"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.
I walked to the door
And I wasn’t sure
How I'd find you
I saw a glow at your window
Right behind you
You were all alone
No TV, no telephone
When I found you
As you softly slept
I gently wept beside you
I will hold your hand (tonight)
I will love you wrong (or right)
We don’t have to live a lie
You woke to find me there
But you didn’t care
When you saw me
You held my gaze so deep
With sorrow underneath
Do you know me?
You looked away
As I began to prey
You would want me
You try to move but I will prove
You will love me
i will hold your hand (so tight)
I will love you wrong (or right)
Please don’t close your eyes
Tonight
And I wasn’t sure
How I'd find you
I saw a glow at your window
Right behind you
You were all alone
No TV, no telephone
When I found you
As you softly slept
I gently wept beside you
I will hold your hand (tonight)
I will love you wrong (or right)
We don’t have to live a lie
You woke to find me there
But you didn’t care
When you saw me
You held my gaze so deep
With sorrow underneath
Do you know me?
You looked away
As I began to prey
You would want me
You try to move but I will prove
You will love me
i will hold your hand (so tight)
I will love you wrong (or right)
Please don’t close your eyes
Tonight
Lyrics submitted by HystericRomance
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
Bron-Y-Aur Stomp
Led Zeppelin
Led Zeppelin
This is about bronies. They communicate by stomping.
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/
Blue
Ed Sheeran
Ed Sheeran
“Blue” is a song about a love that is persisting in the discomfort of the person experiencing the emotion. Ed Sheeran reflects on love lost, and although he wishes his former partner find happiness, he cannot but admit his feelings are still very much there. He expresses the realization that he might never find another on this stringed instrumental by Aaron Dessner.
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.