"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.
Here come your pride and joy
The comic little drunk you call your boy
Making everybody smile
Who takes your pretty plan
And then becomes a disappearing man
After a little while
I saw you with your makeup running down
Now what's that all about?
You say you don't want anyone around
'Cause you're all cleaned out
You toss the empty beer
Not really as composed as you appear
A icicle inside
Wearing clothes that clash
Wondering is this treasure, is this trash
Still trying to decide
And about five o'clock here comes your clown
With the front he's throwing down
But all you say is you don't want anyone around
No, not right now
There ain't nothing to drink
You don't wanna think about it
I'm sorry you seem so stung
And I'm sorry you think you have to hold your tongue
When you're so pretty and smart
I'm seeing you caving in
Becoming afraid of all these men
That you've given your heart
I saw you with your makeup running down
Now what's that all about?
You say you don't want anyone around
'Cause you're all cleaned out
All cleaned out
All cleaned out
The comic little drunk you call your boy
Making everybody smile
Who takes your pretty plan
And then becomes a disappearing man
After a little while
I saw you with your makeup running down
Now what's that all about?
You say you don't want anyone around
'Cause you're all cleaned out
You toss the empty beer
Not really as composed as you appear
A icicle inside
Wearing clothes that clash
Wondering is this treasure, is this trash
Still trying to decide
And about five o'clock here comes your clown
With the front he's throwing down
But all you say is you don't want anyone around
No, not right now
There ain't nothing to drink
You don't wanna think about it
I'm sorry you seem so stung
And I'm sorry you think you have to hold your tongue
When you're so pretty and smart
I'm seeing you caving in
Becoming afraid of all these men
That you've given your heart
I saw you with your makeup running down
Now what's that all about?
You say you don't want anyone around
'Cause you're all cleaned out
All cleaned out
All cleaned out
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Fast Car
Tracy Chapman
Tracy Chapman
Dreamwalker
Silent Planet
Silent Planet
I think much like another song “Anti-Matter” (that's also on the same album as this song), this one is also is inspired by a horrifying van crash the band experienced on Nov 3, 2022. This, much like the other track, sounds like it's an extension what they shared while huddled in the wreckage, as they helped frontman Garrett Russell stem the bleeding from his head wound while he was under the temporary effects of a concussion. The track speaks of where the mind goes at the most desperate & desolate of times, when it just about slips away to all but disconnect itself, and the aftermath.
Gentle Hour
Yo La Tengo
Yo La Tengo
This song was originally written by a guy called Peter Gutteridge. He was one of the founders of the "Dunedin Sound" a musical scene in the south of New Zealand in the early 80s. From there it was covered by "The Clean" one of the early bands of that scene (he had originally been a member of in it's early days, writing a couple of their best early songs). The Dunedin sound, and the Clean became popular on american college radio in the mid to late 80s. I guess Yo La Tengo heard that version.
Great version of a great song,
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/
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.
"with the foot he's throwing down" i think.
i think he's talking about a single mom he knows who is struggling to find peace with a man and with herself. it's a really good