"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.
Knew you were born under a waxing moon
Wide eyed and waiting for most the view
Sharper than moonlight
All is one
"Heaven awaits you now..hope you find our door"
Eyes pressed tightly, waltz with stars
The sweeter now must move on
Your words are so beguiling, all is right this
"Heaven and constancy" I hope you learned
Can I hold you in pages adore you your words
They have power over me
I have dreamed of your majesty
The pain of this illusion comforts me
It reminds me of how well I was, the next to leave
Earching for a heart as ripe as your smile
I have left you here hope you hide me
Can hold you in pages I adore you these words
They cast this feeling over me
Can I know you in pages enthrall you in words
That have this power over me
Wide eyed and waiting for most the view
Sharper than moonlight
All is one
"Heaven awaits you now..hope you find our door"
Eyes pressed tightly, waltz with stars
The sweeter now must move on
Your words are so beguiling, all is right this
"Heaven and constancy" I hope you learned
Can I hold you in pages adore you your words
They have power over me
I have dreamed of your majesty
The pain of this illusion comforts me
It reminds me of how well I was, the next to leave
Earching for a heart as ripe as your smile
I have left you here hope you hide me
Can hold you in pages I adore you these words
They cast this feeling over me
Can I know you in pages enthrall you in words
That have this power over me
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More Featured Meanings
Fast Car
Tracy Chapman
Tracy Chapman
When We Were Young
Blink-182
Blink-182
This is a sequel to 2001's "Reckless Abandon", and features the band looking back on their clumsy youth fondly.
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.
Page
Ed Sheeran
Ed Sheeran
There aren’t many things that’ll hurt more than giving love a chance against your better judgement only to have your heart crushed yet again. Ed Sheeran tells such a story on “Page.” On this track, he is devastated to have lost his lover and even more saddened by the feeling that he may never move on from this.
I completely love this song. The VNV Nation remix especially, I feel, gives it the atmosphere and power it deserves. The song, to me, feels like it's about that feeling of being so in love with someone that any time you're around them you're completely awed and swept away by their presence... and then somehow it's gone. Petty things and fights get in the way, and you find yourself wondering how you lost true love over something petty.
I love Claire Voyant. Victoria Lloyd's voice is just amazing, and the gentle tone of the music is perfect. From the first time I heard them I wondered what her voice would sound like with more "bouncier" music. The closest I got at first were songs like Luxt's excellent remix of "Time and the Maiden" (and oh, how I miss Luxt!), which is excellent.
And then I found out Victoria Lloyd has worked on a few side projects! She was lead singer for Mono Chrome (with Clint Sand of cut.rate.box fame), whose album "Collapse" has a great EBM feel that at times ventures into techno and psytrance-y territory. My personal pick from the album is "This Life" (though those who prefer a gothic feel might prefer "This Death"-- the same song reimagined with a very different vibe).
Those interested in IDM and electro-industrial might also be interested in her side project H.M.B. with Daniel Myer (of Haujobb).