"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 can't tell, I think I might be going crazy
Just wanna leave it all behind
I've been on the brink for many years, I'm thinking
Feels like I'm running out of time
I'm getting sick and tired
Giving everything I've got
I get nothing in return
I can't breathe
[Chorus]
This never ending madness
Raining down on me
Like a ton of bricks
Face in the dirt
Childish delusions, they say it's just a fantasy
You're no good, no chance, you'll never learn
Just give it up and come back to reality
Your dreams are none of my concern
I'm getting sick and tired
Giving everything I've got
I get nothing in return
I can't breathe
[Chorus]
What do you think you're doing with your life?
You should be ashamed of yourself
I don't know why you just don't give up
You got these ideas, these dreams
Aha, what? You're nothing but a loser
No wonder you get no respect
You're not smart enough
You don't speak the right language
Your skin is not the right color
You're too tall, you weigh too much
You're too short, you're too fat
Why don't you give up your stupid ideas
And do something right for once
Lined up one by one
They try to bring you down
Don't ever listen what they say
Determination, the battle will be won
And all the pain will go away
I'm getting sick and tired
Giving everything I've got
I get nothing in return
I can't breathe
[Chorus]
Yeah,
I'm getting sick and tired
Giving everything I've got
I get nothing in return
I can't breathe
[Chorus]
Just wanna leave it all behind
I've been on the brink for many years, I'm thinking
Feels like I'm running out of time
I'm getting sick and tired
Giving everything I've got
I get nothing in return
I can't breathe
[Chorus]
This never ending madness
Raining down on me
Like a ton of bricks
Face in the dirt
Childish delusions, they say it's just a fantasy
You're no good, no chance, you'll never learn
Just give it up and come back to reality
Your dreams are none of my concern
I'm getting sick and tired
Giving everything I've got
I get nothing in return
I can't breathe
[Chorus]
What do you think you're doing with your life?
You should be ashamed of yourself
I don't know why you just don't give up
You got these ideas, these dreams
Aha, what? You're nothing but a loser
No wonder you get no respect
You're not smart enough
You don't speak the right language
Your skin is not the right color
You're too tall, you weigh too much
You're too short, you're too fat
Why don't you give up your stupid ideas
And do something right for once
Lined up one by one
They try to bring you down
Don't ever listen what they say
Determination, the battle will be won
And all the pain will go away
I'm getting sick and tired
Giving everything I've got
I get nothing in return
I can't breathe
[Chorus]
Yeah,
I'm getting sick and tired
Giving everything I've got
I get nothing in return
I can't breathe
[Chorus]
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More Featured Meanings
Fast Car
Tracy Chapman
Tracy Chapman
Cajun Girl
Little Feat
Little Feat
Overall about difficult moments of disappointment and vulnerability. Having hope and longing, while remaining optimistic for the future. Encourages the belief that with each new morning there is a chance for things to improve.
The chorus offers a glimmer of optimism and a chance at a resolution and redemption in the future.
Captures the rollercoaster of emotions of feeling lost while loving someone who is not there for you, feeling let down and abandoned while waiting for a lover. Lost with no direction, "Now I'm up in the air with the rain in my hair, Nowhere to go, I can go anywhere"
The bridge shows signs of longing and a plea for companionship. The Lyrics express a desire for authentic connection and the importance of Loving someone just as they are. "Just in passing, I'm not asking. That you be anyone but you”
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/
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 think that this song is about bullying and prejudice... at the beginning and the chorus it seems to speak about how the victim feels and then progresses to the words of the bully or intolerant person and at the end it seems to be a message from dave or jeff telling the victim to stand strong and that one day this will be over and they will be fine
@-the-decieved- You're right pal
This song is about the feelings of frustration, disillusionment, and the struggle for self-acceptance in the face of external pressure and criticism. It speaks to the challenges of staying true to oneself in the face of criticism, societal expectations, and the pressure to conform.