"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.
You packed your life up into boxes
And what didn't fit
You carried
And the heavy things were left
The city loves you
It gives you oxygen
And a little space
To be filled
With all the heavy things you make
The mirror kisses like you once did
At first it's cold
But delicate
Then it reflects much more
My focus now is on the small things
Since my glasses broke
Someone else should drive
Or I might not leave at all
I'm not wasting loose change
Cause I'm changing
Falls for young things
I'm not waiting
On tables to turn
Cause I'm turning
Forgive me for all things
I'm not disapproving
If you got something to prove
Well then prove it
Falls without wings
We've got something
Nothing else matters now does it
Forgive me for all things
When you call
And what didn't fit
You carried
And the heavy things were left
The city loves you
It gives you oxygen
And a little space
To be filled
With all the heavy things you make
The mirror kisses like you once did
At first it's cold
But delicate
Then it reflects much more
My focus now is on the small things
Since my glasses broke
Someone else should drive
Or I might not leave at all
I'm not wasting loose change
Cause I'm changing
Falls for young things
I'm not waiting
On tables to turn
Cause I'm turning
Forgive me for all things
I'm not disapproving
If you got something to prove
Well then prove it
Falls without wings
We've got something
Nothing else matters now does it
Forgive me for all things
When you call
Lyrics submitted by myelectricheart
Tables Turn Lyrics as written by
Lyrics © Hipgnosis Songs Group
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More Featured Meanings
Fast Car
Tracy Chapman
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Bee Gees
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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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American Town
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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.
recovery and codependency beautiful