"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.
What a letdown
I was convinced that I'd be living in hotels and breaking into houses by now.
I was under the impression that I'd be partying in Rio on yachts with my white suit on
And soft-permed women in chiffon and lycra.
When I was 6 I blew out all the candles but the machine gun and motor bike have yet to appear.
Every day I check for my super power or special ability, but it's still in the post.
I know it is.
And every day I try to use the force, and the belief that I can fly will never leave.
I must be an undercover spy, disguised as "my life".
I must be.
Just a little bit longer and then I can go home and reap the rewards.
It must be so obvious though. Surely I can't be that good at my job as this all looks fake and wrong and cheap and shallow.
Or maybe I'm too good?
Anyway, not long now and then it's back to the real life
Of the yachts and the night stars
And summer youth longing romance.
Hey, I'm sorry you're dead
And I'm sorry that I missed Bowie's changes.
I stumbled upon him dancing with his red shoes on
And dismissed him as a cunt.
Dancing to thought forms made true when he turned the world from black and white.
Let me sing about the hell you're in
So it'll take me out of my life
Let me shout of bonds and walls and thorns
I can kick you while I'm down
I'll have to paint the most horrendous colours
To cover up my favourite chord
Knowing my luck I'll be the first not to die
My own striving for perfection and goodness flanks me
And laughs at the failure that I am from his dizzy heights
I'll never make it up there to become the real me.
Everything's wrong
And it keeps getting worse
You said it's just a product of aging
But that's not true
It's really all getting worse.
I was convinced that I'd be living in hotels and breaking into houses by now.
I was under the impression that I'd be partying in Rio on yachts with my white suit on
And soft-permed women in chiffon and lycra.
When I was 6 I blew out all the candles but the machine gun and motor bike have yet to appear.
Every day I check for my super power or special ability, but it's still in the post.
I know it is.
And every day I try to use the force, and the belief that I can fly will never leave.
I must be an undercover spy, disguised as "my life".
I must be.
Just a little bit longer and then I can go home and reap the rewards.
It must be so obvious though. Surely I can't be that good at my job as this all looks fake and wrong and cheap and shallow.
Or maybe I'm too good?
Anyway, not long now and then it's back to the real life
Of the yachts and the night stars
And summer youth longing romance.
Hey, I'm sorry you're dead
And I'm sorry that I missed Bowie's changes.
I stumbled upon him dancing with his red shoes on
And dismissed him as a cunt.
Dancing to thought forms made true when he turned the world from black and white.
Let me sing about the hell you're in
So it'll take me out of my life
Let me shout of bonds and walls and thorns
I can kick you while I'm down
I'll have to paint the most horrendous colours
To cover up my favourite chord
Knowing my luck I'll be the first not to die
My own striving for perfection and goodness flanks me
And laughs at the failure that I am from his dizzy heights
I'll never make it up there to become the real me.
Everything's wrong
And it keeps getting worse
You said it's just a product of aging
But that's not true
It's really all getting worse.
Lyrics submitted by middledistancerunner
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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.
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/
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.
Page
Ed Sheeran
Ed Sheeran
There aren’t many things that’ll hurt more than giving love a chance against your better judgement only to have your heart crushed yet again. Ed Sheeran tells such a story on “Page.” On this track, he is devastated to have lost his lover and even more saddened by the feeling that he may never move on from this.