"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 much for love I guess
I've been wronged but it's alright
'Cause I'm moving on
I've got my car all packed
With cassette tapes and sweaters
And loose change and cheap cigarettes
I'm gonna drive through the hills
Put my hand out the window
And sing until I run out of words
I'm gonna stop at every truck stop
And make small talk with the waiters and truck driving men
I'm gonna fall asleep in the back seat
With no one around but me and my friends
It's gonna be so great
It's gonna be just like my wedding day
Yeah, I've had enough of love
It feels good to give up so good to be good to myself
And I'm gonna get on the highway with no destination
But plenty of vision in mind
I'm gonna drive to the ocean
Go skinny dippin' blow kisses to Venus and mars
I'm gonna stop at every bar
And flirt with the cowboys in front of their girlfriends
It's gonna be so great
It's gonna be just like my wedding day
So much for love I guess
I've been wronged but it's alright
'Cause I'm moving on
I'm gonna drive over hills over mountains
And canyons and boys that keep bringing me down
I'm gonna drive under skyline and sunshine
Drink good wine at vineyards
And get asked to dance
I'm gonna be carefree and let nothing pass me by
Never ever again
It's gonna be so great
It's gonna be so great
It's gonna be just like my wedding day
I've been wronged but it's alright
'Cause I'm moving on
I've got my car all packed
With cassette tapes and sweaters
And loose change and cheap cigarettes
I'm gonna drive through the hills
Put my hand out the window
And sing until I run out of words
I'm gonna stop at every truck stop
And make small talk with the waiters and truck driving men
I'm gonna fall asleep in the back seat
With no one around but me and my friends
It's gonna be so great
It's gonna be just like my wedding day
Yeah, I've had enough of love
It feels good to give up so good to be good to myself
And I'm gonna get on the highway with no destination
But plenty of vision in mind
I'm gonna drive to the ocean
Go skinny dippin' blow kisses to Venus and mars
I'm gonna stop at every bar
And flirt with the cowboys in front of their girlfriends
It's gonna be so great
It's gonna be just like my wedding day
So much for love I guess
I've been wronged but it's alright
'Cause I'm moving on
I'm gonna drive over hills over mountains
And canyons and boys that keep bringing me down
I'm gonna drive under skyline and sunshine
Drink good wine at vineyards
And get asked to dance
I'm gonna be carefree and let nothing pass me by
Never ever again
It's gonna be so great
It's gonna be so great
It's gonna be just like my wedding day
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More Featured Meanings
Fast Car
Tracy Chapman
Tracy Chapman
Cajun Girl
Little Feat
Little Feat
Overall about difficult moments of disappointment and vulnerability. Having hope and longing, while remaining optimistic for the future. Encourages the belief that with each new morning there is a chance for things to improve.
The chorus offers a glimmer of optimism and a chance at a resolution and redemption in the future.
Captures the rollercoaster of emotions of feeling lost while loving someone who is not there for you, feeling let down and abandoned while waiting for a lover. Lost with no direction, "Now I'm up in the air with the rain in my hair, Nowhere to go, I can go anywhere"
The bridge shows signs of longing and a plea for companionship. The Lyrics express a desire for authentic connection and the importance of Loving someone just as they are. "Just in passing, I'm not asking. That you be anyone but you”
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/
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.
I love this song. I agree ILYhahajk. It makes me want to get up and leave too. She's had her heart broken but she isn't going to allow it to change her, she is still going to live and take chances and have fun. I love how she compares it to her wedding day. For most, that is the best day of their life, but to her, everyday will be like her wedding day.