"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.
Save us from this world, things turning black
Move a few steps forward, only to fall back.
Save us from this world - this place, it haunts our souls
Masses wander lost in a world filled with abuse.
Mankind fallen - the evil closes in without a fight
Where is the light, the light to lead us home?
Living in this world; sickness and evil tearing at my soul.
Can you feel it?
Mankind is bent towards evil in his heart
The heart is deceitful; desperately wicked, sick beyond a cure.
Man is evil in his heart and every intent
From his youth; crime-ridden planet reaches for your soul (Jeremiah 17:9 & Genesis 8:21)
Haunts of violence
Haunts of violence
Fill this fallen world (Psalm 74:20)
Haunts of violence
On this lost world, people seek to do your harm
It's nothing you deserve; wrong place at the wrong time
But you and I offend the Lord God above
In how we have sinned; in our lives there's not enough love
For the Lord's anger is against all nations
His wrath is against all the armies of the earth
He will destroy, giving them over to slaughter
All their slain will be thrown out
Corpses will give off all their stench,
mountains drenched in blood
Heavens will roll up like a scroll (Isaiah 34:2-4)
All the host of the earth will wither away
The violence of this place
Is nothing like the Lord's wrath coming in power
Those who fight against the Lord int he Last Day
Will face a great plague of rot and decay
Flesh will rot off
Rotting eyes in their sockets,
tongues in their mouths (Zechariah 14:12)
Can you feel it?
You're backed against a wall in this place
The world seeks to use you and the wrath of the Lord will destroy your soul
Is there escape from the violence of this place?
Jesus Christ: faith in the savior will save your life
Haunts of violence
Haunts of violence fill this fallen world
Haunts of violence, malevolence and wickedness
Haunts of violence - any way out of this world?
On this lost world,
people seek to do you harm
It's nothing you deserve;
wrong place at the wrong time
But you and I offend the Lord God above
In how we have sinned;
in our lives there's not enough love
"For behold, the day is coming, burning like a furnace....
The arrogant, the evil doer will be chaff;
and that day is
Coming will set them ablaze....
But for you who fear my name the son of righteousness
Will rise with healing on its wings...and you shall tread
Down the wicked for they shall be ashes
Under the soles of your feet on the day that I prepare." (Malachi 4:1-3)
Move a few steps forward, only to fall back.
Save us from this world - this place, it haunts our souls
Masses wander lost in a world filled with abuse.
Mankind fallen - the evil closes in without a fight
Where is the light, the light to lead us home?
Living in this world; sickness and evil tearing at my soul.
Can you feel it?
Mankind is bent towards evil in his heart
The heart is deceitful; desperately wicked, sick beyond a cure.
Man is evil in his heart and every intent
From his youth; crime-ridden planet reaches for your soul (Jeremiah 17:9 & Genesis 8:21)
Haunts of violence
Haunts of violence
Fill this fallen world (Psalm 74:20)
Haunts of violence
On this lost world, people seek to do your harm
It's nothing you deserve; wrong place at the wrong time
But you and I offend the Lord God above
In how we have sinned; in our lives there's not enough love
For the Lord's anger is against all nations
His wrath is against all the armies of the earth
He will destroy, giving them over to slaughter
All their slain will be thrown out
Corpses will give off all their stench,
mountains drenched in blood
Heavens will roll up like a scroll (Isaiah 34:2-4)
All the host of the earth will wither away
The violence of this place
Is nothing like the Lord's wrath coming in power
Those who fight against the Lord int he Last Day
Will face a great plague of rot and decay
Flesh will rot off
Rotting eyes in their sockets,
tongues in their mouths (Zechariah 14:12)
Can you feel it?
You're backed against a wall in this place
The world seeks to use you and the wrath of the Lord will destroy your soul
Is there escape from the violence of this place?
Jesus Christ: faith in the savior will save your life
Haunts of violence
Haunts of violence fill this fallen world
Haunts of violence, malevolence and wickedness
Haunts of violence - any way out of this world?
On this lost world,
people seek to do you harm
It's nothing you deserve;
wrong place at the wrong time
But you and I offend the Lord God above
In how we have sinned;
in our lives there's not enough love
"For behold, the day is coming, burning like a furnace....
The arrogant, the evil doer will be chaff;
and that day is
Coming will set them ablaze....
But for you who fear my name the son of righteousness
Will rise with healing on its wings...and you shall tread
Down the wicked for they shall be ashes
Under the soles of your feet on the day that I prepare." (Malachi 4:1-3)
Lyrics submitted by sokorny
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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.
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/