"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.
We said we'd walk together baby come what may
That come the twilight should we lose our way
If as we're walking a hand should slip free
I'll wait for you
And should I fall behind
Wait for me
We swore we'd travel darlin' side by side
We'd help each other stay in stride
But each lover's steps fall so differently
But I'll wait for you
And if I should fall behind
Wait for me
Now everyone dreams of love lasting and true
Oh, but you and I know what this world can do
So let's make our steps clear that the other may see
I'll wait for you
And if I should fall behind
Wait for me
Now there's a beautiful river in the valley ahead
There 'neath the oak's bough soon we will be wed
Should we lose each other in the shadow of the evening trees
I'll wait for you
Should I fall behind
Wait for me
Darlin' I'll wait for you
Should I fall behind
Wait for me
Yeah, I'll wait for you
Should I fall behind
Wait for me
I'll wait for you
Should I fall behind
Wait for me
That come the twilight should we lose our way
If as we're walking a hand should slip free
I'll wait for you
And should I fall behind
Wait for me
We swore we'd travel darlin' side by side
We'd help each other stay in stride
But each lover's steps fall so differently
But I'll wait for you
And if I should fall behind
Wait for me
Now everyone dreams of love lasting and true
Oh, but you and I know what this world can do
So let's make our steps clear that the other may see
I'll wait for you
And if I should fall behind
Wait for me
Now there's a beautiful river in the valley ahead
There 'neath the oak's bough soon we will be wed
Should we lose each other in the shadow of the evening trees
I'll wait for you
Should I fall behind
Wait for me
Darlin' I'll wait for you
Should I fall behind
Wait for me
Yeah, I'll wait for you
Should I fall behind
Wait for me
I'll wait for you
Should I fall behind
Wait for me
Lyrics submitted by 01lizard01
If I Should Fall Behind Lyrics as written by Bruce Springsteen
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Lyrics powered by LyricFind
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Under-rated song from The Boss. Maybe partly because it's hidden away on one of his weakest albums.
great love song about the struggles relationships face.
Its about the path we choose to take in marriage in partership, the rises and falls, the hills and valleys, and its about the comittment we make to keep on trucking, to always be loyal even if we happen to fall a little behind.....
A beautiful song above love and what it means to two people. It's a difficult journey with lots of roadblocks and problems along the way. But if one should fall behind, the other will wait for them, just as it should be in life. It's such a great song, my wife and I used it for our wedding song. And many people complimented us on it. Just terrific!
This song has helped me with the emotional fallout of a serious relationship.
Just recently, my girlfriend of 2 years abruptly decided to break up with me 3 days before I embarked on the impossible journey of studying for the CPA Exam. For her own selfish reasons, she didn't want to date me when I wouldn't be around very much because I was more committed to something other than her. For the next 3 or 4 months, I was going to be "behind" in the social context of life; spending 10 plus hours a day diligently studying. I promised her that no matter what, I would still make time/room for her in my life, but she wouldn't "wait" for me, as true lover should.
This song has made realize that the girl I thought was "the one" was actually not. She refused to be there for me when I "fell behind" and needed her. It makes me feel better about my situation, knowing that there is someone better out there.
Thank you Bruce for helping me get through this very difficult time of my life.
There is a version of this song where the whole E street band sings it. It is magical.
So beautiful. That's all that needs to be said about this song.
@thereadletter what makes it so beautiful to you though?
It had me in tears it had me thinking about someone I love and miss very special close to my heart