"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 feel so lonesome
You'll hear me when I moan
And I feel so lonesome
You'll hear me when I moan
Who been drivin' my Terraplane
For you since I been gone?
I'd said, I'll flash your lights, mama
And the horn won't even blow
I even flash my lights, mama
And this horn won't even blow
I got a short in this connection
Way way down below
The coils ain't even buzzin'
The generator won't get that far
All in a bad condition
I gotta have the batteries charged
I'm cryin', please, please don't do me wrong
Who been drivin' my Terraplane?
Mr. Highway man
Please don't block the road
Mr. Highway man
Please, don't block the road
She ran a cold one hundred
Booked and I got to go
I'll get deep down in this connection
Keep on tanglin' with your wires
And when I mash down on your starter
Your spark plug will give me fire
I'm cryin' please, please don't do me wrong
Who been drivin' my Terraplane, I said who, yeah?
Keep on tanglin' with your wires
Whoo
You'll hear me when I moan
And I feel so lonesome
You'll hear me when I moan
Who been drivin' my Terraplane
For you since I been gone?
I'd said, I'll flash your lights, mama
And the horn won't even blow
I even flash my lights, mama
And this horn won't even blow
I got a short in this connection
Way way down below
The coils ain't even buzzin'
The generator won't get that far
All in a bad condition
I gotta have the batteries charged
I'm cryin', please, please don't do me wrong
Who been drivin' my Terraplane?
Mr. Highway man
Please don't block the road
Mr. Highway man
Please, don't block the road
She ran a cold one hundred
Booked and I got to go
I'll get deep down in this connection
Keep on tanglin' with your wires
And when I mash down on your starter
Your spark plug will give me fire
I'm cryin' please, please don't do me wrong
Who been drivin' my Terraplane, I said who, yeah?
Keep on tanglin' with your wires
Whoo
Lyrics submitted by SongMeanings
Terraplane Blues Lyrics as written by Robert Leroy Johnson
Lyrics © CONCORD MUSIC PUBLISHING LLC
Lyrics powered by LyricFind
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More Featured Meanings
Fast Car
Tracy Chapman
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Holiday
Bee Gees
Bee Gees
@[Diderik:33655] "Your a holiday!" Was a popular term used in the 50s/60s to compliment someone on their all around. For example, not only are they beautiful, but they are fun and kind too ... just an all around "holiday".
I think your first comment is closer to being accurate. The singer/song writers state "Millions of eyes can see, yet why am i so blind!? When the someone else is me, its unkind its unkind". I believe hes referring to the girl toying with him and using him. He wants something deeper with her, thats why he allows himself to be as a puppet (even though for her fun and games) as long as it makes her happy. But he knows deep down that she doesnt really want to be serious with him and thats what makes him.
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/
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.