"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.
Who'll ride this dying carousel?
Four rusting horses strangled by their own rope
What children love a singing wheel
Now that their tight hearts it broke
That their tight hearts it broke
Everyone will come, everyone will come to my funeral
To make sure that I stay dead
Everyone will come, everyone will come to my funeral
To make sure that I stay dead
I can see the coffin shining through my tinted window
Must've missed the sign that said it was a fire sale
I can see the coffin shining through my tinted window
Must've missed the sign that said it was a fire sale
Everyone will come, everyone will come to my funeral
To make sure that I stay dead
Everyone will come, everyone will come to my funeral
To make sure that I stay dead
You can't take this from me
(forbidden in Heaven and useless in Hell)
You can't take this from me
(forbidden in Heaven and useless in Hell)
Useless in Hell
I can see the coffin shining through my tinted window
Must've missed the sign that said it was a fire sale
I can see the coffin shining through my tinted window
Must've missed the sign that said it was a fire sale
Everyone will come, everyone will come to my funeral
To make sure that I stay dead
Everyone will come, everyone will come to my funeral
To make sure that I stay dead
You can't take this from me
(forbidden in Heaven and useless in Hell)
You can't take this from me
(forbidden in Heaven and useless in Hell)
You can't take this from me
(forbidden in Heaven and useless in Hell)
You can't take this from me
(forbidden in Heaven and useless in Hell)
Useless in Hell
Who'll ride this dying carousel?
Four rusted horses strangled by their own rope
What children love a singing wheel
Now that their tight hearts it broke
That their tight hearts it broke
Four rusting horses strangled by their own rope
What children love a singing wheel
Now that their tight hearts it broke
That their tight hearts it broke
Everyone will come, everyone will come to my funeral
To make sure that I stay dead
Everyone will come, everyone will come to my funeral
To make sure that I stay dead
I can see the coffin shining through my tinted window
Must've missed the sign that said it was a fire sale
I can see the coffin shining through my tinted window
Must've missed the sign that said it was a fire sale
Everyone will come, everyone will come to my funeral
To make sure that I stay dead
Everyone will come, everyone will come to my funeral
To make sure that I stay dead
You can't take this from me
(forbidden in Heaven and useless in Hell)
You can't take this from me
(forbidden in Heaven and useless in Hell)
Useless in Hell
I can see the coffin shining through my tinted window
Must've missed the sign that said it was a fire sale
I can see the coffin shining through my tinted window
Must've missed the sign that said it was a fire sale
Everyone will come, everyone will come to my funeral
To make sure that I stay dead
Everyone will come, everyone will come to my funeral
To make sure that I stay dead
You can't take this from me
(forbidden in Heaven and useless in Hell)
You can't take this from me
(forbidden in Heaven and useless in Hell)
You can't take this from me
(forbidden in Heaven and useless in Hell)
You can't take this from me
(forbidden in Heaven and useless in Hell)
Useless in Hell
Who'll ride this dying carousel?
Four rusted horses strangled by their own rope
What children love a singing wheel
Now that their tight hearts it broke
That their tight hearts it broke
Lyrics submitted by Eternalpayn
Four Rusted Horses Lyrics as written by Chris Vrenna Whitey Kirst
Lyrics © BMG Rights Management, CONCORD MUSIC PUBLISHING LLC
Lyrics powered by LyricFind
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Fast Car
Tracy Chapman
Tracy Chapman
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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.
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/
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.
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 read an interview where he said this song was about his band, which could make sense seeing as there are 4 'core' members now