"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.
Don't you cry now, sweetie,
Just you put that gun away
All I did was play the part
You wanted me to play.
You thought that you were handsome
And strong and good in bed;
I just agreed with you and you
Swallowed every word I said.
Oh honey, did you really think
You were special, dear? Unique?
And did you really think
I was so needy and so... weak
I robbed you blind, I left you cryin',
I played you for a fool,
But you're the one who let me.
Admit it, it was good for you too.
You'll have quite a story
'Bout the one that got away.
It's a cruel game, dear, but just the same
It's one that we all play.
I've watched you force your hand before:
You're no angel either, dear.
So put your hands where I can see them,
And let's get one thing clear:
You're pathetic!
Did you really have to spring for that new tattoo?
Did you really think that I would choose to stay with you?
I gave you what you wanted.
You returned the favor, too.
We've both made out quite nicely.
Admit it, it was good for you too
Admit it, admit it was good for you too
I won't apologize, my dear,
I won't apologize because
I know that it was good for you
Too.
Just you put that gun away
All I did was play the part
You wanted me to play.
You thought that you were handsome
And strong and good in bed;
I just agreed with you and you
Swallowed every word I said.
Oh honey, did you really think
You were special, dear? Unique?
And did you really think
I was so needy and so... weak
I robbed you blind, I left you cryin',
I played you for a fool,
But you're the one who let me.
Admit it, it was good for you too.
You'll have quite a story
'Bout the one that got away.
It's a cruel game, dear, but just the same
It's one that we all play.
I've watched you force your hand before:
You're no angel either, dear.
So put your hands where I can see them,
And let's get one thing clear:
You're pathetic!
Did you really have to spring for that new tattoo?
Did you really think that I would choose to stay with you?
I gave you what you wanted.
You returned the favor, too.
We've both made out quite nicely.
Admit it, it was good for you too
Admit it, admit it was good for you too
I won't apologize, my dear,
I won't apologize because
I know that it was good for you
Too.
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More Featured Meanings
Fast Car
Tracy Chapman
Tracy Chapman
Cajun Girl
Little Feat
Little Feat
Overall about difficult moments of disappointment and vulnerability. Having hope and longing, while remaining optimistic for the future. Encourages the belief that with each new morning there is a chance for things to improve.
The chorus offers a glimmer of optimism and a chance at a resolution and redemption in the future.
Captures the rollercoaster of emotions of feeling lost while loving someone who is not there for you, feeling let down and abandoned while waiting for a lover. Lost with no direction, "Now I'm up in the air with the rain in my hair, Nowhere to go, I can go anywhere"
The bridge shows signs of longing and a plea for companionship. The Lyrics express a desire for authentic connection and the importance of Loving someone just as they are. "Just in passing, I'm not asking. That you be anyone but you”
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/
Page
Ed Sheeran
Ed Sheeran
There aren’t many things that’ll hurt more than giving love a chance against your better judgement only to have your heart crushed yet again. Ed Sheeran tells such a story on “Page.” On this track, he is devastated to have lost his lover and even more saddened by the feeling that he may never move on from this.
This song, in my opinion, is about Saffron from Firefly.