"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.
Why's she telling me the story of her life?
All the things you wanna kill will give you spite
And if you've taken all the prisoners inside
As they're doling out their wisdom in the fire
I will say
I will say, "Don't judge me"
I will say
I will say, "Don't judge me"
I wait
On a darkened highway
I wait
On a darkened highway
I can take as long as her without looking by
Why's she telling me the story of her life?
And if you've taken all the prisoners inside
As they throw in all their wisdom in the fire
I will say
I will say, "Don't judge me"
I will say
I will say, "Don't judge me"
I wait
On a darkened highway
I wait
On a darkened highway
I will say
I will say, "Don't judge me"
I will say
I will say, "Don't judge me"
I wait
On a darkened highway
I wait
On a darkened highway
All the things you wanna kill will give you spite
And if you've taken all the prisoners inside
As they're doling out their wisdom in the fire
I will say
I will say, "Don't judge me"
I will say
I will say, "Don't judge me"
I wait
On a darkened highway
I wait
On a darkened highway
I can take as long as her without looking by
Why's she telling me the story of her life?
And if you've taken all the prisoners inside
As they throw in all their wisdom in the fire
I will say
I will say, "Don't judge me"
I will say
I will say, "Don't judge me"
I wait
On a darkened highway
I wait
On a darkened highway
I will say
I will say, "Don't judge me"
I will say
I will say, "Don't judge me"
I wait
On a darkened highway
I wait
On a darkened highway
Lyrics submitted by SongMeanings, edited by alltaken, onegoodreasonxx, cabacci, IfYouSaySo
50/50 Lyrics as written by Julian Casablancas Fabrizio Moretti
Lyrics © BMG Rights Management
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More Featured Meanings
Fast Car
Tracy Chapman
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Holiday
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@[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.
When We Were Young
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This is a sequel to 2001's "Reckless Abandon", and features the band looking back on their clumsy youth fondly.
Just A Little Lovin'
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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
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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.
"I wait on a darkened highway" stirs a vision of a sillhouetted man on an empty highway, just begging for something to come along his way. That renegade artist who's taking on the world, waiting for someone to show up in his domain. Wanting to prove himself. Waiting to fight. Beautiful imagery there. Subtle mastery of the song-writing process expressed, almost in the background. Songs with such a basic chorus can easily lead one to believe there is not much there at all. But just occasionally, the song proves it is actually riveted with some delicious words. Does Julian dislike judgement even if it's positive? I hope not. I judged the fuck out of him.