"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.
He was in the habit
Of taking things for granted, granted
There wasn't much for him to take
And the only thing constant
Was the constant reminder he'd never change
Tight fisted with his compliments
It didn't seem to bother him
That talk is even cheaper down in luck
And the only thing constant
Was the constant reminder he'd never change
And so she yelled at him
You owe me an IOU
Owe me an IOU
You owe me an IOU
Don't think that I'll forget
You owe me an IOU
Owe me an IOU
You owe me an IOU
Don't think that I'll forget
I know what I should get this time
She was in the habit
Of reapplying makeup, makeup
Beaten up by crocodile tears
And the only thing constant
Was the constant reminder she'd never change
Openly individual, cleverly traditional
She couldn't seem to makeup her mind
And the only thing constant
Was the constant reminder she'd never change
And so he yelled at her
You owe me an IOU
Owe me an IOU
You owe me an IOU
Don't think that I'll forget
You owe me an IOU
Owe me an IOU
You owe me an IOU
Don't think that I'll forget
I know what I should get this time
They were in the habit
Of taking things for granted, granted
They never quite knew what they had
And the only thing constant
Was the constant reminder they'd never change
And so they yelled at me out loud
You owe me an IOU
Owe me an IOU
You owe me an IOU
Don't think that I'll forget
You owe me an IOU
Owe me an IOU
You owe me an IOU
Don't think that I'll forget
I know what I should get
Yeah, I know what I should get this time
Of taking things for granted, granted
There wasn't much for him to take
And the only thing constant
Was the constant reminder he'd never change
Tight fisted with his compliments
It didn't seem to bother him
That talk is even cheaper down in luck
And the only thing constant
Was the constant reminder he'd never change
And so she yelled at him
You owe me an IOU
Owe me an IOU
You owe me an IOU
Don't think that I'll forget
You owe me an IOU
Owe me an IOU
You owe me an IOU
Don't think that I'll forget
I know what I should get this time
She was in the habit
Of reapplying makeup, makeup
Beaten up by crocodile tears
And the only thing constant
Was the constant reminder she'd never change
Openly individual, cleverly traditional
She couldn't seem to makeup her mind
And the only thing constant
Was the constant reminder she'd never change
And so he yelled at her
You owe me an IOU
Owe me an IOU
You owe me an IOU
Don't think that I'll forget
You owe me an IOU
Owe me an IOU
You owe me an IOU
Don't think that I'll forget
I know what I should get this time
They were in the habit
Of taking things for granted, granted
They never quite knew what they had
And the only thing constant
Was the constant reminder they'd never change
And so they yelled at me out loud
You owe me an IOU
Owe me an IOU
You owe me an IOU
Don't think that I'll forget
You owe me an IOU
Owe me an IOU
You owe me an IOU
Don't think that I'll forget
I know what I should get
Yeah, I know what I should get this time
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More Featured Meanings
Fast Car
Tracy Chapman
Tracy Chapman
Son Şansın - Şarkı Sözleri
Hayalperest
Hayalperest
This song seemingly tackles the methods of deception those who manipulate others use to get victims to follow their demands, as well as diverting attention away from important issues. They'll also use it as a means to convince people to hate or kill others by pretending acts of terrorism were committed by the enemy when the acts themselves were done by the masters of control to promote discrimination and hate. It also reinforces the idea that these manipulative forces operate in various locations, infiltrating everyday life without detection, and propagate any and everywhere.
In general, it highlights the danger of hidden agendas, manipulation, and distraction, serving as a critique of those who exploit chaos and confusion to control and gain power, depicting a cautionary tale against falling into their traps. It encourages us to question the narratives presented to us and remain vigilant against manipulation in various parts of society.
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.
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,
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/
the line"You owe me an IOU" doesnt seem like it has any significance to the song..atleast i cant find out,although my favorite line would have to be "Tight fisted with his compliments It didn't seem to bother him That talk is even cheaper TOLD IN BULK" ..im pretty sure thats what he really says.