"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.
Red light warning
Break down coming
Red light warning
People round here
Call me an airhead
People round here
Know I like a bottle of wine
People round here
Think I'm better off dead
The folks round here
Call me an airhead
The folks round here
Ain't too refined
Break - down - comin'
Raw - nerve end - tingle
Cops - bust - run in
Speed - hurts - keys jangle
Airheads - stick together
Airheads - till the end of time
Airheads - don't know better
Airheads - I feel fine
Brain - on - bed - Where am I
Liverpool - Leeds - Miami
Real nutcracker this morning
Real nutcracker last night
Red light warning
No panic station
People round here
Call me an airhead
People round here
Say I've got space for brains
People round here
Are no better than junk food
The jerks round here
Should go play with the traffic
The folks round here
Should go play with the traffic
Break down comin'
Break down coming
Red light warning
People round here
Call me an airhead
People round here
Know I like a bottle of wine
People round here
Think I'm better off dead
The folks round here
Call me an airhead
The folks round here
Ain't too refined
Break - down - comin'
Raw - nerve end - tingle
Cops - bust - run in
Speed - hurts - keys jangle
Airheads - stick together
Airheads - till the end of time
Airheads - don't know better
Airheads - I feel fine
Brain - on - bed - Where am I
Liverpool - Leeds - Miami
Real nutcracker this morning
Real nutcracker last night
Red light warning
No panic station
People round here
Call me an airhead
People round here
Say I've got space for brains
People round here
Are no better than junk food
The jerks round here
Should go play with the traffic
The folks round here
Should go play with the traffic
Break down comin'
Add your thoughts
Log in now to tell us what you think this song means.
Don’t have an account? Create an account with SongMeanings to post comments, submit lyrics, and more. It’s super easy, we promise!
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”
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.
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.