"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.
Decisions
Decisions
Decisions
Decisions
Decisions
Decisions
And more and more decisions
Elevated to the top floor
Voice print opens the door
It's all yours
Swiveling chair, mahogany desk
The paranoramic view is picturesque
Remote control venetian blinds
Dim the skyline dripping over time
A hot tub and masseus on call
But you're better work hard
If you wanna play hard ball
Yo this ain't Monopoly
Plain and simple it's proper monotony
Well get ready for a life in the jet set
Or should I say a life in a head set
Line three, it's a conference call
Think out the box baby, stay on the ball
You're a millionaire but you don't care
You've made it to the top but you'd better stay there
Decisions
Decisions
Decisions
Decisions
And more and more decisions
(You'd better make some decisions, figga)
A board metting at half past three
With teh CEO and the new VP
They got a problem with the Japanese
They bought a first class ticket for you overseas
You got a mission to micro-manage
Weed out the problem and make it vanish
You might break with the protocol
But if you leave with a handshake problem solved
It was a job well done
You passed the test and got the respect of everyone
The sideline sitters and the sword-swallowers
The bottom feeders and the board followers
You want food for thought just to vibe with this
You're either powerless or on the power list
Just remember that corporate culture
Starts with adreneline and ends with ulcers
Decisions
Decisions
Decisions
Decisions
And more and more decisions
(You'd better make some decisions, figga)
But you're losing drive
Third quarter stock took a nose dive
And brass want explanations
It's in the papers, they're losing patience
Some head's gotta roll
They gonna try and squeeze you out through a loophole
Say goodbye to your swivelling chair
You made it to the top but you couldn't stay there
Decisions
Decisions
Decisions
Decisions
And more and more decisions
(You'd better make some decisions, figga)
Decisions
Decisions
Decisions
Decisions
Decisions
And more and more decisions
Elevated to the top floor
Voice print opens the door
It's all yours
Swiveling chair, mahogany desk
The paranoramic view is picturesque
Remote control venetian blinds
Dim the skyline dripping over time
A hot tub and masseus on call
But you're better work hard
If you wanna play hard ball
Yo this ain't Monopoly
Plain and simple it's proper monotony
Well get ready for a life in the jet set
Or should I say a life in a head set
Line three, it's a conference call
Think out the box baby, stay on the ball
You're a millionaire but you don't care
You've made it to the top but you'd better stay there
Decisions
Decisions
Decisions
Decisions
And more and more decisions
(You'd better make some decisions, figga)
A board metting at half past three
With teh CEO and the new VP
They got a problem with the Japanese
They bought a first class ticket for you overseas
You got a mission to micro-manage
Weed out the problem and make it vanish
You might break with the protocol
But if you leave with a handshake problem solved
It was a job well done
You passed the test and got the respect of everyone
The sideline sitters and the sword-swallowers
The bottom feeders and the board followers
You want food for thought just to vibe with this
You're either powerless or on the power list
Just remember that corporate culture
Starts with adreneline and ends with ulcers
Decisions
Decisions
Decisions
Decisions
And more and more decisions
(You'd better make some decisions, figga)
But you're losing drive
Third quarter stock took a nose dive
And brass want explanations
It's in the papers, they're losing patience
Some head's gotta roll
They gonna try and squeeze you out through a loophole
Say goodbye to your swivelling chair
You made it to the top but you couldn't stay there
Decisions
Decisions
Decisions
Decisions
And more and more decisions
(You'd better make some decisions, figga)
Lyrics submitted by Chilli WG
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
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.
I Can't Go To Sleep
Wu-Tang Clan
Wu-Tang Clan
This song is written as the perspective of the boys in the street, as a whole, and what path they are going to choose as they get older and grow into men. (This is why the music video takes place in an orphanage.) The seen, and unseen collective suffering is imbedded in the boys’ mind, consciously or subconsciously, and is haunting them. Which path will the boys choose? Issac Hayes is the voice of reason, maybe God, the angel on his shoulder, or the voice of his forefathers from beyond the grave who can see the big picture and are pleading with the boys not to continue the violence and pattern of killing their brothers, but to rise above. The most beautiful song and has so many levels. Racism towards African Americans in America would not exist if everyone sat down and listened to this song and understood the history behind the words. The power, fear, pleading in RZA and Ghostface voices are genuine and powerful. Issac Hayes’ strong voice makes the perfect strong father figure, who is possibly from beyond the grave.
Head > Heels
Ed Sheeran
Ed Sheeran
“Head > Heels” is a track that aims to capture what it feels like to experience romance that exceeds expectations. Ed Sheeran dedicates his album outro to a lover who has blessed him with a unique experience that he seeks to describe through the song’s nuanced lyrics.
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.