"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.
Spinning, further deeper
I know you're out to try me
I'm not in this to be a slave
Push the dirt, make me feel
Locate what swallows life Night bird you build my world
The night close my eyes (and then I close my eyes)
Judge me now
Used to be afraid to let it show, bow down
A king in my own mind
Everything's in place
So much brighter from today
Drown the monster
Make all bad dreams go away
Whatever takes to keep running free
Open scars
The quiet place
The bridges fall to the ground
And you say you sacrificed
The night close my eyes (and then I close my eyes)
Judge me now
Used to be afraid to let it show, bow down!
A king in my own mind
Everything's in place
So much brighter from today
Judge me now
The king in my own mind
Judge me now
The king in my own mind
Judge me now
Used to be afraid to let it show, bow down
A king in my own mind
Everything's in place
So much better from today
A king in my own mind..
I know you're out to try me
I'm not in this to be a slave
Push the dirt, make me feel
Locate what swallows life Night bird you build my world
The night close my eyes (and then I close my eyes)
Judge me now
Used to be afraid to let it show, bow down
A king in my own mind
Everything's in place
So much brighter from today
Drown the monster
Make all bad dreams go away
Whatever takes to keep running free
Open scars
The quiet place
The bridges fall to the ground
And you say you sacrificed
The night close my eyes (and then I close my eyes)
Judge me now
Used to be afraid to let it show, bow down!
A king in my own mind
Everything's in place
So much brighter from today
Judge me now
The king in my own mind
Judge me now
The king in my own mind
Judge me now
Used to be afraid to let it show, bow down
A king in my own mind
Everything's in place
So much better from today
A king in my own mind..
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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”
Gentle Hour
Yo La Tengo
Yo La Tengo
This song was originally written by a guy called Peter Gutteridge. He was one of the founders of the "Dunedin Sound" a musical scene in the south of New Zealand in the early 80s. From there it was covered by "The Clean" one of the early bands of that scene (he had originally been a member of in it's early days, writing a couple of their best early songs). The Dunedin sound, and the Clean became popular on american college radio in the mid to late 80s. I guess Yo La Tengo heard that version.
Great version of a great song,
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.
Most beautiful song ever, it's awesome if you're really pissed off.
As for meaning, shit, I'd say it's about how you're better than the other pieces of shit out there.