"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.
I'm tired of bleeding for the ones I love
Look to the heavens but there's no one above
One day you need me, the other you hate
We've all got problems, I can fucking relate
I've tried my best to be humble
I've tried so hard to explain
I know that nothing is easy (Over and over)
I know that all of it's my fault
I bring you nothing but pain
Look at the way that you treat me
That's why I'm insane
Top of the world
Living the dream, wake me up, wake me up when it's over
Top of the world
Living the dream, wake me up, wake me up when it's over
I'm sick of burning for the ones I despise
Have you mistaken me for some other guy?
One day you love me, the other you run
My life's a comedy, well isn't this fun?
I've tried my best to be humble
I've tried so hard to explain
I know that nothing is easy (Over and over)
I know that all of it's my fault
I bring you nothing but pain
Look at the way that you treat me
That's why I'm insane
Top of the world
Living the dream, wake me up, wake me up when it's over
Top of the world
Living the dream, wake me up, wake me up when it's over
You know I'm living it up
Never giving a fuck
I heard you're down on your luck
I-i just wanna take it
Living it up
Never giving a fuck
Never giving it up
I-i just wanna break it down
Top of the world
Living the dream, wake me up, wake me up when it's over
Top of the world
Living the dream, wake me up, wake me up when it's over
Top of the world
Living the dream, wake me up, wake me up when it's over
Top of the world
Living the dream, wake me up, wake me up when it's over
Look to the heavens but there's no one above
One day you need me, the other you hate
We've all got problems, I can fucking relate
I've tried my best to be humble
I've tried so hard to explain
I know that nothing is easy (Over and over)
I know that all of it's my fault
I bring you nothing but pain
Look at the way that you treat me
That's why I'm insane
Top of the world
Living the dream, wake me up, wake me up when it's over
Top of the world
Living the dream, wake me up, wake me up when it's over
I'm sick of burning for the ones I despise
Have you mistaken me for some other guy?
One day you love me, the other you run
My life's a comedy, well isn't this fun?
I've tried my best to be humble
I've tried so hard to explain
I know that nothing is easy (Over and over)
I know that all of it's my fault
I bring you nothing but pain
Look at the way that you treat me
That's why I'm insane
Top of the world
Living the dream, wake me up, wake me up when it's over
Top of the world
Living the dream, wake me up, wake me up when it's over
You know I'm living it up
Never giving a fuck
I heard you're down on your luck
I-i just wanna take it
Living it up
Never giving a fuck
Never giving it up
I-i just wanna break it down
Top of the world
Living the dream, wake me up, wake me up when it's over
Top of the world
Living the dream, wake me up, wake me up when it's over
Top of the world
Living the dream, wake me up, wake me up when it's over
Top of the world
Living the dream, wake me up, wake me up when it's over
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More Featured Meanings
Fast Car
Tracy Chapman
Tracy Chapman
Holiday
Bee Gees
Bee Gees
@[Diderik:33655] "Your a holiday!" Was a popular term used in the 50s/60s to compliment someone on their all around. For example, not only are they beautiful, but they are fun and kind too ... just an all around "holiday".
I think your first comment is closer to being accurate. The singer/song writers state "Millions of eyes can see, yet why am i so blind!? When the someone else is me, its unkind its unkind". I believe hes referring to the girl toying with him and using him. He wants something deeper with her, thats why he allows himself to be as a puppet (even though for her fun and games) as long as it makes her happy. But he knows deep down that she doesnt really want to be serious with him and thats what makes him.
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/
Head > Heels
Ed Sheeran
Ed Sheeran
“Head > Heels” is a track that aims to capture what it feels like to experience romance that exceeds expectations. Ed Sheeran dedicates his album outro to a lover who has blessed him with a unique experience that he seeks to describe through the song’s nuanced lyrics.
Amazing
Ed Sheeran
Ed Sheeran
Ed Sheeran tells a story of unsuccessfully trying to feel “Amazing.” This track is about the being weighed down by emotional stress despite valiant attempts to find some positivity in the situation. This track was written by Ed Sheeran from the perspective of his friend. From the track, we see this person fall deeper into the negative thoughts and slide further down the path of mental torment with every lyric.