"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.
When you went out on tour five years ago
You were just like us
But now that you’re back
You think you’re bigger than life
A couple of pop tunes and you think you’re better than me?
Your songs are on the radio
But what they lack is honesty
I’m talking about life here; mine not yours
You’re crying about the girl
That walked right out the door
I remember sitting up in my room
Listening to your song
Coming through in stereo
I remember when it used
To mean something to you
But now it’s hard to believe
That you mean this at all
Flashing lights up on the marquee
No tickets at the door
Kids lines up since 2 to see your show
It still makes me wonder
Why they care so much
I don’t think I’ll ever know
And all the backstage parties
The fame, the fortune
All the people you know
Am I backstage with you, or
Am I left out in the cold
All access passes and guest lists
You’re unavailable
You have forgotten about your friends
I remember sitting up in my room
Listening to your song
Coming through in stereo
I remember when it used
To mean something to you
But now it’s hard to believe
That you mean this at all
You have forgotten about your friends
I remember sitting up in my room
Listening to your song
Coming through in stereo
I remember when it used
To mean something to you
But now it’s hard to believe
That you mean this at all
You were just like us
But now that you’re back
You think you’re bigger than life
A couple of pop tunes and you think you’re better than me?
Your songs are on the radio
But what they lack is honesty
I’m talking about life here; mine not yours
You’re crying about the girl
That walked right out the door
I remember sitting up in my room
Listening to your song
Coming through in stereo
I remember when it used
To mean something to you
But now it’s hard to believe
That you mean this at all
Flashing lights up on the marquee
No tickets at the door
Kids lines up since 2 to see your show
It still makes me wonder
Why they care so much
I don’t think I’ll ever know
And all the backstage parties
The fame, the fortune
All the people you know
Am I backstage with you, or
Am I left out in the cold
All access passes and guest lists
You’re unavailable
You have forgotten about your friends
I remember sitting up in my room
Listening to your song
Coming through in stereo
I remember when it used
To mean something to you
But now it’s hard to believe
That you mean this at all
You have forgotten about your friends
I remember sitting up in my room
Listening to your song
Coming through in stereo
I remember when it used
To mean something to you
But now it’s hard to believe
That you mean this at all
Lyrics submitted by beonewithall
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More Featured Meanings
Fast Car
Tracy Chapman
Tracy Chapman
Holiday
Bee Gees
Bee Gees
@[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.
I Can't Go To Sleep
Wu-Tang Clan
Wu-Tang Clan
This song is written as the perspective of the boys in the street, as a whole, and what path they are going to choose as they get older and grow into men. (This is why the music video takes place in an orphanage.) The seen, and unseen collective suffering is imbedded in the boys’ mind, consciously or subconsciously, and is haunting them. Which path will the boys choose? Issac Hayes is the voice of reason, maybe God, the angel on his shoulder, or the voice of his forefathers from beyond the grave who can see the big picture and are pleading with the boys not to continue the violence and pattern of killing their brothers, but to rise above. The most beautiful song and has so many levels. Racism towards African Americans in America would not exist if everyone sat down and listened to this song and understood the history behind the words. The power, fear, pleading in RZA and Ghostface voices are genuine and powerful. Issac Hayes’ strong voice makes the perfect strong father figure, who is possibly from beyond the grave.
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.