"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.
There's a snakeskin bedroom
bang in the middle
of a funny little place called Hell, oh well
Everybody there's got trouble by the dozen
It's a lonely little place to dwell
Hope I don't make the trip through the floor
You told me once
"I want it but you wanted it more"
I know kung fu you know nothing
but together we can make it real, good deal
Digging our own way out of every prison
with my brains and your high heels
Love your myth coupled with your vast ocean
Take my eyes as the prize for your devotion
Oh take me to El Ray I got this real need to pray
Come find me where the vampires
all keep their heads on display
I'm a new man living in an old skin
I've been dead to you ever since Berlin
Oh teacher I'm restless just say the word
and I'll be blameless
Make me a saint I'll be the voice of restraint
I'll take their bullwhips and stones
without a hint of complaint
I met God in Dogtown isn't it a funny thing
to know you've died? Doves cried
Angels wept just as if I was a brother
and sang the blues for my bride
I've been keeping time in a skeleton soul band
don't it make your heart just bleed? Indeed
Keeping my nose clean hoping I can crash land
back where I've got mouths to feed
I'll be home once I've paid for my confusion
You'll see me in the fires
of your own disillusion
bang in the middle
of a funny little place called Hell, oh well
Everybody there's got trouble by the dozen
It's a lonely little place to dwell
Hope I don't make the trip through the floor
You told me once
"I want it but you wanted it more"
I know kung fu you know nothing
but together we can make it real, good deal
Digging our own way out of every prison
with my brains and your high heels
Love your myth coupled with your vast ocean
Take my eyes as the prize for your devotion
Oh take me to El Ray I got this real need to pray
Come find me where the vampires
all keep their heads on display
I'm a new man living in an old skin
I've been dead to you ever since Berlin
Oh teacher I'm restless just say the word
and I'll be blameless
Make me a saint I'll be the voice of restraint
I'll take their bullwhips and stones
without a hint of complaint
I met God in Dogtown isn't it a funny thing
to know you've died? Doves cried
Angels wept just as if I was a brother
and sang the blues for my bride
I've been keeping time in a skeleton soul band
don't it make your heart just bleed? Indeed
Keeping my nose clean hoping I can crash land
back where I've got mouths to feed
I'll be home once I've paid for my confusion
You'll see me in the fires
of your own disillusion
Lyrics submitted by teaspill
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Fast Car
Tracy Chapman
Tracy Chapman
Mental Istid
Ebba Grön
Ebba Grön
This is one of my favorite songs. https://fnfgo.io
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.
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/