"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.
There are only so many ways to earn your own surprise
I know we're giving up too soon
There are only so many ways to float upon the sea
It makes no difference to me
It must be pretty nice my fellow man
We'll miss you much
I think we overestimate our places underground
Ooo, done
Ooo, dust
Ooo, done
Jason:
There are only so many ways to earn your own surprise
It's written down and cannot be changed
If that's what you believe
Kori:
I know we're giving up too soon
I'm never coming here again
It makes no difference to me
Jason:
There are only so many ways to float upon the sea
Or collapse on Union Street
I know that you'll be there
Kori:
I know there's beauty in the fool
So I'll keep reminding you'll agree
It must be pretty nice within your clan
I'll miss you much
I think we overestimate our places underground
Nothing and everything
Oh, oh what have you given me?
Nothing and everything
Ooo, done
Ooo, dust
Ooo, done
There are only so many ways to pardon our divide
Let's sew the canyon to the sky
It must be pretty nice my fellow band
I'll miss you much
I think we overestimate our places underground
Oh, oh what have you given me?
Nothing and everything
Done
I know we're giving up too soon
There are only so many ways to float upon the sea
It makes no difference to me
It must be pretty nice my fellow man
We'll miss you much
I think we overestimate our places underground
Ooo, done
Ooo, dust
Ooo, done
Jason:
There are only so many ways to earn your own surprise
It's written down and cannot be changed
If that's what you believe
Kori:
I know we're giving up too soon
I'm never coming here again
It makes no difference to me
Jason:
There are only so many ways to float upon the sea
Or collapse on Union Street
I know that you'll be there
Kori:
I know there's beauty in the fool
So I'll keep reminding you'll agree
It must be pretty nice within your clan
I'll miss you much
I think we overestimate our places underground
Nothing and everything
Oh, oh what have you given me?
Nothing and everything
Ooo, done
Ooo, dust
Ooo, done
There are only so many ways to pardon our divide
Let's sew the canyon to the sky
It must be pretty nice my fellow band
I'll miss you much
I think we overestimate our places underground
Oh, oh what have you given me?
Nothing and everything
Done
Add your thoughts
Log in now to tell us what you think this song means.
Don’t have an account? Create an account with SongMeanings to post comments, submit lyrics, and more. It’s super easy, we promise!
More Featured Meanings
Fast Car
Tracy Chapman
Tracy Chapman
I Can't Go To Sleep
Wu-Tang Clan
Wu-Tang Clan
This song is written as the perspective of the boys in the street, as a whole, and what path they are going to choose as they get older and grow into men. (This is why the music video takes place in an orphanage.) The seen, and unseen collective suffering is imbedded in the boys’ mind, consciously or subconsciously, and is haunting them. Which path will the boys choose? Issac Hayes is the voice of reason, maybe God, the angel on his shoulder, or the voice of his forefathers from beyond the grave who can see the big picture and are pleading with the boys not to continue the violence and pattern of killing their brothers, but to rise above. The most beautiful song and has so many levels. Racism towards African Americans in America would not exist if everyone sat down and listened to this song and understood the history behind the words. The power, fear, pleading in RZA and Ghostface voices are genuine and powerful. Issac Hayes’ strong voice makes the perfect strong father figure, who is possibly from beyond the grave.
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/
Head > Heels
Ed Sheeran
Ed Sheeran
“Head > Heels” is a track that aims to capture what it feels like to experience romance that exceeds expectations. Ed Sheeran dedicates his album outro to a lover who has blessed him with a unique experience that he seeks to describe through the song’s nuanced lyrics.
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.
omg i love this song. no clue what it means. well to "overestimate our places underground" may mean we give too much thought to death?