"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.
Oh no look at the way they start to rot
I know I've been away too long to ask
Caught in a sea of rough diamonds
If that's not enough
Imagining if you were not here
This wicked spell of traveling's
Just a mystery unraveling
I'm holding on to when you are here
And now baby where are you
So much I wanted to say
When I get home
Well I can love you I miss you
Honestly I can't resist you
No I'm coming home
Wait and I'll stick around
Till I have found my feet on the ground
I'm holding to when you are here
There's a ghost I'm carrying
Around like mindless worrying
There's a song I want you to hear
'cause baby where are you
So much I wanted to say
When I get home
Well I can love you I miss you
Oh honestly I can't resist you
No I'm coming home
Oh no look at the way they start to rot
I know I've been away too long to ask
Oh baby where are you
So many things I've got to say
When I get home
Well I can love you I miss you
Oh honestly I can't resist you
No I'm coming home
La la la la la la
Caught in a sea of rough diamonds
If that's not enough
Imagining if you were not here
I know I've been away too long to ask
Caught in a sea of rough diamonds
If that's not enough
Imagining if you were not here
This wicked spell of traveling's
Just a mystery unraveling
I'm holding on to when you are here
And now baby where are you
So much I wanted to say
When I get home
Well I can love you I miss you
Honestly I can't resist you
No I'm coming home
Wait and I'll stick around
Till I have found my feet on the ground
I'm holding to when you are here
There's a ghost I'm carrying
Around like mindless worrying
There's a song I want you to hear
'cause baby where are you
So much I wanted to say
When I get home
Well I can love you I miss you
Oh honestly I can't resist you
No I'm coming home
Oh no look at the way they start to rot
I know I've been away too long to ask
Oh baby where are you
So many things I've got to say
When I get home
Well I can love you I miss you
Oh honestly I can't resist you
No I'm coming home
La la la la la la
Caught in a sea of rough diamonds
If that's not enough
Imagining if you were not here
Lyrics submitted by atthedrive-in
Rough Diamonds Lyrics as written by Justin Burford
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Lyrics powered by LyricFind
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More Featured Meanings
Fast Car
Tracy Chapman
Tracy Chapman
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/
Head > Heels
Ed Sheeran
Ed Sheeran
“Head > Heels” is a track that aims to capture what it feels like to experience romance that exceeds expectations. Ed Sheeran dedicates his album outro to a lover who has blessed him with a unique experience that he seeks to describe through the song’s nuanced lyrics.
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.
This song is tops, as is OH YEAH! And Anything Goes.