"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.
He’s there but he ain’t home
Someone get his corner stone
His life ain’t in your hands
Only he knows what death demands
Use your heart but do not dread
Some things are better off left dead
If he falls far enough
Maybe he can bounce back up
Do not cushion with love
If you care then let him drop
Use your heart but do not dread
Some things are better off left dead
Emenations aint glowin
Rip the skin of his bones
Tell me what you see
Nevermind don’t tell me
Use your heart but do not dread
Some things are better off left dead
Leave him alone
He’s on his own
Leave him alone
He’s on his own
Cielito lindo Camino muerto
Cielito lindo Camino muerto
Cielito lindo Camino muerto
Cielito lindo Camino muerto
His path ain’t up to you
Get out of whathedo
Death is to his left
He’s there but he ain’t home
Someone get his corner stone
Use your heart but do not dread
Some things are better off left dead
Emenations aint glowin
Rip the skin of his bones
Tell me what you see
Nevermind don’t tell me
Use your heart but do not dread
Some things are better off left dead
Someone get his corner stone
His life ain’t in your hands
Only he knows what death demands
Use your heart but do not dread
Some things are better off left dead
If he falls far enough
Maybe he can bounce back up
Do not cushion with love
If you care then let him drop
Use your heart but do not dread
Some things are better off left dead
Emenations aint glowin
Rip the skin of his bones
Tell me what you see
Nevermind don’t tell me
Use your heart but do not dread
Some things are better off left dead
Leave him alone
He’s on his own
Leave him alone
He’s on his own
Cielito lindo Camino muerto
Cielito lindo Camino muerto
Cielito lindo Camino muerto
Cielito lindo Camino muerto
His path ain’t up to you
Get out of whathedo
Death is to his left
He’s there but he ain’t home
Someone get his corner stone
Use your heart but do not dread
Some things are better off left dead
Emenations aint glowin
Rip the skin of his bones
Tell me what you see
Nevermind don’t tell me
Use your heart but do not dread
Some things are better off left dead
Lyrics submitted by kuloh32
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.
Cajun Girl
Little Feat
Little Feat
Overall about difficult moments of disappointment and vulnerability. Having hope and longing, while remaining optimistic for the future. Encourages the belief that with each new morning there is a chance for things to improve.
The chorus offers a glimmer of optimism and a chance at a resolution and redemption in the future.
Captures the rollercoaster of emotions of feeling lost while loving someone who is not there for you, feeling let down and abandoned while waiting for a lover. Lost with no direction, "Now I'm up in the air with the rain in my hair, Nowhere to go, I can go anywhere"
The bridge shows signs of longing and a plea for companionship. The Lyrics express a desire for authentic connection and the importance of Loving someone just as they are. "Just in passing, I'm not asking. That you be anyone but you”
Gentle Hour
Yo La Tengo
Yo La Tengo
This song was originally written by a guy called Peter Gutteridge. He was one of the founders of the "Dunedin Sound" a musical scene in the south of New Zealand in the early 80s. From there it was covered by "The Clean" one of the early bands of that scene (he had originally been a member of in it's early days, writing a couple of their best early songs). The Dunedin sound, and the Clean became popular on american college radio in the mid to late 80s. I guess Yo La Tengo heard that version.
Great version of a great song,
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/
This song is amazing.
I think he's singing to someone who is hung up on a relationship where they care too much while the other person is off doing what he does, I'm assuming a drug issue from the lines "If he falls far enough maybe he can bounce back up" "He’s there but he ain’t home." He's telling the person to let it go, it's out of your control, it's a dead end; "Cielito lindo, camino muerto" roughly translates to "My dear, dead end" (Cielito lindo is a pet name, like saying honey, sweet heart, my dear. I'm not sure if it has a direct translation)
"Use your heart but do not dread, Some things are better off left deasd" She's probably afraid to get into another relationship because she's waiting for the person he's telling her to leave.
"Emenations aint glowin Rip the skin of his bones Tell me what you see Nevermind don’t tell me"
this part i havent got a clue
I don't know if i totally agree with you but that line could mean try and look past how he apprears to be and see how he is on the inside, perhaps meaning the woman is fixated on the mans beauty and the beauty of what she imagined they could be and he wants her to go beyond the aesthetic appeal of it
The song, in my opinion, is about a lover who has been dumped by his partner, who is offering all kinds of conciliations, friendship and remains a fixed presence in his life. This keeps him trapped in a cycle of torment and longing, preventing him from fully letting go and moving past it.
The message of the song is that it's better for him if they just let go and accept that the relationship is dead and that they both have to move on. His affairs are none of their business and not their responsibility anymore, and that if they really cared about him, rather than just trying to alleviate their guilt, they would commit fully to ending things and leave him alone.
@Helminth 067 841 7002 Let's chat on Moya
@Prosperit What's "Moya"?