"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.
Mary Lou, Mary Lou:
"This one's for you, 'cause I know you."
I know I said "until the four walls, they fall in,"
but not when knee caps have caved in.
I guess it's "the way it was before."
No one really knows anyone.
"Pretty please, I got to do it, God," I said.
"I got the arm. I got the rocket.
I wasn't born to e some saint,
when I could rather do what you can't."
So, since you snapped your legs on skates,
I see you writhe on the bedroom floor.
I feel the dirty in every place,
on the certain light, on the certain face.
The way it was before.
On and on and on...
I'll have to hide those kitchen knives.
I know it all. I know everything:
the little secrets that you keep.
I'm gonna haunt your dreams at night;
you'll have to hide those kitchen knives.
I know it all. I know everything.
Your little brothers can't hide from me.
I'm gonna cut you off at the knee.
I know what you want.
So, do you ever feel that pain -
the one I feel on the bedroom floor?
And when you're hanging to bottom rods,
I know, I know, I know, I know what you want.
I know you're inching for exchange;
I gather that all you young boys do.
So, when coughing up on your hands,
(just remember)
they don't know you like I do.
They don't know you like I do:
the little secrets that you keep.
I'm gonna haunt your dreams at night;
you'll have to hide those kitchen knives.
They don't know you like I do.
How could they know you like I do?
"This one's for you, 'cause I know you."
I know I said "until the four walls, they fall in,"
but not when knee caps have caved in.
I guess it's "the way it was before."
No one really knows anyone.
"Pretty please, I got to do it, God," I said.
"I got the arm. I got the rocket.
I wasn't born to e some saint,
when I could rather do what you can't."
So, since you snapped your legs on skates,
I see you writhe on the bedroom floor.
I feel the dirty in every place,
on the certain light, on the certain face.
The way it was before.
On and on and on...
I'll have to hide those kitchen knives.
I know it all. I know everything:
the little secrets that you keep.
I'm gonna haunt your dreams at night;
you'll have to hide those kitchen knives.
I know it all. I know everything.
Your little brothers can't hide from me.
I'm gonna cut you off at the knee.
I know what you want.
So, do you ever feel that pain -
the one I feel on the bedroom floor?
And when you're hanging to bottom rods,
I know, I know, I know, I know what you want.
I know you're inching for exchange;
I gather that all you young boys do.
So, when coughing up on your hands,
(just remember)
they don't know you like I do.
They don't know you like I do:
the little secrets that you keep.
I'm gonna haunt your dreams at night;
you'll have to hide those kitchen knives.
They don't know you like I do.
How could they know you like I do?
Lyrics submitted by a scar in the sky
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Fast Car
Tracy Chapman
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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,
I Can't Go To Sleep
Wu-Tang Clan
Wu-Tang Clan
This song is written as the perspective of the boys in the street, as a whole, and what path they are going to choose as they get older and grow into men. (This is why the music video takes place in an orphanage.) The seen, and unseen collective suffering is imbedded in the boys’ mind, consciously or subconsciously, and is haunting them. Which path will the boys choose? Issac Hayes is the voice of reason, maybe God, the angel on his shoulder, or the voice of his forefathers from beyond the grave who can see the big picture and are pleading with the boys not to continue the violence and pattern of killing their brothers, but to rise above. The most beautiful song and has so many levels. Racism towards African Americans in America would not exist if everyone sat down and listened to this song and understood the history behind the words. The power, fear, pleading in RZA and Ghostface voices are genuine and powerful. Issac Hayes’ strong voice makes the perfect strong father figure, who is possibly from beyond the grave.
Just A Little Lovin'
Dusty Springfield
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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/
Magical
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Ed Sheeran
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"i'll have to hide those kitchen knives" is what makes this song amazing. the rest is negligible. i keep listening to hear to hear that part.