At the 66th annual Grammy Awards, Tracy Chapman and Luke Combs performed a duet of Chapman’s classic song “Fast Car,” and in my opinion, it was one of the best Grammy performances I’ve ever seen. I am a big fan of the song, the message behind the lyrics, and the dynamic simplicity of the iconic guitar riff. However, something else hit me when I heard their duet for the first time. It was like listening to familiar lyrics, but also hearing the harmonies of their two voices seamlessly blend and compliment each other for the first (and only) time. It felt like hearing the song again for the very first time.

The lyrics to “Fast Car” are poetic. Not everyone knows what it feels like to live in poverty and want out of the generational cycle, but I think everyone can relate in some way to the feeling of wanting to belong. I can’t help but think about relationships and belonging in a relationship with that person. It’s like whatever the situation is, you know you’re not alone and that this person is with you. For a second, the world doesn’t seem so scary and as long as you guys are together, everything will be okay.

“So I remember when we were driving, driving in your car. Speed so fast it felt like I was drunk. City lights lay out before us. And, your arm felt nice wrapped around my shoulder. And I, I had a feeling that I belonged. I, I had a feeling I could be someone.”

When I hear the chorus of “Fast Car,” I get this picture in my head. It feels so real, almost like a memory. I know that’s not the case, but more like a memory that hasn’t happened yet. I picture myself riding in the passenger seat of a car, windows down, wind blowing, and finally being able to breathe for the first time in my life. My person is driving and feeling the same feeling too. It’s a clear night and the stars shine so brightly. It makes us feel small compared to a large city skyline before us and the even larger universe above us. Any problematic situation we’re facing doesn’t matter. For a few minutes, we don’t have to think about everything. We can just breathe and feel genuine peace, even if it’s only for a little bit. I have the feeling that I belonged. No more feeling like an outsider. I do belong. I have the feeling that I could be someone… for someone else. I mattered to them and they care about me, just like I care very deeply for them. We know that we are right where are supposed to be: in this moment, under the stars, feeling the wind outside, and experiencing genuine peace. It wouldn’t feel this perfect with anyone else. This moment is real.

I wish that was the case. Something that really happened and that I could hold on to when things felt chaotic. I guess I can keep on hoping for a true experience like that. Maybe, if I’m lucky, I’ll be right and it’s a memory that just hasn’t happened yet.