Tracy Chapman spoke through music rather than words Friday at Stephen’s Auditorium. Initially shy and reserved, the dreadlocked storyteller covered topics such as abuse, revolution and freedom. Becoming more confident as the concert developed, Chapman opened up to the crowd by the end of the show, injecting humor into some of her brief monologues. The crowd roared in anticipation when Chapman and her band stepped on stage. Chapman wore Levi’s jeans, a white baby T-shirt and black boots. Her signature dreadlocks were pulled back in a ponytail. Three guitarists, a keyboard player and a drummer accompanied her. Chapman began the show with “Baby Can I Hold You,” a song taken from her first, self-titled album, released in 1988. After her display of powerful lyrics and acoustic mastery, Chapman leaned up to the microphone to utter thanks in a soft-spoken voice. She continued with “Across the Lines,” also from her first release. Chapman began telling stories and offering advice with the introduction of “Wedding Song,” from her newest album, “Telling Stories.” She asked how many college students were in the audience. There was a loud cheer. Then Chapman explained that the song is about committing to be spiritual. The concert continued with “For My Lover.” Next she brought out a strum stick and a miniature guitar and played “Done So Many Things Wrong” and “Paper and Ink” from the newest album. “Behind the Wall,” a song about lack of police interference in a domestic abuse case, captured the full attention of the audience. Chapman sang this song sans backup vocals or instruments. The audience was motionless throughout the performance, mesmerized by the painful experience the lyrics portrayed. Resounding applause filled the auditorium when she finished. A few songs later, Chapman and her band played the first few chords from “Fast Car,” and the audience clapped and exclaimed their praise for this 1989 Grammy Award-winning song. The lyrics, the red background screen, accompanied by alternating red and blue ceiling lights, and two strings of white light bulbs provoked a feeling of liberty and freedom. The performance continued with “Speak the Word” and “She’s Got Her Ticket.” Chapman showed her electric guitar skills on the latter, and the band provided a Mediterranean flair with guitars, mandolin and keyboard. Then Chapman told a story about singing with Pavarotti, in the South of France, to benefit children of Tibet. The band was invited to visit the Ferrari manufacturing company; her band members attended, but Chapman did not. “Not that I’m not interested in fast cars,” she said, laughing at the play on words. Chapman said the tour guide for the field trip wondered about Chapman’s song, “Talkin’ `Bout a Revolution.” He didn’t understand what the revolution was about. “The revolution is having the ability or opportunity to change your life or this world to what you want it to be,” she explained. “One of the ways you can do this is by voting. Voting is a revolutionary act.” This monologue led into an inspiring version of “Talkin’ `Bout a Revolution.” “Give Me One Reason,” from the 1995 album, “New Beginning,” followed. The crowd participated by singing and keeping the beat with their hands and feet. Chapman showed off her vocal skills once again, and the band chimed in with instrumental solos, creating a rock `n’ roll version of the song. The audience cheered, and Chapman and her band left the stage. The crowd’s applause became more intense as they stomped their feet, trying to convince Chapman and her band to play more. Seconds later, the singer and her group appeared back on stage doing a rendition of Bob Marley’s “Get Up, Stand Up.” Everyone remained standing and clapped and grooved to the funky beat until Chapman left the stage a final time. Jeffery Gaines, a Pennsylvania native, was the opening act for Chapman. He prepped the crowd with his acoustic songs and anecdotes about being a musician. He ended his 40-minute set with a version of Peter Gabriel’s “In Your Eyes,” and signed off with “Thank You For Letting Me Be Myself.”