"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.
Now i will find peace of mind
Finally found a way of thinking
Tried the rest found the best
Stormy day won't find me sinking
I can't conceal it like I know I did before
I got to tell you now the ship is ready
Waiting on the shore.
Dare to look face the test on the eve
When you set sailing
What you've learned what you've earned
Ship of joy will stop you failing.
I can't conceal it like I know I did before
I got to tell you now the ship is ready
Waiting on the shore.
Wind is high so am I
As the shore sinks in the distance.
Dreams unfold seek the gold.
Gold that's brighter than sunlight.
Sail away see the day
Dawning on a new horizon
Gold's insight shining bright
Brighter than the sun that's rising.
3000 sails on high are straining in the wind
A raging sea below is this voyage coming to an end.
Finally found a way of thinking
Tried the rest found the best
Stormy day won't find me sinking
I can't conceal it like I know I did before
I got to tell you now the ship is ready
Waiting on the shore.
Dare to look face the test on the eve
When you set sailing
What you've learned what you've earned
Ship of joy will stop you failing.
I can't conceal it like I know I did before
I got to tell you now the ship is ready
Waiting on the shore.
Wind is high so am I
As the shore sinks in the distance.
Dreams unfold seek the gold.
Gold that's brighter than sunlight.
Sail away see the day
Dawning on a new horizon
Gold's insight shining bright
Brighter than the sun that's rising.
3000 sails on high are straining in the wind
A raging sea below is this voyage coming to an end.
Lyrics submitted by ChildOfAcid
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Fast Car
Tracy Chapman
Tracy Chapman
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.
Gentle Hour
Yo La Tengo
Yo La Tengo
This song was originally written by a guy called Peter Gutteridge. He was one of the founders of the "Dunedin Sound" a musical scene in the south of New Zealand in the early 80s. From there it was covered by "The Clean" one of the early bands of that scene (he had originally been a member of in it's early days, writing a couple of their best early songs). The Dunedin sound, and the Clean became popular on american college radio in the mid to late 80s. I guess Yo La Tengo heard that version.
Great version of a great song,
Just A Little Lovin'
Dusty Springfield
Dusty Springfield
I don't think it's necessarily about sex. It's about wanting to start the day with some love and affection. Maybe a warm cuddle. I'm not alone in interpreting it that way! For example:
"'Just a Little Lovin’ is a timeless country song originally recorded by Eddy Arnold in 1954. The song, written by Eddie Miller and Jimmy Campbell, explores the delicate nuances of love and showcases Arnold’s emotive vocals. It delves into the universal theme of love and how even the smallest gesture of affection can have a profound impact on our lives." https://oldtimemusic.com/the-meaning-behind-the-song-just-a-little-lovin-by-eddy-arnold/
Page
Ed Sheeran
Ed Sheeran
There aren’t many things that’ll hurt more than giving love a chance against your better judgement only to have your heart crushed yet again. Ed Sheeran tells such a story on “Page.” On this track, he is devastated to have lost his lover and even more saddened by the feeling that he may never move on from this.
This is a great classic heavy metal song. According to some people S.A.T.O. stands for Sailing Around The Ocean. Some other people think its Ozzy writing about his love for his wife Sharon Anne Teresa Osbourne (tried the rest found the best). But im not sure about those middle names and that story definatly sounds like a rumor.
@ZepHead86 Except according to wikipedia, her name is Sharon Rachel Osbourne, with the maiden name Levy. Her father went by the name Don Arden, so You could get the "S", the "A", and the "O", but what would the "T" stand for?