"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.
I've gone down the river of sadness
I've gone down the river of pain
In the dark, under the wires
I hear them call my name
I gave you the key to the highway
And the key to my motel door
And I'm tired of leaving and leaving
I can't come back no more
Oh, my dark eyed friend
I'm recalling you again
Soft voices that speak nothing
Speak nothing to the end
Oh, Mother of Earth
Blind they call
But yet, stay behind the wall
Their sadness grows like weeds
Upon my thighs and knees
Oh, Mother of Earth
The wind is hot
I tried my best but I could not
And my eyes fade from me
In this open country
I've gone down the river of pain
In the dark, under the wires
I hear them call my name
I gave you the key to the highway
And the key to my motel door
And I'm tired of leaving and leaving
I can't come back no more
Oh, my dark eyed friend
I'm recalling you again
Soft voices that speak nothing
Speak nothing to the end
Oh, Mother of Earth
Blind they call
But yet, stay behind the wall
Their sadness grows like weeds
Upon my thighs and knees
Oh, Mother of Earth
The wind is hot
I tried my best but I could not
And my eyes fade from me
In this open country
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.
Holiday
Bee Gees
Bee Gees
@[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.
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.
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.
shame no one's heard of these guys...jlp was a genius in his own twisted beautiful way.
the song is pretty fitting to me especially as it is the last track on the Miami album. i think the singer (JLP) is at the end of his journey. he's a traveling dude, moving from town to town and he knows first hand the seedy underbelly of Americana for better or worse. hes been along the highways and the seediest motels along the interstates. the song is more or less an epitaph to the album itself. the album is filled with songs about an America that is tucked away and unnoticed (intentionally?) by the mainstream. the singer is lamenting that all the efforts to bring attention their way has come to nothing. lonely people on the lonely road mean nothing in the greater scheme of things so its time to ride off into the western sunset...
RIP JLP
@mr.v It's been 11 years since you commented this. I don't know if you still alive or if you still using this page, and I know we are going through crazy times. It's a pleasure to find someone who also appreciate how amazing is this piece. In my opinion one of the bests songs ever written. I hope you see this one day. See you soon, maybe you'll read this in the 25th anniversary of JLP's death, it's the next year.
@mr.v I saw them 2 times in 1982 and 1986 in Paris. Miami is one of my favourite album of all time!