"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'm about to make you the star of the show
Hold, hold up, hold up
Slow down, slow down
Listen, give me ten minutes
Well gimme five minutes, aight
B-before you leave I just need these last four minutes
Pardon me if I'm talking fast and stumbling all over my words
I heard you were leavin' town I thought I'd be the one to know first
If you have a minute let me talk to you and see what's going on
Don't say it's nothing when it's gotta be something that's gone wrong
Now let me explain but I don't know what to say
'Cause I don't know what the hell happened
I come in the house to try to work it out
And all you're doing is packing
Close your suitcase let me think straight
Damn what could be the reason?
Baby talk me I'm almost outta time
I only got four minutes to do what I gotta do
To prove to you that I'm gonna do anything
Only got four minutes to say what I gotta say
To make you stay and show you that I done change
'Cause in four minutes I'll never have my girl again
In four minutes I'm a lose her to some other man
For no less no more
I'm desperate 'cause the clocks ticking
Only got four minutes to go
Who are these people I don't know
In my house and they scratching my floors
Takin' furniture outside and the U-Haul pull up to my door
What's the reason that I get this feelin'
That you can't keep it real with me
Is it 'cause of the prime relationships
That I had off in the streets?
Never mind that this is your conscience speaking
And you need to get your girl back
You gotta find a way to try to get to her heart
I'm takin' suggestions I've learned my lesson
Think conscience you're my last lifeline
I'm down to my last second
I only got four minutes to do what I gotta do
To prove to you that I'm gonna do anything
Only got four minutes to say what I gotta say
To make you stay and show you that I done change (I'm a changed man)
'Cause in four minutes I'll never have my girl again
In four minutes I'm a lose her to some other man
For no less no more
I'm desperate 'cause the clocks ticking
Only got four minutes to go
(I've done) I've done things in my past
I thought this love would last
But I can't let you go baby
You're my everything lady
The reason I smile and the reason I talk, baby
The reason I breathe, the only one for me, yeah
You can't go through with this
If you left me my life wouldn't exist
'Cause I'm still in love with you
And that's my word I don't give a damn what you heard
Oh, baby I'll be true
I only got four minutes
Oh, I got four, and I'm running out of time
I only got four minutes
I only got four minutes
Four minutes I'll never have my girl again (I'll never have)
In four minutes (oh no) I'm a lose her to some other man (I'm a lose her)
For (oh ho) no less no more
(And I just can't take it I don't want it happen I won't let it happen)
Oh no
Everything I love about you
I need you
I'm out of time (gotta say what's on my mind)
What's on mind, baby
Oh, damn I'm outta time
Hold, hold up, hold up
Slow down, slow down
Listen, give me ten minutes
Well gimme five minutes, aight
B-before you leave I just need these last four minutes
Pardon me if I'm talking fast and stumbling all over my words
I heard you were leavin' town I thought I'd be the one to know first
If you have a minute let me talk to you and see what's going on
Don't say it's nothing when it's gotta be something that's gone wrong
Now let me explain but I don't know what to say
'Cause I don't know what the hell happened
I come in the house to try to work it out
And all you're doing is packing
Close your suitcase let me think straight
Damn what could be the reason?
Baby talk me I'm almost outta time
I only got four minutes to do what I gotta do
To prove to you that I'm gonna do anything
Only got four minutes to say what I gotta say
To make you stay and show you that I done change
'Cause in four minutes I'll never have my girl again
In four minutes I'm a lose her to some other man
For no less no more
I'm desperate 'cause the clocks ticking
Only got four minutes to go
Who are these people I don't know
In my house and they scratching my floors
Takin' furniture outside and the U-Haul pull up to my door
What's the reason that I get this feelin'
That you can't keep it real with me
Is it 'cause of the prime relationships
That I had off in the streets?
Never mind that this is your conscience speaking
And you need to get your girl back
You gotta find a way to try to get to her heart
I'm takin' suggestions I've learned my lesson
Think conscience you're my last lifeline
I'm down to my last second
I only got four minutes to do what I gotta do
To prove to you that I'm gonna do anything
Only got four minutes to say what I gotta say
To make you stay and show you that I done change (I'm a changed man)
'Cause in four minutes I'll never have my girl again
In four minutes I'm a lose her to some other man
For no less no more
I'm desperate 'cause the clocks ticking
Only got four minutes to go
(I've done) I've done things in my past
I thought this love would last
But I can't let you go baby
You're my everything lady
The reason I smile and the reason I talk, baby
The reason I breathe, the only one for me, yeah
You can't go through with this
If you left me my life wouldn't exist
'Cause I'm still in love with you
And that's my word I don't give a damn what you heard
Oh, baby I'll be true
I only got four minutes
Oh, I got four, and I'm running out of time
I only got four minutes
I only got four minutes
Four minutes I'll never have my girl again (I'll never have)
In four minutes (oh no) I'm a lose her to some other man (I'm a lose her)
For (oh ho) no less no more
(And I just can't take it I don't want it happen I won't let it happen)
Oh no
Everything I love about you
I need you
I'm out of time (gotta say what's on my mind)
What's on mind, baby
Oh, damn I'm outta time
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More Featured Meanings
Fast Car
Tracy Chapman
Tracy Chapman
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.
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.
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.
Page
Ed Sheeran
Ed Sheeran
There aren’t many things that’ll hurt more than giving love a chance against your better judgement only to have your heart crushed yet again. Ed Sheeran tells such a story on “Page.” On this track, he is devastated to have lost his lover and even more saddened by the feeling that he may never move on from this.
He's only got 4 minutes...