"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.
Such an intent stare
One eye at a time
Your talons like fish hooks
You are a rare bird
The kind I wouldn't even mind
Writing in the margins of my books
Sometimes I see myself
Through the eyes of a stray dog
From an alley across the street
And my whole mission just seems so finite
My whole saga just seems so cheap
I mean I know that now is all there is
And love just makes you cry
So I live for the sight of a rare bird
Suddenly flying by
And I meet your stare
One eye at a time
Writing in the margins of my mind
Sometimes I see myself
Through the eyes of a stray dog
From an alley across the street
And my whole mission just seems so finite
My whole saga just seems so cheap
And that's when your song calls to me
From way up in a tree
And I look up and the whole world
Is as it should be
One eye at a time
Your talons like fish hooks
You are a rare bird
The kind I wouldn't even mind
Writing in the margins of my books
Sometimes I see myself
Through the eyes of a stray dog
From an alley across the street
And my whole mission just seems so finite
My whole saga just seems so cheap
I mean I know that now is all there is
And love just makes you cry
So I live for the sight of a rare bird
Suddenly flying by
And I meet your stare
One eye at a time
Writing in the margins of my mind
Sometimes I see myself
Through the eyes of a stray dog
From an alley across the street
And my whole mission just seems so finite
My whole saga just seems so cheap
And that's when your song calls to me
From way up in a tree
And I look up and the whole world
Is as it should be
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More Featured Meanings
Fast Car
Tracy Chapman
Tracy Chapman
Mental Istid
Ebba Grön
Ebba Grön
This is one of my favorite songs. https://fnfgo.io
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.
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/
Magical
Ed Sheeran
Ed Sheeran
How would you describe the feeling of being in love? For Ed Sheeran, the word is “Magical.” in HIS three-minute album opener, he makes an attempt to capture the beauty and delicacy of true love with words. He describes the magic of it all over a bright Pop song produced by Aaron Dessner.
Wow...this song means a lot to me, but I can't explain why.
"i mean i know that now is all there is and love will just make you cry so i live for the sight of a rare bird suddenly flying by"
..beautiful. one of my favorites.
There's this air of subdued beauty or something in the first few songs on 'Reprieve' that is almost too intense, and I think this is my favorite one of them. Can't say anything about the meaning right now since I'm kind of overwhelmed (listening to the song right now), sorry.
I just recently heard this song. I Love Ani Difranco, but never heard this one previously. It is SUCH a beautiful song.......one of my all-time favorite songs, for sure.
I think the message of it is something like: Our lives can be very painful and sometimes seem meaningless, but all we have is the moment. If we are open to the moment, we'll see and experience beauty and meaning (to me, that's what the bird represents.) If we're always caught up in thinking about the past/future, we miss the innocence and power of the moment. We need to be mindful and clear-eyed to really experience life and love in it's fullest colors.
It's an Amazing song by an Amazing artist. Ani DiFranco is my favorite artist - her music has changed my life for the better and helped me through some difficult times.