"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.
So make it real
Just make it real
That's not a reason to fire me
That ain't no real reason
It's funny things cheapen when we disagree
If things got any worse then cheap would turn free
Calico cats and calico dreams
That ain't too real
Just make it real
Feel all the seasons flood through you and me
And see what trouble she's in
But that's not a reason to fire me
That ain't no real reason
Calico cats and calico dreams
That ain't too real
Just make it real
Collisions hurt and abrasions bleed
It's hard to deal when all you do is feel
Campfires swell into monstrous things
That summer heat that's winter deep
And all your wild winds
They couldn't stop me from flying
Calico cats and calico dreams
That ain't too real
Just make it real
Collisions hurt and abrasions bleed
It's hard to deal when all you do is feel
Just make it real
Just make it real
That's not a reason to fire me
That ain't no real reason
It's funny things cheapen when we disagree
If things got any worse then cheap would turn free
Calico cats and calico dreams
That ain't too real
Just make it real
Feel all the seasons flood through you and me
And see what trouble she's in
But that's not a reason to fire me
That ain't no real reason
Calico cats and calico dreams
That ain't too real
Just make it real
Collisions hurt and abrasions bleed
It's hard to deal when all you do is feel
Campfires swell into monstrous things
That summer heat that's winter deep
And all your wild winds
They couldn't stop me from flying
Calico cats and calico dreams
That ain't too real
Just make it real
Collisions hurt and abrasions bleed
It's hard to deal when all you do is feel
Just make it real
Lyrics submitted by thewhitepony33
Calico Lyrics as written by Mitchell Dryden Michael Cosgrove
Lyrics © Reservoir Media Management, Inc.
Lyrics powered by LyricFind
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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.
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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/
Dryden Mitchell commented on this. This is the quote: “Calico”: This is basically a feel-good breakup song with a waltzy groove. I wasn’t trying to be deep here – the words just sound cool when they’re sung. When the guitar comes in, it creates a perfect intro for a yell. Link to all the ANThology track list song meanings….. alienantfans.com/music/song-meanings/