The song lyrics were written by the band Van Halen, as they were asked to write a song for the 1979 movie "Over the Edge" starring Matt Dillon. The movie (and the lyrics, although more obliquely) are about bored, rebellious youth with nothing better to do than get into trouble. If you see the movie, these lyrics will make more sense. It's a great movie if you grew up in the 70s/80s you'll definitely remember some of these characters from your own life. Fun fact, after writing the song, Van Halen decided not to let the movie use it.
Scene of a crime
Stuff of a nightmare
Tattooed and line
None unaware
But daddy don't know
Thinks she got sober
And left her alone
Now it's over
But her rise was captivating
And her eyes could hold you still
Every single word from her mouth sounds like pleading
Sounds like wanting out
Out for good
Wasted away
Driven to madness
Soft-porn decay
It's so good for business
Guess you learned well
From Mr. Hathaway
15 floors he fell
In who's game
Cuz the fall is captivating
How we claw to watch you writhe
Every single word from her mouth sounds like pleading
Seems like someone coulda lifted a hand
But the money's too good
What is it worth to be a hero?
Nothing on earth has changed
We'll always burn 'em alive
Throw 'em to the lions
Force them to hide from their demons
Cuz the fall is captivating
How we claw to watch you writhe
Every single word from her mouth sounds like pleading
Seems like someone coulda lifted a hand
But the money's too good
I hope her daddy never lives down the shame
I hope he feels it
Hope he's cryin' now
Tears that never dry.
Stuff of a nightmare
Tattooed and line
None unaware
But daddy don't know
Thinks she got sober
And left her alone
Now it's over
But her rise was captivating
And her eyes could hold you still
Every single word from her mouth sounds like pleading
Sounds like wanting out
Out for good
Wasted away
Driven to madness
Soft-porn decay
It's so good for business
Guess you learned well
From Mr. Hathaway
15 floors he fell
In who's game
Cuz the fall is captivating
How we claw to watch you writhe
Every single word from her mouth sounds like pleading
Seems like someone coulda lifted a hand
But the money's too good
What is it worth to be a hero?
Nothing on earth has changed
We'll always burn 'em alive
Throw 'em to the lions
Force them to hide from their demons
Cuz the fall is captivating
How we claw to watch you writhe
Every single word from her mouth sounds like pleading
Seems like someone coulda lifted a hand
But the money's too good
I hope her daddy never lives down the shame
I hope he feels it
Hope he's cryin' now
Tears that never dry.
Lyrics submitted by mfrazee
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"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.
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Hayalperest
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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.
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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,
Blue
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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.