"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't confess all these things
But I'm sorry for all I've said
For all of the wrong I've done
There surely must be another way
We've talked so long of you
I no longer know how I feel
But my listening was purely selfish
In only trying to make you want me
Here is the truth
The truth that I trusted
I trusted you
My strength to overrule
And even in writing these words
I feel that I'm trying to seem grown
In honesty my heart it hurts
And you, you are the cause of my pain
We've talked so long of you
But I can't blame you for this
You've always been king of your world
And all your life you've been just adored
You know that I know the truth
That your soul's as lost as mine
Together we held close our hearts
Together in such a small leaf of time
Here on my own
The stormclouds have gathered
In truth I say:
"Why is it so wrong?"
I can't confess all those things
It's so hard to say that I'm wrong
But I'm sorry for all I've said
There surely must be another path
But I'm sorry for all I've said
For all of the wrong I've done
There surely must be another way
We've talked so long of you
I no longer know how I feel
But my listening was purely selfish
In only trying to make you want me
Here is the truth
The truth that I trusted
I trusted you
My strength to overrule
And even in writing these words
I feel that I'm trying to seem grown
In honesty my heart it hurts
And you, you are the cause of my pain
We've talked so long of you
But I can't blame you for this
You've always been king of your world
And all your life you've been just adored
You know that I know the truth
That your soul's as lost as mine
Together we held close our hearts
Together in such a small leaf of time
Here on my own
The stormclouds have gathered
In truth I say:
"Why is it so wrong?"
I can't confess all those things
It's so hard to say that I'm wrong
But I'm sorry for all I've said
There surely must be another path
Lyrics submitted by Tootsiesclaw
Add your thoughts
Log in now to tell us what you think this song means.
Don’t have an account? Create an account with SongMeanings to post comments, submit lyrics, and more. It’s super easy, we promise!
More Featured Meanings
Fast Car
Tracy Chapman
Tracy Chapman
Bron-Y-Aur Stomp
Led Zeppelin
Led Zeppelin
This is about bronies. They communicate by stomping.
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.
American Town
Ed Sheeran
Ed Sheeran
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.