"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.
Verse 1:
In the distance I see you coming towards me
the closer you get
its harder to reach
I follow your lead
in hopes you'll give me what I need
Lonely I am, shining you are
The lights on you, I want you, you're too far.
Chorus:
Walking backwards upside down when you fight me
I still want you near
Despite the fact you're letting go
Everythings so clear
But you're holding me down, setting me back
I want you so bad, don't know how to act
Verse 2:
Slowly I start to think about the way you are
Reminded that I can't quit
Proving that you can't be far, and I don't this shit
Worse things happen as we get closer and closer
Oppisites attract, wishing you would go away
Chorus:
Walking forwards right side down when you fight me
I still want you here
Despite the fact you're letting go
Everythings so clear
But you're holding me down, setting me back
I want you so bad, don't know how to act
Bridge:
The reasons why I let you in
The reasons why I stay
I can't put my finger on it
I can't stand you anyway
You make me feel like shit
Turn around and walk away
I want to try
To be different
Without you
I don't need you
I don't know why
You're not far enough away from me
Get the fuck away from me
You're not far enough away from me
GET THE FUCK AWAY!
Final Chorus:
Running sideways when we talk
I don't want you here
Despite the fact you're letting go
Everythings so clear (so clear)
That you're holding me down, setting me back
I want you so little, don't know how to act
Singing: (closing)
Confusion.
Broken Inside.
Exclusion.
You had no right.
Delusion.
My mind made up.
Conclusion.
You're not the same close-up
I want you
I hate you
I need you
Don't know how to act (act echos)
In the distance I see you coming towards me
the closer you get
its harder to reach
I follow your lead
in hopes you'll give me what I need
Lonely I am, shining you are
The lights on you, I want you, you're too far.
Chorus:
Walking backwards upside down when you fight me
I still want you near
Despite the fact you're letting go
Everythings so clear
But you're holding me down, setting me back
I want you so bad, don't know how to act
Verse 2:
Slowly I start to think about the way you are
Reminded that I can't quit
Proving that you can't be far, and I don't this shit
Worse things happen as we get closer and closer
Oppisites attract, wishing you would go away
Chorus:
Walking forwards right side down when you fight me
I still want you here
Despite the fact you're letting go
Everythings so clear
But you're holding me down, setting me back
I want you so bad, don't know how to act
Bridge:
The reasons why I let you in
The reasons why I stay
I can't put my finger on it
I can't stand you anyway
You make me feel like shit
Turn around and walk away
I want to try
To be different
Without you
I don't need you
I don't know why
You're not far enough away from me
Get the fuck away from me
You're not far enough away from me
GET THE FUCK AWAY!
Final Chorus:
Running sideways when we talk
I don't want you here
Despite the fact you're letting go
Everythings so clear (so clear)
That you're holding me down, setting me back
I want you so little, don't know how to act
Singing: (closing)
Confusion.
Broken Inside.
Exclusion.
You had no right.
Delusion.
My mind made up.
Conclusion.
You're not the same close-up
I want you
I hate you
I need you
Don't know how to act (act echos)
Lyrics submitted by This_sadness_alone
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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.
Gentle Hour
Yo La Tengo
Yo La Tengo
This song was originally written by a guy called Peter Gutteridge. He was one of the founders of the "Dunedin Sound" a musical scene in the south of New Zealand in the early 80s. From there it was covered by "The Clean" one of the early bands of that scene (he had originally been a member of in it's early days, writing a couple of their best early songs). The Dunedin sound, and the Clean became popular on american college radio in the mid to late 80s. I guess Yo La Tengo heard that version.
Great version of a great song,
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.
This song is about a boy I liked but my conscience tells me that he isn't worthy of me, and how I figure it out and shit. Pretty Much