"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.
Feet on the driveway, key in the door
I found my suitcases on the living room floor
With no explanation, and no reason why
And all I keep thinking is, it's some other guy
I jumped on my Vespa, ride through the gloom
I found myself back in my old bedroom
Well, I'm going out to get over you
Ain't no such thing as "it's too soon"
I'm OK
I'm gonna live the life I wanted every day
Find someone to help me, chase the clouds away
If you wanna know it's written on my face
When you see me smiling
I'm OK
Maybe you'll miss me or maybe you won't
Still miss my kisses or maybe you don't
But the truth of it is
I don't care anymore
Posted back all my feelings
With my keys through the door
Cause I can't wait for that knock on the door
When you tell me that you want it like we had it before
Cause I got to say, that love ain't here anymore
But don't you worry your head cause
I'm OK
I'm gonna live the life I wanted every day
Find someone to help me chase the clouds away
If you wanna know it's written on my face
When you see me smiling
I'm OK
Cause I know you're gonna turn up here one day
And some pretty girl is sitting in your place
Well I hope that you cope with that bitter taste
When you see me smiling
I'm OK
Broken pieces held together
I'm not whole still, but whatever
I'm OK
I'm gonna live the life I wanted every day
Find someone to help me chase the clouds away
If you wanna know it's written on my face
Cause when you see me smiling
I'm OK
Cause I know you're gonna turn up here one day
And some pretty girl is sitting in your place
Well I hope that you cope with that bitter taste
When you see me smiling
I'm OK
Oh, I'm OK
I'm OK
You know why, it's written on my face
I'm OK
I found my suitcases on the living room floor
With no explanation, and no reason why
And all I keep thinking is, it's some other guy
I jumped on my Vespa, ride through the gloom
I found myself back in my old bedroom
Well, I'm going out to get over you
Ain't no such thing as "it's too soon"
I'm OK
I'm gonna live the life I wanted every day
Find someone to help me, chase the clouds away
If you wanna know it's written on my face
When you see me smiling
I'm OK
Maybe you'll miss me or maybe you won't
Still miss my kisses or maybe you don't
But the truth of it is
I don't care anymore
Posted back all my feelings
With my keys through the door
Cause I can't wait for that knock on the door
When you tell me that you want it like we had it before
Cause I got to say, that love ain't here anymore
But don't you worry your head cause
I'm OK
I'm gonna live the life I wanted every day
Find someone to help me chase the clouds away
If you wanna know it's written on my face
When you see me smiling
I'm OK
Cause I know you're gonna turn up here one day
And some pretty girl is sitting in your place
Well I hope that you cope with that bitter taste
When you see me smiling
I'm OK
Broken pieces held together
I'm not whole still, but whatever
I'm OK
I'm gonna live the life I wanted every day
Find someone to help me chase the clouds away
If you wanna know it's written on my face
Cause when you see me smiling
I'm OK
Cause I know you're gonna turn up here one day
And some pretty girl is sitting in your place
Well I hope that you cope with that bitter taste
When you see me smiling
I'm OK
Oh, I'm OK
I'm OK
You know why, it's written on my face
I'm OK
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More Featured Meanings
Fast Car
Tracy Chapman
Tracy Chapman
Cajun Girl
Little Feat
Little Feat
Overall about difficult moments of disappointment and vulnerability. Having hope and longing, while remaining optimistic for the future. Encourages the belief that with each new morning there is a chance for things to improve.
The chorus offers a glimmer of optimism and a chance at a resolution and redemption in the future.
Captures the rollercoaster of emotions of feeling lost while loving someone who is not there for you, feeling let down and abandoned while waiting for a lover. Lost with no direction, "Now I'm up in the air with the rain in my hair, Nowhere to go, I can go anywhere"
The bridge shows signs of longing and a plea for companionship. The Lyrics express a desire for authentic connection and the importance of Loving someone just as they are. "Just in passing, I'm not asking. That you be anyone but you”
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/
Magical
Ed Sheeran
Ed Sheeran
How would you describe the feeling of being in love? For Ed Sheeran, the word is “Magical.” in HIS three-minute album opener, he makes an attempt to capture the beauty and delicacy of true love with words. He describes the magic of it all over a bright Pop song produced 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.