"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 trying
To do what’s best for me
Most nights sitting in a parked car
Reminiscing times
I got you we can go far
There’s something
About your ways that’s changed
Check back in a year you’ll see
You’ll take back what you said to me
Things change when you grow up in a small town
I used to give a fuck but I don’t really know now
Simple ways when i’d bike down the block
4 kids, cold days, just skipping some rocks
Most times it never feels the same
I can’t keep up while you’re playing these games
Change my ways, as i read this note
I can’t tell you this
But I love you she wrote
It’s time you take a step back
Realize that you would miss that
Stuck in jersey on the other side of the map
While you drink away your pain
Pretending that’ll fix that
Same school, same moves
Somethings gotta change soon
Been feeling so alone that nothing really gives a great mood
People tell you give it all that you got
Until you suffer some more, lie awake and rot
Long drives, faint days
I want to feel the rain
I want to know that someone out there’s gotta feel the same.
Stepping outside, first time today
Retrace my mind, clear my thoughts away
To do what’s best for me
Most nights sitting in a parked car
Reminiscing times
I got you we can go far
There’s something
About your ways that’s changed
Check back in a year you’ll see
You’ll take back what you said to me
Things change when you grow up in a small town
I used to give a fuck but I don’t really know now
Simple ways when i’d bike down the block
4 kids, cold days, just skipping some rocks
Most times it never feels the same
I can’t keep up while you’re playing these games
Change my ways, as i read this note
I can’t tell you this
But I love you she wrote
It’s time you take a step back
Realize that you would miss that
Stuck in jersey on the other side of the map
While you drink away your pain
Pretending that’ll fix that
Same school, same moves
Somethings gotta change soon
Been feeling so alone that nothing really gives a great mood
People tell you give it all that you got
Until you suffer some more, lie awake and rot
Long drives, faint days
I want to feel the rain
I want to know that someone out there’s gotta feel the same.
Stepping outside, first time today
Retrace my mind, clear my thoughts away
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More Featured Meanings
Fast Car
Tracy Chapman
Tracy Chapman
Bron-Y-Aur Stomp
Led Zeppelin
Led Zeppelin
This is about bronies. They communicate by stomping.
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.
To me, this song is about someone who typically loves being single and has never really fallen for anyone before. --"Till now, I always got by on my own; I never really cared until I met you." But they don't know how to approach the person --"How do I get you alone?" and tell them how they feel --"But the secret is still my own; & my love for you is still unknown." But I think the person they're falling for is someone they've been slowly falling for over a period of time. --"You don't know how how long I have wanted to touch your lips and hold you tight." Eventually, the person who is singing the song decides to tell the other person how they feel. --"You don't know how long I have waited; And I was gonna tell you tonight." But somehow, they couldn't, and they're still Alone.