"Fast car" is kind of a continuation of Bruce Springsteen's "Born to Run." It has all the clawing your way to a better life, but in this case the protagonist never makes it with her love; in fact she is dragged back down by him.
There is still an amazing amount of hope and will in the lyrics; and the lyrics themselve rank and easy five. If only music was stronger it would be one of those great radio songs that you hear once a week 20 years after it was released. The imagery is almost tear-jerking ("City lights lay out before us", "Speeds so fast felt like I was drunk"), and the idea of starting from nothing and just driving and working and denigrating yourself for a chance at being just above poverty, then losing in the end is just painful and inspiring at the same time.
Hey there Mr. Taxi Driver
Take me to the station
I've been around for too long
You said I lack understanding
That I don't know right from wrong
But oh no
There's a road that a man has to take
There's a road and it's filled with my mistakes
Ooh baby! Don't misunderstand me
How long will it take
How long can you wait
Tell me how long
When we are living in a world
Of love's imagination
Senorita plays for the people who bother
Outside those old department stores
She's singing out loud for no reason
About a traveling man she's been hanging around
But oh no
There's a road that a man has to take
There's a road and it's filled with my mistakes
Ooh baby, Don't you misunderstand me
How long will it take
How long can you wait
Tell me how long
When we are living in a world
Of loves imagination
So I should beg for some forgiveness
Borrowed time
'Cause someone else can wait that long again
If only you'll be leavin'
Tell me just
How long
Take me to the station
I've been around for too long
You said I lack understanding
That I don't know right from wrong
But oh no
There's a road that a man has to take
There's a road and it's filled with my mistakes
Ooh baby! Don't misunderstand me
How long will it take
How long can you wait
Tell me how long
When we are living in a world
Of love's imagination
Senorita plays for the people who bother
Outside those old department stores
She's singing out loud for no reason
About a traveling man she's been hanging around
But oh no
There's a road that a man has to take
There's a road and it's filled with my mistakes
Ooh baby, Don't you misunderstand me
How long will it take
How long can you wait
Tell me how long
When we are living in a world
Of loves imagination
So I should beg for some forgiveness
Borrowed time
'Cause someone else can wait that long again
If only you'll be leavin'
Tell me just
How long
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More Featured Meanings
Fast Car
Tracy Chapman
Tracy Chapman
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Hayalperest
Hayalperest
This song seemingly tackles the methods of deception those who manipulate others use to get victims to follow their demands, as well as diverting attention away from important issues. They'll also use it as a means to convince people to hate or kill others by pretending acts of terrorism were committed by the enemy when the acts themselves were done by the masters of control to promote discrimination and hate. It also reinforces the idea that these manipulative forces operate in various locations, infiltrating everyday life without detection, and propagate any and everywhere.
In general, it highlights the danger of hidden agendas, manipulation, and distraction, serving as a critique of those who exploit chaos and confusion to control and gain power, depicting a cautionary tale against falling into their traps. It encourages us to question the narratives presented to us and remain vigilant against manipulation in various parts of society.
Dreamwalker
Silent Planet
Silent Planet
I think much like another song “Anti-Matter” (that's also on the same album as this song), this one is also is inspired by a horrifying van crash the band experienced on Nov 3, 2022. This, much like the other track, sounds like it's an extension what they shared while huddled in the wreckage, as they helped frontman Garrett Russell stem the bleeding from his head wound while he was under the temporary effects of a concussion. The track speaks of where the mind goes at the most desperate & desolate of times, when it just about slips away to all but disconnect itself, and the aftermath.
Blue
Ed Sheeran
Ed Sheeran
“Blue” is a song about a love that is persisting in the discomfort of the person experiencing the emotion. Ed Sheeran reflects on love lost, and although he wishes his former partner find happiness, he cannot but admit his feelings are still very much there. He expresses the realization that he might never find another on this stringed instrumental by Aaron Dessner.
American Town
Ed Sheeran
Ed Sheeran
Ed Sheeran shares a short story of reconnecting with an old flame on “American Town.” The track is about a holiday Ed Sheeran spends with his countrywoman who resides in America. The two are back together after a long period apart, and get around to enjoying a bunch of fun activities while rekindling the flames of their romance.