"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.
I'm not a perfect person
There's many things I wish I didn't do
But I continue learning
I never meant to do those things to you
And so I have to say before I go
That I just want you to know
I've found a reason for me
To change who I used to be
A reason to start over new
And the reason is you
I'm sorry that I hurt you
It's something I must live with everyday
And all the pain I put you through
I wish that I could take it all away
And be the one who catches all your tears
That's why I need you to hear
I've found a reason for me
To change who I used to be
A reason to start over new
And the reason is you
And the reason is you
And the reason is you
And the reason is you
I'm not a perfect person
I never meant to do those things to you
And so I have to say before I go
That I just want you to know
I've found a reason for me
To change who I used to be
A reason to start over new
And the reason is you
I've found a reason to show
A side of me you didn't know
A reason for all that I do
And the reason is you
There's many things I wish I didn't do
But I continue learning
I never meant to do those things to you
And so I have to say before I go
That I just want you to know
I've found a reason for me
To change who I used to be
A reason to start over new
And the reason is you
I'm sorry that I hurt you
It's something I must live with everyday
And all the pain I put you through
I wish that I could take it all away
And be the one who catches all your tears
That's why I need you to hear
I've found a reason for me
To change who I used to be
A reason to start over new
And the reason is you
And the reason is you
And the reason is you
And the reason is you
I'm not a perfect person
I never meant to do those things to you
And so I have to say before I go
That I just want you to know
I've found a reason for me
To change who I used to be
A reason to start over new
And the reason is you
I've found a reason to show
A side of me you didn't know
A reason for all that I do
And the reason is you
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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.
Son Şansın - Şarkı Sözleri
Hayalperest
Hayalperest
This song seemingly tackles the methods of deception those who manipulate others use to get victims to follow their demands, as well as diverting attention away from important issues. They'll also use it as a means to convince people to hate or kill others by pretending acts of terrorism were committed by the enemy when the acts themselves were done by the masters of control to promote discrimination and hate. It also reinforces the idea that these manipulative forces operate in various locations, infiltrating everyday life without detection, and propagate any and everywhere.
In general, it highlights the danger of hidden agendas, manipulation, and distraction, serving as a critique of those who exploit chaos and confusion to control and gain power, depicting a cautionary tale against falling into their traps. It encourages us to question the narratives presented to us and remain vigilant against manipulation in various parts of society.
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/
Hes also trying to say that he was a bad person for hurting his love that he cared about alot....he quoted "I never meant to do those things to you"..."I'm sorry that I hurt You" and hes sorry that she had to be the one he did it to, and now he is totally mad at himself..and he NEVER wants to hurt anyone again or go back to the mean person he was so now he is changing himself all because he never wants to hurt one he loves....and hes sorry that he had to learn his lesson and hurt a beautiful person to him..if that makes sense? its kinda hard to explain
@AndiBabe11 aww that’s so cute. My boyfriend & I have been going through some up & downs & he played this song to dedicate to me & I was confused because I wasn’t sure what he was trying to say, until I read the lyrics & saw the meaning. I feel bad now 😭🫶🏼
Personally, I think this song is about a past love interest that he made a lot of mistakes with. One of those "don't know what you got 'till its gone" things. The best part is that he isn't trying to get back or get her to like him, he knows he made a big mistake, but he just wants to let her know before he leaves that she is the reason for his change.
@quickblur THANK U I'm doing this song for a school project and your answer is what i am looking for!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
This song makes me cry. My Ex-and I love each other deeply, but we can never seem to keep things together in a relationship for good. On our collective 1 year anniversary last september we were getting ready for my homecoming dance and we were sitting in a walgreens just talking about stuff, until we both realized it was our 1 year anniversay. He cursed quietly, and said he felt bad because he had no gift for me. I told him it was okay, that I didn't need a present.
Then this song came on and I'll never forget the huge grin on his face when he looked up and said "Thank you walgreens!" and he actually grabbed my hand, brought his face close to my ear, and started singing this song to me. (And he is actually pretty good at singing.) That memory was the best gift he could have given me. I will never be able to forget it.
@illBeJustFine22 thats beautiful , I too have a similar situation, but i have found a good woman today, my ex and i are still friends and have accepted that we cant be intimate , but at least we can still be friends and be civilized.
This song is just beautiful.
I think it's just his way of saying sorry and thanking the person the song is for at the same time.
Sorry that he hurt her .. but he's changed..because of her.
I love this song for it's slow and remorseful qualities. Aside from it's wonderful lyrics the fact that Hoobastank leaned away from the screaming tones of similar songs by other artists is a great quality.
However, the song is fairly straight forward. Regrettful of past failures and personal faults he is reaching towards his one.
She ended things with him because he was being a douche for a long time on many occasions. He sounds remorseful and isn't trying to get her back. Just letting her know that ending "it" made him change into a better guy.
the song seems to me like a troubled relationship!! when the girl was fully devoted to him, he acted like a jerk, egoistic!! but now she'd had enough now she has left him, he realizes her worth and his mistakes but its too late!! A lesson she taught him!! so now he is regretting but now he is changed!! life teaches lessons in a cruel way!! but life always have happy endings!!
it is strange that noone has said anything. if the music was a little less mellow, it would be really awesome. the video is pretty good. the person the song it talking about must be truly amazing to make someone want to change so much.
This song makes me think of the only love in my life. The only one who actually took the time to knwo me and love me. I love you Amii!
this song is nice and mellow. its meaning is pretty hard to explain, but i deffinatly dont think its about god. i think its about this lonely guy who found a girl who changed him and made him a better person. however, he fucked up their relationship and he's giving her reasons to stay with him. i think thats what i means.