"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.
There is no need to throw your arms around
And there is no need to ask unless there is some doubt
If you are comfortable with two feet on the ground
You don't need wings now
Have you set down your course or are you out of control, my dear?
Are you accidentally part of some involuntary movement here?
We thought we knew it so well we could do it with our arms tied behind our backs
And our eyes shut tight
I thought I knew it so well I could stop
So I stopped and we can't start again
Stand under the hole in your roof
Let the rain come in and fall down on your head
It's a simple joy you can bring upon yourself
It's a simple something new, something else
Trees stand in a perfect line
Trees stand at attention
Not much time has passed
But already she likes concrete better than grass
And I don't think we'll last
So I stare up at the sky and it hurts my eyes
Maybe I'll go blind
Maybe all I'll see is, all I'll see is sunshine
Sunshine
Just trying to sound
I'm not trying to sound
I don't wanna sound like this
You're the last day of april every year
You're grey, feeling for something anything, you can't have
Oversize, owning the road
Pulled by a current, tossed over in the wind
You focus your sights and try
To stare up at the sky
And it hurts your eyes
Maybe you'll go blind
Or maybe all you'll see is, all you'll see is sunshine
Sunshine
Walk in a straight line
You waste energy in the daytime
You know exactly what you're doing, doing
Sometimes
And there is no need to ask unless there is some doubt
If you are comfortable with two feet on the ground
You don't need wings now
Have you set down your course or are you out of control, my dear?
Are you accidentally part of some involuntary movement here?
We thought we knew it so well we could do it with our arms tied behind our backs
And our eyes shut tight
I thought I knew it so well I could stop
So I stopped and we can't start again
Stand under the hole in your roof
Let the rain come in and fall down on your head
It's a simple joy you can bring upon yourself
It's a simple something new, something else
Trees stand in a perfect line
Trees stand at attention
Not much time has passed
But already she likes concrete better than grass
And I don't think we'll last
So I stare up at the sky and it hurts my eyes
Maybe I'll go blind
Maybe all I'll see is, all I'll see is sunshine
Sunshine
Just trying to sound
I'm not trying to sound
I don't wanna sound like this
You're the last day of april every year
You're grey, feeling for something anything, you can't have
Oversize, owning the road
Pulled by a current, tossed over in the wind
You focus your sights and try
To stare up at the sky
And it hurts your eyes
Maybe you'll go blind
Or maybe all you'll see is, all you'll see is sunshine
Sunshine
Walk in a straight line
You waste energy in the daytime
You know exactly what you're doing, doing
Sometimes
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/
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.
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.
saying give up all the pleasures in life and simply be as you are, once you see that, you'll find that everything is perfect and just where it should be....beautiful...just beautiful...