"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.
We lived in a dogfish egg case You could barely call it home Sorry little lot no roof on top But the fish left us alone Try a little more said the girl next door It's time to roam Mad Lizzy Crumbs blind cobblers thumbs Were a sight to behold She was a rum old slapper and we always tried to get her pants off when she phoned Left her cap by the sink it's not what you think Oh take me home Now we know where we're going baby We can lay back and enjoy the ride Take in the sights and drown in our senses Love is the law so take me deep inside Strap-on Sally chased us down the alley We feared for our behinds Oasis was a shop with shoes so hot They were sure to blow your mind Running so fast I can taste the past Oh take me home Now we know where we're going baby We can lay back and enjoy the ride Take in the sights and drown in our senses Love is the law so take me deep inside These waters run deep it's clear my little one Blue velvet star sky not a sound The light in your eyes, the smile on your ruby lips Tells me my lost soul is found Now we know where we're going baby We can lay back and enjoy the ride Take in the sights and drown in our senses Love is the law so take me deep inside
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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,
When We Were Young
Blink-182
Blink-182
This is a sequel to 2001's "Reckless Abandon", and features the band looking back on their clumsy youth fondly.
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/
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.
There's a bootleg of the unfinished 2nd album floating around. All the tracks from it are on here if anyone's interested:
john-squire.com/mp3.html