"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.
your lordship, allow me to introduce myself
i'm the carpenter you got to produce this shelf
we'd done business before: i constructed this floor
and i coulda swore that you said you was gonna pay me more
i mean no disrespect but i'm here to collect
what i feel is correct you see i must protect
the good name of my work and its fame
and i came here today so that you may take away this shame
aight,i hear your plea, runnin' that old "woe is me"
plain to see but you freeloaders won't get sympathy from me
all you bourgeoisie, what you want next? a big marquee?
no siree, i should put down my green tea and banish thee!
but not today, since i'm so kind, or so they say
i'll just take back your pay, now don't dismay, just obey
now guards take this ungrateful fool away without delay
and bring in the next stray, he better have something good to say
son, i run this bitch, second to none and filthy rich
forget the emperor, i'm the lord
rule this land with an iron sword
conquer more when i get bored
feared by all with my samurai guard
yet i'm adored in high regard,
at least by those looking for a reward
never clown, hold the crown in these towns
cats be bowin' down to the world renowned baddest mutha 'round
when peoples see me they just stare in awe
think i ain't above the law? hahaha hahahahaha
your lordship, let me first state
that i think you're cool, and i think you're great
and by the way, did you lose some weight?
at any rate, hope you don't get irate
but i'm on my knees and i'm begging to you, so won't you please
go easy on us when you obtain
your share of our meat and wheat and grain
no i ain't complainin', let me explain
there was a drought this season, we got no rain
attainin' the crops we got was a pain
and just maintainin' them drove us all insane
so please just take what you need don't exceed
the degree of your mildest greed 'cuz man i got me kids to feed
dawg, you breakin' my heart
but, let me see, where should i start
just who the hell do you think you is
testin' my integrity like a quiz
selfish hick, you make me sick
i bet you thought you was pretty slick
what you expect my army to eat
if we don't take replete your meat and wheat
think you're pretty funny
just buy some food, or do you not got money?
tell you what, sell me your nieces proper
and maybe i'll give you ten pieces copper
i could always use another girl or two
and maybe when i'm through
i'll give 'em to the troops for something fun to do
i'm the carpenter you got to produce this shelf
we'd done business before: i constructed this floor
and i coulda swore that you said you was gonna pay me more
i mean no disrespect but i'm here to collect
what i feel is correct you see i must protect
the good name of my work and its fame
and i came here today so that you may take away this shame
aight,i hear your plea, runnin' that old "woe is me"
plain to see but you freeloaders won't get sympathy from me
all you bourgeoisie, what you want next? a big marquee?
no siree, i should put down my green tea and banish thee!
but not today, since i'm so kind, or so they say
i'll just take back your pay, now don't dismay, just obey
now guards take this ungrateful fool away without delay
and bring in the next stray, he better have something good to say
son, i run this bitch, second to none and filthy rich
forget the emperor, i'm the lord
rule this land with an iron sword
conquer more when i get bored
feared by all with my samurai guard
yet i'm adored in high regard,
at least by those looking for a reward
never clown, hold the crown in these towns
cats be bowin' down to the world renowned baddest mutha 'round
when peoples see me they just stare in awe
think i ain't above the law? hahaha hahahahaha
your lordship, let me first state
that i think you're cool, and i think you're great
and by the way, did you lose some weight?
at any rate, hope you don't get irate
but i'm on my knees and i'm begging to you, so won't you please
go easy on us when you obtain
your share of our meat and wheat and grain
no i ain't complainin', let me explain
there was a drought this season, we got no rain
attainin' the crops we got was a pain
and just maintainin' them drove us all insane
so please just take what you need don't exceed
the degree of your mildest greed 'cuz man i got me kids to feed
dawg, you breakin' my heart
but, let me see, where should i start
just who the hell do you think you is
testin' my integrity like a quiz
selfish hick, you make me sick
i bet you thought you was pretty slick
what you expect my army to eat
if we don't take replete your meat and wheat
think you're pretty funny
just buy some food, or do you not got money?
tell you what, sell me your nieces proper
and maybe i'll give you ten pieces copper
i could always use another girl or two
and maybe when i'm through
i'll give 'em to the troops for something fun to do
Lyrics submitted by shogunmusic
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Fast Car
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@[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.
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Great version of a great song,
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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.
99% of the world is missing out on this. is blown away