"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.
Children shut your eyes
We'll tell you what to see
This world is burning down
And you're the ones to lead
Now look into their hearts
All those who hold the lead
Don't listen to their lies
They only want one thing
Well, I only want one thing
They'll rob you from the truth
And they'll steal you from our house
The blind leading the blind
Don't hang around with their kind
'Cause I love the life I lead
And I know my enemies
Well, if God is on our side
Well, that's all you really need
Well, that's all we really need
Well, that's all I really need
Follow down the road
I was led before you were born
No it's not your choice
To pick your own fight
When you sitting second class
And as long as you're in control
Speaking when you're asked
You make your own stand
And you take your own stand
Well, I'll make my own stand
And I take my own stand
We'll tell you what to see
This world is burning down
And you're the ones to lead
Now look into their hearts
All those who hold the lead
Don't listen to their lies
They only want one thing
Well, I only want one thing
They'll rob you from the truth
And they'll steal you from our house
The blind leading the blind
Don't hang around with their kind
'Cause I love the life I lead
And I know my enemies
Well, if God is on our side
Well, that's all you really need
Well, that's all we really need
Well, that's all I really need
Follow down the road
I was led before you were born
No it's not your choice
To pick your own fight
When you sitting second class
And as long as you're in control
Speaking when you're asked
You make your own stand
And you take your own stand
Well, I'll make my own stand
And I take my own stand
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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
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.
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/
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.
correction:
now look into their hearts all those who hold belief*
"ANNDD I TAKKE MY OWN STANNDDDD ahhhoooooooo ahhhoooooooo ahhhhAHHHHHHHHHOWWWWWW! ahhhhAHHHHHHHHHOWWWWWW!"
killer fucking song.
I must say this song was more amazing live than it was on the album... they do the drums so well and so literally and they just boom and the whole room shakes and it's just amazing.
Just from reading the lyrics, (I know nothing of what the band has or hasn't said), it seems like they're warning the future generations to not make the same mistakes his generation did. Don't follow blindly, don't put absolute faith in something just because you're forced into it...
:shrugs:
Totally agree with Adrienne...What do you mean by absolute faith? Do you take his religious references as sarcasm or literally? I can't quite make up my mind yet.
This song reminds me of a girl I met. She was stuck within the influence of friends and family, and was really distressed by everything that's happening, this song brings comfort to her, telling her if gods on your side, and if you are out looking for good you'll find good, as well as comfort. Her best friend tries to get her to do things that don't reach her standards. She's taking her own stand.