Give Me One Reason (1995) – Tracy Chapman

Give Me One Reason by Tracy Chapman is one heck of a catchy blues number. It just screams – cool and sexy at the same time. The singer is bold and sultry, and desires a lover who will take the initiative and call for her sweet ol’ attention. Because as she says – I’m too old to go chasing you around.

However, she’s not seeking a desperate (or crazy) lover – someone who will squeeze her into submission: “I don’t want no one to squeeze me / They might take away my life.” She still wants her space, but a little tender loving wouldn’t go astray as they rock her through the night.

Is it just me or it getting hot in here? Well it’s all Tracy’s fault and there seems no way to turn down the thermostat.

No, really… anyone who needs a reset and a good, long, hard look at themselves in a relationship may as well listen to Tracy – or better still, read the lyrics below and take counsel from them. There’s good insight here on how to get back on track in attracting a partner, while also getting yourself back in the mood. I’m starting to think I should have added a warning label to this post.

It goes without saying the instrumentals in this bluesy and gritty number complements everything Tracy is saying. And as each verse progresses and the band kicks in – the pleading in her voice becomes cathartic, begging for a reason to stay while knowing it probably won’t come.

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Give Me One Reason is from Tracy’s 4th studio album – New Beginnings. The song is Tracy’s biggest US hit, reaching No. 3 on the US Billboard and No. 3 in Australia as well. It topped the charts of Canada and Iceland. But get this – it peaked at No. 95 in the UK! I’m keeping my lips well and truly sealed on its under performance there ;-P

Tracy first performed Give Me One Reason during her 1988 tour, seven years before its release. She earned the Grammy Award for Best Rock Song for the track.

[Chorus]
Give me one reason to stay here
And I’ll turn right back around
Give me one reason to stay here
And I’ll turn right back around
Said I don’t wanna leave you lonely
You gotta make me change my mind

[Verse 1]
Baby, I got your number
Oh, and I know that you got mine
You know that I called you, I called too many times
You can call me baby, you can call me anytime
But you got to call me

[Chorus]

[Verse 2]
I don’t want no one to squeeze me
They might take away my life
I don’t want no one to squeeze me
They might take away my life
I just want someone to hold me
Oh, and rock me through the night

[Verse 3]
This youthful heart can love you, yes
And give you what you need
I said this youthful heart can love you
Oh, and give you what you need
But I’m too old to go chasing you around
Wasting my precious energy

[Chorus]

[Outro]
Baby, just give me one reason
Give me just one reason why
Baby, just give me one reason
Oh, give me just one reason why I should stay
Said I told you that I loved you
And there ain’t no more to say

References:
1. Give Me One Reason – Wikipedia