"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.
Who made up all the rules
We follow them like fools
Believe them to be true
Don't care to think them through
And I'm sorry, so sorry
I'm sorry it's like this
I'm sorry, so sorry
I'm sorry, we do this
And it's ironic too
'Cause what we tend to do
Is act on what they say
And then it is that way
And I'm sorry, so sorry
I'm sorry it's like this
I'm sorry, so sorry
I'm sorry, we do this
Who are they?
And where are they?
And how can they possibly
Know all this?
Who are they?
And where are they?
And how can they possibly
Know all this?
Do you see what I see?
Why do we live like this?
Is it because it's true
That ignorance is bliss?
Who are they?
And where are they?
And how do they
Know all this?
And I'm sorry, so sorry
I'm sorry it's like this
Do you see what I see?
Why do we live like this?
Is it because it's true
That ignorance is bliss?
And who are they?
And where are they?
And how can they
Know all this?
And I'm sorry, so sorry
I'm sorry we do this
We follow them like fools
Believe them to be true
Don't care to think them through
And I'm sorry, so sorry
I'm sorry it's like this
I'm sorry, so sorry
I'm sorry, we do this
And it's ironic too
'Cause what we tend to do
Is act on what they say
And then it is that way
And I'm sorry, so sorry
I'm sorry it's like this
I'm sorry, so sorry
I'm sorry, we do this
Who are they?
And where are they?
And how can they possibly
Know all this?
Who are they?
And where are they?
And how can they possibly
Know all this?
Do you see what I see?
Why do we live like this?
Is it because it's true
That ignorance is bliss?
Who are they?
And where are they?
And how do they
Know all this?
And I'm sorry, so sorry
I'm sorry it's like this
Do you see what I see?
Why do we live like this?
Is it because it's true
That ignorance is bliss?
And who are they?
And where are they?
And how can they
Know all this?
And I'm sorry, so sorry
I'm sorry we do this
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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.
Dreamwalker
Silent Planet
Silent Planet
I think much like another song “Anti-Matter” (that's also on the same album as this song), this one is also is inspired by a horrifying van crash the band experienced on Nov 3, 2022. This, much like the other track, sounds like it's an extension what they shared while huddled in the wreckage, as they helped frontman Garrett Russell stem the bleeding from his head wound while he was under the temporary effects of a concussion. The track speaks of where the mind goes at the most desperate & desolate of times, when it just about slips away to all but disconnect itself, and the aftermath.
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.
When I first heard this song I thought it was an anarchism song, about how the government is always saying what we should do and we don't question it, just do it. However, when I googled it I found on wikipedia a quote from her that says that is about "they." You know--the they that everyone always talks about. ie. "they say that, that is bad for your health." She was reading in a guide book one day that said never look people in the eyes on the subway in NY. She was terrified to even look at people until one day that she realized it was a bunch of bs, and that we are always quick to listen to what people (they) say. So now, to me, I interpret it as an anti-ignorance song.
On a side note Jem is the best. Not many people where I live have heard of her, but no one I know has disliked a song of hers that I play for them. In fact everyone loves her when I play one of her songs. I wish there was a way to get her more recognized in my area.
Probably late for a comment, but thank you for actually doing your homework. Most people automatically blame government and beliefs without giving a second thought.
Great song. Only problem I have with it is that Jem herself is sort of singing in a monotone, which fits with the song, but can get annoying after a bit... Still, though, wonderful song with a powerful meaning:
To me, this song is about the way that society has us boxed in, with certain beliefs and expectations. The song is sort of asking "Who really decided all of these things? Why can't we get out of this?" And then she starts talking about how life would be better if we weren't restricted by the expectations of society. We don't even think about totally "normal" day-to-day things, like the fact that you shouldn't walk around naked in public to the fact that it's not okay to yell in a restaurant. This song is asking if this way of living is really okay, really healthy? Jem is reminiscing about a simpler, more natural time, where people weren't expected to be perfect and society didn't restrain us, but instead helped us to live better lives.
God damn, wish it really were that way.
I think the monotone of her voice fits well with the song's message, while it does get fairly tiresome.
god the background backup vocals are amazing really. it adds sooo much to the song. it can be used in many situations i think. Ignorance is bliss
Beautiful song, makes you wanna walk through the rain in the middle of the road lol
haha, wouldnt say it reminds me of hermione/harry, but it really does remind me of the x-files for some reason & dystopian novels like 1984 mentioned
I think it's a great song, and Jem has such an amazing voice. When she says "ignorance is bliss", i think she's being sarcastic, and she really doesn't mean it. this sounds like it would be a good opening song for an anime. :)
This song to me means that we are all mechanical almost, that we follow everything "the man" says, and it turns us bad. She feels sorry that it has to happen because life would be so much more meaningful if this did not happen. The line that says ignorance is bliss is saying that human nature ignores the fact that we were made to obey, and we never break out of our shells, which makes us all the same.
I love this song. Beachykeen280 is right for the most part. Although The line that says "ignorance is bliss" means that the less you know the happier you are.
yay i love this song.
Jem has a beautiful voice, and the song is really great.