"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.
She used to stand with a knife in her hand
At the foot of his bed
She wanted him dead
For what he stole from her when she was only 10
Now it's 4 years later and it happens much too often
Her bed he visits when he's drunk
And it feels more like a coffin
And if she gouged out of his fuckin' eyes
Would it help him see all the pain
The shame
And the fuckin' misery
She hates this fuckin' world
She's daddy's little girl
Now she's a wreck
We can't connect
I don't know what she's feelin'
She concealed their little secret
But it's more than her body he's stealing
I wanted to die the day she cried in my arms
When she broke down now she flinches when I touch
Her and she don't want me around
At the foot of his bed
She wanted him dead
For what he stole from her when she was only 10
Now it's 4 years later and it happens much too often
Her bed he visits when he's drunk
And it feels more like a coffin
And if she gouged out of his fuckin' eyes
Would it help him see all the pain
The shame
And the fuckin' misery
She hates this fuckin' world
She's daddy's little girl
Now she's a wreck
We can't connect
I don't know what she's feelin'
She concealed their little secret
But it's more than her body he's stealing
I wanted to die the day she cried in my arms
When she broke down now she flinches when I touch
Her and she don't want me around
Lyrics submitted by mudfly
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.
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.
I showed my friend this song and she started crying. her dad has been raping her since she was 7. She just recently moved to the US to get away from him, she now lives with relatives.
This song is making me cry rite now.... it is such a sad song... why does there have to be so much evil and pain in the world...
oh my jesus. this song describes the most horrible thing ever.
i can relate to this little girl, and it's great how someone can finally write a song about something so horrible.
This song is sad and what the song means is horrible i sometimes wish i was a kid again and not a teen so i wouldnt know what was going on! GOD there's so much bad stuff going on...
My daddy puts logs in my bed when I sleep. Real pine tree logs. I never knew why, but he still places a tree log in my bed and when I wake I have to climb over the massive shitload of logs to get breakfast. My dad makes syrup for breakfast.
NOFXJuggaloGirgo says - "why does there have to be so much evil and pain in the world... "
a 'juggalo' is an Insane Clown Posse Fan or something like that. ICP promotes violence and hatred and gets paid to do it.
BrianLovesJennie... WTF?
AAA misfits Bae, this is a sad song. But the content is nothing special... there are a lot of songs about this and related topics.
i want to hear this song. anyone know where i can. hit me up on myspace. myspace.com/littlemizlovely. only if you know where i can hear it.