"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.
You had the best
But you gave her up
'Cause dependency might interrupt
Idealistic will so hard to please
Put your indecisive mind at ease
You broke the set
Now there's only singles
There's no looking back
This time I mean it
Are you happy now?
Oh tell me how?
Are you happy now?
(Are you happy?)
The uncertainty you had of me
Brought clouded shady company
The tenderness habitual
A seldom-fading ritual
You killed the pair
Now only one is breathing
There's no looking back
This time I mean it
Are you happy now?
Oh tell me how?
Are you happy now?
(Are you happy?)
Are you happy now?
How is it now?
Are you happy now?
(Are you happy?)
No more leaning on your shoulder
I won't be there, no more bother
If you feel you just might want me
That's too bad, I'm not that easy
The contemplator all those years
No you must adhere
To your new career of liberation
You've been cast all by yourself
You're free at last
You broke the set
Now there's, there's only singles
There's no looking back
This time I mean it
Are you happy now?
Oh tell me how?
Are you happy now?
(Are you happy?)
Are you happy now?
How is it now?
Are you happy now?
(Are you happy?)
You're by yourself,
All by yourself
You got no one else,
You're by yourself
All by yourself
All by yourself
All by yourself
All by yourself
No one else
No one else
By yourself
By yourself
But you gave her up
'Cause dependency might interrupt
Idealistic will so hard to please
Put your indecisive mind at ease
You broke the set
Now there's only singles
There's no looking back
This time I mean it
Are you happy now?
Oh tell me how?
Are you happy now?
(Are you happy?)
The uncertainty you had of me
Brought clouded shady company
The tenderness habitual
A seldom-fading ritual
You killed the pair
Now only one is breathing
There's no looking back
This time I mean it
Are you happy now?
Oh tell me how?
Are you happy now?
(Are you happy?)
Are you happy now?
How is it now?
Are you happy now?
(Are you happy?)
No more leaning on your shoulder
I won't be there, no more bother
If you feel you just might want me
That's too bad, I'm not that easy
The contemplator all those years
No you must adhere
To your new career of liberation
You've been cast all by yourself
You're free at last
You broke the set
Now there's, there's only singles
There's no looking back
This time I mean it
Are you happy now?
Oh tell me how?
Are you happy now?
(Are you happy?)
Are you happy now?
How is it now?
Are you happy now?
(Are you happy?)
You're by yourself,
All by yourself
You got no one else,
You're by yourself
All by yourself
All by yourself
All by yourself
All by yourself
No one else
No one else
By yourself
By yourself
Add your thoughts
Log in now to tell us what you think this song means.
Don’t have an account? Create an account with SongMeanings to post comments, submit lyrics, and more. It’s super easy, we promise!
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.
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.
Well, Tim, are you happy now?
Well, are you?
In the words of bassist Tony Kanal...."Fuck those are some seriously intense words" lol
One of the most revengeful breakup songs EVER!
This song is so good, especially if you're going through a break up.
KICK ASS...okay, this says what all people need to say to people who have hurt them for someone else, and then got their own hearts ripped out.
fuck yes girls...this song is radical
I love this song.
LOVE this song! no doubt kicks ass! gwen u rock!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
THis is one of the best breakup songs ever made... but remember gwen wasnt the only one who wrote it!... though she does rock!
Some of the best lyrics ever written that I like to shout at a guy that I kissed, then went out with my best friend, she dumped him and now he keeps asking me out: "If you feel you just might want me, Thats too bad I'm not that easy!" In fact I think I may go do some shouting now...
Yeah, this song is great! I think everyone knows what it's all about, so I won't have to give you my analysis. :)