"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.
I can reason it away,
But I'll only miss the heart of it.
Oh, the pain-
It's all the same-
So far.
I can never live without you, now.
You were the only one-
Who could ever make the pieces fit the same.
I could never live without you, now.
You were the only one-
Who could fix it when it hurts-
Fix it when it hurts.
All the secrets you betrayed-
You were holding on despite of it.
Oh, the shame-
Foretold the weight-
Of our fall.
I can never live without you, now.
You were the only one-
Who could ever make the pieces fit the same.
I could never live without you, now.
You were the only one-
Who could fix it when it hurts-
Fix it when it hurts.
Show me all the feelings that call your breakdown;
Tell me all the reasons you cry.
Show me all the demons that tore us open-
Tore it, you tore it all.
And you tore it, your tore it all.
And you tore it, your tore it-
I could never live without you, now.
You were the only one-
I can never live without you, now.
You were the only one-
Who could ever make the pieces fit the same.
I could never live without you, now.
You were the only one-
Who could fix it when it hurts-
Fix it when it hurts-
Fix it when it hurts.
But I'll only miss the heart of it.
Oh, the pain-
It's all the same-
So far.
I can never live without you, now.
You were the only one-
Who could ever make the pieces fit the same.
I could never live without you, now.
You were the only one-
Who could fix it when it hurts-
Fix it when it hurts.
All the secrets you betrayed-
You were holding on despite of it.
Oh, the shame-
Foretold the weight-
Of our fall.
I can never live without you, now.
You were the only one-
Who could ever make the pieces fit the same.
I could never live without you, now.
You were the only one-
Who could fix it when it hurts-
Fix it when it hurts.
Show me all the feelings that call your breakdown;
Tell me all the reasons you cry.
Show me all the demons that tore us open-
Tore it, you tore it all.
And you tore it, your tore it all.
And you tore it, your tore it-
I could never live without you, now.
You were the only one-
I can never live without you, now.
You were the only one-
Who could ever make the pieces fit the same.
I could never live without you, now.
You were the only one-
Who could fix it when it hurts-
Fix it when it hurts-
Fix it when it hurts.
Lyrics submitted by darrenhayesfan18
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Fast Car
Tracy Chapman
Tracy Chapman
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.
Amazing
Ed Sheeran
Ed Sheeran
Ed Sheeran tells a story of unsuccessfully trying to feel “Amazing.” This track is about the being weighed down by emotional stress despite valiant attempts to find some positivity in the situation. This track was written by Ed Sheeran from the perspective of his friend. From the track, we see this person fall deeper into the negative thoughts and slide further down the path of mental torment with every lyric.