"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 feel like a liar trapped inside myself
with no intent yeah no intent to hide
so lets take a second here and stop
now breathe
what would I do if the truth came out
and if these walls could speak
would I tear them down?
This is my wake up call
as I insist to take my own life
in my hands
It would take a lifetime
to clear up the mess I've made in my head alone
I have nothing to show tonight
so lets take a minute here and think
just think
of the weight you carry on your shoulders
yeah it's here to stay
until you stand your ground
Coz this is my wake up call
as I insist to take my own life
in my hands
But I'll find a way out
Do you not have the forsight
do you not have the forsight to see
do you not have the forsight to see I'm a fraud
with no intent yeah no intent to hide
so lets take a second here and stop
now breathe
what would I do if the truth came out
and if these walls could speak
would I tear them down?
This is my wake up call
as I insist to take my own life
in my hands
It would take a lifetime
to clear up the mess I've made in my head alone
I have nothing to show tonight
so lets take a minute here and think
just think
of the weight you carry on your shoulders
yeah it's here to stay
until you stand your ground
Coz this is my wake up call
as I insist to take my own life
in my hands
But I'll find a way out
Do you not have the forsight
do you not have the forsight to see
do you not have the forsight to see I'm a fraud
Lyrics submitted by fsof
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Fast Car
Tracy Chapman
Tracy Chapman
Dreamwalker
Silent Planet
Silent Planet
I think much like another song “Anti-Matter” (that's also on the same album as this song), this one is also is inspired by a horrifying van crash the band experienced on Nov 3, 2022. This, much like the other track, sounds like it's an extension what they shared while huddled in the wreckage, as they helped frontman Garrett Russell stem the bleeding from his head wound while he was under the temporary effects of a concussion. The track speaks of where the mind goes at the most desperate & desolate of times, when it just about slips away to all but disconnect itself, and the aftermath.
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.
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.