"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.
I think it's perfectly clear
We're in the wrong band
Ginger is always sincere
Just not to one man
She called me up and she said
You know that I'm drowning
It's the dog trainer again
He says that he thinks that she needs more hands
I think it's perfectly clear
We're in the wrong band
Senator let's be sincere
As much as we can
He called her up and he said
The new prosecutor soon will be wanting a word
So she's got a soft spot for heels and spurs
And there's something believin' in her voice again
Said there's something believin'
Instead of just leavin'
Instead of just leavin'
Instead of just leavin'
And she gets her cigars from the sweet fat man
I think it's perfectly clear
We're in the wrong band
Heidi says she'll be sincere
As much as she can
I called her up and I said
You know that I'm drowning
Put on your raincoat again
'Cause even the sun's got a price on it
And there's something believin' in her voice again
Said there's something believin'
Instead of just leavin'
Instead of just leavin'
Instead of just leavin
She said it's time I open my eyes
Don't be afraid to open your eyes
Maybe she's right
Maybe she's right
Maybe she's right
Maybe she's right
We're in the wrong band
Ginger is always sincere
Just not to one man
She called me up and she said
You know that I'm drowning
It's the dog trainer again
He says that he thinks that she needs more hands
I think it's perfectly clear
We're in the wrong band
Senator let's be sincere
As much as we can
He called her up and he said
The new prosecutor soon will be wanting a word
So she's got a soft spot for heels and spurs
And there's something believin' in her voice again
Said there's something believin'
Instead of just leavin'
Instead of just leavin'
Instead of just leavin'
And she gets her cigars from the sweet fat man
I think it's perfectly clear
We're in the wrong band
Heidi says she'll be sincere
As much as she can
I called her up and I said
You know that I'm drowning
Put on your raincoat again
'Cause even the sun's got a price on it
And there's something believin' in her voice again
Said there's something believin'
Instead of just leavin'
Instead of just leavin'
Instead of just leavin
She said it's time I open my eyes
Don't be afraid to open your eyes
Maybe she's right
Maybe she's right
Maybe she's right
Maybe she's right
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More Featured Meanings
Fast Car
Tracy Chapman
Tracy Chapman
Holiday
Bee Gees
Bee Gees
@[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.
Gentle Hour
Yo La Tengo
Yo La Tengo
This song was originally written by a guy called Peter Gutteridge. He was one of the founders of the "Dunedin Sound" a musical scene in the south of New Zealand in the early 80s. From there it was covered by "The Clean" one of the early bands of that scene (he had originally been a member of in it's early days, writing a couple of their best early songs). The Dunedin sound, and the Clean became popular on american college radio in the mid to late 80s. I guess Yo La Tengo heard that version.
Great version of a great song,
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/
Plastic Bag
Ed Sheeran
Ed Sheeran
“Plastic Bag” is a song about searching for an escape from personal problems and hoping to find it in the lively atmosphere of a Saturday night party. Ed Sheeran tells the story of his friend and the myriad of troubles he is going through. Unable to find any solutions, this friend seeks a last resort in a party and the vanity that comes with it.
“I overthink and have trouble sleepin’ / All purpose gone and don’t have a reason / And there’s no doctor to stop this bleedin’ / So I left home and jumped in the deep end,” Ed Sheeran sings in verse one. He continues by adding that this person is feeling the weight of having disappointed his father and doesn’t have any friends to rely on in this difficult moment. In the second verse, Ed sings about the role of grief in his friend’s plight and his dwindling faith in prayer. “Saturday night is givin’ me a reason to rely on the strobe lights / The lifeline of a promise in a shot glass, and I’ll take that / If you’re givin’ out love from a plastic bag,” Ed sings on the chorus, as his friend turns to new vices in hopes of feeling better.
I read that she felt sorry for replacing Honey with The Wrong Band ("There were certain songs that were supposed to be on the record that got kicked off. 'Honey' was supposed to be on the record and, in retrospect, I wish it had been. I kicked it off for 'The Wrong Band'. Under the Pink wept when 'Honey' wasn't on, and she still is angry with me about it."). I really like Honey, but I think the abrupt feeling of hopelessness, despair and sudden realisation in The Wrong Band suits the album better.