"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 looked so happy
When I saw you with her
And I'm so glad
I knew you before you met her
So I know
How guys are before they get her.
I've got it down
You showed me again
Just so you know.
Don't push me around
I know you resent that I'm alone
Pity and mercy
Do nothing for me
You know me better than anyone.
Go get your girl
She's looking at you like you're crazy.
We can pretend you never even knew me.
It would work out
Don't let go of that one
And I'll find mine.
Run into you
Everytime I walk out my door.
Oh, it's precious
You've never held my hand like that before.
No need to stop and wave,
You stay calm and I'll be brave.
Don't ever look down on me
Don't ever feel bad for me.
I've got it down
You showed me again
Just so you know.
Don't push me around
I know you resent that I'm alone
Pity and mercy
Do nothing for me
You know me better than anyone.
Go get your girl
She's looking at you like you're crazy.
We can pretend you never even knew me.
It would work out
Don't let go of that one
And I'll find mine.
Oh, find mine.
Find mine.
Look at me look at me,
I've got time to find.
Mine. [4x]
I've got it down
You showed me again
Just so you know.
Don't push me around
I know you resent that I'm alone
Pity and mercy
Do nothing for me
You know me better than anyone.
Go get your girl
She's looking at you like you're crazy.
We can pretend you never even knew me.
It would work out
Don't let go of that one
And I'll find mine.
I'll find mine
I'll find mine
When I saw you with her
And I'm so glad
I knew you before you met her
So I know
How guys are before they get her.
I've got it down
You showed me again
Just so you know.
Don't push me around
I know you resent that I'm alone
Pity and mercy
Do nothing for me
You know me better than anyone.
Go get your girl
She's looking at you like you're crazy.
We can pretend you never even knew me.
It would work out
Don't let go of that one
And I'll find mine.
Run into you
Everytime I walk out my door.
Oh, it's precious
You've never held my hand like that before.
No need to stop and wave,
You stay calm and I'll be brave.
Don't ever look down on me
Don't ever feel bad for me.
I've got it down
You showed me again
Just so you know.
Don't push me around
I know you resent that I'm alone
Pity and mercy
Do nothing for me
You know me better than anyone.
Go get your girl
She's looking at you like you're crazy.
We can pretend you never even knew me.
It would work out
Don't let go of that one
And I'll find mine.
Oh, find mine.
Find mine.
Look at me look at me,
I've got time to find.
Mine. [4x]
I've got it down
You showed me again
Just so you know.
Don't push me around
I know you resent that I'm alone
Pity and mercy
Do nothing for me
You know me better than anyone.
Go get your girl
She's looking at you like you're crazy.
We can pretend you never even knew me.
It would work out
Don't let go of that one
And I'll find mine.
I'll find mine
I'll find mine
Lyrics submitted by koozle
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,
When We Were Young
Blink-182
Blink-182
This is a sequel to 2001's "Reckless Abandon", and features the band looking back on their clumsy youth fondly.
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/
First off, this song is incredible!
Well... I think that the person never had a relationship with the guy that she's adressing it to. They are on good terms, and they feel no bitterness to each other. For her to have such feelings for him and not hate him means that they never got it together in the first place. When it says "You never held my hand like that before" It probably means that he only held her hand like she was a friend, and only felt that for her. It's unrequited love, not a love that failed.