"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.
"Engine engine number 9 going down Chicago line engine off the Track, do you want your money back?"
We waited all year for this time to come around.
We didn't have much, but what we did have, we held very close.
"Y-e-s spells yes, not because you're dirty, not because you're clean,
Just because you kissed a girl behind a dirty magazine"
I'M IT!
my head against the tree, I start the count 1-2-3....
This is what life's all about......
"Ready or not-" I'm interrupted.
My head against the sidewalk.
Being thrown to the ground is what I've heard they do,
A Laugh in your face and a crack in the head with a bottle of booze.
I became the gangs soccer ball, kicked around for their enjoyment.
Their laughing became deafening,
The memories became scarring.
And all they could do was watch.
The gang,they swung at will.
Pounding my pals for the thrill.
But it was laughs that buried me.
I leaned up against the tree,
Had my pals holding my head,
We all sat there and weeped.
Why am I not hiding, why am I not seeking,
Why am i cut open, the nights filled with shrieking.
Give my hiding spot away, I'm done for today.
Give my a few years,
Then tell em to come back and play.
We waited all year for this time to come around.
We didn't have much, but what we did have, we held very close.
"Y-e-s spells yes, not because you're dirty, not because you're clean,
Just because you kissed a girl behind a dirty magazine"
I'M IT!
my head against the tree, I start the count 1-2-3....
This is what life's all about......
"Ready or not-" I'm interrupted.
My head against the sidewalk.
Being thrown to the ground is what I've heard they do,
A Laugh in your face and a crack in the head with a bottle of booze.
I became the gangs soccer ball, kicked around for their enjoyment.
Their laughing became deafening,
The memories became scarring.
And all they could do was watch.
The gang,they swung at will.
Pounding my pals for the thrill.
But it was laughs that buried me.
I leaned up against the tree,
Had my pals holding my head,
We all sat there and weeped.
Why am I not hiding, why am I not seeking,
Why am i cut open, the nights filled with shrieking.
Give my hiding spot away, I'm done for today.
Give my a few years,
Then tell em to come back and play.
Lyrics submitted by Turk Turkleton
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More Featured Meanings
Fast Car
Tracy Chapman
Tracy Chapman
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.
Gentle Hour
Yo La Tengo
Yo La Tengo
This song was originally written by a guy called Peter Gutteridge. He was one of the founders of the "Dunedin Sound" a musical scene in the south of New Zealand in the early 80s. From there it was covered by "The Clean" one of the early bands of that scene (he had originally been a member of in it's early days, writing a couple of their best early songs). The Dunedin sound, and the Clean became popular on american college radio in the mid to late 80s. I guess Yo La Tengo heard that version.
Great version of a great song,
When We Were Young
Blink-182
Blink-182
This is a sequel to 2001's "Reckless Abandon", and features the band looking back on their clumsy youth fondly.
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/
this song is so much heavier now that i understand what the lyrics are about this is one of my favorite songs of all time