"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.
The band has stopped the night is young
This bar is closed but there'll be more to come
She whispered softly. "I don't wanna be alone
Can me and all my friends come back for cones?"
I called ahead I felt so cheap
Just to make sure my grandma's sound asleep
I shoulda noticed that her look was kinda smug
She only wants me 'cause I got the drugs
My mouth was dry my knees were weak
She held my hand as we walked down the street
I didn't give a shit she got my first name wrong
She only wants me for my Bucket Bong
She only wants me for my Bucket Bong
And when we're at home I'm feeling scared
'Cause there's no bucket, sink or (vessel?) anywhere
And if she wants a bucket I'll have the last one
And she'll hafta have it with me in the bath
She'll hafta have it with me in the bath
She only wants me 'cause I got the drugs.
This bar is closed but there'll be more to come
She whispered softly. "I don't wanna be alone
Can me and all my friends come back for cones?"
I called ahead I felt so cheap
Just to make sure my grandma's sound asleep
I shoulda noticed that her look was kinda smug
She only wants me 'cause I got the drugs
My mouth was dry my knees were weak
She held my hand as we walked down the street
I didn't give a shit she got my first name wrong
She only wants me for my Bucket Bong
She only wants me for my Bucket Bong
And when we're at home I'm feeling scared
'Cause there's no bucket, sink or (vessel?) anywhere
And if she wants a bucket I'll have the last one
And she'll hafta have it with me in the bath
She'll hafta have it with me in the bath
She only wants me 'cause I got the drugs.
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Fast Car
Tracy Chapman
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Bee Gees
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@[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.
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ilove it. i thinlk it explains itself! great song! so meaningful and creative!