"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.
Why can't I lay low?
Why can't I say what I mean?
Why don't I stay home?
And get myself into some boring routine
Why can't I calm down?
Why is it always a fight?
I can't get unwound
Why do I throw myself into the night?
I'm on the outside
I don't fit into the groove
Now I ain't a bad guy
So tell me what am I trying to prove
Why can't I cool out?
Why don't I button my lip?
Why do I lash out?
Why is it I always shoot from the hip?
I cruise from Houston to Canal Street
A misfit and a rebel
I see the winos talking to themselves
And I can understand
Why is it every time I go out
I always seem to get in trouble?
I guess I made an impression on somebody
North of Hester and south of Grand
And so in my small way
I'm a big man on Mulberry Street
I don't mean all day
Only at night when I'm light on my feet
What else have I got
That I'd be trying to hide?
Maybe a blind spot
I haven't seen from the sensitive side
But you know in my own heart
I'm a big man on Mulberry Street
I play the whole part
I leave a big tip with every receipt
I'm so romantic
I'm such a passionate man
Sometimes I panic
What if nobody finds out who I am?
Why can't I say what I mean?
Why don't I stay home?
And get myself into some boring routine
Why can't I calm down?
Why is it always a fight?
I can't get unwound
Why do I throw myself into the night?
I'm on the outside
I don't fit into the groove
Now I ain't a bad guy
So tell me what am I trying to prove
Why can't I cool out?
Why don't I button my lip?
Why do I lash out?
Why is it I always shoot from the hip?
I cruise from Houston to Canal Street
A misfit and a rebel
I see the winos talking to themselves
And I can understand
Why is it every time I go out
I always seem to get in trouble?
I guess I made an impression on somebody
North of Hester and south of Grand
And so in my small way
I'm a big man on Mulberry Street
I don't mean all day
Only at night when I'm light on my feet
What else have I got
That I'd be trying to hide?
Maybe a blind spot
I haven't seen from the sensitive side
But you know in my own heart
I'm a big man on Mulberry Street
I play the whole part
I leave a big tip with every receipt
I'm so romantic
I'm such a passionate man
Sometimes I panic
What if nobody finds out who I am?
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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.
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.
Gentle Hour
Yo La Tengo
Yo La Tengo
This song was originally written by a guy called Peter Gutteridge. He was one of the founders of the "Dunedin Sound" a musical scene in the south of New Zealand in the early 80s. From there it was covered by "The Clean" one of the early bands of that scene (he had originally been a member of in it's early days, writing a couple of their best early songs). The Dunedin sound, and the Clean became popular on american college radio in the mid to late 80s. I guess Yo La Tengo heard that version.
Great version of a great song,
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/
this song is about ' the killing of Joey Gallo' he was killed on mulberry and Hester St. I just watched a story about him on the bio channel, the show is called mobsters. if you watch this episode you will see what I'm talking about
This song is basically about a guy who thinks he's a big shot walking down Mulberry Street with wine in his hand, and showing off......
Billy Joel's voice was never so beautifully displayed. This song reminds me of course, of Monlightning.
But also some American guys living in my building in Madrid dared to knock at my door to say hi, just because "Big man on Mulberry St." sounded pretty high in my appartment. They thought: American friendly. And they were right :-)
This song was written for the hit TV show "Moonlighting" starring Bruce Willis and Cybill Shepherd and appears in the season 3 episode entitled "Big Man on Mulberry Street". Bruce Willis plays David Addison, a wisecracking, live-life-to-the-fullest party guy who is secretly in love with conservative, uptight former model Maddie Hayes (Cybill Shepherd). This song (and episode) gives us a glimpse into David's sensitive side and hints at his true feelings for Maddie... "What if nobody (i.e. Maddie) finds out who I am?" Great show if you haven't seen it by the way.
@kmaudk Maddie was the liberal, not the conservative, David in the show is the christian (a few episodes he admits to being a believer in the man upstairs, Maddie is not a believer) and believes in helping people, Maddie is the model rich-bitch atheist who is very selfish and vain. It is their conflicting beliefs that make them an unlikely match-up and that kept the drama between them fresh until the writers made Maddie double down on being a bitch