"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.
If I take your time
Would you think that I'm
A little anxious for a friend
If I ask your name
Try to play that game
Would you be willing to pretend
'Cause in reality
This informality
Is really not my style
But I'll
Force my fears aside
Though they're justified
'Cause I'm too tired to be this strong
So if you say its alright
I'll share your candlelight
Even if it seems all wrong
But in reality
This technicality
Is really not important anyway
You could say
I never wanted you before
And honey you'd be well within your rights
To tell me where to put my care
But I'm not searching for a cure
So if you turn your back
I'll find somebody else
To whisper my despair to
But somehow I can't bear to
Leave this crowded room
So if I assume
That you'll be careful I'll be kind
And tie my hands behind my back
And hope you'll give me what I lack
'Cause I don't want to change my mind
But in reality
My personality
Just won't suit yours at all
So if you should ever call
I'll let the phone ring like I always do
And you'll be better off
If I brush you off
And you can say you always knew
But in reality
In actuality
This really is the best thing I can do
So it will never be
But in reality
I loved...
Would you think that I'm
A little anxious for a friend
If I ask your name
Try to play that game
Would you be willing to pretend
'Cause in reality
This informality
Is really not my style
But I'll
Force my fears aside
Though they're justified
'Cause I'm too tired to be this strong
So if you say its alright
I'll share your candlelight
Even if it seems all wrong
But in reality
This technicality
Is really not important anyway
You could say
I never wanted you before
And honey you'd be well within your rights
To tell me where to put my care
But I'm not searching for a cure
So if you turn your back
I'll find somebody else
To whisper my despair to
But somehow I can't bear to
Leave this crowded room
So if I assume
That you'll be careful I'll be kind
And tie my hands behind my back
And hope you'll give me what I lack
'Cause I don't want to change my mind
But in reality
My personality
Just won't suit yours at all
So if you should ever call
I'll let the phone ring like I always do
And you'll be better off
If I brush you off
And you can say you always knew
But in reality
In actuality
This really is the best thing I can do
So it will never be
But in reality
I loved...
Lyrics submitted by XShatteredRosesX
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Fast Car
Tracy Chapman
Tracy Chapman
Dreamwalker
Silent Planet
Silent Planet
I think much like another song “Anti-Matter” (that's also on the same album as this song), this one is also is inspired by a horrifying van crash the band experienced on Nov 3, 2022. This, much like the other track, sounds like it's an extension what they shared while huddled in the wreckage, as they helped frontman Garrett Russell stem the bleeding from his head wound while he was under the temporary effects of a concussion. The track speaks of where the mind goes at the most desperate & desolate of times, when it just about slips away to all but disconnect itself, and the aftermath.
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/
Head > Heels
Ed Sheeran
Ed Sheeran
“Head > Heels” is a track that aims to capture what it feels like to experience romance that exceeds expectations. Ed Sheeran dedicates his album outro to a lover who has blessed him with a unique experience that he seeks to describe through the song’s nuanced lyrics.
excuses excuses