"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 took it hard you see
It cut right through me.
The intension was worse but I’m alive.
I have a smoke on the balcony.
Whatever happened to you and me.
The truth was not a part of the conflict.
So I grab my suitcase,
I grab my blue shoes too and I grab my Live at Budokan.
I lose you in a accident.
This is not a good good bye. Didn’t I deserve a fair farewell.
I thought I could ask for more from you.
I’m leaving you without hesitation. I drive my car to the petrol station.
I fill the tank of this dirty car up. I go without direction Lilly.
I will end up anywhere.
I think of when we made love in this car.
The rubber struggle and the lack of space, so serious and horny faces.
After we came I realised it. This car is a comedy.
I can’t help laughing about it
as I pass the parking lot where we made love.
I lose you in a accident.
This is not a good good bye. Didn’t I deserve a fair farewell.
I thought I could ask for more from you.
And the world isn’t just to me tonight. I wanted to be good.
I wanted to be good to you
I thought I could ask for more from you.
I thought I could ask for more from you.
It cut right through me.
The intension was worse but I’m alive.
I have a smoke on the balcony.
Whatever happened to you and me.
The truth was not a part of the conflict.
So I grab my suitcase,
I grab my blue shoes too and I grab my Live at Budokan.
I lose you in a accident.
This is not a good good bye. Didn’t I deserve a fair farewell.
I thought I could ask for more from you.
I’m leaving you without hesitation. I drive my car to the petrol station.
I fill the tank of this dirty car up. I go without direction Lilly.
I will end up anywhere.
I think of when we made love in this car.
The rubber struggle and the lack of space, so serious and horny faces.
After we came I realised it. This car is a comedy.
I can’t help laughing about it
as I pass the parking lot where we made love.
I lose you in a accident.
This is not a good good bye. Didn’t I deserve a fair farewell.
I thought I could ask for more from you.
And the world isn’t just to me tonight. I wanted to be good.
I wanted to be good to you
I thought I could ask for more from you.
I thought I could ask for more from you.
Add your thoughts
Log in now to tell us what you think this song means.
Don’t have an account? Create an account with SongMeanings to post comments, submit lyrics, and more. It’s super easy, we promise!
More Featured Meanings
Fast Car
Tracy Chapman
Tracy Chapman
When We Were Young
Blink-182
Blink-182
This is a sequel to 2001's "Reckless Abandon", and features the band looking back on their clumsy youth fondly.
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/
Amazing
Ed Sheeran
Ed Sheeran
Ed Sheeran tells a story of unsuccessfully trying to feel “Amazing.” This track is about the being weighed down by emotional stress despite valiant attempts to find some positivity in the situation. This track was written by Ed Sheeran from the perspective of his friend. From the track, we see this person fall deeper into the negative thoughts and slide further down the path of mental torment with every lyric.
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.