"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.
If I'm so evil
Then why are you satisfied
If I'm so evil
Why are you satisfied?
I had a dream about your ghost
You're breathing down my neck
Baby it starts in the shower
By letting your ashes down the drain
You were telling me how
This ain't no Rodeo Town
I caught the gun
But you made me set it down
You were telling me how
This ain't no Rodeo Town
I caught the gun
But you made me set it down
If I'm so evil
Then why are you all satisfied?
If I'm so evil
Why are you satisfied?
When you left you said
I'm gonna keep an eye on you
Well I don't mind if you do
But you can't keep quiet
You were telling me how
This ain't no Rodeo Town
I caught the gun
But you made me set it down
You were telling me how
This ain't no Rodeo Town
I caught the gun
But you made me set it down
You were telling me how
This ain't no Rodeo Town
I caught the gun
But you made me set it down
You were telling me how
This ain't no Rodeo Town
I caught the gun
But you made me set it down
Then why are you satisfied
If I'm so evil
Why are you satisfied?
I had a dream about your ghost
You're breathing down my neck
Baby it starts in the shower
By letting your ashes down the drain
You were telling me how
This ain't no Rodeo Town
I caught the gun
But you made me set it down
You were telling me how
This ain't no Rodeo Town
I caught the gun
But you made me set it down
If I'm so evil
Then why are you all satisfied?
If I'm so evil
Why are you satisfied?
When you left you said
I'm gonna keep an eye on you
Well I don't mind if you do
But you can't keep quiet
You were telling me how
This ain't no Rodeo Town
I caught the gun
But you made me set it down
You were telling me how
This ain't no Rodeo Town
I caught the gun
But you made me set it down
You were telling me how
This ain't no Rodeo Town
I caught the gun
But you made me set it down
You were telling me how
This ain't no Rodeo Town
I caught the gun
But you made me set it down
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More Featured Meanings
Fast Car
Tracy Chapman
Tracy Chapman
Bron-Y-Aur Stomp
Led Zeppelin
Led Zeppelin
This is about bronies. They communicate by stomping.
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”
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/
Page
Ed Sheeran
Ed Sheeran
There aren’t many things that’ll hurt more than giving love a chance against your better judgement only to have your heart crushed yet again. Ed Sheeran tells such a story on “Page.” On this track, he is devastated to have lost his lover and even more saddened by the feeling that he may never move on from this.
I think this song is about having grown mistrustful and defensive as a result of too many experiences which resulted in hurt. She regards her current lover with suspicion, even pushing him away, with statements that seem to say "I'm evil, why would you even want to be with me?" He tries to assure her by saying "this ain't no rodeo town" meaning, no one's out to harm anyone here. Referencing to "cocking the gun" is a reference to her being on the attack, and he again, is simply telling her that his intention is not to hurt her. Great song.