"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.
I have been down in valley of tears
I have stood on the highest peak
For the best part of a week
Battered and bruised I had pulled myself through
Every scene I would never repeat
I have hung out with the beasts of the field
And with them I've spent many a long nights
Got in some awful bad fights
I came unstuck, I was down on my luck
And I'm still gettin' over the bites
Sounds of my own heart breaking
Not to mention my mind
?Nothing can hurt me? a small voice said
Into a mike, take a hike
No one will lead me astray anymore
You are welcome to try if you like
Welcome to try if you like
I had been down in the valley so long
I had almost run out of respect
Got in right up to my neck
Battered but wise to the truth and the lies
That no layman would ever accept
Reachin' for all of the good things in life
Can provide some surprises I guess
It be may the way we are dressed
These threads that you see mean so little to me
They don't count when they put us to rest
Late about dusk I would start to feel
One more day had been lost
Nothin' I'd say ever seemed to convey
How I felt with that I have dealt
All of my children are healthy and sane
They may say anything that they like
Say anything that they like
Sitting alone in the Blue Ridge Saloon
Is no place for an angel to be
Ladies make faces at me
Battered but clean I had pulled my machine
Off the road, I was too tired to see
Wearing a smile like the rim of a cup
I will get down to my final point
There is no one left to anoint
And the sowing of seed was it good, yes indeed
It thrills me but only to a point
Use your imagination
Try every trick in the book
My mother said with the life that I led
I'd be broke, holy smoke
All of my children are healthy and sane
They may say anything that they like
Say anything that they like
If they want to preach and are not within reach
They may say anything that they like
Say anything that they like
I have stood on the highest peak
For the best part of a week
Battered and bruised I had pulled myself through
Every scene I would never repeat
I have hung out with the beasts of the field
And with them I've spent many a long nights
Got in some awful bad fights
I came unstuck, I was down on my luck
And I'm still gettin' over the bites
Sounds of my own heart breaking
Not to mention my mind
?Nothing can hurt me? a small voice said
Into a mike, take a hike
No one will lead me astray anymore
You are welcome to try if you like
Welcome to try if you like
I had been down in the valley so long
I had almost run out of respect
Got in right up to my neck
Battered but wise to the truth and the lies
That no layman would ever accept
Reachin' for all of the good things in life
Can provide some surprises I guess
It be may the way we are dressed
These threads that you see mean so little to me
They don't count when they put us to rest
Late about dusk I would start to feel
One more day had been lost
Nothin' I'd say ever seemed to convey
How I felt with that I have dealt
All of my children are healthy and sane
They may say anything that they like
Say anything that they like
Sitting alone in the Blue Ridge Saloon
Is no place for an angel to be
Ladies make faces at me
Battered but clean I had pulled my machine
Off the road, I was too tired to see
Wearing a smile like the rim of a cup
I will get down to my final point
There is no one left to anoint
And the sowing of seed was it good, yes indeed
It thrills me but only to a point
Use your imagination
Try every trick in the book
My mother said with the life that I led
I'd be broke, holy smoke
All of my children are healthy and sane
They may say anything that they like
Say anything that they like
If they want to preach and are not within reach
They may say anything that they like
Say anything that they like
Lyrics submitted by ButNeverOutgunned
Welcome to Try Lyrics as written by Gordon Lightfoot
Lyrics © Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Lyrics powered by LyricFind
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More Featured Meanings
Fast Car
Tracy Chapman
Tracy Chapman
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.
Holiday
Bee Gees
Bee Gees
@[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.
Amazing
Ed Sheeran
Ed Sheeran
Ed Sheeran tells a story of unsuccessfully trying to feel “Amazing.” This track is about the being weighed down by emotional stress despite valiant attempts to find some positivity in the situation. This track was written by Ed Sheeran from the perspective of his friend. From the track, we see this person fall deeper into the negative thoughts and slide further down the path of mental torment with every lyric.
Page
Ed Sheeran
Ed Sheeran
There aren’t many things that’ll hurt more than giving love a chance against your better judgement only to have your heart crushed yet again. Ed Sheeran tells such a story on “Page.” On this track, he is devastated to have lost his lover and even more saddened by the feeling that he may never move on from this.