Music Video

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Credits

PERFORMING ARTISTS
Tracy Chapman
Tracy Chapman
Vocals
Neil Young
Neil Young
Piano
Jim Lacefield
Jim Lacefield
Cello
COMPOSITION & LYRICS
Tracy Chapman
Tracy Chapman
Songwriter
PRODUCTION & ENGINEERING
Tracy Chapman
Tracy Chapman
Producer
John X Volaitis
John X Volaitis
Additional Engineer
Marty Lester
Marty Lester
Mixing Engineer
Kevin W. Smith
Kevin W. Smith
Mixing Engineer
David Kershenbaum
David Kershenbaum
Producer

Lyrics

[Verse 1]
Oh my mama told me
'Cause she say she learned the hard way
Say she wanna spare the children
She say don't give or sell you soul away
'Cause all
That you have
Is your soul
[Verse 2]
Don't be tempted by the shiny apple
Don't you eat of a bitter fruit
Hunger only for a taste of justice
Hunger only for a world of truth
'Cause all
That you have
Is your soul
[Verse 3]
I was
A pretty young girl once
I had dreams
I had high hopes
Married a man
He stole my heart away
Gave his love
But what a high price I paid
And all that you have
Is your soul
[Verse 4]
Don't be tempted by the shiny apple
Don't you eat of a bitter fruit
Hunger only for a taste of justice
Hunger only for a world of truth
'Cause all
That you have
Is your soul
[Verse 5]
Why was I such a young fool
Thought I'd make history
And making babies was the best I could do
Thought I'd made something
That could be mine forever
Found out the hard way
One can't possess another
And all
That you have
Is your soul
[Verse 6]
Don't be tempted by the shiny apple
Don't you eat of a bitter fruit
Hunger only for a taste of justice
Hunger only for a world of truth
'Cause all
That you have
Is your soul
[Verse 7]
I thought
Thought I could find a way
Beat the system
Make a deal and have no debts to pay
Take it all
I'd take it all
I'd run away
Be with myself
First class and first rate
And all that you have
Is your soul
[Verse 8]
Don't be tempted by the shiny apple
Don't you eat of a bitter fruit
Hunger only for a taste of justice
Hunger only for a world of truth
'Cause all
That you have
Is your soul
[Verse 9]
Here I am
I'm waiting for a better day
A second chance
A little luck to come my way
A hope to dream
A hope that I can sleep again
And wake in the world
With a clear conscience and clean hands
'Cause all
That you have
Is your soul
[Verse 10]
Don't be tempted by the shiny apple
Don't you eat of a bitter fruit
Hunger only for a taste of justice
Hunger only for a world of truth
'Cause all
That you have
Is your soul
[Verse 11]
Oh my mama told me
'Cause she say she learned the hard way
Say she wanna spare the children
She say don't give or sell you soul away
'Cause all
That you have
Is your soul
[Verse 12]
All that you have
All that you have
All that you have
Is your soul
Written by: Tracy Chapman
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