"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.
Refuted seed as if someone was watching over it
Before it was as if response was based on fact
Providing, deciding it wasn't there
Swept to it, based to it, it was not there
Providing, deciding it was-n't there
Square (swept) to it, based to it, it was not there
Re-muted fault
As if it had a cause to live for
We might have learned
As if it should have been destroyed
It was not there
It was not there
Re-fall as if someone were watching over it,
Before it sooner then denied
Re-seemed as if it had a cause to live for
Destroyed, was later based on fine
Providing, deciding, it was not there
Square to it, based to it, it was not there
It was not there [Repeat: x4]
Before it was as if response was based on fact
Providing, deciding it wasn't there
Swept to it, based to it, it was not there
Providing, deciding it was-n't there
Square (swept) to it, based to it, it was not there
Re-muted fault
As if it had a cause to live for
We might have learned
As if it should have been destroyed
It was not there
It was not there
Re-fall as if someone were watching over it,
Before it sooner then denied
Re-seemed as if it had a cause to live for
Destroyed, was later based on fine
Providing, deciding, it was not there
Square to it, based to it, it was not there
It was not there [Repeat: x4]
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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”
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/
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.
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.
Sounds like worrying about an abortion to me.
Maybe I am not looking beyond the words enough.