"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.
They say I'm sick for things I do and think
But I'm free to break the mold.
While you do what you're expected or told
You know I'm it. You only got a learner's permit
I can do what you're afraid to
Passive nothing, gel a jolt from my fist
Lazy state of wow, needs a personal exorcisl
Get out of bed, you might as well as dead
It's too much for you, it's all you can do
Too keep up with me, you know it's got to be
All or nothing, all or nothing
All or nothing, all or nothing (it's too much for me)
Just a bug, pest with nothing to do
Get out of here, I'm tired of you
Not a clue about what is what
You lack charisma, brains, and guts
I do my best without a doubt
You can stare, point me out
But you run, when I'm around
Cant go far, on your way down
On your way down, on your way down
On your way down
I'm the people, you were warned about
The one's that get all they want
They say I'm crazy, but you're too late
Try to stop with your jealousy
I remind you of all you don't do
While you destroy your self and those around you
Deep down you know you're so ugly
And i'm from the town without pity
Town without pity, town without pity
Town without pity
But I'm free to break the mold.
While you do what you're expected or told
You know I'm it. You only got a learner's permit
I can do what you're afraid to
Passive nothing, gel a jolt from my fist
Lazy state of wow, needs a personal exorcisl
Get out of bed, you might as well as dead
It's too much for you, it's all you can do
Too keep up with me, you know it's got to be
All or nothing, all or nothing
All or nothing, all or nothing (it's too much for me)
Just a bug, pest with nothing to do
Get out of here, I'm tired of you
Not a clue about what is what
You lack charisma, brains, and guts
I do my best without a doubt
You can stare, point me out
But you run, when I'm around
Cant go far, on your way down
On your way down, on your way down
On your way down
I'm the people, you were warned about
The one's that get all they want
They say I'm crazy, but you're too late
Try to stop with your jealousy
I remind you of all you don't do
While you destroy your self and those around you
Deep down you know you're so ugly
And i'm from the town without pity
Town without pity, town without pity
Town without pity
Lyrics submitted by Leashie
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More Featured Meanings
Fast Car
Tracy Chapman
Tracy Chapman
Holiday
Bee Gees
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@[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.
Dreamwalker
Silent Planet
Silent Planet
I think much like another song “Anti-Matter” (that's also on the same album as this song), this one is also is inspired by a horrifying van crash the band experienced on Nov 3, 2022. This, much like the other track, sounds like it's an extension what they shared while huddled in the wreckage, as they helped frontman Garrett Russell stem the bleeding from his head wound while he was under the temporary effects of a concussion. The track speaks of where the mind goes at the most desperate & desolate of times, when it just about slips away to all but disconnect itself, and the aftermath.
When We Were Young
Blink-182
Blink-182
This is a sequel to 2001's "Reckless Abandon", and features the band looking back on their clumsy youth fondly.
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.