"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.
Face down in the gutter won't admit defeat though his clothes are soiled and black,
He's a big, strong man with a childs mind,
Don't you take his booze away!
He's been at it for years drinking balls and beer he's a hero to most he meets,
But inside he cries black swollen eyes,
This man he sheds no tears!
Now his wife & kids sing a different tune as they worry about their daddy dying,
But this arrogant fool breaks every rule it'll be nothing but pride that kills him.
Could he listen no he won't that's all she wrote he'll be dead before the daylight shines,
But the thoughts and prayers of a million strong might keep this fool from dying.
Could he listen no he won't that's all she wrote he'll be dead before the daylight shines,
But the thoughts and prayers of a million strong might keep this fool from dying.
He's a legend in the bar with every scar fights a thousand bigger men,
But now he fights and looses got all the bruises will someone please step in?
Cause this Irish fools got a great big heart he keeps climbing back in to the ring
In the low down circles where he holds his court this man he once was king.
Could he listen no he won't that's all she wrote he'll be dead before the daylight shines,
But the thoughts and prayers of a million strong might keep this fool from dying.
Could he listen no he won't that's all she wrote he'll be dead before the daylight shines,
But the thoughts and prayers of a million strong might keep this fool from dying
He's a big, strong man with a childs mind,
Don't you take his booze away!
He's been at it for years drinking balls and beer he's a hero to most he meets,
But inside he cries black swollen eyes,
This man he sheds no tears!
Now his wife & kids sing a different tune as they worry about their daddy dying,
But this arrogant fool breaks every rule it'll be nothing but pride that kills him.
Could he listen no he won't that's all she wrote he'll be dead before the daylight shines,
But the thoughts and prayers of a million strong might keep this fool from dying.
Could he listen no he won't that's all she wrote he'll be dead before the daylight shines,
But the thoughts and prayers of a million strong might keep this fool from dying.
He's a legend in the bar with every scar fights a thousand bigger men,
But now he fights and looses got all the bruises will someone please step in?
Cause this Irish fools got a great big heart he keeps climbing back in to the ring
In the low down circles where he holds his court this man he once was king.
Could he listen no he won't that's all she wrote he'll be dead before the daylight shines,
But the thoughts and prayers of a million strong might keep this fool from dying.
Could he listen no he won't that's all she wrote he'll be dead before the daylight shines,
But the thoughts and prayers of a million strong might keep this fool from dying
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More Featured Meanings
Fast Car
Tracy Chapman
Tracy Chapman
Mountain Song
Jane's Addiction
Jane's Addiction
Jane's Addiction vocalist Perry Farrell gives Adam Reader some heartfelt insight into Jane’s Addiction's hard rock manifesto "Mountain Song", which was the second single from their revolutionary album Nothing's Shocking. Mountain song was first recorded in 1986 and appeared on the soundtrack to the film Dudes starring Jon Cryer. The version on Nothing's Shocking was re-recorded in 1988.
"'Mountain Song' was actually about... I hate to say it but... drugs. Climbing this mountain and getting as high as you can, and then coming down that mountain," reveals Farrell. "What it feels to descend from the mountain top... not easy at all. The ascension is tough but exhilarating. Getting down is... it's a real bummer. Drugs is not for everybody obviously. For me, I wanted to experience the heights, and the lows come along with it."
"There's a part - 'Cash in now honey, cash in Miss Smith.' Miss Smith is my Mother; our last name was Smith. Cashing in when she cashed in her life. So... she decided that, to her... at that time, she was desperate. Life wasn't worth it for her, that was her opinion. Some people think, never take your life, and some people find that their life isn't worth living. She was in love with my Dad, and my Dad was not faithful to her, and it broke her heart. She was very desperate and she did something that I know she regrets."
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.
Page
Ed Sheeran
Ed Sheeran
There aren’t many things that’ll hurt more than giving love a chance against your better judgement only to have your heart crushed yet again. Ed Sheeran tells such a story on “Page.” On this track, he is devastated to have lost his lover and even more saddened by the feeling that he may never move on from this.
although the lyrics are off alot, it is one of their ebst songs.