"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.
All of the lovebirds are quiet tonight
They must have all fallen asleep
But I've got a hunger as big as my eyes
And a promise I'll never keep
I know I shouldn't be out here
'cause no one loves you more than me
But I don't think I'm coming home tonight
I'm sorry, Sweet Emily
All of your friends are like angels
The role models I'll never be
With habits they kick like booze and cigarettes
This things much bigger than me
I know I shouldn't be out here
'cause no one loves you more than me
But I don't think I'm coming home tonight
I'm sorry, Sweet Emily
...
Half of me begs for forgiveness
And half of me just wants to die
But I can't resist the swaying of their hips
As they shine under barlit skies
I know I shouldn't be out here
'cause no one loves you more than me
But I don't think I'm coming home tonight
I'm sorry, Sweet Emily
I'm sorry, Sweet Emily
They must have all fallen asleep
But I've got a hunger as big as my eyes
And a promise I'll never keep
I know I shouldn't be out here
'cause no one loves you more than me
But I don't think I'm coming home tonight
I'm sorry, Sweet Emily
All of your friends are like angels
The role models I'll never be
With habits they kick like booze and cigarettes
This things much bigger than me
I know I shouldn't be out here
'cause no one loves you more than me
But I don't think I'm coming home tonight
I'm sorry, Sweet Emily
...
Half of me begs for forgiveness
And half of me just wants to die
But I can't resist the swaying of their hips
As they shine under barlit skies
I know I shouldn't be out here
'cause no one loves you more than me
But I don't think I'm coming home tonight
I'm sorry, Sweet Emily
I'm sorry, Sweet Emily
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Fast Car
Tracy Chapman
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Ebba Grön
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This is one of my favorite songs. https://fnfgo.io
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Just A Little Lovin'
Dusty Springfield
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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
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“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.