Reply ]
Just say no.
Posted 17 years ago by jagdriver    [ Reply ]
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.
Posted 17 years ago by sans    [ Reply ]
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. . . . .
Posted 17 years ago by meower    [ Reply ]
Honeybee wrote:
If you like Tracy Chapman, check out Joan Armatrading. . . . . . SHE ROCKS!
Hey I was gonna say that!
Posted 17 years ago by bokey    [ Reply ]
brokemusician wrote:
The resemblance to Gary Coleman is just too striking.
-mt-
Posted 18 years ago by mattt    [ Reply ]
Certainly one of Tracy's finest albums. Telling Stories in it's entirity is excellent. Oh, and the album art up there /\ is wrong
Posted 18 years ago by maLeFunKtion    [ Reply ]
Tracy just doesn't really do anything for me. Especially this song.
Posted 18 years ago by Grumm    [ Reply ]
If you like Tracy Chapman, check out Joan Armatrading...... SHE ROCKS!
Posted 18 years ago by Honeybee    [ Reply ]
The resemblance to Gary Coleman is just too striking.
Posted 18 years ago by brokemusician    [ Reply ]
... Go on Tracy, tell us all your stories, love 'em ... ...
Posted 18 years ago by Mari    [ Reply ]
i love this song. i know the feeling so well.
Posted 18 years ago by PattonFever    [ Reply ]
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.
Posted 19 years ago by Mark1970    [ Reply ]
orpheus wrote:
nice to know she's still producing such high quality work :)
I thought this was her debut album. ?
Posted 19 years ago by Fat_Man_Flo    [ Reply ]
Love me some Tracy!!
Posted 19 years ago by Tomhisten    [ Reply ]
Ya gotta love that organ!
Posted 19 years ago by skooney    [ Reply ]
Quite good, 7/10.
Posted 19 years ago by Sobient    [ Reply ]
Happy Birthday, Tracy!
Posted 19 years ago by klgs24    [ Reply ]
This song went a long way in redeeming Tracy Chapman after that dog-awful "Fast Car" song.
Posted 19 years ago by TheLoneIguana    [ Reply ]
:sunny.gif:
Posted 19 years ago by crowhog2000    [ Reply ]
downbylaw, agreed. Roxy Music should be the only band allowed to use the "space between" theme.
Posted 20 years ago by LazyMF    [ Reply ]
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.
Posted 20 years ago by borderlessworld    [ Reply ]
Hey! She's actually singing! Not mumbling! I don't feel like killing myself!
Posted 20 years ago by rascal420    [ Reply ]
I keep expecting to be sick of this track the next time I hear it, but it hasn't happened yet. :-k
Posted 21 years ago by rgj13    [ Reply ]
Tracy is the finest. "Poor people gonna rise up and get their share, poor people gonna rise up and take what's theirs..."
Posted 21 years ago by joshbussert    [ Reply ]
Yes.
Posted 21 years ago by Patrick    [ Reply ]
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.\"
Posted 21 years ago by downbylaw    [ Reply ]
nice to know she\'s still producing such high quality work :)
Posted 21 years ago by orpheus    [ Reply ]
Very touching voice and mood...
Posted 21 years ago by pellucid    [ Reply ]
tracy is a lesbian? who knew I am so out of touch this song is sexy
Posted 21 years ago by karen    [ Reply ]