"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.
Run
'Til you find the answer
Time out
For our poor Cassandra
She's fairly safe inside the fire
Inside the fire
Awakes desire
Cruelly admired
They'll torture her soul
And they'll torment her heart
But won't change her mind
Would you like to see me
How I'll cut off
Her head life's a game
A lesson to learn
Don't be shy just blame me
Well, there is no
Need to feel ashamed
Remember the oath
Remember the oath
Wake up
It's time to cross the border
Is it true what they say
About the part you've played?
Enjoy your stay here
Welcome to the slaughterhouse
Release from rotten thoughts
No more pain
And no more gods
Under the ice you will believe
Under the ice you will be free
Released from rotten thoughts
No more pain
And no more gods
Please understand
It's not in our hands
Barren the land
It's all dead and gone
And still the tyrant's face is red
So witness my glory, my triumph, my fame
It's the sweetest taste
King of terror just stop wining
Hold your breath it won't take long
Realize this is your judgement day
In between the killing carry on
There are no rules here
Welcome to the slaughterhouse
Release from rotten thoughts
No more pain
And no more gods
Under the ice you will believe
Under the ice you will be free
Released from rotten thoughts
No more pain
And no more gods
Try to understand
You're the artificial enemy
An illusion we all need
For our sake
For our sake
We're not allowed to see beyond that's your skill
Will we ever learn the lesson "We can't fly with broken wings"
Break the chains
Time to change
I'm afraid to say but you won't play a part
It's been nice we now get to the climax
Your destination's unknown
Just get out of my way
Don't mind the blood here
Welcome to the slaughterhouse
Release from rotten thoughts
No more pain
And no more gods
Under the ice you will believe
Under the ice you will be free
Released from rotten thoughts
No more pain
And no more gods
Under the ice you will be free
Released from rotten thoughts
No more pain
And no more gods
And no more gods
(No more gods)
I'm afraid to say but you won't play a part
'Til you find the answer
Time out
For our poor Cassandra
She's fairly safe inside the fire
Inside the fire
Awakes desire
Cruelly admired
They'll torture her soul
And they'll torment her heart
But won't change her mind
Would you like to see me
How I'll cut off
Her head life's a game
A lesson to learn
Don't be shy just blame me
Well, there is no
Need to feel ashamed
Remember the oath
Remember the oath
Wake up
It's time to cross the border
Is it true what they say
About the part you've played?
Enjoy your stay here
Welcome to the slaughterhouse
Release from rotten thoughts
No more pain
And no more gods
Under the ice you will believe
Under the ice you will be free
Released from rotten thoughts
No more pain
And no more gods
Please understand
It's not in our hands
Barren the land
It's all dead and gone
And still the tyrant's face is red
So witness my glory, my triumph, my fame
It's the sweetest taste
King of terror just stop wining
Hold your breath it won't take long
Realize this is your judgement day
In between the killing carry on
There are no rules here
Welcome to the slaughterhouse
Release from rotten thoughts
No more pain
And no more gods
Under the ice you will believe
Under the ice you will be free
Released from rotten thoughts
No more pain
And no more gods
Try to understand
You're the artificial enemy
An illusion we all need
For our sake
For our sake
We're not allowed to see beyond that's your skill
Will we ever learn the lesson "We can't fly with broken wings"
Break the chains
Time to change
I'm afraid to say but you won't play a part
It's been nice we now get to the climax
Your destination's unknown
Just get out of my way
Don't mind the blood here
Welcome to the slaughterhouse
Release from rotten thoughts
No more pain
And no more gods
Under the ice you will believe
Under the ice you will be free
Released from rotten thoughts
No more pain
And no more gods
Under the ice you will be free
Released from rotten thoughts
No more pain
And no more gods
And no more gods
(No more gods)
I'm afraid to say but you won't play a part
Lyrics submitted by Equilan
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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.
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/
Head > Heels
Ed Sheeran
Ed Sheeran
“Head > Heels” is a track that aims to capture what it feels like to experience romance that exceeds expectations. Ed Sheeran dedicates his album outro to a lover who has blessed him with a unique experience that he seeks to describe through the song’s nuanced lyrics.
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.
I don't know exactly what it's supposed to be about (it seems to have something to do with And Then There Was Silence, consider especially the reference to Cassandra), but I have sort of 'adopted' it as the 'theme song' for the character Arloest in the online graphic novel 'Jack' (jack.keenspace.com - warning, not for minors). It fits perfectly, including some very odd details that make it seem almost as if BG had written it specifically for this.