"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.
One thing or another's always getting in the way
Of this and it's what we do, of this and it's what we do
Wasting time and money's so much sicker than you think
Especially when it's you, especially when it's you
Stopping all the clocks, I'm trying not to think about time
It's all a game of number and who says that they won't lie?
Look at what they made us do, look at what they made us do
How can you be abstract if you're always on the brink
Of finding out something new, finding out something new
I'm taking off my watch
I'm trying not to think about time
First thing it's the money, after a while it's my health,
My health, my health, my health, my health
Nights and days and hours doesn't seem to be much help,
Much help, much help, much help, much help
You need to sort this problem out,
It's going to take a while, gonna take a while
One thing or another's always getting in the way
Getting in the way, getting in the way
Spending time and money's so much quicker than you think
Quicker than you think, quicker than you think
It's all a game of number and who says that they won't lie?
They won't lie
How can you be abstract if you're always on the brink
Of finding something new, finding something new
There's no time time, there's no time time
First thing it's the money, after a while it's my health,
My health, my health, my health, my health
Nights and days and hours doesn't seem to be much help,
Much help, much help, much help, much help
You need to sort this problem out,
It's going to take a while, gonna take a while
Of this and it's what we do, of this and it's what we do
Wasting time and money's so much sicker than you think
Especially when it's you, especially when it's you
Stopping all the clocks, I'm trying not to think about time
It's all a game of number and who says that they won't lie?
Look at what they made us do, look at what they made us do
How can you be abstract if you're always on the brink
Of finding out something new, finding out something new
I'm taking off my watch
I'm trying not to think about time
First thing it's the money, after a while it's my health,
My health, my health, my health, my health
Nights and days and hours doesn't seem to be much help,
Much help, much help, much help, much help
You need to sort this problem out,
It's going to take a while, gonna take a while
One thing or another's always getting in the way
Getting in the way, getting in the way
Spending time and money's so much quicker than you think
Quicker than you think, quicker than you think
It's all a game of number and who says that they won't lie?
They won't lie
How can you be abstract if you're always on the brink
Of finding something new, finding something new
There's no time time, there's no time time
First thing it's the money, after a while it's my health,
My health, my health, my health, my health
Nights and days and hours doesn't seem to be much help,
Much help, much help, much help, much help
You need to sort this problem out,
It's going to take a while, gonna take a while
Lyrics submitted by woahmarlena
Trying Not to Think About Time Lyrics as written by David Craig Barry Hyde
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group
Lyrics powered by LyricFind
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More Featured Meanings
Fast Car
Tracy Chapman
Tracy Chapman
Dreamwalker
Silent Planet
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I think much like another song “Anti-Matter” (that's also on the same album as this song), this one is also is inspired by a horrifying van crash the band experienced on Nov 3, 2022. This, much like the other track, sounds like it's an extension what they shared while huddled in the wreckage, as they helped frontman Garrett Russell stem the bleeding from his head wound while he was under the temporary effects of a concussion. The track speaks of where the mind goes at the most desperate & desolate of times, when it just about slips away to all but disconnect itself, and the aftermath.
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.
I can relate to the song meaning (which needs no explaination, really).. but the song's not very well done, IMO.