Tracy Chapman "Why" by Andrea Ensley

WHY WRITEN AND SANG BY TRACY CHAPMAN

Why do the babies starve
When there's enough food to feed the world
Why when there're so many of us
Are there people still alone

Why are the missiles called peace keepers
When they're aimed to kill
Why is a woman still not safe
When she's in her home

Love is hate
War is peace
No is yes
And we're all free

But somebody's gonna have to answer
The time is coming soon
Admidst all these questions and contradictions
There're some who seek the truth

Tell me Why do the babies starve
When there's enough food to feed the world
Why when there're so many of us
Are there people still alone

Why are the missiles called peace keepers
When they're aimed to kill
Why is a woman still not safe
When she's in her home

Love is hate
War is peace
No is yes
And we're all free

But somebody's gonna have to answer
The time is coming soon
When the blind remove their blinders
And the speechless speak the truth

Tell me Why do the babies starve
When there's enough food to feed the world
Why when there're so many of us
Are there people still alone

Why are the missiles called peace keepers
When they're aimed to kill
Why is a woman still not safe
When she's in her home

Love is hate
War is peace
No is yes
And we're all free


"Why" is written and sang by Tracy Chapman and on her Debut Album in 1988. I did not know of this artist prior to this assignment nor ever heard of this song. I chose this song just because of its title. After reading the lyrics, I was glad that I chose it. I was also surprised to find out that Tracy was from Cleveland, Ohio.

"Why" addresses many social issues that affect men, women, and children. However, it is more directed to women's rights. For example, "why is a woman still not safe when she's in her home" addresses the ongoing issue of violence against women. Also, this song begins with "why do babies starve when there's enough food to feed the world" which depicts the numerous children in our country who still today do not have enough food to survive. This song directly addresses women's rights and feminist
activists.

Violence against women is rarely a topic for most artists. In fact, some artists if you want to call them that, actually write and sing about violating and hurting women. Personally, I feel violence in general is seen so much in our society whether it is via the television, radio, video clips, or in our neighborhoods that people just deal with it without feeling it is a social problem. Violence against women is ignored by more than just mainstream popular culture!

I don't feel this song makes me feel empowered as a woman or human. However, I do feel that Tracy Chapman's lyrics in this song show her passion for change needed. She point blankly addresses the fight for change. She also does it in a manner that does not bash individuals or groups.

I feel feminism as a whole would be more positively understood and respected if it was presented in a positive manner just like Tracy presented "Why". The anger of many feminists has been a turn off to many people, despite what they are fighting for. Being passionate about a social problem does not give someone the right to condemn and judge others. Nonetheless, songs such as this one would greatly increase positive feminism feedback.

I really liked this song but was only able to hear it once. I could not get the video clip back in order to upload it which is very dishearting. This song has a great tempo and style. I do not listen to secular music but I loved Tracy's style, presentation, and powerful lyrics. She has a great voice.

Resources:
www.wikipedia.com/tracychapman
www.mp3lyrics.org/tracy-chapman/why
www.realplayer.com