"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.
Cure the radio
Cure the airwaves
Cure the video
Cure the satellites
We’ll lend you an oxygen flask
To quench your collapse at last
We’re beaming in pearl and white
Cause finally your poverty’s mine
You’e probably wondering how we came out alive
While we are laughing while you bury your eyes
You’re probably wondering how we came out alive
Never forget our only reason to live
is to die
Cure the Radio
Cure the Airwaves
Cure the video
Cure the satelllites
Solutions of silver and chrome
In broadcasts of pirate hopes
These portraits of “assets” have turned
From pictures into revolvers
From sand you were made
to sand you return
Come Down
And rise to our level
Let all the world know the prisoners took flight
And watch the city streets as towers ignite
The former kings and all their armies burn bright
While we sit back in all the glory tonight
You’re probably wondering how we came out alive
Never forget our only reason to live.
Cure the airwaves
Cure the video
Cure the satellites
We’ll lend you an oxygen flask
To quench your collapse at last
We’re beaming in pearl and white
Cause finally your poverty’s mine
You’e probably wondering how we came out alive
While we are laughing while you bury your eyes
You’re probably wondering how we came out alive
Never forget our only reason to live
is to die
Cure the Radio
Cure the Airwaves
Cure the video
Cure the satelllites
Solutions of silver and chrome
In broadcasts of pirate hopes
These portraits of “assets” have turned
From pictures into revolvers
From sand you were made
to sand you return
Come Down
And rise to our level
Let all the world know the prisoners took flight
And watch the city streets as towers ignite
The former kings and all their armies burn bright
While we sit back in all the glory tonight
You’re probably wondering how we came out alive
Never forget our only reason to live.
Lyrics submitted by PCS153
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Fast Car
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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.
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I wouldn't say it's their best. My favorite is still Songs.... But it is definitely a comeback to their previous style. It's more of a blend between the older stuff and Rival Factions.