"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 know your leaving is too long overdue
For far too long I've had nothing new to show to you
through dry eyes I watched your plane
Fade off west of the moon
And it felt so strange to walk away alone
No regrets no tears goodbye
Don't want you back we'd only cry again
Say goodbye a-gain
The hours that were yours echo like empty rooms
The thoughts we used to share I now keep alone
I woke last night and spoke your name
Not thinking you were gone
And it felt so strange to lie awake alone
No regrets no tears goodbye
Don't want you back we'd only cry again
Say goodbye a-gain
Our friends have tried to turn my nights to day
Strange faces in your place can't keep the ghosts away
Just behind the darkest hour just before dawn
It still feels so strange to lead my life alone
No regrets no tears goodbye
Don't want you back we'd only cry again
Say goodbye a-gain
For far too long I've had nothing new to show to you
through dry eyes I watched your plane
Fade off west of the moon
And it felt so strange to walk away alone
No regrets no tears goodbye
Don't want you back we'd only cry again
Say goodbye a-gain
The hours that were yours echo like empty rooms
The thoughts we used to share I now keep alone
I woke last night and spoke your name
Not thinking you were gone
And it felt so strange to lie awake alone
No regrets no tears goodbye
Don't want you back we'd only cry again
Say goodbye a-gain
Our friends have tried to turn my nights to day
Strange faces in your place can't keep the ghosts away
Just behind the darkest hour just before dawn
It still feels so strange to lead my life alone
No regrets no tears goodbye
Don't want you back we'd only cry again
Say goodbye a-gain
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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/
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.