"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.
Neckbone or backbone neckbone or back
You got no fiction if you've got no fact
Neckbone or backbone your choice for the breakin'
You're thinkin' for a minute your choice might be takin' mistaken
For some good or some bad
You see what you got
There ain't no difference in the left, right
There ain't no difference in the blind, sight
Now stop for a minute 'cause your head is gettin' spastic
Paper or plastic-paper or plastic
Situation no win is the sin
So you rush for a change but the change has just always been the same
Same fools still trippin' off some old ways
New fools just thinkin' about some better days
Transparent, apparently you let it all pass
A kick in the head a kick in the ass
It's all the same to me
Fire or freezin'
Dried up or bleeding
Just when it's over you get what you're needing too much or no time
Shut up it's all mine and I let it go like that
Neckbone or backbone neckbone or back
You got no fiction if you got no fact
Kobeyashi maru what you gonna do
Am I gettin' through
Am I gettin' through
Five triple zero
Yes you are no hero
You stop and wait, and why
Oh where, Oh where, Oh where can I be
You must understand that the world is crazy it's not for me
This is combat rock for the masses
But you know I fear the masses need to get their asses kicked, quick!
Step on up...
You got no fiction if you've got no fact
Neckbone or backbone your choice for the breakin'
You're thinkin' for a minute your choice might be takin' mistaken
For some good or some bad
You see what you got
There ain't no difference in the left, right
There ain't no difference in the blind, sight
Now stop for a minute 'cause your head is gettin' spastic
Paper or plastic-paper or plastic
Situation no win is the sin
So you rush for a change but the change has just always been the same
Same fools still trippin' off some old ways
New fools just thinkin' about some better days
Transparent, apparently you let it all pass
A kick in the head a kick in the ass
It's all the same to me
Fire or freezin'
Dried up or bleeding
Just when it's over you get what you're needing too much or no time
Shut up it's all mine and I let it go like that
Neckbone or backbone neckbone or back
You got no fiction if you got no fact
Kobeyashi maru what you gonna do
Am I gettin' through
Am I gettin' through
Five triple zero
Yes you are no hero
You stop and wait, and why
Oh where, Oh where, Oh where can I be
You must understand that the world is crazy it's not for me
This is combat rock for the masses
But you know I fear the masses need to get their asses kicked, quick!
Step on up...
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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.
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.
Head > Heels
Ed Sheeran
Ed Sheeran
“Head > Heels” is a track that aims to capture what it feels like to experience romance that exceeds expectations. Ed Sheeran dedicates his album outro to a lover who has blessed him with a unique experience that he seeks to describe through the song’s nuanced lyrics.
American Town
Ed Sheeran
Ed Sheeran
Ed Sheeran shares a short story of reconnecting with an old flame on “American Town.” The track is about a holiday Ed Sheeran spends with his countrywoman who resides in America. The two are back together after a long period apart, and get around to enjoying a bunch of fun activities while rekindling the flames of their romance.
i agree good song when you need to get hyped up for something