"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.
People say she's only in my head
It's gonna take time but I'll forget
They say I need to get on with my life
But they don't realize
Is when your dialing six numbers just to hang up the phone
Driving cross town just to see if she's home
Waking a friend in the dead of night just to hear 'em say it's gonna be alright
When your finding things to do not to fall asleep
'Cause you know she'll be there in your dreams
That's when she's
More than a memory
Took a match to everything she ever wrote
Watched her words go up in smoke
Tore all the pictures off the wall
But that ain't helping me at all
'Cause when your talking out loud and nobody's there
You look like hell and you just don't care
Drinking more than you've ever drank
Sinking down lower than you've ever sank
When you find yourself falling down upon your knees
Praying to God begging him please
That's when she's
More than a memory
She's more
She's more
'Cause when your dialing her number just to hang up the phone
Driving cross town just to see if she's home
Waking a friend in the dead of night just to hear 'em say it's gonna be alright
When our finding things to do not to fall asleep
'Cause you know she'll be waiting in your dreams
That's when she's
More than a memory
People say she's only in my head
It's gonna take time but I'll forget
It's gonna take time but I'll forget
They say I need to get on with my life
But they don't realize
Is when your dialing six numbers just to hang up the phone
Driving cross town just to see if she's home
Waking a friend in the dead of night just to hear 'em say it's gonna be alright
When your finding things to do not to fall asleep
'Cause you know she'll be there in your dreams
That's when she's
More than a memory
Took a match to everything she ever wrote
Watched her words go up in smoke
Tore all the pictures off the wall
But that ain't helping me at all
'Cause when your talking out loud and nobody's there
You look like hell and you just don't care
Drinking more than you've ever drank
Sinking down lower than you've ever sank
When you find yourself falling down upon your knees
Praying to God begging him please
That's when she's
More than a memory
She's more
She's more
'Cause when your dialing her number just to hang up the phone
Driving cross town just to see if she's home
Waking a friend in the dead of night just to hear 'em say it's gonna be alright
When our finding things to do not to fall asleep
'Cause you know she'll be waiting in your dreams
That's when she's
More than a memory
People say she's only in my head
It's gonna take time but I'll forget
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More Featured Meanings
Fast Car
Tracy Chapman
Tracy Chapman
Dreamwalker
Silent Planet
Silent Planet
I think much like another song “Anti-Matter” (that's also on the same album as this song), this one is also is inspired by a horrifying van crash the band experienced on Nov 3, 2022. This, much like the other track, sounds like it's an extension what they shared while huddled in the wreckage, as they helped frontman Garrett Russell stem the bleeding from his head wound while he was under the temporary effects of a concussion. The track speaks of where the mind goes at the most desperate & desolate of times, when it just about slips away to all but disconnect itself, and the aftermath.
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/
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.
Love this song. If you've ever been in the situation this song is so true. Sometimes no matter how hard you try you can't get some people out of your head or your heart. Sad but true.