"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.
This time I've tried not to get hurt
This time I'll stay untouched by pain and dirt
This time I'll stick to what I've learned
This time I'll fly so low I won't get burned
Maybe it's not enough
Maybe this time it's just too much
Maybe I'm not that tough
Maybe this time the road is just too rough
Walk down
So I sit down
I've walked this road so many years
I've worned out all my boots
I've cried all tears
So many cross roads left behind
So many choices burned in to my mind
Maybe it's not enough
Maybe this time it's just too much
Maybe I'm not that tough
Maybe this time the road is just too rough
To take me home x3
But I walk on
This time I'll stay untouched by pain and dirt
This time I'll stick to what I've learned
This time I'll fly so low I won't get burned
Maybe it's not enough
Maybe this time it's just too much
Maybe I'm not that tough
Maybe this time the road is just too rough
Walk down
So I sit down
I've walked this road so many years
I've worned out all my boots
I've cried all tears
So many cross roads left behind
So many choices burned in to my mind
Maybe it's not enough
Maybe this time it's just too much
Maybe I'm not that tough
Maybe this time the road is just too rough
To take me home x3
But I walk on
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Fast Car
Tracy Chapman
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@[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.
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Page
Ed Sheeran
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