"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.
Outside these city walls I sing
while the sparrow sleeps.
These hands couldn't raise any higher.
This heart couldn't find a deeper hole.
With your blood on my hands,
I speak more about you than with you.
The work of my hands is not yet my prayer.
If a song is just a song, will my voice be heard.
You who are so close
if you would ask, then ask
how high could one man's praises raise?
My lips are longing for the kiss of your praises.
Outside these city walls
I sing while the sparrow sleeps.
These hands couldn't raise any higher.
This heart couldn't find a deeper hole
while the sparrow sleeps.
These hands couldn't raise any higher.
This heart couldn't find a deeper hole.
With your blood on my hands,
I speak more about you than with you.
The work of my hands is not yet my prayer.
If a song is just a song, will my voice be heard.
You who are so close
if you would ask, then ask
how high could one man's praises raise?
My lips are longing for the kiss of your praises.
Outside these city walls
I sing while the sparrow sleeps.
These hands couldn't raise any higher.
This heart couldn't find a deeper hole
Lyrics submitted by Silhouette Saloon
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Fast Car
Tracy Chapman
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@[Diderik:33655] "Your a holiday!" Was a popular term used in the 50s/60s to compliment someone on their all around. For example, not only are they beautiful, but they are fun and kind too ... just an all around "holiday".
I think your first comment is closer to being accurate. The singer/song writers state "Millions of eyes can see, yet why am i so blind!? When the someone else is me, its unkind its unkind". I believe hes referring to the girl toying with him and using him. He wants something deeper with her, thats why he allows himself to be as a puppet (even though for her fun and games) as long as it makes her happy. But he knows deep down that she doesnt really want to be serious with him and thats what makes him.
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AWWWWWWWW, this song is the $#!T!