"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.
you follow Aurora and hope no-one saw you,
Peel back the screen door like everyone before,
Cartoons run on repeat in the room across the street,
So you go out to find her in some crappy roadside diner.
You’re a long long way from home.
And as the room goes cold you’re…
Crying in secret about the things you’re thinking
On a night.
That you, one day will die.
Just try to think it’s the one thing
That makes it all worthwhile.
That I, one day will die.
So where do we go?
We go back to the Bolthole.
Crack open the Rainiers.
The oxygen makes you thin here.
A Cascadian rainfall.
The couch has gone AWOL.
It’s as good place as any to forget about your family.
You’re a long long way from home.
And as the room goes cold you’re…
Crying in secret about the things you’re thinking
On a night.
That you, one day will die.
Just try to think it’s the one thing
That makes it all worthwhile.
That I, one day will die.
Peel back the screen door like everyone before,
Cartoons run on repeat in the room across the street,
So you go out to find her in some crappy roadside diner.
You’re a long long way from home.
And as the room goes cold you’re…
Crying in secret about the things you’re thinking
On a night.
That you, one day will die.
Just try to think it’s the one thing
That makes it all worthwhile.
That I, one day will die.
So where do we go?
We go back to the Bolthole.
Crack open the Rainiers.
The oxygen makes you thin here.
A Cascadian rainfall.
The couch has gone AWOL.
It’s as good place as any to forget about your family.
You’re a long long way from home.
And as the room goes cold you’re…
Crying in secret about the things you’re thinking
On a night.
That you, one day will die.
Just try to think it’s the one thing
That makes it all worthwhile.
That I, one day will die.
Lyrics submitted by applebuttaz1212
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Fast Car
Tracy Chapman
Tracy Chapman
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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.
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,
I Can't Go To Sleep
Wu-Tang Clan
Wu-Tang Clan
This song is written as the perspective of the boys in the street, as a whole, and what path they are going to choose as they get older and grow into men. (This is why the music video takes place in an orphanage.) The seen, and unseen collective suffering is imbedded in the boys’ mind, consciously or subconsciously, and is haunting them. Which path will the boys choose? Issac Hayes is the voice of reason, maybe God, the angel on his shoulder, or the voice of his forefathers from beyond the grave who can see the big picture and are pleading with the boys not to continue the violence and pattern of killing their brothers, but to rise above. The most beautiful song and has so many levels. Racism towards African Americans in America would not exist if everyone sat down and listened to this song and understood the history behind the words. The power, fear, pleading in RZA and Ghostface voices are genuine and powerful. Issac Hayes’ strong voice makes the perfect strong father figure, who is possibly from beyond the grave.
Amazing
Ed Sheeran
Ed Sheeran
Ed Sheeran tells a story of unsuccessfully trying to feel “Amazing.” This track is about the being weighed down by emotional stress despite valiant attempts to find some positivity in the situation. This track was written by Ed Sheeran from the perspective of his friend. From the track, we see this person fall deeper into the negative thoughts and slide further down the path of mental torment with every lyric.
songfacts.com/detail.php - Mentions Ryan's feelings on mortality and their trips out to NW USA.
I do want to include some references and definitions:
"We go back to the Bolthole. Crack open the Rainiers. The oxygen makes you thin here. A Cascadian rainfall."
Rai·nier - a volcanic peak in W Washington, in the Cascade Range. 14,408 feet
bolt-hole 1. a hole in the ground, protected opening in bushes, etc., into which an animal can flee when pursued or frightened. 2. a place or avenue of escape or refuge
And the subtle hint to Ryan's struggles with anorexia: "The oxygen makes you thin here." And let's not forget his break up with his long time girlfriend prior to writing this song. I will get into some more speculation as to how possibly his eating disorder could have been a reason for their relationship ending.
Could it be that the bolt-hole was being searched for by Ryan but he couldn't hide from his problems?
The Cribs leave quite a few subtle clues to some of their more personal inspirations lyrically and if you know enough about them you can piece together a very intimate picture. I hope this all makes sense and I'm not just speculating on nothing.
pretty one, the chorus sounds so powerfull