"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.
You can come around, and I will help find a way
If something's got you down, it's just one of those days
That you find you've been caught in the middle, feeling like there ain't no way out
And it hurts you more than just a little, got your head all full of doubt
I'll be your shelter from the rain, until it's time to swim
Be there to help you share the pain, while never giving in
We'll keep it unconditional
Come to me, if you need someone, and you're looking for some company
Come to me, and I'll be there
Ain't nothing like a friend, no matter what you do
Who's always there 'til the end, it's like ya' got nothing to lose
What about when you're lost in the shuffle, or locked out, when you're wanting in
Or, got fought getting caught in a struggle, knocked you down, I'll pick you up, again
If your days turn to lonely nights, and your nights into lonely days
I may not get it right, but I'll help you find a way
We'll take it all day by day
Come to me, if you need someone, and you're looking for some company
If you need someone, you know that you can come to me,
If you need someone, you know that you can come to me,
If somethin' busted your bubble, or maybe, your fortress has crumbled
There ain't nothing wrong with being humbled, 'cause a humbling is good for the soul
Oh, we all need, everybody needs, everybody needs someone to hold
You can come around, I will help find a way
If something's got you down, it's just one of those:
Days turned to lonely nights, nights into lonely days
I may not get it right, but I'll help you find a way
If something's got you down, it's just one of those days
That you find you've been caught in the middle, feeling like there ain't no way out
And it hurts you more than just a little, got your head all full of doubt
I'll be your shelter from the rain, until it's time to swim
Be there to help you share the pain, while never giving in
We'll keep it unconditional
Come to me, if you need someone, and you're looking for some company
Come to me, and I'll be there
Ain't nothing like a friend, no matter what you do
Who's always there 'til the end, it's like ya' got nothing to lose
What about when you're lost in the shuffle, or locked out, when you're wanting in
Or, got fought getting caught in a struggle, knocked you down, I'll pick you up, again
If your days turn to lonely nights, and your nights into lonely days
I may not get it right, but I'll help you find a way
We'll take it all day by day
Come to me, if you need someone, and you're looking for some company
If you need someone, you know that you can come to me,
If you need someone, you know that you can come to me,
If somethin' busted your bubble, or maybe, your fortress has crumbled
There ain't nothing wrong with being humbled, 'cause a humbling is good for the soul
Oh, we all need, everybody needs, everybody needs someone to hold
You can come around, I will help find a way
If something's got you down, it's just one of those:
Days turned to lonely nights, nights into lonely days
I may not get it right, but I'll help you find a way
Lyrics submitted by stevea2323
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
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.
Gentle Hour
Yo La Tengo
Yo La Tengo
This song was originally written by a guy called Peter Gutteridge. He was one of the founders of the "Dunedin Sound" a musical scene in the south of New Zealand in the early 80s. From there it was covered by "The Clean" one of the early bands of that scene (he had originally been a member of in it's early days, writing a couple of their best early songs). The Dunedin sound, and the Clean became popular on american college radio in the mid to late 80s. I guess Yo La Tengo heard that version.
Great version of a great song,
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.
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.
I'm surprised no one commented yet. I absolutely love this song.