Life was difficult for Chapman, as she was born Black, female, and urban with poor roots. As a result, she expressed her stories, and stories of others, through her music. Her encounters with white privilege and the connection between race and wealth are the material for her folksongs. Her debut album was released in 1988, Tracy Chapman; it was very powerful and includes biting social commentary. In her song “Fast Car,” Chapman documents universal stories of struggle, deprivation, and striving for a better life. Her songs “Subcity” and “Talkin Bout a Revolution” portray the debilitating setbacks the Black community, underclass, face due to their economic standings. Folk music mirrored the existences of helpless Black artists and their everyday encounters.