"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.
Look through the classifieds, maybe I'll find a friend who cares
(decent and true, but my interests are few)
How would I reply? start with "I've never done this before"
And all the chains that bind, you might find they're just threads that float around
It's fun to fantasize through someone else's eyes
Every week, I read the advertisements from start to end
(stable, mature, but a little unsure)
What I am I looking for? #340's in here again
Like the characters portrayed in a play no one ever stops to read
I have to say that this all seems strange to me
It's not that different from my life
Condense it down into five lines
Now I know the reason why these ads all look alike
How can anyone describe who they are in a page or less?
(desperately looking for someone, I guess)
But when the morning comes, both of you will be scratching your heads
In the aftermath, head to the bathroom to straighten up and then
You realize you forgot your toothbrush again
And what you saw in those five lines:
Did it materialize?
Now you know the reason why that one's in there every time
Look through the classifieds
Who's in the classifieds?
I'm through with the classifieds
(decent and true, but my interests are few)
How would I reply? start with "I've never done this before"
And all the chains that bind, you might find they're just threads that float around
It's fun to fantasize through someone else's eyes
Every week, I read the advertisements from start to end
(stable, mature, but a little unsure)
What I am I looking for? #340's in here again
Like the characters portrayed in a play no one ever stops to read
I have to say that this all seems strange to me
It's not that different from my life
Condense it down into five lines
Now I know the reason why these ads all look alike
How can anyone describe who they are in a page or less?
(desperately looking for someone, I guess)
But when the morning comes, both of you will be scratching your heads
In the aftermath, head to the bathroom to straighten up and then
You realize you forgot your toothbrush again
And what you saw in those five lines:
Did it materialize?
Now you know the reason why that one's in there every time
Look through the classifieds
Who's in the classifieds?
I'm through with the classifieds
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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.
When We Were Young
Blink-182
Blink-182
This is a sequel to 2001's "Reckless Abandon", and features the band looking back on their clumsy youth fondly.
Blue
Ed Sheeran
Ed Sheeran
“Blue” is a song about a love that is persisting in the discomfort of the person experiencing the emotion. Ed Sheeran reflects on love lost, and although he wishes his former partner find happiness, he cannot but admit his feelings are still very much there. He expresses the realization that he might never find another on this stringed instrumental by Aaron Dessner.
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.
About the futility of trying to find a partner through lonely hearts column. One of Bob's best solo tracks.