"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.
When it all goes wrong man you know that feeling
Gotta work and still can't pay rent
See them walk by in the latest fashion
The streets are filled with just me and them
When money is your god with your credit cards
Quality of life is just fucked up
I just turn around and watch a Cadillac car see
Them mow 'em all down! oh yeah!
Dead yuppies on the sidewalk right in front of me
Dead yuppies on the sidewalk lying on the streets
Never coming back as far as I can see
Dead yuppies on the sidewalk right in front of me
Front of me lying there right on the street
Living life with no believing
Well everything is all profit then
Raising the rents in the neighborhood buildings
Sixty hours a week and I'm a still broke man
They're in the restaurants in the laundromat
Every where I go you know I see 'em
As I pass by beside a run away car and I watch 'em
All die! Oh yeah!
They where sitting in the restaurant outside you
Know that part
Across the street at the light he had a heart
Attack hit the gas that's all she wrote
He had a heart attack hit the gas
Leave their dead bodies in the trash, dead bodies
Gotta work and still can't pay rent
See them walk by in the latest fashion
The streets are filled with just me and them
When money is your god with your credit cards
Quality of life is just fucked up
I just turn around and watch a Cadillac car see
Them mow 'em all down! oh yeah!
Dead yuppies on the sidewalk right in front of me
Dead yuppies on the sidewalk lying on the streets
Never coming back as far as I can see
Dead yuppies on the sidewalk right in front of me
Front of me lying there right on the street
Living life with no believing
Well everything is all profit then
Raising the rents in the neighborhood buildings
Sixty hours a week and I'm a still broke man
They're in the restaurants in the laundromat
Every where I go you know I see 'em
As I pass by beside a run away car and I watch 'em
All die! Oh yeah!
They where sitting in the restaurant outside you
Know that part
Across the street at the light he had a heart
Attack hit the gas that's all she wrote
He had a heart attack hit the gas
Leave their dead bodies in the trash, dead bodies
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.
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.
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.