"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.
Well all these people of the city will keep you in their blind spots
Especially when they know that you're out looking to sign dots
I tried to tell this girl how twisted my mind got
But it's her dream to ride the conveyer belt of that side walk
She's got intentions of being number one
But can she handle rejection in the city of no sun
Where bricks change colors faster than careers do
And few people drive away and like what's in their rearview
New York city's so far away
But I can't wait even for one more day
They say these things come and these things go
But if I don't try I'll never know
She don't care what it takes
She knows she's got the ability
And with what her folks make
You know she'd have stability
She just needs to get out there
And step toward her validity
She can't keep dying over this
Because it's just killing me
She's not used to foot steps digging in her chest
High heeled investments and suites getting undressed
Growing old and having new recruits become the best
And finding that she's stepped on everyone and no one's left
Well it hurts like walking barefoot on light bulbs
Smashing ideas with open skin
Till the pearl white drops of blood turn red
And everyone can tell
That you've worked hard enough
It's time to go
Go get your map and compass and don't listen to them
And don't think about how much time you're fixing to spend
The dirt only ends when the pavement begins
This is your heart your dream
And you're your only friend so go
You can kick the earth as hard as you want
To show your frustration
Or you can get in your car and kick your foot to the gas
And keep accelerating till you hit your destination
So go
Especially when they know that you're out looking to sign dots
I tried to tell this girl how twisted my mind got
But it's her dream to ride the conveyer belt of that side walk
She's got intentions of being number one
But can she handle rejection in the city of no sun
Where bricks change colors faster than careers do
And few people drive away and like what's in their rearview
New York city's so far away
But I can't wait even for one more day
They say these things come and these things go
But if I don't try I'll never know
She don't care what it takes
She knows she's got the ability
And with what her folks make
You know she'd have stability
She just needs to get out there
And step toward her validity
She can't keep dying over this
Because it's just killing me
She's not used to foot steps digging in her chest
High heeled investments and suites getting undressed
Growing old and having new recruits become the best
And finding that she's stepped on everyone and no one's left
Well it hurts like walking barefoot on light bulbs
Smashing ideas with open skin
Till the pearl white drops of blood turn red
And everyone can tell
That you've worked hard enough
It's time to go
Go get your map and compass and don't listen to them
And don't think about how much time you're fixing to spend
The dirt only ends when the pavement begins
This is your heart your dream
And you're your only friend so go
You can kick the earth as hard as you want
To show your frustration
Or you can get in your car and kick your foot to the gas
And keep accelerating till you hit your destination
So go
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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”
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/
Blue
Ed Sheeran
Ed Sheeran
“Blue” is a song about a love that is persisting in the discomfort of the person experiencing the emotion. Ed Sheeran reflects on love lost, and although he wishes his former partner find happiness, he cannot but admit his feelings are still very much there. He expresses the realization that he might never find another on this stringed instrumental by Aaron Dessner.
Amazing
Ed Sheeran
Ed Sheeran
Ed Sheeran tells a story of unsuccessfully trying to feel “Amazing.” This track is about the being weighed down by emotional stress despite valiant attempts to find some positivity in the situation. This track was written by Ed Sheeran from the perspective of his friend. From the track, we see this person fall deeper into the negative thoughts and slide further down the path of mental torment with every lyric.
This song is about going out in to the world and making it on your own. There is always going to be people out there trying to bring you down, you just have to fight through it. My favorite lyric ever is in this song...from "well it hurts like walking barefoot on lightbulbs" to "and you're your only friend so go" words to live by chronic future kicks ass
I think Kilanofilla is right, but with the added precaution that if you dont work hard, and keep working even when things dont look like they are the best, then you need stop relying on other people, and get business done yourself. ("Go get your map and compass and don't listen to them.....And you're your only friend so go")
This is the best song on the album (even better then Time and Time Again) if you're reading this and havnt bought the album yet, buy it, its worth it.