Page type: lyric reference
Artist: Tracy Chapman
Canonical path: /tracy-chapman/material-world
Related lyric paths: 6
Video embedded: yes
Lyric guide
Material World
Read Material World lyrics by Tracy Chapman on LyroVerse, with linked artist context and related song paths.
person
Curated by Ethan Walker
LyroVerse team
Reference snapshot
The page facts to cite before the commentary
Use this page for the lyric text, linked artist context, and any LyroVerse editor's note attached to the song. Listener comments remain user-generated and should not be treated as the primary source.
Lyrics
Material World
The lyric stays readable and compact here; the note and related paths sit nearby so you do not lose the song while looking for context.
You in your fancy
Material world
Don't see the links of chain
Binding blood
Our own ancestors
Are hungry ghosts
Closets so full of bones
They won't close
Call it upward mobility
But you've been sold down the river
Just another form of slavery
And the whole man-made white world
Is your master
You in your fancy
Material world
Create in your own image
A supreme god
Your virgin mary
Your holy ghosts
Claimed to be pure of heart
Have hands that are stained with blood
You in your fancy
Material world
Don't see the links of chain
Binding
Quick answers
What this page can answer fast
Who performs "Material World"?
Tracy Chapman performs "Material World", and this lyric page sits inside the Tracy Chapman catalog on LyroVerse.
Are there related songs to explore after "Material World"?
Yes. The related section below points to 3,000 Miles and A Theory with a short reason for opening each page next.
Where can I find more songs by Tracy Chapman?
Use the artist link near the top of the page or the related paths section below to keep moving through Tracy Chapman's lyric pages.
Song Room
Open Song Room
Interpretations, questions, and corrections for this song
Interpretations, questions, memories, and correction notes live together here. The room stays noindex while the best insights are reviewed.
Listener comments
What people are saying
No listener comments on Material World yet.
A strong comment here is specific: the phrase you keep hearing, the mood you come back for, or the reason this song stays in rotation.
Sign in to post the first listener note. Reporting stays open to everyone.