"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.
Well I'll burn down this city
And I'll ride the latest train wreck
Well I'll wrestle with the undertakers
to ensure that they reach their families
To be alone in, to be at home in your loving arms, your loving arms
It's a sacred question but I know I'd give her anything
to be home in your arms, your loving arms
So I'm falling apart without you
Well I'd paint a symphony for you
watch notes fly like artificial clouds
When death came, I tried to comfort her
I said "We all owe a death to nature"
To be alone in, to be at home in your loving arms, your loving arms
It's a sacred question but I know I'd give her anything
to be home in your arms, your loving arms
So I'm falling apart without you
To be alone in, to be at home in your loving arms, your loving arms
It's a sacred question but I know I'd give her anything
to be home in your arms, your loving arms
And I'll ride the latest train wreck
Well I'll wrestle with the undertakers
to ensure that they reach their families
To be alone in, to be at home in your loving arms, your loving arms
It's a sacred question but I know I'd give her anything
to be home in your arms, your loving arms
So I'm falling apart without you
Well I'd paint a symphony for you
watch notes fly like artificial clouds
When death came, I tried to comfort her
I said "We all owe a death to nature"
To be alone in, to be at home in your loving arms, your loving arms
It's a sacred question but I know I'd give her anything
to be home in your arms, your loving arms
So I'm falling apart without you
To be alone in, to be at home in your loving arms, your loving arms
It's a sacred question but I know I'd give her anything
to be home in your arms, your loving arms
Lyrics submitted by theFentiger
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,
When We Were Young
Blink-182
Blink-182
This is a sequel to 2001's "Reckless Abandon", and features the band looking back on their clumsy youth fondly.
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.