"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.
We chase misprinted lies
We face the path of time
And yet I fight
And yet I fight
This battle all alone
No one to cry to
No place to call home
Ooh
Ooh
Ooh
Ooh
My gift of self is raped
My privacy is raked
And yet I find
And yet I find
Repeating in my head
If I can't be my own
I'd feel better dead
Ooh
Ooh
Ooh
Ooh
We face the path of time
And yet I fight
And yet I fight
This battle all alone
No one to cry to
No place to call home
Ooh
Ooh
Ooh
Ooh
My gift of self is raped
My privacy is raked
And yet I find
And yet I find
Repeating in my head
If I can't be my own
I'd feel better dead
Ooh
Ooh
Ooh
Ooh
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More Featured Meanings
Fast Car
Tracy Chapman
Tracy Chapman
Son Şansın - Şarkı Sözleri
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.
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/
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.
Punchline
Ed Sheeran
Ed Sheeran
Ed Sheeran sings about missing his former partner and learning important life lessons in the process on “Punchline.” This track tells a story of battling to get rid of emotions for a former lover, whom he now realized might not have loved him the same way. He’s now caught between accepting that fact and learning life lessons from it and going back to beg her for another chance.
This song is about not wanting to live. It's about feeling alone and not being able to find anyone that you can identify with. It's about feeling like a outcast and not being able to fit in anywhere. I would site lines but there up their, take a look. Easy song to understand.
@PsykeZ555 Terrible interpretation that misses the point. What about "misprinted lies?" What about "privacy?" What about "gift of self?" None of these fit with this ridiculous interpretation that cops out by falsely claiming "the lines are up their [sic]."
@despondent not saying I agree with @PsykeZ555 interpretation fully but I think that the line "We chase misprinted lies" very much agrees with the theme of being an outcast (that is don't see reality the same as the rest of us).<br /> <br /> Similar the lines about gift of self and privacy fit the themes offered of feeling alone, no identity and not fitting in. That is they feel like everyone has taken advantage of them and abused their nature.<br /> <br /> I don't agree that it is about "not wanting to live" ... I think the song is arguing that sometimes life is a struggle (i.e. depression, drug abuse, relationships, expectations, conformity, loneliness / isolation) and that perhaps it would be easier just to give up (die) ...
@PsykeZ555 - Fair enough. I agree with you. Thanks for the reply.
@PsykeZ555 to build on your point a bit - It's about feeling like a outcast (as Layne did I imagine) while being under the microscope of fame (no privacy as the lyrics mention). He was a drug addict who found out the hard way that no drug out there could drown out or help anyone escape that kind of darkness.
Let me begin by saying I was once a hardcore heroin/cocaine/benzo user. I have been a year clean and I use alice in chains as my higher power because I can relate to so much of what Layne is singing about in mostly all his songs. this particular song is about his life and his addiction in a "nutshell" "we chase misprinted lies" -he is talking about the money glamour and fame its not real. you don't need all that shit to be content in life "we face the path of time" -pretty fucking self explainatory "and yet I fight.. and yet I fight.. this battle all alone" -He is talking about fighting his addiction within himself because any addict or alcoholic out there knows you have to want it and do it on your own no one can help you "no one to cry too, no place to call home" -what he means by this is no one wants to hear his complaining about his addiction anymore because I know no one wanted to hear me cry and complain anymore poor me and after being in the marines and getting out I had no place to call home either "my gift of self is raped" -He is saying addiction has ahold of him like its raping himself of who he really is "my privacy is raked" -Meaning he has no privacy with the media openly talking about his addiction "and yet I find.. and yet I find. repeating in my head if I cant be my own id feel better dead" -going back to what he said about "gift of self is raped". he just wants to be normal again and not have to suffer through a hellish addiction where you hate waking up in the morning that you actually would feel better dead. trust me ive been there.
I just recently lost a friend, my best friend of 25years to heroin because he couldn't be his own, he wasn't strong enough to beat his addiction. I loved him like a brother. now every time I listen to AIC it has so much more meaning to me. Thank you Layne Staley R.I.P And your wings are no longer denied. you too Tony Franza R.I.P brother AUG,22,1989-APR,4 2013 you both are not forgotten
Thank you. You get it, you understand it....
Much respect to you! This is a very intriguing interpretation of what Layne May have been feeling. Love it <3!!
@usmcgorman man,you are the most modest and honest person i have ever yet to meet,fist let me say congratulations on you being clean this long -nod- also the fact you admitted you an ex-addict is powerful in itself,you have my utmost respect for that. what you said..this whole breakdown was pretty powerful,thank you so much for expressing all that how you could relate to it.
