"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.
Baby you're so beautiful
And when I'm near you I can't breathe
A girl like you gets who she wants
When she wants it
You're so out of my league
I show you no emotion
Don't let you see what you're doin' to me
Imagine the two of us together
But I've been livin' in reality
Fear of rejection, kept my love inside
But time is running out, so damn my
Foolish pride
[Chorus:]
Don't care if you think I'm crazy
Doesn't matter if it tums out bad
'Cause I've got no fear of losin' you
You can't lose what you never had
Rules are made for breaking
Nothin' ventured, nothin' gained
I'll be no worse off then I am right now
And I might never get the chance again
Tried to fight it but it cannot be denied
Told my heart I didn't want you but I lied
[Chorus:]
Now I'm gonna confess that I love you
I been keepin' it inside feelin' I could die
Now if you turn away then that's o.k.
At least we'll have a moment before
You say good-bye
Here on the outside lookin' in
Don't want to stay dreamin' 'bout
What could have been
I need to hear you speak my name
Even if you shoot me down in flames
And when I'm near you I can't breathe
A girl like you gets who she wants
When she wants it
You're so out of my league
I show you no emotion
Don't let you see what you're doin' to me
Imagine the two of us together
But I've been livin' in reality
Fear of rejection, kept my love inside
But time is running out, so damn my
Foolish pride
[Chorus:]
Don't care if you think I'm crazy
Doesn't matter if it tums out bad
'Cause I've got no fear of losin' you
You can't lose what you never had
Rules are made for breaking
Nothin' ventured, nothin' gained
I'll be no worse off then I am right now
And I might never get the chance again
Tried to fight it but it cannot be denied
Told my heart I didn't want you but I lied
[Chorus:]
Now I'm gonna confess that I love you
I been keepin' it inside feelin' I could die
Now if you turn away then that's o.k.
At least we'll have a moment before
You say good-bye
Here on the outside lookin' in
Don't want to stay dreamin' 'bout
What could have been
I need to hear you speak my name
Even if you shoot me down in flames
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More Featured Meanings
Fast Car
Tracy Chapman
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Holiday
Bee Gees
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@[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.
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American Town
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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.
my friend(who cant stand westlife)(i have no idea y!) said this is the most sense they hav ever made cus it cheered me up after my "best friend" decided to break my heart!she is now happily in love wiv tha guy she knew i loved and i still love him!tha title made me think how can i hav lost him when i never had him?this made my friend VERY happy that i had stopped crying!