Crossroads
Tracy Chapman · Collection [2001]
But you never made any sacrifice
Demons they are on my trail
I'm standing at the crossroads of the hell
I look to the left I look to the right
There're hands that grab me on every side
All you folks think I got my price
At which I'll sell all that is mine
You think money rules when all else fails
Go sell your soul and keep your shell
I'm trying to protect what I keep inside
All the reasons why I live my life
Some say the devil be a mystical thing
I say the devil he a walking man
He a fool he a liar conjurer and a thief
He try to tell you what you want
Try to tell you what you need
Standing at the point
The road it cross you down
What is at your back
Which way do you turn
Who will come to find you first
Your devils or your gods
All you folks think you run my life
Say I should be willing to comprimise
I say all you demons go back to hell
I'll save my soul save myself
Crossroads - Tracy Chapman
Tracy Chapman's "Crossroads" stands as a defining acoustic ballad from her 1989 debut album, "Tracy Chapman." The track showcases her signature raw vocal delivery and minimalist guitar arrangement, which became a hallmark of her early work. Thematically, the song explores the complexities of a relationship nearing its end, reflecting on the difficult choices one must make when facing a crossroads in life. Released during a period when her music was gaining significant traction, the recording captures the intimate and confessional style that characterized her initial discography. It remains a staple of her catalog, often performed live to demonstrate her ability to convey deep emotion through simple instrumentation.