"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 were
Modern girls always have to go (right on time)
Old-fashioned men always want a mistress (you were right)
Modern girls always get their way (I was wrong)
Modern men dream of what they can't say (that's alright)
Right? Right? Right? Right? Right?
I don't belong (I don't belong)
Why you gotta say it if you know it's something wrong? (Why're you sitting over there?)
Says that he'll apologize and it won't take too long
Well, you don't wanna trust nobody else (always thinking 'bout yourself)
(Time)
There's a few things that are gonna have to change (I'm your son)
Everyone has the same opinion (won't you please?)
Your time is almost over (don't be mean)
We won't get the chance to do this over (that's alright)
Right? Right? Right? Right? Right?
I don't belong (I don't belong)
I don't want the imprint of your key upon my nose (why're you sitting over there?)
You don't have to tell no one 'cause no one wants to know
That you don't have no happiness at all (always thinking 'bout yourself)
Oh yes, we're falling down
Oh yes, we're falling down
Oh yes, we're falling down
Oh yes, we're falling down
Oh yes, we're falling down
Oh yes, we're falling down
Oh yes, we're falling down
So fucking help me up
Always thinking 'bout yourself (you don't love me)
Always thinking 'bout yourself (I am an animal)
Always thinking 'bout yourself (I am not practical)
Was I?
Modern girls always have to go (right on time)
Old-fashioned men always want a mistress (you were right)
Modern girls always get their way (I was wrong)
Modern men dream of what they can't say (that's alright)
Right? Right? Right? Right? Right?
I don't belong (I don't belong)
Why you gotta say it if you know it's something wrong? (Why're you sitting over there?)
Says that he'll apologize and it won't take too long
Well, you don't wanna trust nobody else (always thinking 'bout yourself)
(Time)
There's a few things that are gonna have to change (I'm your son)
Everyone has the same opinion (won't you please?)
Your time is almost over (don't be mean)
We won't get the chance to do this over (that's alright)
Right? Right? Right? Right? Right?
I don't belong (I don't belong)
I don't want the imprint of your key upon my nose (why're you sitting over there?)
You don't have to tell no one 'cause no one wants to know
That you don't have no happiness at all (always thinking 'bout yourself)
Oh yes, we're falling down
Oh yes, we're falling down
Oh yes, we're falling down
Oh yes, we're falling down
Oh yes, we're falling down
Oh yes, we're falling down
Oh yes, we're falling down
So fucking help me up
Always thinking 'bout yourself (you don't love me)
Always thinking 'bout yourself (I am an animal)
Always thinking 'bout yourself (I am not practical)
Was I?
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More Featured Meanings
Fast Car
Tracy Chapman
Tracy Chapman
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/
Head > Heels
Ed Sheeran
Ed Sheeran
“Head > Heels” is a track that aims to capture what it feels like to experience romance that exceeds expectations. Ed Sheeran dedicates his album outro to a lover who has blessed him with a unique experience that he seeks to describe through the song’s nuanced lyrics.
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.
no its not