"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 thought I knew it all
I've been through the highs, said all my goodbyes
Learned to run before I learned to crawl
It's not worth fighting for if one of us is sure
And one of us is dying, trying to find love's cure
I have waited all my life to paint these cities red
Thoughts I've always had here are stuck inside my head
It's not worth waiting for if one of us wants more
And one of us is dying, trying to find love's door
When we learn how to fly
We forget how to walk
When we learn how to sing
We don't wanna hear each other talk
Here we are at the finish line, ah
Here we are at the finish line
And you, you really thought you knew
Everything to do
With holding onto me
And holding on, this time
Is making me slip right
Through your hands
And now you don't understand
Trying to find love all yourself
When we learn how to fly,
We forget how to walk
When we learn how to sing
Don't wanna hear each other talk
When we know what we want
We forget what we need
When you find who you are
You forget about me
Here we are at the finish line, ah
Here we are at the finish line, ah
Here we are at the finish line, ah, ah, ah
Ah, ah, ah
Ah, ah, ah
I've been through the highs, said all my goodbyes
Learned to run before I learned to crawl
It's not worth fighting for if one of us is sure
And one of us is dying, trying to find love's cure
I have waited all my life to paint these cities red
Thoughts I've always had here are stuck inside my head
It's not worth waiting for if one of us wants more
And one of us is dying, trying to find love's door
When we learn how to fly
We forget how to walk
When we learn how to sing
We don't wanna hear each other talk
Here we are at the finish line, ah
Here we are at the finish line
And you, you really thought you knew
Everything to do
With holding onto me
And holding on, this time
Is making me slip right
Through your hands
And now you don't understand
Trying to find love all yourself
When we learn how to fly,
We forget how to walk
When we learn how to sing
Don't wanna hear each other talk
When we know what we want
We forget what we need
When you find who you are
You forget about me
Here we are at the finish line, ah
Here we are at the finish line, ah
Here we are at the finish line, ah, ah, ah
Ah, ah, ah
Ah, ah, ah
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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.
Son Şansın - Şarkı Sözleri
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.
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.
I think this song is about a rebound relationship. The guy fell in love with this girl when was sad and alone: "I've been through the highs, said all my goodbyes, Learned to run before I learned how to crawl."
Then he regained his perspective in life and is trying to find a way out of a relationship he no longer wants to be in: "This time is making me slip right through your hands. And now you don't understand, Trying to find love all yourself."
I think the chorus is trying to say that when you've already had the best parts of the relationship (in his case the healing), that it's hard to go back to being just a normal couple.