"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.
Rain, running down my face
You've been there for days now
And I can feel the weight
But just as things should get back to normal,
They're not quite for me!
Rain, wash away my fear
And pour me a fortune
So I could just stay here
Just as you are coming back to get me,
Well I scream, "I know!"
Know that things will never be that simple
Not for me, they just stay the same
Do you know I've never been so
Wrong to think you'd just come running
Running back to me, running back to me
Running back to me, running back to me
All along.
Rain, I'm filled with lust and pain
So take me back to three years
When we all looked the same
Oh, rain! Wash away my fears!
I'll pour you an ocean
Through my guts and tears!
Just as things should get back to normal,
They're not quite for me!
Knowing things could never be that simple,
Not for me, they just stay the same
Do you know I've never been so
Wrong to think you'd just come running
Running back to me, running back to me
Running back to me, running back to me
All along
We won't come back from this
We won't come back from this
So wash my hands of this
Wash my hands of...
Do you know I've never been so
Wrong to think you'd just come running
Running back to me, running back to me
Running back to me, running back to me
All along
Do you know I've never been so
Do you know I've never been so wrong, wrong...
You've been there for days now
And I can feel the weight
But just as things should get back to normal,
They're not quite for me!
Rain, wash away my fear
And pour me a fortune
So I could just stay here
Just as you are coming back to get me,
Well I scream, "I know!"
Know that things will never be that simple
Not for me, they just stay the same
Do you know I've never been so
Wrong to think you'd just come running
Running back to me, running back to me
Running back to me, running back to me
All along.
Rain, I'm filled with lust and pain
So take me back to three years
When we all looked the same
Oh, rain! Wash away my fears!
I'll pour you an ocean
Through my guts and tears!
Just as things should get back to normal,
They're not quite for me!
Knowing things could never be that simple,
Not for me, they just stay the same
Do you know I've never been so
Wrong to think you'd just come running
Running back to me, running back to me
Running back to me, running back to me
All along
We won't come back from this
We won't come back from this
So wash my hands of this
Wash my hands of...
Do you know I've never been so
Wrong to think you'd just come running
Running back to me, running back to me
Running back to me, running back to me
All along
Do you know I've never been so
Do you know I've never been so wrong, wrong...
Lyrics submitted by ellie117
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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.
Mountain Song
Jane's Addiction
Jane's Addiction
Jane's Addiction vocalist Perry Farrell gives Adam Reader some heartfelt insight into Jane’s Addiction's hard rock manifesto "Mountain Song", which was the second single from their revolutionary album Nothing's Shocking. Mountain song was first recorded in 1986 and appeared on the soundtrack to the film Dudes starring Jon Cryer. The version on Nothing's Shocking was re-recorded in 1988.
"'Mountain Song' was actually about... I hate to say it but... drugs. Climbing this mountain and getting as high as you can, and then coming down that mountain," reveals Farrell. "What it feels to descend from the mountain top... not easy at all. The ascension is tough but exhilarating. Getting down is... it's a real bummer. Drugs is not for everybody obviously. For me, I wanted to experience the heights, and the lows come along with it."
"There's a part - 'Cash in now honey, cash in Miss Smith.' Miss Smith is my Mother; our last name was Smith. Cashing in when she cashed in her life. So... she decided that, to her... at that time, she was desperate. Life wasn't worth it for her, that was her opinion. Some people think, never take your life, and some people find that their life isn't worth living. She was in love with my Dad, and my Dad was not faithful to her, and it broke her heart. She was very desperate and she did something that I know she regrets."
Gentle Hour
Yo La Tengo
Yo La Tengo
This song was originally written by a guy called Peter Gutteridge. He was one of the founders of the "Dunedin Sound" a musical scene in the south of New Zealand in the early 80s. From there it was covered by "The Clean" one of the early bands of that scene (he had originally been a member of in it's early days, writing a couple of their best early songs). The Dunedin sound, and the Clean became popular on american college radio in the mid to late 80s. I guess Yo La Tengo heard that version.
Great version of a great song,
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/
This is one of my top favorites on the ep. I love how he goes from mellow to yelling and then back again.
Well, it seems as if "rain" means "tears" and it's a breakup song and maybe they want to get back together but it doesn't feel like it did before. Could be way off, though.
sounds as if the speaker's having issues -- perhaps all made up inside his head -- in a relationship. he feels burdened, it seems. he knows this. he can feel it. his girl is probably getting sick of his indecision. hence the "I've never been so wrong to think you'd just come running back to me." perhaps she came back many times before. but, enough's enough. he just can't get his head to be with his heart, which is wanting to be with the girl.
maybe? :)