"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.
The time has come for colds, and overcoats
We're quiet on the ride, we're all just waiting to get home
Another week away, my greatest fear
I need the smell of summer, I need its noises in my ears
If looks could really kill, then my profession would staring
Please know we do this cause we care and not for the thrill
Collect calls to home to tell them that I realize
that everyone who lives will someday die and die alone
And we won't let you in
Though we're down and out
We won't let you in
I wrote more postcards than hooks
I read more maps than books
Feel like every chance to leave is another chance I should have took.
Every minute is a mile
I've never felt so hallow
I'm an old abandoned church with broken pews and empty aisles
My secrets for a buck
Watch me as I cut myself wide open on this stage
Yes, I am paid to spill my guts
I won't see home till spring
Oh, I would kill for the Atlanti
but I am paid to make girls panic while I sing
And we won't let you in
Though we're down and out
We won't let you in
And we won't let you in
We don't want what isn't ours
We won't let you in
You win.
And the coastline is quiet
While we're quietly losing control
Yes, we're silent but sure we inventened the cure
that will wash out my memories of her
"The harpoon is loaded
The cage is lowered
The water is red." Like you
We're quiet on the ride, we're all just waiting to get home
Another week away, my greatest fear
I need the smell of summer, I need its noises in my ears
If looks could really kill, then my profession would staring
Please know we do this cause we care and not for the thrill
Collect calls to home to tell them that I realize
that everyone who lives will someday die and die alone
And we won't let you in
Though we're down and out
We won't let you in
I wrote more postcards than hooks
I read more maps than books
Feel like every chance to leave is another chance I should have took.
Every minute is a mile
I've never felt so hallow
I'm an old abandoned church with broken pews and empty aisles
My secrets for a buck
Watch me as I cut myself wide open on this stage
Yes, I am paid to spill my guts
I won't see home till spring
Oh, I would kill for the Atlanti
but I am paid to make girls panic while I sing
And we won't let you in
Though we're down and out
We won't let you in
And we won't let you in
We don't want what isn't ours
We won't let you in
You win.
And the coastline is quiet
While we're quietly losing control
Yes, we're silent but sure we inventened the cure
that will wash out my memories of her
"The harpoon is loaded
The cage is lowered
The water is red." Like you
Lyrics submitted by BrandNew1208, edited by Ye Olde Gangsta
I Will Play My Game Beneath the Spin Light Lyrics as written by Jesse Lacey
Lyrics © BMG Rights Management, Universal Music Publishing Group
Lyrics powered by LyricFind
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More Featured Meanings
Fast Car
Tracy Chapman
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@[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.
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Page
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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.
raises hand i too!!