"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.
Before the laws and the social orders
Before the calls of the lieutenant's order
Before the rise of pop culture
Before the guards at the borders
Before the expectations
Led to life's frustrations
Before the path to salvation was clouded
By the deep depths of temptation
Back then
It was alright to pretend
But all we really have is within
And we disguised expected
Back then
Love had a place to stay
It wasn’t getting turned away
It took my whole life just to realize
This has to make a way to back then
Back then
Back then
Back then
Well holy sons, holy daughters, holy sisters, holy brothers
Holy skies, holy waters
For those who came before us
But on the way to work come before us
Before the expectations
Led to life's frustrations
Before the path to salvation was clouded
By the deep depths of temptation
Back then
It was alright to pretend
But all we really have is within
And we disguised expected
Back then
Love had a place to stay
It wasn’t getting turned away
It took my whole life just to realize
This has to make a way to back then
Back then
Back then
Back then
Back then
Back then
Before the calls of the lieutenant's order
Before the rise of pop culture
Before the guards at the borders
Before the expectations
Led to life's frustrations
Before the path to salvation was clouded
By the deep depths of temptation
Back then
It was alright to pretend
But all we really have is within
And we disguised expected
Back then
Love had a place to stay
It wasn’t getting turned away
It took my whole life just to realize
This has to make a way to back then
Back then
Back then
Back then
Well holy sons, holy daughters, holy sisters, holy brothers
Holy skies, holy waters
For those who came before us
But on the way to work come before us
Before the expectations
Led to life's frustrations
Before the path to salvation was clouded
By the deep depths of temptation
Back then
It was alright to pretend
But all we really have is within
And we disguised expected
Back then
Love had a place to stay
It wasn’t getting turned away
It took my whole life just to realize
This has to make a way to back then
Back then
Back then
Back then
Back then
Back then
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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.
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/
Blue
Ed Sheeran
Ed Sheeran
“Blue” is a song about a love that is persisting in the discomfort of the person experiencing the emotion. Ed Sheeran reflects on love lost, and although he wishes his former partner find happiness, he cannot but admit his feelings are still very much there. He expresses the realization that he might never find another on this stringed instrumental by Aaron Dessner.