"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.
Just like cellophane,
you try to cling so tight to me,
but your attempt's in vain.
You've less sincerity than the plastic.
Paper in rain.
The print appears so bright to me.
The words remain.
I hold it to the light,
I see right through.
So eager to say,
"hello", but you don't know me.
You just know what you see.
Pay the price to see the show but you don't own me.
Before you knew would you have felt the same?
Just when I'm inspired,
you drain the drive right outta me,
and even when I'm tired you push me to perform for you amusement.
Just like raging fire,
you burn what's left inside of me and to fulfill your desire,
I'd give you light till I burned out.
Just when you start to smile,
I look into your eyes
and see your veiled denial to express any real emotion.
Just wait around a while,
you'll lose what you once had for me.
I'll be out of style,
I'll be discarded with the warmth you once feigned.
you try to cling so tight to me,
but your attempt's in vain.
You've less sincerity than the plastic.
Paper in rain.
The print appears so bright to me.
The words remain.
I hold it to the light,
I see right through.
So eager to say,
"hello", but you don't know me.
You just know what you see.
Pay the price to see the show but you don't own me.
Before you knew would you have felt the same?
Just when I'm inspired,
you drain the drive right outta me,
and even when I'm tired you push me to perform for you amusement.
Just like raging fire,
you burn what's left inside of me and to fulfill your desire,
I'd give you light till I burned out.
Just when you start to smile,
I look into your eyes
and see your veiled denial to express any real emotion.
Just wait around a while,
you'll lose what you once had for me.
I'll be out of style,
I'll be discarded with the warmth you once feigned.
Lyrics submitted by oofus
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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.
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/
Magical
Ed Sheeran
Ed Sheeran
How would you describe the feeling of being in love? For Ed Sheeran, the word is “Magical.” in HIS three-minute album opener, he makes an attempt to capture the beauty and delicacy of true love with words. He describes the magic of it all over a bright Pop song produced by Aaron Dessner.
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.
That was the impression I got from the song. Similar to 'Who said you could touch me?' One of my favourites.