"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.
Hell, fear me.
I am the one that will bring you down.
And when you fall, feel me.
You’ll see my face on the battleground.
Let my name be feared at the gates of hell,
as I exalt the Savior,
the one that died to buy my victory,
and gave me a new name.
Let my name be feared at the gates of hell,
as I exalt the Savior.
In the name of the Holy One of God,
I will cast you down at the foot of the cross He hung from.
I will stand behind my Savior,
as He burns your kingdom down.
And I will see you on your knees before the King of Kings.
You will lose your throne to the chosen ones.
The chosen ones will rise.
Tear it to the ground!
This is the army we've been waiting for.
Tear it to the ground!
We will storm the gates of hell,
and we will tear it to the ground!
We stand behind the one that conquered death.
Tear it to the ground!
And we will stand when there is nothing left.
Tear it to the ground!
Justice!
God, bring justice!
Justice!
We will come against the bondage of hell.
Justice!
And we will take back what's taken from us.
Justice!
This is our right as heirs to dominion.
This war will end.
I am the one that will bring you down.
And when you fall, feel me.
You’ll see my face on the battleground.
Hell, fear me.
I am the one that will bring you down.
And when you fall, feel me.
You’ll see my face on the battleground.
I am the one that will bring you down.
And when you fall, feel me.
You’ll see my face on the battleground.
Let my name be feared at the gates of hell,
as I exalt the Savior,
the one that died to buy my victory,
and gave me a new name.
Let my name be feared at the gates of hell,
as I exalt the Savior.
In the name of the Holy One of God,
I will cast you down at the foot of the cross He hung from.
I will stand behind my Savior,
as He burns your kingdom down.
And I will see you on your knees before the King of Kings.
You will lose your throne to the chosen ones.
The chosen ones will rise.
Tear it to the ground!
This is the army we've been waiting for.
Tear it to the ground!
We will storm the gates of hell,
and we will tear it to the ground!
We stand behind the one that conquered death.
Tear it to the ground!
And we will stand when there is nothing left.
Tear it to the ground!
Justice!
God, bring justice!
Justice!
We will come against the bondage of hell.
Justice!
And we will take back what's taken from us.
Justice!
This is our right as heirs to dominion.
This war will end.
I am the one that will bring you down.
And when you fall, feel me.
You’ll see my face on the battleground.
Hell, fear me.
I am the one that will bring you down.
And when you fall, feel me.
You’ll see my face on the battleground.
Lyrics submitted by champagnexjamx
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
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/
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.
This song is about the victory we have in Christ. The battle for our salvation has already been won for us through Christ, thus making us the "chosen ones" Satan has already lost and will be subject to judgment before the Throne like everyone else. We fortunately have a savior to stand behind when that day comes :)
p.s. It is the "army we've been waiting for" not the moment