"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.
Though I speak in tongues of angels
And in many tongues of men
Though prophecy may sing through me
Without love I'm nothing
Though I understand all mysteries
And can see the story's end
Though my faith can move mountains
Without love I'm nothing
Love is the law, the law is love
Love is the law, the law is love
You may give away your riches
Do good deeds in the sight of men
You may be strong against temptation
But without love you're nothing
Without love you're jus useless
Without love you're living in hell
Without love you're so hollow
An empty horn, a clanging bell
Love is the law, the law is love
Love is the law, the law is love
Love can suffer hardship
Love is touch and kind
Love is never envious
Or puffed up with pride
Love is always truthful
Love is never stale
Love is always hopeful
And never dreams that it can fail
Love is the law, the law is love
Love is the law, the law is love
And in many tongues of men
Though prophecy may sing through me
Without love I'm nothing
Though I understand all mysteries
And can see the story's end
Though my faith can move mountains
Without love I'm nothing
Love is the law, the law is love
Love is the law, the law is love
You may give away your riches
Do good deeds in the sight of men
You may be strong against temptation
But without love you're nothing
Without love you're jus useless
Without love you're living in hell
Without love you're so hollow
An empty horn, a clanging bell
Love is the law, the law is love
Love is the law, the law is love
Love can suffer hardship
Love is touch and kind
Love is never envious
Or puffed up with pride
Love is always truthful
Love is never stale
Love is always hopeful
And never dreams that it can fail
Love is the law, the law is love
Love is the law, the law is love
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More Featured Meanings
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.
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.
This song is heavily based on 1st Corinthians, Chapter 13, particularly verses 1 to 5.