"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 want to tell you something;
Listen to me,
I'm trying to say, I'm better than you,
I am only what I am"
"We must not stand still,
For the night is coming,
Every man, every woman and child,
Everybody help me"
I hear, only what I want to hear,
But, I have to believe in something,
Have to believe in just one thing.
I said father Washington, you're all mixed up,
Collecting sinners in an old tin cup.
Well, spare a listen for a restless fool,
There's something missing when I need your rule.
Well, hey there;
You tell me you're a holy man, but, although I am just a beginner,
I don't see you as a winner.
I said, sister Washington, you're all washed up,
Collecting teardrops in a paper cup;
If I could tell you what you need to know;
If I could tell you to get on with the show.
I'd rather never leave her,
There's a storm in my head,
Makes me hear what you say;
Just was it true?
So, what have I to do?
Well, what has he to do?-
Ooh, what is there to-oo do+
What oh-oh-ohoh
"All creatures great and small,
All things wise and wonderful, the lord god made them all"
Mary, oh tell me what I'm living for,
Cause I feel like I'm tossed in the river,
Oh' have you a son to deliver.
I said, father Washington, you're all mixed up,
Collecting sinners in an old tin cup,
You tell the children what you need to know,
But, will they listen when it's time to go.
Oh, sister Robinson, you're all washed up,
Collecting teardrops in a paper cup,
Can someone tell me what I need to know,
Can someone help me to get on with the show
Listen to me,
I'm trying to say, I'm better than you,
I am only what I am"
"We must not stand still,
For the night is coming,
Every man, every woman and child,
Everybody help me"
I hear, only what I want to hear,
But, I have to believe in something,
Have to believe in just one thing.
I said father Washington, you're all mixed up,
Collecting sinners in an old tin cup.
Well, spare a listen for a restless fool,
There's something missing when I need your rule.
Well, hey there;
You tell me you're a holy man, but, although I am just a beginner,
I don't see you as a winner.
I said, sister Washington, you're all washed up,
Collecting teardrops in a paper cup;
If I could tell you what you need to know;
If I could tell you to get on with the show.
I'd rather never leave her,
There's a storm in my head,
Makes me hear what you say;
Just was it true?
So, what have I to do?
Well, what has he to do?-
Ooh, what is there to-oo do+
What oh-oh-ohoh
"All creatures great and small,
All things wise and wonderful, the lord god made them all"
Mary, oh tell me what I'm living for,
Cause I feel like I'm tossed in the river,
Oh' have you a son to deliver.
I said, father Washington, you're all mixed up,
Collecting sinners in an old tin cup,
You tell the children what you need to know,
But, will they listen when it's time to go.
Oh, sister Robinson, you're all washed up,
Collecting teardrops in a paper cup,
Can someone tell me what I need to know,
Can someone help me to get on with the show
Lyrics submitted by cheeky_munkeys42, edited by Bryophyta, BradBelanger, AlphaFSC, kwisp
A Soapbox Opera Lyrics as written by Roger Hodgson Richard Davies
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group
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Fast Car
Tracy Chapman
Tracy Chapman
Son Şansın - Şarkı Sözleri
Hayalperest
Hayalperest
This song seemingly tackles the methods of deception those who manipulate others use to get victims to follow their demands, as well as diverting attention away from important issues. They'll also use it as a means to convince people to hate or kill others by pretending acts of terrorism were committed by the enemy when the acts themselves were done by the masters of control to promote discrimination and hate. It also reinforces the idea that these manipulative forces operate in various locations, infiltrating everyday life without detection, and propagate any and everywhere.
In general, it highlights the danger of hidden agendas, manipulation, and distraction, serving as a critique of those who exploit chaos and confusion to control and gain power, depicting a cautionary tale against falling into their traps. It encourages us to question the narratives presented to us and remain vigilant against manipulation in various parts of society.
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.
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.
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 do not know who transcribed the lyrics of "Crisis? What Crisis?" when the CD was remastered. They did not follow the songbook, which I have. Here are the lyrics to the questioned parts of "A Soapbox Opera:"
"Who'll spare a listen to a restless fool, there's something missing when I lead your rule."
Replace all the "saids" with "say" (I say Sister Robinson...)
"But rather than a reason, there's a smog in my head, makes me think what you said just wasn't true. So, what am I to do, well what is he to do?"
"Maybe, well tell me what I'm living for, 'cause I feel like I'm tossed in the river."
There are also mistakes in the other songs from the 1975 Album.