"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.
where were you a week ago
when we gathered in the courtyard?
where were you when we sang
and our song shook the ground?
where were you a week ago
when the churchbells started swinging?
where were you when they rang and angels came down?
you waste like grandfather clock
and that's when we start counting sandbags, thats when we start counting sandbags
where were you a week ago
when the green lime started growing?
where were you when it burst
and sprayed green the crowd?
where were you a week ago
when the red sun wasn't sinking?
where were you when it cracked
and sprayed fire about?
you waste time like a grandfather clock
you waste time like a grandfather clock
and that's when we start counting sandbags,
thats when we start counting sandbags
you waste time like a grandfather clock
you waste time like a grandfather clock
and thats when we start counting sandbags,
thats when we start counting sandbags
and if God did part the clouds
do you think He'd be proud?
you waste time like a grandfather clock
you waste time like a grandfather clock
and thats when we start counting sandbags,
thats when we start counting sandbags
you waste time like a grandfather clock
you waste time like a grandfather clock
and thats when we start counting sandbags,
thats when we start counting sandbags
when we gathered in the courtyard?
where were you when we sang
and our song shook the ground?
where were you a week ago
when the churchbells started swinging?
where were you when they rang and angels came down?
you waste like grandfather clock
and that's when we start counting sandbags, thats when we start counting sandbags
where were you a week ago
when the green lime started growing?
where were you when it burst
and sprayed green the crowd?
where were you a week ago
when the red sun wasn't sinking?
where were you when it cracked
and sprayed fire about?
you waste time like a grandfather clock
you waste time like a grandfather clock
and that's when we start counting sandbags,
thats when we start counting sandbags
you waste time like a grandfather clock
you waste time like a grandfather clock
and thats when we start counting sandbags,
thats when we start counting sandbags
and if God did part the clouds
do you think He'd be proud?
you waste time like a grandfather clock
you waste time like a grandfather clock
and thats when we start counting sandbags,
thats when we start counting sandbags
you waste time like a grandfather clock
you waste time like a grandfather clock
and thats when we start counting sandbags,
thats when we start counting sandbags
Lyrics submitted by jsparisinflames
Add your thoughts
Log in now to tell us what you think this song means.
Don’t have an account? Create an account with SongMeanings to post comments, submit lyrics, and more. It’s super easy, we promise!
More Featured Meanings
Fast Car
Tracy Chapman
Tracy Chapman
Bron-Y-Aur Stomp
Led Zeppelin
Led Zeppelin
This is about bronies. They communicate by stomping.
Son Şansın - Şarkı Sözleri
Hayalperest
Hayalperest
This song seemingly tackles the methods of deception those who manipulate others use to get victims to follow their demands, as well as diverting attention away from important issues. They'll also use it as a means to convince people to hate or kill others by pretending acts of terrorism were committed by the enemy when the acts themselves were done by the masters of control to promote discrimination and hate. It also reinforces the idea that these manipulative forces operate in various locations, infiltrating everyday life without detection, and propagate any and everywhere.
In general, it highlights the danger of hidden agendas, manipulation, and distraction, serving as a critique of those who exploit chaos and confusion to control and gain power, depicting a cautionary tale against falling into their traps. It encourages us to question the narratives presented to us and remain vigilant against manipulation in various parts of society.
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.
Amazing
Ed Sheeran
Ed Sheeran
Ed Sheeran tells a story of unsuccessfully trying to feel “Amazing.” This track is about the being weighed down by emotional stress despite valiant attempts to find some positivity in the situation. This track was written by Ed Sheeran from the perspective of his friend. From the track, we see this person fall deeper into the negative thoughts and slide further down the path of mental torment with every lyric.
After looking at this song a bit I think it is about blaming God for tragedy. The bridge is basically saying that if God did change his plan and keep the tragedy from happening would it really be a good thing? God had a plan that leads to the common good in the end.