"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.
My ancestors planted some sequoias by a road
I've driven down that road since I was born
Oh never have you ever seen so many perfect evergreens
But I would chop them all down just for you
I have walked a million miles in a hundred pairs of shoes
In search of some universal truth
Well a deity just came to me and handed me a scroll to read
And I will gladly pass it on to you
Anything for you
All of this is true
But the best story that I could ever tell
Is the one where I am growing old with you
I was having rotten luck and nothing went my way
'Til I stumbled on a clearing in the woods
I found a town of leprechauns and grabbed each one for wishing on
But I would let them all go just for you
I have crossed a natural plane and communed with the dead
But people always seem to want some proof
No one even would believe my luck of evil I got pictures of
But I would throw them all out just for you
Anything for you
All of this is true
But the best story that I could ever tell
Is the one where I am growing old with you
My scar is from a polar bear, my curse is from a witch
I've caught a giant squid in all the seven seas
I've picked up rocks from distant moons astronomers will discover soon
But I would give them all back just for you
I've gotten drunk and shot the breeze with kings of far off lands
They showed me wealth as far as I could see
But their kingdoms seemed all shriely and they cried with jealousy
When I leaned in and told them about you
I'd give up anything
Anything for you
I'd give it all
All of this is true
But the best story that I could ever tell
Is the one where I am growing old with you
All I've ever wanted see, was to tell you honestly
I'd do anything for you
I'd do absolutely anything for you
I've driven down that road since I was born
Oh never have you ever seen so many perfect evergreens
But I would chop them all down just for you
I have walked a million miles in a hundred pairs of shoes
In search of some universal truth
Well a deity just came to me and handed me a scroll to read
And I will gladly pass it on to you
Anything for you
All of this is true
But the best story that I could ever tell
Is the one where I am growing old with you
I was having rotten luck and nothing went my way
'Til I stumbled on a clearing in the woods
I found a town of leprechauns and grabbed each one for wishing on
But I would let them all go just for you
I have crossed a natural plane and communed with the dead
But people always seem to want some proof
No one even would believe my luck of evil I got pictures of
But I would throw them all out just for you
Anything for you
All of this is true
But the best story that I could ever tell
Is the one where I am growing old with you
My scar is from a polar bear, my curse is from a witch
I've caught a giant squid in all the seven seas
I've picked up rocks from distant moons astronomers will discover soon
But I would give them all back just for you
I've gotten drunk and shot the breeze with kings of far off lands
They showed me wealth as far as I could see
But their kingdoms seemed all shriely and they cried with jealousy
When I leaned in and told them about you
I'd give up anything
Anything for you
I'd give it all
All of this is true
But the best story that I could ever tell
Is the one where I am growing old with you
All I've ever wanted see, was to tell you honestly
I'd do anything for you
I'd do absolutely anything for you
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More Featured Meanings
Fast Car
Tracy Chapman
Tracy Chapman
Son Şansın - Şarkı Sözleri
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/
Punchline
Ed Sheeran
Ed Sheeran
Ed Sheeran sings about missing his former partner and learning important life lessons in the process on “Punchline.” This track tells a story of battling to get rid of emotions for a former lover, whom he now realized might not have loved him the same way. He’s now caught between accepting that fact and learning life lessons from it and going back to beg her for another chance.
Plastic Bag
Ed Sheeran
Ed Sheeran
“Plastic Bag” is a song about searching for an escape from personal problems and hoping to find it in the lively atmosphere of a Saturday night party. Ed Sheeran tells the story of his friend and the myriad of troubles he is going through. Unable to find any solutions, this friend seeks a last resort in a party and the vanity that comes with it.
“I overthink and have trouble sleepin’ / All purpose gone and don’t have a reason / And there’s no doctor to stop this bleedin’ / So I left home and jumped in the deep end,” Ed Sheeran sings in verse one. He continues by adding that this person is feeling the weight of having disappointed his father and doesn’t have any friends to rely on in this difficult moment. In the second verse, Ed sings about the role of grief in his friend’s plight and his dwindling faith in prayer. “Saturday night is givin’ me a reason to rely on the strobe lights / The lifeline of a promise in a shot glass, and I’ll take that / If you’re givin’ out love from a plastic bag,” Ed sings on the chorus, as his friend turns to new vices in hopes of feeling better.
Great song. For all the couples who will be together decades through thick and thin... this is theirs.