The Promise (2015 Remaster)

My best friend Jason was killed in a car accident when he was 25. We were "thick as thieves" from the time we met in 5th grade. One night when we were about 17, we were cruisin around like always. Jammin out to Tom Petty. In between songs he turned the volume down and asked if I'd ever hear this song. I said nope, why? He hesitantly responded "Dude, dont tell anybody (we were way to macho for this kind of music) but its my favorite song in the world". He put the cd in and we listened to it and I really didnt want to admit how much I liked it. I said "not bad" when it was over. Needless to say, this song was our "mo-ped😁". We listened to it quite a bit. I have this song on a playlist that i constantly shuffle and I had not heard it for a long time. The 28th of January I was listening to the playlist and this came on and I instantly thought of him. The next day it came on again, what are the chances? Was he trying to tell me something? That evening while in the shower, I shuffled the list again and bam! 2nd song that played was this. Instantly I realized the 28th of Jan was the anniversary of him passing. Jason, you have been gone 18 yrs but you are with me everyday. Thanks for still dropping in to say hi from time to time. I miss u brother! One more thing, sorry I let the secret out about your favorite song😬😁

To me, this is one of the most beautiful songs ever written. I played it during happy times and difficult times in my marriage. Then I played it when my husband died in my arms after 30 years together. I ‘ll find my way back to you.

After seeing Tracy singing, “Fast Car” on the Grammys just last night, I was so blown away by her generous and untouched by stardom-type demeanor. I was really excited to hear that her original version of that song was number one today. And then it occurred to me that she did have other songs I loved but it’s been a while since I’ve heard them. This is by far my most favorite! I’m so glad I was reminded to look back at her music again, and I’ve had this on repeat all day. It’s chillingly, stunningly, beautiful.

If this isn't played at my funeral I won't go

Last year I finally watched "A Beautiful Day in the Neighborhood". Over an hour in, I heard Tracy's beautiful voice singing this gorgeous track. This year I saw her beautiful radiant face singing on the Grammy stage. Pure unadulterated remarkable talent never looked so glorious. So happy this talented woman is getting the love & respect she deserves.

I believe the lyrics of this song. I lost my son a year and a half ago. It’s the only thing that keeps me going. The thought of seeing him again makes me hang on!! One day we will be together again!! Love you Dalton Forever 21, Love , Moma

This song… it’s a confession, a love letter, a prayer… pure Magic. I sob every single time…

This song never fails to make me ugly cry.

“In your arms Where all my journeys end” That’s how you know. This is a timeless gem.

Played this song today at my partner’s funeral. I got the courage and strength to stand up and read a speech before this song was played. I said in my speech “Listen to the words in this song closely, as they sum up how I am feeling” and I apologised before it started by saying I would start sobbing 😭 when it gets played. Which I did. Afterwards people came to ask me who the singer of this song was. I hope they remember this song forever now.

My ex husband just died on Feb 20th. We were together for 24 years. I had never heard this song, but now that I have, I know he would want me to think of him every time I hear it. It says every thing I wish I could have said before he died. We never stopped loving one another. ❤

My dad was in a coma for a month after a hemmoraghic stroke. I was out of country pregnant and I couldnt go to his funeral. I ended up having my baby on the day of his funeral. He loved Tracey chapman. This is the way I feel like I can reconnect with him. He wanted me to be with the love of my life even if it meant being apart.

There are so many amazing songs, but this one moves me more than any other. I want this played at my funeral to truly demonstrate the love I have for my wife.

"A Beautiful Day in the Neighborhood" brought me here. This song brought a tear to my eye.

I lost my mom 5 years ago to liver failure. She’d always play this song and I never understood why, I was in highschool so it definitely wasn’t something my peers would listen to. Every Sunday she’d be in the kitchen playing this song on loud volume and I’d always tell her why not try something recent, she told me I wouldn’t understand cause I was still young. Fast forward to 5 years later and it’s my favorite. This song is one of the many things that keep me connected to the memories of her❤️ I love Tracy Chapman so much, she contributed to my moms happiness ❤️my mom was her biggest fan Continue to rest in peace mom❤️

The fact that Tracy was able to write the music and the absolutely heartachingly beautiful lyrics is beyond amazing. She will forever be in the top 5 singer/songwriters of all time in my book!

It reminds me of my brother who passed away last year ......we where so close sharing everything love you bro ....Collen

I Au paired for a year, and i played this song for my boy friend and i told him when he missed me he needs to listen to this song, when i came home from Au pairing, he made me promise id never leave again and so i promised, at the age of 23 I Married him, now at the age of 35 I am alone as he passed away a few months ago at the age of 39. Ill return to you someday. I'll always Love you.

My sister just passed away on December 7th. I miss her so much and wish I could’ve saved her. This song encompasses everything I’m feeling. I know she’ll be waiting when all my journeys end. ❤️‍🩹

Hey Phil Harris, you still listening? I miss you dude, I miss our laughs, and talks until the wee morning hours. Remember walking through the streets in the fog in the early morning hours to catch that bus to Belfast? Ah man, the memories. The stories. I should have married you.