"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.
Look homeward angel spread your wings
And drift in your dreams
Though we're miles apart I swear I feel
Your heartbeat and hear you breathe
Could it be our souls are connected
Through the vision we've always shared?
Just cast your eyes to the midnight skies
And I will be there
Faster than a prayer to a child in need
On the wings of an angel cross the stormy sea
I'll answer your every call with urgency
This I swear, I'll be there
Faster than a prayer
Faster than a prayer
I can't deny the fear inside
When it comes time to leave
Home is where my heart is beating
I'm wearing it on my sleeve
And though we'll always have our memories
Of those carefree days to share
Close your eyes tonight my love
And I will be there
Faster than a prayer to a child in need
On the wings of an angel cross the stormy sea
I'll answer your every call with urgency
This I swear, I'll be there
In your darkest hour when seconds matter
I'll lift you up when your world's in tatters
And your fragile dream of love is shattered
I'll turn your heart around
Faster than a prayer to a child in need
On the wings of an angel cross the stormy sea
I'll answer your every call with urgency
This I swear, I'll be there
Faster than a prayer love will find a way
From the heart of your darkness to the light of day
Someone is listening every time you pray
This I swear, he'll be there
Faster than a prayer
Faster than a prayer
And drift in your dreams
Though we're miles apart I swear I feel
Your heartbeat and hear you breathe
Could it be our souls are connected
Through the vision we've always shared?
Just cast your eyes to the midnight skies
And I will be there
Faster than a prayer to a child in need
On the wings of an angel cross the stormy sea
I'll answer your every call with urgency
This I swear, I'll be there
Faster than a prayer
Faster than a prayer
I can't deny the fear inside
When it comes time to leave
Home is where my heart is beating
I'm wearing it on my sleeve
And though we'll always have our memories
Of those carefree days to share
Close your eyes tonight my love
And I will be there
Faster than a prayer to a child in need
On the wings of an angel cross the stormy sea
I'll answer your every call with urgency
This I swear, I'll be there
In your darkest hour when seconds matter
I'll lift you up when your world's in tatters
And your fragile dream of love is shattered
I'll turn your heart around
Faster than a prayer to a child in need
On the wings of an angel cross the stormy sea
I'll answer your every call with urgency
This I swear, I'll be there
Faster than a prayer love will find a way
From the heart of your darkness to the light of day
Someone is listening every time you pray
This I swear, he'll be there
Faster than a prayer
Faster than a prayer
Lyrics submitted by Octavarium64
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
Holiday
Bee Gees
Bee Gees
@[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.
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.
When We Were Young
Blink-182
Blink-182
This is a sequel to 2001's "Reckless Abandon", and features the band looking back on their clumsy youth fondly.
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.