Luke Combs Drops Bombshell About Tracy Chapman’s Iconic Hit ‘Fast Car’
Tracy Chapman and Luke Combs perform at the Grammys in Los Angeles in February 2024. John Shearer/Getty
Country star Luke Combs recently revealed a lyrical error in his cover of Tracy Chapman’s iconic song Fast Car, which he discovered only after Chapman pointed it out herself. The 34-year-old singer admitted that he mistakenly changed a line in the lyrics, and the slip-up continues to bother him.
During a conversation with Chapman, Combs recalled how she kindly mentioned the alteration he had made. In his version, Combs sang, “Still gotta make a decision,” instead of Chapman’s original line, “We gotta make a decision.” Speaking to his audience at a recent concert, Combs humorously shared that, upon hearing this, he wanted to “crawl into a hole,” as reported by the Daily Mail.
Despite Chapman’s understanding response, Combs said he can’t shake the feeling of regret over the change. “She was really cool about it,” he said, “but it’s one of those things I think about every time I perform the song.” The singer added that Chapman’s graciousness made the experience easier, but it hasn’t stopped him from dwelling on the mistake.
In a gesture to honor Chapman’s work, Combs told his fans that he would be singing the original lyrics moving forward. “The version you know is, ‘Still gotta make a decision,’” he said, before clarifying, “It’s not just the words.” He explained that he wants to stay true to Chapman’s vision and feels a deep respect for the song’s integrity.
Combs’ cover of Fast Car, originally released by Chapman in 1988, has resonated widely with audiences, even topping the country charts last year. His version introduced the song to a new generation of listeners, but his commitment to returning to the original lyrics shows his dedication to respecting the legacy of a song that has long held a special place in music history.
This experience has given Combs a new perspective on the importance of staying true to an artist’s original work, a lesson he’s taking to heart with each performance. Through this tribute to Chapman, Combs’ fans can enjoy a rendition that honors the spirit of the classic while adding his own voice to its enduring legacy.
