"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.
Your pain makes you beautiful, you love to lose control,
And mediocrity's rewarded so set your standards low.
In an imploding star, or a burned out car, I implore you.
In a carbon-arc or a dim lit park, I implore you.
Suck me in, I'm willing, I get off when you go on
Let me be your fate.
Pour it on, pour it on.
In a country fair or union square, I implore you
In a shrouded face or a spray of mace, I implore you.
I implore you.
Cryptic? Elemental.
You transcend when you succumb.
One last shred of frailty left,
Embedded in our bones.
In an imploding star, or a burned out car, I implore you
In a carbon-arc or a dim lit park, I implore you
So do it again, do it again, do it again.
This is what it means
Particle.
So do it again, do it again, do it again.
This is what it means
Particle.
And mediocrity's rewarded so set your standards low.
In an imploding star, or a burned out car, I implore you.
In a carbon-arc or a dim lit park, I implore you.
Suck me in, I'm willing, I get off when you go on
Let me be your fate.
Pour it on, pour it on.
In a country fair or union square, I implore you
In a shrouded face or a spray of mace, I implore you.
I implore you.
Cryptic? Elemental.
You transcend when you succumb.
One last shred of frailty left,
Embedded in our bones.
In an imploding star, or a burned out car, I implore you
In a carbon-arc or a dim lit park, I implore you
So do it again, do it again, do it again.
This is what it means
Particle.
So do it again, do it again, do it again.
This is what it means
Particle.
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More Featured Meanings
Fast Car
Tracy Chapman
Tracy Chapman
Dreamwalker
Silent Planet
Silent Planet
I think much like another song “Anti-Matter” (that's also on the same album as this song), this one is also is inspired by a horrifying van crash the band experienced on Nov 3, 2022. This, much like the other track, sounds like it's an extension what they shared while huddled in the wreckage, as they helped frontman Garrett Russell stem the bleeding from his head wound while he was under the temporary effects of a concussion. The track speaks of where the mind goes at the most desperate & desolate of times, when it just about slips away to all but disconnect itself, and the aftermath.
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.
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.
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.
this song, quite simply, is about sex.
it's about having sex, it's about wanting sex anyhow, anytime, anywhere.
even the music itself is like one long buildup to an explosive climax.
this song...is about being a guy.
it's also the best song they ever released, as far as I'm concerned.
as for the metaphor's, just think about them and you'll pick up on it. i.e. a carbon-arc is a light bulb, or "with the light on". and as far as the name goes, "particle" can simply be translated as part of a whole, or two becoming one. just as two elements attract, so do people emotionally...and physically.
excellent description, I agree its the best song they've ever put out, and that's saying something because they're one of my favorites...