"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.
Somewhere over the rainbow, way up high
There's a land that I heard of once in a lullaby
Somewhere over the rainbow, skies are blue
And the dreams that you dare to dream really do come true
Someday I'll wish upon a star
And wake up where the clouds are far behind me
Where troubles melt like lemon drops
Away above the chimney tops
That's where you'll find me
Somewhere over the rainbow, bluebirds fly
Birds fly over the rainbow
Why, then, oh, why can't I?
Somewhere over the rainbow, bluebirds fly
Birds fly over the rainbow
Why, then, oh, why can't I?
If happy little bluebirds fly
Beyond the rainbow
Why, oh, why can't I?
There's a land that I heard of once in a lullaby
Somewhere over the rainbow, skies are blue
And the dreams that you dare to dream really do come true
Someday I'll wish upon a star
And wake up where the clouds are far behind me
Where troubles melt like lemon drops
Away above the chimney tops
That's where you'll find me
Somewhere over the rainbow, bluebirds fly
Birds fly over the rainbow
Why, then, oh, why can't I?
Somewhere over the rainbow, bluebirds fly
Birds fly over the rainbow
Why, then, oh, why can't I?
If happy little bluebirds fly
Beyond the rainbow
Why, oh, why can't I?
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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.
this song makes me cry..because it is one of the songs that was played at my friend's funeral. he commited suicide and the lyrics make me think about him and how all his problems and pain are gone now..but i still cry everytime i hear it..i can't even listen to it anymore because i miss him so much and i really hope that he's happy now. anyways that is what this song means to me.
This is such a beautiful song.
This song will always be on top of my all-time favorite songs.
The best time of each day, is when we dream..isn't it...this song just give me hope, though, depresses me sometimes, coz I know some of my dreams will never gonna come true.
my grandmother passed away when i was 8 years old. the morning after her passing, we just happened to be singing this at school during chorus. i broke down...still do. it was the first song i had heard since her death. i think it was God's little way of telling me that she was safe and happy with Him. everytime i hear it i think of it as a little reminder of where she is and hopefully where i will be someday :)
You should hear this by Israel Kamakawiwo'ole. Great version. It's mixed with What a Wonderful World.
oh my god....this song it depresses the hell out of me.
try the punk version by fall silent...its much better
well i listen to the punk cover by me first and i really like that! but this song is definitely depressing! its like u live in this "far-from-perfect" world! and you keep hoping theres a "perfect" place out there! and you seem to think bluebirds are so happy bcuz they can go to this place bcuz they can fly over the rainbow and if only you could.. then you'd have everything you could ever want!!
i don't think this song is depressing at all.to me it is all about having a wish and dreaming about going some where where all of your dreams come true and your problems are gone.
Wow i'm doing a report on her in english class she was so beautiful.I love The Wizard of Oz. One of my favroite movies!