"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.
Watch the sunrise
Say your goodbyes
Off we go
Some conversation
No contemplation
Hit the road
Car overheats
Jump out of my seat
On the side of the highway, baby
Our road is long
Your hold is strong
Please don't ever let it go, oh no
I know I don't know you
But I want you so bad
Everyone has a secret
Oh, can they keep it?
Oh, no they can't
I'm driving fast now
Don't think I know how to go slow
Oh where you at now?
I feel around
There you are
Cool these engines
Calm these jets
I ask you, how hot can it get?
And as you wipe off beads of sweat
Slowly, you say, I'm not there yet
I know I don't know you
But I want you so bad
Everyone has a secret
Oh, can they keep it?
Oh, no they can't
I know I don't know you
But I want you so bad
Everyone has a secret
Oh but can they keep it?
Oh, no they can't (no, no, no, oh, oh, oh, yeah, yeah, yeah)
Say your goodbyes
Off we go
Some conversation
No contemplation
Hit the road
Car overheats
Jump out of my seat
On the side of the highway, baby
Our road is long
Your hold is strong
Please don't ever let it go, oh no
I know I don't know you
But I want you so bad
Everyone has a secret
Oh, can they keep it?
Oh, no they can't
I'm driving fast now
Don't think I know how to go slow
Oh where you at now?
I feel around
There you are
Cool these engines
Calm these jets
I ask you, how hot can it get?
And as you wipe off beads of sweat
Slowly, you say, I'm not there yet
I know I don't know you
But I want you so bad
Everyone has a secret
Oh, can they keep it?
Oh, no they can't
I know I don't know you
But I want you so bad
Everyone has a secret
Oh but can they keep it?
Oh, no they can't (no, no, no, oh, oh, oh, yeah, yeah, yeah)
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More Featured Meanings
Fast Car
Tracy Chapman
Tracy Chapman
Mental Istid
Ebba Grön
Ebba Grön
This is one of my favorite songs. https://fnfgo.io
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.
I Can't Go To Sleep
Wu-Tang Clan
Wu-Tang Clan
This song is written as the perspective of the boys in the street, as a whole, and what path they are going to choose as they get older and grow into men. (This is why the music video takes place in an orphanage.) The seen, and unseen collective suffering is imbedded in the boys’ mind, consciously or subconsciously, and is haunting them. Which path will the boys choose? Issac Hayes is the voice of reason, maybe God, the angel on his shoulder, or the voice of his forefathers from beyond the grave who can see the big picture and are pleading with the boys not to continue the violence and pattern of killing their brothers, but to rise above. The most beautiful song and has so many levels. Racism towards African Americans in America would not exist if everyone sat down and listened to this song and understood the history behind the words. The power, fear, pleading in RZA and Ghostface voices are genuine and powerful. Issac Hayes’ strong voice makes the perfect strong father figure, who is possibly from beyond the grave.
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.
Obviously, sex. Being Maroon 5 it's about sex. But there's more to it.
At first glance it's like an extra-marital one-night stand or even awkward first encounter in the back of the car while waiting for the car to cool down. To me it's a relationship breaking down. The car is a metaphor for their failing connection and the 'road' being their physical entanglement. He can't keep himself in check when they're finally in the moment and she, being a woman, hasn't reached climax yet. It's nature, really... but he feels guilt towards that, I'm thinking... or maybe it's simpler. It's his realisation that they're not as close or as in synch as he have once thought they were.
'I know I don't know you but I want you so bad'
Finally he understands that they're not meant to be, but the physical attraction still runs rampant between them. It's prolly cooled off more in her respect but is still there to some extent. Either that or it's the last attempt at putting the fire back in their union, which fails and fizzles it out completely, once and for all.
'Everyone has a secret oh, can they keep it? Oh no they can't'
Their secret is revealed, plain as day to the both of them now: they're no longer in love. They can't get the feeling back.
Really, it's a very sad, morbid song that's only intensified by the haunting piano chords, especially at the beginning of the second chorus when realisation dawns.
It scares me how much I get out of this album. ;)
T.
this song is great... i definitely think it's about sex though... but what a great song.
i want to say i agree with trinit_ tragedy ^^^^there
Uhthankyuh. Maroon 5 has an exceptional pianist that really knows how to accompany Adam's lyrics and in this song, to me, the piano is everything. It's dark, haunting, but with that sensual allure that you just can't help but think about riding someone! LOL!! Desired effect achieved!<br /> <br /> <br /> T.
i can't believe no ones checked this song out. unbelievable! it has an alternative/soul vibe. excellent. their entire cd sounds great! check it out peoples.
hahaha YESSSSSSS! the fuckin SEX SONG. adam actually sounds attractive in this one, believe it or not.
The first few times I listened to this song...it sucked. Big time. But eventually, it began to grow on me...like mold or something. ^_^
perfect sex song
i agree, sex song, wait not sex song SEX CD!!!. i couldnt believe it when i listend to it. i remember thinking, GOD THIS GUYS GIRLFRIEND IS LUCKY and then i saw the "this luv" video and i KNEW this guys girlfriend was lucky. now if only i cud do a similar video with the drummer of maroon 5.........
i LOVE this song......its probably my favorite on the cd...mmmm yes.....very sexy and def. about sex. yummy. such a good song i just want to roll around in my sheets with my lover when i hear it.....
is it me, or does he sound just like justin timberlake in the "HOOOOOOEEEEEE!!!! " part??