"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.
So she said, "Everyone's going to the party.
Won't you come if I come with a friend for your friend?
I'd be so pleased to see you outside of the classroom
Wearing the smile that I'll bring you
I was hoping to learn a few things, like...
Do you, do you like dishing the dirt on the whole class?
Or talking the big smack?
Or playing the fool?
Or wearing all of the latest fashions?
Or bucking the new trends and wearing your old threads?
Or if you like coffee in the evening
These are a few things that I'd like to know
That I'd like to know."
So I say, "I've been scheduled to work but I'll call in.
And my friend isn't busy. He'd be happy to join me.
And maybe my friend and your friend will hit it off.
Or maybe we will.
I'm dying to know...
Do you, do you like dreaming of things so impossible?
Or only the practical?
Or ever the wild?
Or waiting through all your bad, bad days
Just to end them with someone you care about?
And do you like making out?
And long drives?
And brown eyes?
And guys that just don't quite fit in?
Do you like them?
So, yes I'll see you there."
Won't you come if I come with a friend for your friend?
I'd be so pleased to see you outside of the classroom
Wearing the smile that I'll bring you
I was hoping to learn a few things, like...
Do you, do you like dishing the dirt on the whole class?
Or talking the big smack?
Or playing the fool?
Or wearing all of the latest fashions?
Or bucking the new trends and wearing your old threads?
Or if you like coffee in the evening
These are a few things that I'd like to know
That I'd like to know."
So I say, "I've been scheduled to work but I'll call in.
And my friend isn't busy. He'd be happy to join me.
And maybe my friend and your friend will hit it off.
Or maybe we will.
I'm dying to know...
Do you, do you like dreaming of things so impossible?
Or only the practical?
Or ever the wild?
Or waiting through all your bad, bad days
Just to end them with someone you care about?
And do you like making out?
And long drives?
And brown eyes?
And guys that just don't quite fit in?
Do you like them?
So, yes I'll see you there."
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
Bron-Y-Aur Stomp
Led Zeppelin
Led Zeppelin
This is about bronies. They communicate by stomping.
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/
Punchline
Ed Sheeran
Ed Sheeran
Ed Sheeran sings about missing his former partner and learning important life lessons in the process on “Punchline.” This track tells a story of battling to get rid of emotions for a former lover, whom he now realized might not have loved him the same way. He’s now caught between accepting that fact and learning life lessons from it and going back to beg her for another chance.
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.
i don't know this song is ok i def dont think this is the best DC song but i agree the lyrics are good