@usmcgorman <br /> Right on, hope your still clean and sober, wish I could say the same for me. Maybe I used my marriage as my higher power, now after 33 years husband decides loves his Harley more than me and tossed my 10 years out the window. I have been drowning in my sorrows all day to, morphine and any other pill, no longer shot it cuz no longer worker as a nurse so no more access to the real good stuff. No one want to hear me anymore, myself, I'm the most sick and so tired of me. At 54, no kids, just lost my Mom the end of October, Dad two years before that, two brothers, only one who cares. Layne, as we all are right, was such a tortured soul. I don't think as such a talented artist that their heads ever shut off so they get no peace and falsely, or not I didn't live his life, think it's the only way to shut the fucking noise up, especially when it seems all self deprecating. My he, ha girl, Mike, your Tony, soon me? RIP. Your friend tony, born 1989, means your young dude, I hope you unlocked the solution hat works for you to stay clean as you still have do my more to live for. Peace out and all you youngin's don't go down that fucked ups road, if you are on it, reach out and grab on to something to get your fucking ass off it. Or else your looking at jail, institutions, or death, there is no rainbow at the the pot of that shit, trust me.
@usmcgorman <br /> Sorry major f'd up spelling, "my he ha girl"???? How did Layne and his girl turn into that? Also very sorry for the post all together, was first, maybe last now, and wasn't thinking, shouldn't of put that out there for all to see. Tried to deleted! Can't! If someone has the power to please do so.
@usmcgorman
Incredible. Thank you so much for sharing your story, experience, and you're keen analysis of "Nutshell". I agree with your assessment, but I also feel this song is about chronic depression, in addition to addiction and the bright lights. But, then, its his whole life in a "Nutshell".
@usmcgorman semperfi brother
@usmcgorman I´ve been there myself to, still am. I'm keeping digging my out. And i understand the lyrics. Thanks for giving your view of the song. I agree.<br />
@usmcgorman I like to think this can apply to depression in a way "gift of self" part being depression seems inescapable. "Privacy raked" being the bad thoughts invading you head it's another way I like to interpret it. "If I can't be my own" part can be wishing you didn't have the problems depression brings and feeling better off dead. "Fighting alone" part being nobody listens to your crystal for help.
@usmcgorman cries*
@usmcgorman man, you get it. I’ve been sober for 20 years now. When that song came out. I had lost 3 friends. I was close to either overdose or gun to my head. Never thought I could make it out.
Sorry for your losses brother. Keep up the good fight.
@usmcgorman Only an addict can truly get the meaning of this song. Not everyone can word it as eloquently... Thank you. AIC has been with me through some very dark and fucked up times. I have kicked a lot of things, but I gotta say morphine and benzos were the hardest. I just got done telling my son "There's time when songs you love and relate to pertain more than ever... Now is one of those times". Someone I love dearly is now fighting the fight, so I'm feeling this song more than ever!
@usmcgorman Perfectly explained, you’re lucky to be here to educate the people who read this! What a bittersweet area of expertise to have/share, however, the world will depend on people like you! (I HOPE that future treatment centres are staffed with individuals like you as the Drs of Clinical Treatment, cause you can empathize, not pretend to know the true feelings of an addict because of what you read in a book! <br /> May you keep educating and telling your story! <br /> I think you are incredibly amazing & courageous!
@usmcgorman I really liked this breakdown. I knew this song hit deep for me. I couldn’t figure out why. <br /> I’m 5 years clean from heroin and meth. Addiction is one battle. Mental health is another battle. It’s easy for me to stay away from hard drugs. However, the mental battle I have everyday with myself is the most painful right now. Not with drugs but with life in general, feeling left to fight it on my own. Therapy helps on the days I see her. The other 13 days can be tough sometimes.
@usmcgorman I know I\'m late to the party on the comments but I like to read up on alot of song meanings. Thank you for posting this. This really helps my understanding of the song. By far one of the best ones ever!
@usmcgorman I am with you brother, you nailed it. I hope you are still clean man, yes I fought this battle for years and still have to fight everyday even though I am clean now. RIP Layne the best frontman ever!!!
Definately my favorite Alice in Chains song ever. It just conveys such a sense of hopelessness and emotion. Someone who has just been beaten down and has nothing to live for. No love, no hope, no faith, no will left to live. Someone on their last leg. I think interpretations about "media" or "government", although I respect all of your opinions, are taking the song out of its scope, which I believe is inside the person's head. Like an emotional struggle. It just doesn't feel right if you put it in the context of an "opressive government". Or "the music industry is controlling me". I think if Layne would write a song about that he wouldn't make it in this way. I'd imagine a more heavy, upbeat, "Fuck you" sorta song, instead of tired, worn, dreary anthem to heart-broken people.
@atomsplitter Exactly how I feel.
This song is about how lonely and depressed Layne really was. When he "fights" he means he is trying to fight his drug addictions alone. However it is very hard for him because he has to support system to get him through it. He has no one or even his own family helping out. When he says his privacy is raked he means that the media is always constantly focusing on his drug problems rather than the awesome music he puts out. He has enough and he he can't take it anymore. If he can't fix anything or be his true self again he would rather be dead. This song is so powerful. It really does feel like this is his suicide note. My favorite AIC song ever but its so painful to listen to especially since he has passed on. RIP Layne.
