"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.
Well, strike me down if you wish
For never wanting you for long
Seasons change, oh, so do I
Though empty promises fool my songs
A cold wind's bending the morning
And the back road bears the pain
I came with the gift of a new day
See, I leave with a gift of rain
And see two leaves falling
See they kiss, then drift away
And it's true, I really wanted you
And it's true, I really wanted you
Just yesterday...
I can see your eyes made for their crying
Like a star was made to shine
My face was meant to bear knowledge
Empty promises, fool lies
and see two leaves falling
See they kiss, then drift away
And it's true, I really wanted you
And it's true, I really wanted you
Just yesterday...
So let us strike out
Touch the new day
Let our bruises meet there
Like them, the rain has forsaken
We will need the greatest care
and see two leaves falling
See they kiss, then drift away
And it's true, I really wanted you
And it's true, I really wanted you
Just yesterday...
strike me down if you wish
For not wanting you for long
Seasons turn, so do I
Though empty promises fool my songs
For never wanting you for long
Seasons change, oh, so do I
Though empty promises fool my songs
A cold wind's bending the morning
And the back road bears the pain
I came with the gift of a new day
See, I leave with a gift of rain
And see two leaves falling
See they kiss, then drift away
And it's true, I really wanted you
And it's true, I really wanted you
Just yesterday...
I can see your eyes made for their crying
Like a star was made to shine
My face was meant to bear knowledge
Empty promises, fool lies
and see two leaves falling
See they kiss, then drift away
And it's true, I really wanted you
And it's true, I really wanted you
Just yesterday...
So let us strike out
Touch the new day
Let our bruises meet there
Like them, the rain has forsaken
We will need the greatest care
and see two leaves falling
See they kiss, then drift away
And it's true, I really wanted you
And it's true, I really wanted you
Just yesterday...
strike me down if you wish
For not wanting you for long
Seasons turn, so do I
Though empty promises fool my songs
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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.
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.
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/
American Town
Ed Sheeran
Ed Sheeran
Ed Sheeran shares a short story of reconnecting with an old flame on “American Town.” The track is about a holiday Ed Sheeran spends with his countrywoman who resides in America. The two are back together after a long period apart, and get around to enjoying a bunch of fun activities while rekindling the flames of their romance.