BEAUTIFUL HARMONY

Our society is riven with division. Many days, it seems very difficult to break through to the other side or to find common ground (see the recent breakdown of the border legislation after months of bipartisan negotiation). Therefore, it was such a delight to watch the Grammy's last weekend and to watch the wonderful performance of "Fast Car."

Chapman, a black female singer songwriter, wrote the song and released it in 1988. It was a major hit back then, and I remember listening to it when I was 15 in high school. However, I must admit I did not comprehend the song's meaning or message despite the lyrics being clear as day. I guess that is what growing up does for you.

Last year, the country singer Luke Combs, a white man from the south, decided to cover the song, and it has received a tremendous amount of critical acclaim, including "Song of the Year" at the 2023 Country Music Awards. 

Many people have taken exception to Combs covering this song - nearly all from the left. He has been accused of appropriation and worse. However, in the video intro to his performance with Chapman at the Grammy's, Combs described how his father first introduced him to the song when he was a young man. He said he always admired it and felt inspired to release his own version.

Last weekend's duet with Chapman and Combs was a coming together, a blending of styles, races, generations, and so much more. The New York Times described it well, stating that the performance had brought harmony to a nation that had forgotten how to live together. I cannot think of a more apt description. Here is the performance from the Grammy's. I hope it brings a little bit of harmony to your day!