"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.
At sunset that night
All I did was cry
Felt like the first time
But it was old
Six months stuck in this hole
Made a promise I’d
Never keep her inside
But I never tried
Now every night
I lie here and cry
I know you’re leaving again
But I can’t stop this teenage heart from breaking
I think I’m dying within
But I can’t stop my useless demise
I’ve got a spade
Dig up a grave
Bury me inside
I’ve got no scripture done
So please don’t deliver one
Keep all your feelings inside
And black your heart tonight
Six feet under I’ll be just fine
I know you’re leaving again
But I can’t stop this teenage heart from breaking
I think I’m dying within
But I can’t stop my useless demise
All these tears I’ve cried
But nothing seems to be alright
And all the cuts I made
Were on your side
I know you’re leaving again
But I can’t stop this teenage heart from breaking
I think I’m dying within
But I can’t stop my useless demise
All I did was cry
Felt like the first time
But it was old
Six months stuck in this hole
Made a promise I’d
Never keep her inside
But I never tried
Now every night
I lie here and cry
I know you’re leaving again
But I can’t stop this teenage heart from breaking
I think I’m dying within
But I can’t stop my useless demise
I’ve got a spade
Dig up a grave
Bury me inside
I’ve got no scripture done
So please don’t deliver one
Keep all your feelings inside
And black your heart tonight
Six feet under I’ll be just fine
I know you’re leaving again
But I can’t stop this teenage heart from breaking
I think I’m dying within
But I can’t stop my useless demise
All these tears I’ve cried
But nothing seems to be alright
And all the cuts I made
Were on your side
I know you’re leaving again
But I can’t stop this teenage heart from breaking
I think I’m dying within
But I can’t stop my useless demise
Lyrics submitted by Themandrew
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
When We Were Young
Blink-182
Blink-182
This is a sequel to 2001's "Reckless Abandon", and features the band looking back on their clumsy youth fondly.
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/
Magical
Ed Sheeran
Ed Sheeran
How would you describe the feeling of being in love? For Ed Sheeran, the word is “Magical.” in HIS three-minute album opener, he makes an attempt to capture the beauty and delicacy of true love with words. He describes the magic of it all over a bright Pop song produced by Aaron Dessner.
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.