"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 built a sailin ship for you
I pushed it out to sea and bid adieu
Well it drifted out halfway and came unglued
Oh my ship it never stays afloat for you
I made a paper plane instead
Yeah I folded til my hands they nearly bled
And I threw it but it never flew ahead
My target was apparently misread
Cause the pilot and the crew were left for dead
My hands are getting tired
And my heart well its a mess
Cause Ive been building all these hopes
Since I dont know when
When all you see
Are failed attempts.
I built a tiny train for you
I laid down every track until I knew
Spanned long enough to go from me to you
Derailed as soon as it went out of view
Conductor cryin out, It cant be true
My hands are getting tired
And my heart has tried its best
Cause Ive been building all these hopes
Since I dont know when
When all you see
Are failed attempts.
Today I put away my tools
Yeah I threw them in a box tall as the roof
And I looked down at my fingers black and blue
I guess I lost the only fight I knew
Cause my hand it still ain't holdin' onto you
I pushed it out to sea and bid adieu
Well it drifted out halfway and came unglued
Oh my ship it never stays afloat for you
I made a paper plane instead
Yeah I folded til my hands they nearly bled
And I threw it but it never flew ahead
My target was apparently misread
Cause the pilot and the crew were left for dead
My hands are getting tired
And my heart well its a mess
Cause Ive been building all these hopes
Since I dont know when
When all you see
Are failed attempts.
I built a tiny train for you
I laid down every track until I knew
Spanned long enough to go from me to you
Derailed as soon as it went out of view
Conductor cryin out, It cant be true
My hands are getting tired
And my heart has tried its best
Cause Ive been building all these hopes
Since I dont know when
When all you see
Are failed attempts.
Today I put away my tools
Yeah I threw them in a box tall as the roof
And I looked down at my fingers black and blue
I guess I lost the only fight I knew
Cause my hand it still ain't holdin' onto you
Lyrics submitted by Possibly Sane
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
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.
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.