"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.
He drives a truck and he makes time on his side
But water splashes from his flaps for miles
And 3 am only at five in the dark as he moves away, hey hey
Not much to do when you've got time on your side
You sit and think about your wasted life
I tried to move, change things through and through
Why does your face grow so long my dear?
And why did your hair grow so long this year?
And why'd your face grow so long my dear?
And why'd your hair grow so far, so long this year?
Oh and so long, so long this year
She's a dancer, when she dances she is free
And three in the morning and the clouds rise in the east
To Frank Sinatra which her parents put on repeat, on repeat
But water splashes from his flaps for miles
And 3 am only at five in the dark as he moves away, hey hey
Not much to do when you've got time on your side
You sit and think about your wasted life
I tried to move, change things through and through
Why does your face grow so long my dear?
And why did your hair grow so long this year?
And why'd your face grow so long my dear?
And why'd your hair grow so far, so long this year?
Oh and so long, so long this year
She's a dancer, when she dances she is free
And three in the morning and the clouds rise in the east
To Frank Sinatra which her parents put on repeat, on repeat
Lyrics submitted by insomniac328, edited by smallwonderrobot
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More Featured Meanings
Fast Car
Tracy Chapman
Tracy Chapman
Holiday
Bee Gees
Bee Gees
@[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.
I Can't Go To Sleep
Wu-Tang Clan
Wu-Tang Clan
This song is written as the perspective of the boys in the street, as a whole, and what path they are going to choose as they get older and grow into men. (This is why the music video takes place in an orphanage.) The seen, and unseen collective suffering is imbedded in the boys’ mind, consciously or subconsciously, and is haunting them. Which path will the boys choose? Issac Hayes is the voice of reason, maybe God, the angel on his shoulder, or the voice of his forefathers from beyond the grave who can see the big picture and are pleading with the boys not to continue the violence and pattern of killing their brothers, but to rise above. The most beautiful song and has so many levels. Racism towards African Americans in America would not exist if everyone sat down and listened to this song and understood the history behind the words. The power, fear, pleading in RZA and Ghostface voices are genuine and powerful. Issac Hayes’ strong voice makes the perfect strong father figure, who is possibly from beyond the grave.
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.
i see someone who is searching for satisfaction in all aspects of her life but can only find it in fleeting moments. When she dances, that is one of those times. but her face grows long with waiting and exhaustion from her search, time passes as evidenced by her hair growing so long. the "he" mentioned in the first verse represents just another person searching for that underlying meaning and satisfaction- he's driving miles and making time. still vague to me.
I think the first and last verse are about different people, both searching for meaning like insomniac328 said. the second is just generally about trying to find meaning and trying to change things for the better but not being able to, the third talking about a friend of hers who is going through hard time who she wants to help but feels like she can't. just my theory (: