"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.
Happiness and sunbeams and cute little puppy dogs
These are the things that I've seen with my heart
Life is a happy game if you don't forget to smile
But every now and then, your face, it harbors a frown
Sadness is a barnacle, clinging to your bright boat
You won't let it sink your spirits if you'll only learn to float
We are all sea captains, sailing on life's rough seas
Come on you Magellans, come with me, I've got pie
Happiness pie
I guess you want to know what's in this pie.
Well... there's two cups love, a cup and a half of understanding,
A tablespoon of good old-fashioned compassion,
Sugar to taste,
And you know what? The ovens are our hearts.
Happiness pie...
See the sad man in the corner, he is gross and he is old
People steal his shoes and make him eat mold
His life won't be bad, if he does what he is told
He should be an alchemist, and turn his pain into gold... golden pie
Happy tailors, happy workers, happy farmers, happy girls
Happy widowers, happy freelance artists, happy welders, happy world
Happy drinkers, happy thinkers, happy musicians, happy beauticians
Happy mayors, happy pears, happy call girls, happy hula boys
(Happiness pie)
Pa, pa, pa, pa, pa, pie
(Happiness pie)
P-p-p-p-pa, pa, pa, pa, pie
Happiness pie
These are the things that I've seen with my heart
Life is a happy game if you don't forget to smile
But every now and then, your face, it harbors a frown
Sadness is a barnacle, clinging to your bright boat
You won't let it sink your spirits if you'll only learn to float
We are all sea captains, sailing on life's rough seas
Come on you Magellans, come with me, I've got pie
Happiness pie
I guess you want to know what's in this pie.
Well... there's two cups love, a cup and a half of understanding,
A tablespoon of good old-fashioned compassion,
Sugar to taste,
And you know what? The ovens are our hearts.
Happiness pie...
See the sad man in the corner, he is gross and he is old
People steal his shoes and make him eat mold
His life won't be bad, if he does what he is told
He should be an alchemist, and turn his pain into gold... golden pie
Happy tailors, happy workers, happy farmers, happy girls
Happy widowers, happy freelance artists, happy welders, happy world
Happy drinkers, happy thinkers, happy musicians, happy beauticians
Happy mayors, happy pears, happy call girls, happy hula boys
(Happiness pie)
Pa, pa, pa, pa, pa, pie
(Happiness pie)
P-p-p-p-pa, pa, pa, pa, pie
Happiness pie
Lyrics submitted by tosca, edited by supremetaco
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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.
Cajun Girl
Little Feat
Little Feat
Overall about difficult moments of disappointment and vulnerability. Having hope and longing, while remaining optimistic for the future. Encourages the belief that with each new morning there is a chance for things to improve.
The chorus offers a glimmer of optimism and a chance at a resolution and redemption in the future.
Captures the rollercoaster of emotions of feeling lost while loving someone who is not there for you, feeling let down and abandoned while waiting for a lover. Lost with no direction, "Now I'm up in the air with the rain in my hair, Nowhere to go, I can go anywhere"
The bridge shows signs of longing and a plea for companionship. The Lyrics express a desire for authentic connection and the importance of Loving someone just as they are. "Just in passing, I'm not asking. That you be anyone but you”
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/
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.
The full version of the song is;
Happiness and sunbeams and cute little puppy dogs / These are the things that I've seen with my heart / Life is a happy game if you don't forget to smile / But every now and then, your face, it harbors a frown.
Sadness is a barnacle clinging to your bright boat / You won't let it sink your spirits if you'll only learn to float. / We are all sea captains, sailing on life's rough seas / Come on you Magellan's, come with me / I've got Pie; / Happiness Pie.
I guess you want to know what's in this pie. / Well, there's two cups love, a cup and a half of understanding / A tablespoon of good old-fashioned compassion / Sugar to taste, and you know what.. / The ovens are our hearts.
Happiness Pie.
See the sad man in the corner, he is gross and he is old / People steal his shoes and make him eat mold. / His life won't be bad if he does what he is told. / He should be an alchemist, and turn his pain into gold. / Golden Pie.
Happy tailors, happy workers, happy farmers, happy girls, happy widowers, happy free-lance artists, happy welders, happy world happy drinkers, happy thinkers, happy musicians, happy beauticians, happy mayors, happy pears, happy call girls, happy hula boys.
Happiness Pie / Happiness Pie / Happiness Pie
And is awesome.