"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.
Someday I hope to rise above material chains which hold me down
To turn my anger into love and keep my feet planted on the ground.
To undo stigmas societies branded, misconceptions about being a man.
To be grateful, take nothing for granted, to live the truth as best I can.
I seek the truth whatever that may be,
I seek the answers to questions, please God help me.
To look at people and see no color, vision clear of prejudice or spite,
To treat people just like my brother, for this I pray with all my might.
To learn to let go of all my fears and learn to embrace all of my tears,
To search for faith and humility, to walk the path which sets me free.
Salvation, from society, damnation, have mercy on me.
So many lies I told, so many lives I've sold.
So far away from who I am I never understand.
So many things I regret, so many things that I let
Take me away from myself, too late to take it back.
So many dreams I had, so many lives I've lived
So many friends I said goodbye forever
So many times I wish, so many times I dream,
Do it again, I swear I'd never.
In my quest to uncover the truth the deepest wounds get left behind
As I seek serenity from the war, from the war inside my mind.
To turn my anger into love and keep my feet planted on the ground.
To undo stigmas societies branded, misconceptions about being a man.
To be grateful, take nothing for granted, to live the truth as best I can.
I seek the truth whatever that may be,
I seek the answers to questions, please God help me.
To look at people and see no color, vision clear of prejudice or spite,
To treat people just like my brother, for this I pray with all my might.
To learn to let go of all my fears and learn to embrace all of my tears,
To search for faith and humility, to walk the path which sets me free.
Salvation, from society, damnation, have mercy on me.
So many lies I told, so many lives I've sold.
So far away from who I am I never understand.
So many things I regret, so many things that I let
Take me away from myself, too late to take it back.
So many dreams I had, so many lives I've lived
So many friends I said goodbye forever
So many times I wish, so many times I dream,
Do it again, I swear I'd never.
In my quest to uncover the truth the deepest wounds get left behind
As I seek serenity from the war, from the war inside my mind.
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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.
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/
Punchline
Ed Sheeran
Ed Sheeran
Ed Sheeran sings about missing his former partner and learning important life lessons in the process on “Punchline.” This track tells a story of battling to get rid of emotions for a former lover, whom he now realized might not have loved him the same way. He’s now caught between accepting that fact and learning life lessons from it and going back to beg her for another chance.