"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.
We've been datin' since high school
We never once left this town
We use to go out on the weekends
And we''d drink til we drowned
But now she's acting funny and I don't understand
I think that she's found her, some other man
[Chorus]
She left me for Jesus and that just ain't fair
She says that he's perfect, how could I compare
She says I should find him and I'll know peace at last
If I ever find Jesus, I'm kickin' his ass
She showed me a picture, all I could do was stare
At that freak in his sandals with his long pretty hair
They must think that I'm stupid or I don't have a clue
Ill bet hes a commie, or ever worse yet a Jew
[Chorus]
She's given up whiskey and takin' up wine
While she prays for his troubles, had forgot about mine
I'm a gonna get even, I can't handle the shame
Why last time we made love, she even called out his name
[Chorus]
It coulda been Carlos or even Billy or Ted
But if I ever find Jesus
He's gonna wish he was dead, amen
We never once left this town
We use to go out on the weekends
And we''d drink til we drowned
But now she's acting funny and I don't understand
I think that she's found her, some other man
[Chorus]
She left me for Jesus and that just ain't fair
She says that he's perfect, how could I compare
She says I should find him and I'll know peace at last
If I ever find Jesus, I'm kickin' his ass
She showed me a picture, all I could do was stare
At that freak in his sandals with his long pretty hair
They must think that I'm stupid or I don't have a clue
Ill bet hes a commie, or ever worse yet a Jew
[Chorus]
She's given up whiskey and takin' up wine
While she prays for his troubles, had forgot about mine
I'm a gonna get even, I can't handle the shame
Why last time we made love, she even called out his name
[Chorus]
It coulda been Carlos or even Billy or Ted
But if I ever find Jesus
He's gonna wish he was dead, amen
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Fast Car
Tracy Chapman
Tracy Chapman
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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.
Cajun Girl
Little Feat
Little Feat
Overall about difficult moments of disappointment and vulnerability. Having hope and longing, while remaining optimistic for the future. Encourages the belief that with each new morning there is a chance for things to improve.
The chorus offers a glimmer of optimism and a chance at a resolution and redemption in the future.
Captures the rollercoaster of emotions of feeling lost while loving someone who is not there for you, feeling let down and abandoned while waiting for a lover. Lost with no direction, "Now I'm up in the air with the rain in my hair, Nowhere to go, I can go anywhere"
The bridge shows signs of longing and a plea for companionship. The Lyrics express a desire for authentic connection and the importance of Loving someone just as they are. "Just in passing, I'm not asking. That you be anyone but you”
Magical
Ed Sheeran
Ed Sheeran
How would you describe the feeling of being in love? For Ed Sheeran, the word is “Magical.” in HIS three-minute album opener, he makes an attempt to capture the beauty and delicacy of true love with words. He describes the magic of it all over a bright Pop song produced by Aaron Dessner.
Punchline
Ed Sheeran
Ed Sheeran
Ed Sheeran sings about missing his former partner and learning important life lessons in the process on “Punchline.” This track tells a story of battling to get rid of emotions for a former lover, whom he now realized might not have loved him the same way. He’s now caught between accepting that fact and learning life lessons from it and going back to beg her for another chance.
If it's not the funniest it is certainly in the running!