"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.
When I was a movie star
An asteroid had hit the earth
And prematurely ended my career
I thought out loud, but no one heard me saying:
"Nothing isn't nothing
Nothing's something that's important to me
That's right
And everyone's a little nothing
That is how it should be,"
That's right. that's right
Sha sha
Sha doo
When I was an astronaut
I bought a fancy charm
I thought you'd like it, but you called it cheap
And at my feet it fell, like:
"So sue me, it's up to me
If I decide to be what I think is right
And don't bother me when I'm watching
Planet of the Apes on TV,"
That's right, that's how it should be
Sha sha
Sha doo
"So sue me, it's up to me
If I decide to be what I think is right
The sound, it found the ground and it hid it for free,"
That's right, that's how it should be
Sha sha
Sha doo
An asteroid had hit the earth
And prematurely ended my career
I thought out loud, but no one heard me saying:
"Nothing isn't nothing
Nothing's something that's important to me
That's right
And everyone's a little nothing
That is how it should be,"
That's right. that's right
Sha sha
Sha doo
When I was an astronaut
I bought a fancy charm
I thought you'd like it, but you called it cheap
And at my feet it fell, like:
"So sue me, it's up to me
If I decide to be what I think is right
And don't bother me when I'm watching
Planet of the Apes on TV,"
That's right, that's how it should be
Sha sha
Sha doo
"So sue me, it's up to me
If I decide to be what I think is right
The sound, it found the ground and it hid it for free,"
That's right, that's how it should be
Sha sha
Sha doo
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
Son Şansın - Şarkı Sözleri
Hayalperest
Hayalperest
This song seemingly tackles the methods of deception those who manipulate others use to get victims to follow their demands, as well as diverting attention away from important issues. They'll also use it as a means to convince people to hate or kill others by pretending acts of terrorism were committed by the enemy when the acts themselves were done by the masters of control to promote discrimination and hate. It also reinforces the idea that these manipulative forces operate in various locations, infiltrating everyday life without detection, and propagate any and everywhere.
In general, it highlights the danger of hidden agendas, manipulation, and distraction, serving as a critique of those who exploit chaos and confusion to control and gain power, depicting a cautionary tale against falling into their traps. It encourages us to question the narratives presented to us and remain vigilant against manipulation in various parts of society.
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.
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.
I don't know what you are talking about him being emo. According to his website: "my friend anabelle hall says it's “A cross breed of sing-along/power-pop, and anti-folk sprinkled with toy keyboards, Texas and love.” i usually just say “its really melodic and fun to sing with.” but, like this week ive been playing a lot of acoustic guitar so i say “its sort of acousticy and melodic.” but that's really the hardest question cause my music and tastes are always changing. i like every instrument and sound"
Plus it doesn't sound emo at all. I don't mean to take such offense to this but he is one of my favorite musicians and I abhor the emo craze that is going on.
But this song is fun and you can't be pissed off listening to it. I can't wait to see him live again, he is tons of fun to see, you should all check it out, he is coming to detroit for only 8 bucks!!!!!