Country star Luke Combs recently admitted to making a lyrical mistake in his cover of Tracy Chapman’s hit song “Fast Car.” In an interview with Rolling Stone, Combs revealed that it was actually Chapman herself who pointed out the error.
Combs recorded a cover of “Fast Car” for his deluxe album, What You See Ain’t Always What You Get, released in October 2020. The song was originally written and performed by Chapman in 1988 and has become a beloved classic in the music industry.
However, during a conversation with Chapman, Combs was informed that he had been singing the wrong lyrics in his version of the song. “I was like, ‘Oh my God, I wanted to crawl in a hole,'” Combs shared. “I was like, ‘I can’t believe I did that.'”
The mistake occurred in the second verse of the song, where Combs sang, “I had a feeling that I belonged / I had a feeling I could be someone.” The correct lyrics are, “I had a feeling that I belonged / I had a feeling I could be someone, be someone.”
Combs admitted that he had been singing the wrong lyrics for years, even during live performances. “I just never really paid attention to it,” he said. “I just sang it how I thought it was.”
But when Chapman heard Combs’ version, she reached out to him and kindly pointed out the mistake. “She was very sweet about it,” Combs said. “She was like, ‘Hey, I just wanted to let you know, you’re singing the wrong words.'”
Despite feeling embarrassed about the mistake, Combs took it in stride and corrected the lyrics for future performances. He also made sure to give credit to Chapman for bringing it to his attention.
“I’m glad she told me,” Combs said. “I’m glad I know now. I’m glad I can sing it correctly from now on.”
Combs’ cover of “Fast Car” has received positive feedback from fans and critics alike, with many praising his powerful vocals and emotional delivery. The song has also become a staple in his live performances, showcasing his versatility as an artist.
As for Chapman, she continues to be a respected and influential figure in the music industry, with her songs inspiring generations of artists. And now, she can add “lyrical correction” to her list of contributions to the music world.