Very much agree with u. This song is so haunting and melancholic that it makes u feel empty n' low inside. It clearly makes u feel that how lonely, helpless n' down he was. Wish I could help him those hard times. RIP Layne .. ur music would always rule the hearts of true grunge luvers! <br /> <br /> Cheers<br /> -Jit
this song represents his struggle in a "nutshell". people believe everything they read to the point that he felt that noone really "knew" him, therefor, he has noone and no place to call home. maybe he regrets the stardom because there's no longer a real sense of privacy, but he'll continue to be his own
@eddievanhillbilly \r\nI believe you are spot on with how you interpret the lyrics. \r\nI also feel like the lyrics identify me only by my own perception. \r\nI honestly believe AIC is has saddest songs ever written the way they sing them just kills
I think they are talking about the scrotum, since the scrotum is a nut shell.
"and yet I fight, this battle all alone, no one to cry to" to me is about the battle a scrotum goes through with it's owner's fist during extended sessions of masturbation. The scrotum cannot do anything about it, hence 'no one to cry to'.
As for 'My gift of self is raped, My privacy is raked" it seems that the scrotum is having trouble dealing with the fist that comes to pound it for hours on end, not giving the scrotum and privacy.
"I'd feel better dead" is the scrotum's way of saying, I'm tired of all the masturbation sessions and I'd rather be dead than go through these constant beatings.
@mrbippies
@mrbippies Holy shit that is fucking priceless.... seriously fucked up, but priceless nonetheless.
@mrbippies ????????????????????????????
@mrbippies Hialrious!!!!
@mrbippies I was listening to this song while depressed and I have to say, this fucking interpretation made my day. \r\n\r\n
@mrbippies I was listening to this song while depressed and I have to say, this fucking interpretation made my day. \r\n\r\n
@nicktumi <br /> Just curious...but...when did you begin communicating with other men's ball sacks?
this song is about layne's struggle with the addiction, how he had no one to rely on or no one to turn to during his battle, and also how the media would always print bad things which a lot of them were untrue hence "we chase misprinted lies"
When he says "we chase misprinted lies" he is referring to what people think is important in their life and what they want. When youre young you think of getting rich and becoming famous but laynes sayin it aint all its cracked up to be. notice in both those lines he puts we. he is talking about everyone. the second line is literal, we all face time. what i think the rest of the first verse means is that layne is actually fighting what he talked about in the previous line. Time. Everyone grows older and dies and I suspect at this time in his life Layne didnt want to die. he feels alienated and like no one else is concerned with this problem.
the second verse is about his lack of privacy and him being who he is. No one can change who they are. If layne cant be himself why even exist?
Thats what i think anyway. its a great song no matter what it means.
Sliznut,<br /> <br /> I always enjoy what you have to say. <br /> <br /> Anyway, I think you are exactly right in your interpretation. Layne had a lot of courage to be himself and be open about his problems. He faced the ridicule of the media, but he had a powerful impact on many of us. That wouldn't have been possible had he not stayed true to himself. I feel like he wrote this song because as you said he wanted to live, but he was well aware of his own possible death due to his addiction. He also is saying that if he were not famous, he could just be himself and he wouldn't have to hide because no one would be looking. It's pretty creepy and sad and powerfully beautiful and full of light if you take this song and also listen to it reversed. Someone typed out the lyrics, approximately how it sounds in reverse, and it's something wonderful, yet tragic. In that sense, it really is a nutshell in that it does sum of so much of his life in one song.
I suppose it's natural for people who dont understand the agony of opiate addiction, matched with little knowledge of how severely this affected his life to miss the point of this song.
This song is simply put Layne Staley admitting defeat to Heroin. Despite the tabloids (concerning loser from Mettalica's comments during the 94 tour AIC had to drop out of due to Laynes health in which Metallica called him a panzy junkie who couldnt play).
His privacy is raked, he fights this battle all alone, and ultimately being unable to play 90% of the time due to dopesickness, and being on the noose of withdrawal leaves him with the realization he would be better off dead. He was a kind person who had an addiction that hurt everyine around him, and even though it destroyed every ounce of his physical body he still cared deeply about the impact it had on everyone and everything he loved.
Sad but relatable for some, which is fortunate and unfortunate.
I agree 100%
its about realizing that no matter how many people misunderstand or cant accept you for the way you are.. you wont give in to being conformitized. its a fight between being well known and accepted.. to being notorious, bitched about and exploited. and u couldnt give a damn
No, what he is saying is: Whether it be fame, fortune, glory, or money... we seem to all want it..(misprinted lies)...<br /> <br /> He talking about being alone on top of the world. He says, "No one to cry to, no place to call home." He feels left out in the crowd. <br /> <br /> The part where he says, "My gift of self is raped." He means, he is so controlled by touring, publicity, people, etc. that he feels he cannot be himself or have his own life beyond his fame/band. The part where he talks about, "If I can't be my own, I'd FEEL better dead.." He say's very clearly that he doesn't feel like he is allowed to live or be himself anymore and being dead would feel better than to be controlled....<br /> <br /> The song is black and white... Love this band...they have always been one of my favorites...
"conformitized" Rofl
@haybrie--- its deeper than that.