Riding the Fast Car

Tracy Chapman’s song evokes sad memories, even as it brings hope for a brighter future.

MY father used to listen to the radio right before he went to sleep. He would set it on snooze mode, for it to turn off after an hour. He loved the oldies – Elvis, the Beatles, Simon & Garfunkel. Night after night, he would drift off to sleep listening to these tunes and as he did, so did I.