"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.
Da-da-dun-da
Hey J
It's been a long time since I've seen you last
A half and twenty-six years
(How time goes fast)
I'm well
Though I've gone through some deep changes in my life
It hasn't been easy
Oh no, not for me
It's been difficult at times
Sometimes I sit down and cry
And ask God, "Oh, why?"
(Fair, what is?)
I know how you're feelin'
Same thing I did deal with
You're not as alone as you may feel
You see, but, oh
It catches up to us fast
We have to deal with our past
I know it's painful but
There you'll find specialness
'Cause everybody needs to feel real special
We need to remember
That love lies deep within ourselves
We have to want it, so
It starts with us and only us
We must learn we're all born
With specialness inside of us
I have the need to feel real special too
You see
You can't run away from your pain
Because wherever you run
There you will be
You have to learn to water your spiritual garden
Then you will be free
I know how you're feelin'
Same thing I did deal with
You're not as alone as you may feel
You see, but, oh
It catches up to us fast
We have to deal with our past
I know it's painful but
There you'll find specialness
'Cause everybody needs to feel real special
We need to remember
That love lies deep within ourselves
We have to want it, so
It starts with us and only us
We must learn we're all born
With specialness inside of us
I have the need to feel real special too
Work in progress
Hey J
It's been a long time since I've seen you last
A half and twenty-six years
(How time goes fast)
I'm well
Though I've gone through some deep changes in my life
It hasn't been easy
Oh no, not for me
It's been difficult at times
Sometimes I sit down and cry
And ask God, "Oh, why?"
(Fair, what is?)
I know how you're feelin'
Same thing I did deal with
You're not as alone as you may feel
You see, but, oh
It catches up to us fast
We have to deal with our past
I know it's painful but
There you'll find specialness
'Cause everybody needs to feel real special
We need to remember
That love lies deep within ourselves
We have to want it, so
It starts with us and only us
We must learn we're all born
With specialness inside of us
I have the need to feel real special too
You see
You can't run away from your pain
Because wherever you run
There you will be
You have to learn to water your spiritual garden
Then you will be free
I know how you're feelin'
Same thing I did deal with
You're not as alone as you may feel
You see, but, oh
It catches up to us fast
We have to deal with our past
I know it's painful but
There you'll find specialness
'Cause everybody needs to feel real special
We need to remember
That love lies deep within ourselves
We have to want it, so
It starts with us and only us
We must learn we're all born
With specialness inside of us
I have the need to feel real special too
Work in progress
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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.
Blue
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“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.
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.
Page
Ed Sheeran
Ed Sheeran
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beautiful