"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.
Drawing a collective breath
I could cry myself to death
And wash this all away
In a flash you were gone
Leaving me a couple of songs
That I listen to everyday
And I don't even care
That you were so unfair
I worshiped one time at your feet
Save up our tears
Catalog all our fears
Give into the stretching years
Your words hit me just last night
When I saw it with the after sight
What was on your mind
Too late to ever change
Things go a little bit strange
You were too far behind
And the reasons I have to live
Are the reasons that you would give
To throw it all away
Save and freeze up our tears
Catalog all our fears
Give into the stretching years
But that's OK
And I can't understand
Why you folded with a winning hand
And decided to throw the bet
I just can't believe you'd leave
With an ace sticking up your sleeve
You could have paid off your debts
And I don't even care
That you were so unfair
I worshiped one time at your feet
Never heard what was said
All nerve ends are dead
Tinitus ringing in my head
Save and freeze up our tears
Catalog all our fears
Give into the stretching years
Drown in my tears
Succumb to my fears
Give into the stretching years
But that's O.K.
I'm not O.K.
But that's O.K.
I could cry myself to death
And wash this all away
In a flash you were gone
Leaving me a couple of songs
That I listen to everyday
And I don't even care
That you were so unfair
I worshiped one time at your feet
Save up our tears
Catalog all our fears
Give into the stretching years
Your words hit me just last night
When I saw it with the after sight
What was on your mind
Too late to ever change
Things go a little bit strange
You were too far behind
And the reasons I have to live
Are the reasons that you would give
To throw it all away
Save and freeze up our tears
Catalog all our fears
Give into the stretching years
But that's OK
And I can't understand
Why you folded with a winning hand
And decided to throw the bet
I just can't believe you'd leave
With an ace sticking up your sleeve
You could have paid off your debts
And I don't even care
That you were so unfair
I worshiped one time at your feet
Never heard what was said
All nerve ends are dead
Tinitus ringing in my head
Save and freeze up our tears
Catalog all our fears
Give into the stretching years
Drown in my tears
Succumb to my fears
Give into the stretching years
But that's O.K.
I'm not O.K.
But that's O.K.
Lyrics submitted by ShiverForMe
O.K. Lyrics as written by Joseph Daniles David Scott Lucas
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group, Sentric Music
Lyrics powered by LyricFind
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More Featured Meanings
Fast Car
Tracy Chapman
Tracy Chapman
Gentle Hour
Yo La Tengo
Yo La Tengo
This song was originally written by a guy called Peter Gutteridge. He was one of the founders of the "Dunedin Sound" a musical scene in the south of New Zealand in the early 80s. From there it was covered by "The Clean" one of the early bands of that scene (he had originally been a member of in it's early days, writing a couple of their best early songs). The Dunedin sound, and the Clean became popular on american college radio in the mid to late 80s. I guess Yo La Tengo heard that version.
Great version of a great song,
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.
ArtieSeven I would think is correct because I can relate this song to relationship problems that many people face.