"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 telling me
That I don't look the same as I used to
Could it be
At times the only blame for our issues
I wanna know
Can't go no longer being neglected
Knowing that your heart has changed
Reminiscing on the times
Looking at the photos
Oh we were so happy then
Taking walks out in the park
Enjoying the sun
And I was you're only one
And we were like the closest friends
Back when
We used to talk about everything
Now it seems you're not listening
Winter nights are colder than usual
And Summer time is just not the same
What happened to the love back when
You promised me
We'd plant the seed to love and let it grow
Now it seems
That you don't even water it no more
'cause it seems
The leaves have hit the ground and faded
Now the trees don't look the same
Reminiscing on the times
Looking at the photos
Oh we were so happy then
Taking walks out in the park
Enjoying the sun
And I was you're only one
And we were like the closest friends
Back when
We used to talk about everything
Now it seems you're not listening
Winter nights are colder than usual
And Summer time is just not the same
What happened to the love back when
We used to talk about everything
Now it seems you're not listening
Winter nights are colder than usual
And Summer time is just not the same
What happened to the love back when
You told me that you love me
And now it seems to me we're two strangers
That's falling apart, and I know
Nothing in life is guaranteed
So if you wanna move along then move alone
Back when
We used to talk about everything
Now it seems you're not listening
Winter nights are colder than usual
And Summer time is just not the same
What happened to the love back when
We used to talk about everything
Now it seems you're not listening
Winter nights are colder than usual
And Summer time is just not the same
What happened to the love back when
That I don't look the same as I used to
Could it be
At times the only blame for our issues
I wanna know
Can't go no longer being neglected
Knowing that your heart has changed
Reminiscing on the times
Looking at the photos
Oh we were so happy then
Taking walks out in the park
Enjoying the sun
And I was you're only one
And we were like the closest friends
Back when
We used to talk about everything
Now it seems you're not listening
Winter nights are colder than usual
And Summer time is just not the same
What happened to the love back when
You promised me
We'd plant the seed to love and let it grow
Now it seems
That you don't even water it no more
'cause it seems
The leaves have hit the ground and faded
Now the trees don't look the same
Reminiscing on the times
Looking at the photos
Oh we were so happy then
Taking walks out in the park
Enjoying the sun
And I was you're only one
And we were like the closest friends
Back when
We used to talk about everything
Now it seems you're not listening
Winter nights are colder than usual
And Summer time is just not the same
What happened to the love back when
We used to talk about everything
Now it seems you're not listening
Winter nights are colder than usual
And Summer time is just not the same
What happened to the love back when
You told me that you love me
And now it seems to me we're two strangers
That's falling apart, and I know
Nothing in life is guaranteed
So if you wanna move along then move alone
Back when
We used to talk about everything
Now it seems you're not listening
Winter nights are colder than usual
And Summer time is just not the same
What happened to the love back when
We used to talk about everything
Now it seems you're not listening
Winter nights are colder than usual
And Summer time is just not the same
What happened to the love back when
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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.
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/
Head > Heels
Ed Sheeran
Ed Sheeran
“Head > Heels” is a track that aims to capture what it feels like to experience romance that exceeds expectations. Ed Sheeran dedicates his album outro to a lover who has blessed him with a unique experience that he seeks to describe through the song’s nuanced lyrics.
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.
Their relationship was in decline, and the girl is remembering all the good times, and is comparing them times, to now. "...is just not the same."