The song lyrics were written by the band Van Halen, as they were asked to write a song for the 1979 movie "Over the Edge" starring Matt Dillon. The movie (and the lyrics, although more obliquely) are about bored, rebellious youth with nothing better to do than get into trouble. If you see the movie, these lyrics will make more sense. It's a great movie if you grew up in the 70s/80s you'll definitely remember some of these characters from your own life. Fun fact, after writing the song, Van Halen decided not to let the movie use it.
It seems you fit right in
you seamlessly adapt
with all the cool new friends
I'm not sure I have met
So I'll sit back and watch
the phone, await your call
you broke the noose but you
can never break my fall
It's too late I've tried all my best defense
you've made up your mind
and i can't win
just forget, I'll forget the year we spent
and I guess that we'll keep our distance
It's been raining back
at home all this year
well I prefer the western coast
the sky is clear
and someone's waiting for me there
I guess that's wrong
But it's been hard to trust ourselves
when we're apart
apart, apart
It's too late I've tried all my best defense
you've made up your mind
and i can't win
just forget, I'll forget the year we spent
and I guess that we'll keep our distance
was it my fault you got bored
sometimes I try to hard, I know
but my intentions were the best
just try and love, forget the rest
you seamlessly adapt
with all the cool new friends
I'm not sure I have met
So I'll sit back and watch
the phone, await your call
you broke the noose but you
can never break my fall
It's too late I've tried all my best defense
you've made up your mind
and i can't win
just forget, I'll forget the year we spent
and I guess that we'll keep our distance
It's been raining back
at home all this year
well I prefer the western coast
the sky is clear
and someone's waiting for me there
I guess that's wrong
But it's been hard to trust ourselves
when we're apart
apart, apart
It's too late I've tried all my best defense
you've made up your mind
and i can't win
just forget, I'll forget the year we spent
and I guess that we'll keep our distance
was it my fault you got bored
sometimes I try to hard, I know
but my intentions were the best
just try and love, forget the rest
Lyrics submitted by VvwhocaresvV
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"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.
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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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Great version of a great song,
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I'm pretty sure it's:
"You broke the NOOSE but you can never break my fall..."
I dunno it just makes more sense to me than "news."
Absolutely beautiful song, I can't wait to see him in San Antonio. :D
"News" makes sense too. She broke the news about them breaking up, but she can't change how he feels about her- how hard he "fell" in love with her.