"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 was lost, didn't know where I was going
And I felt the chill of cold wind blowing
I didn't know just who I was becoming
I felt so alone and I was tired of running
And then I saw you
You changed my perspective
Made me see what I don't need
Put pressure on my heart
Where it used to bleed
And I'd hold you close
If you gave me the chance
And I would smile
Being stuck in your trance
I'd throw life away
Just to be by your side
And if it never happens
At least I know I tried
Hold me close
I need to experience you first hand
Throw me away
I won't like it but I'll understand
Hold me close
So close
I was feeling like I was running on empty
So confused, you know I just couldn't see
Couldn't see things for what they were
I thought I was nothing without her
And then I saw you
You turned me around
You picked me up when I fell down
Dusted me off then walked away
Now I know everything's okay
And I can't name all the things I would do
Just for a chance to be close to you
Hold me close
I need to experience you first hand
Throw me away
I won't like it but I'll understand
Hold me close
So close
And we're living in a world of pain
And I don't if our feelings are the same
Just know that I'll be here for you
And I thank you for what you helped me through
I was helpless and confused
And then I saw you
You take me
You healed me
You'll break me
I feel you
Draw me near then push me back
I love you
I know you
I just want
To hold you
I owe you everything
Lyrics submitted by NothingFinal
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Fast Car
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the song of most importance to me. Perfect song.