"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.
I don't know what you want from me
Or what you think a love ought to be
I want something that's open and strong
As the country this road's moving on
From the mountain to the valley
From the ocean to the alley
From the highway to the river
One emotion to deliver
One heart, one way, one love
To share but not to chain
That's freedom
It's a song of the heart
A race in the wind
A light in the dark
That's freedom
I don't know why it takes so long
To remember
What the world's doin' wrong
Never wanted to shove my plan on another
Who can't understand
All I want is a fast lane to
Where the road across this plain
Won't take you
I want something you understand
To make us stand proud
As nothing else can
It's a song of the heart
A race in the wind
A light in the dark
That's freedom
It's a measure of trust
When love is alive
It's tender and tough
That's freedom
It's all love is about
The opening up and letting it out
Let freedom ring
Or what you think a love ought to be
I want something that's open and strong
As the country this road's moving on
From the mountain to the valley
From the ocean to the alley
From the highway to the river
One emotion to deliver
One heart, one way, one love
To share but not to chain
That's freedom
It's a song of the heart
A race in the wind
A light in the dark
That's freedom
I don't know why it takes so long
To remember
What the world's doin' wrong
Never wanted to shove my plan on another
Who can't understand
All I want is a fast lane to
Where the road across this plain
Won't take you
I want something you understand
To make us stand proud
As nothing else can
It's a song of the heart
A race in the wind
A light in the dark
That's freedom
It's a measure of trust
When love is alive
It's tender and tough
That's freedom
It's all love is about
The opening up and letting it out
Let freedom ring
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More Featured Meanings
Fast Car
Tracy Chapman
Tracy Chapman
Dreamwalker
Silent Planet
Silent Planet
I think much like another song “Anti-Matter” (that's also on the same album as this song), this one is also is inspired by a horrifying van crash the band experienced on Nov 3, 2022. This, much like the other track, sounds like it's an extension what they shared while huddled in the wreckage, as they helped frontman Garrett Russell stem the bleeding from his head wound while he was under the temporary effects of a concussion. The track speaks of where the mind goes at the most desperate & desolate of times, when it just about slips away to all but disconnect itself, and the aftermath.
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.
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.
Surprised no one has commented on this song. Probably my favourite from Farnham, it speaks to a person's core of what we all want: freedom.
Plus in the film clip he had his awesome mullet.