"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.
When will we open our eyes
And finally discover
We are united by one blood?
When will we realize
We're sisters and brothers
And what the world
Needs now is love?
There's a dreamer inside
Each one of us
Who wants to believe
There is still a dream
To believe in
There is still a hope
After hope is gone
We could be
The father's hands
And give peace a chance
And show the world
There is still a dream (oh)
(aah)
A brother down on his luck
Fallen to chances
We could pick the brother up
A sister down on her knees
Prayin' for answers
Why don't you show
The sister love?
All over the world
Life is unjust
But I do believe
There is still a dream
To believe in
There is still a hope
After hope is gone
We could be
The father's hands
And give peace a chance
And show the world
There is still a dream
And everyone needs one
'cause no one is freed from
The worries of life
That drag us down
If you can't make it
My hands can take it
We'll stand
Together and pray
There is still a dream
To believe in
There is still a hope
After hope is gone
We could be
The father's hands
And give peace a chance
And show the world
(to show the world)
There is still a dream
To believe in
There is still a hope
After hope is gone
We could be
The father's hands
And give peace a chance
And show the world
(whoa-oh)
(to show the world)
There is still a dream
(there's still a dream)
There is still a dream (oh)
And finally discover
We are united by one blood?
When will we realize
We're sisters and brothers
And what the world
Needs now is love?
There's a dreamer inside
Each one of us
Who wants to believe
There is still a dream
To believe in
There is still a hope
After hope is gone
We could be
The father's hands
And give peace a chance
And show the world
There is still a dream (oh)
(aah)
A brother down on his luck
Fallen to chances
We could pick the brother up
A sister down on her knees
Prayin' for answers
Why don't you show
The sister love?
All over the world
Life is unjust
But I do believe
There is still a dream
To believe in
There is still a hope
After hope is gone
We could be
The father's hands
And give peace a chance
And show the world
There is still a dream
And everyone needs one
'cause no one is freed from
The worries of life
That drag us down
If you can't make it
My hands can take it
We'll stand
Together and pray
There is still a dream
To believe in
There is still a hope
After hope is gone
We could be
The father's hands
And give peace a chance
And show the world
(to show the world)
There is still a dream
To believe in
There is still a hope
After hope is gone
We could be
The father's hands
And give peace a chance
And show the world
(whoa-oh)
(to show the world)
There is still a dream
(there's still a dream)
There is still a dream (oh)
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More Featured Meanings
Fast Car
Tracy Chapman
Tracy Chapman
Cajun Girl
Little Feat
Little Feat
Overall about difficult moments of disappointment and vulnerability. Having hope and longing, while remaining optimistic for the future. Encourages the belief that with each new morning there is a chance for things to improve.
The chorus offers a glimmer of optimism and a chance at a resolution and redemption in the future.
Captures the rollercoaster of emotions of feeling lost while loving someone who is not there for you, feeling let down and abandoned while waiting for a lover. Lost with no direction, "Now I'm up in the air with the rain in my hair, Nowhere to go, I can go anywhere"
The bridge shows signs of longing and a plea for companionship. The Lyrics express a desire for authentic connection and the importance of Loving someone just as they are. "Just in passing, I'm not asking. That you be anyone but you”
Dreamwalker
Silent Planet
Silent Planet
I think much like another song “Anti-Matter” (that's also on the same album as this song), this one is also is inspired by a horrifying van crash the band experienced on Nov 3, 2022. This, much like the other track, sounds like it's an extension what they shared while huddled in the wreckage, as they helped frontman Garrett Russell stem the bleeding from his head wound while he was under the temporary effects of a concussion. The track speaks of where the mind goes at the most desperate & desolate of times, when it just about slips away to all but disconnect itself, and the aftermath.
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.
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/
This is such a beautiful and inspiring song... it almost brings me to tears.