"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.
Driving in a fast lane
Counting mile marker signs
The empty seat beside me
Keeps you on my mind
Livin' in the heartache
Was never something I pursued
I can't keep on chasing
What I can't be for you
Ooh skies are black and blue
I'm thinking about you
Here in the calm after the storm
Tears on the highway
Water in my eyes
This rain ain't gonna change us
So what's the use to cry?
I could say I'm sorry
But I don't wanna lie
I just wanna know if staying
Is better than goodbye
Ooh skies are black and blue
I'm thinking about you
Here in the calm after the storm
Ooh after all that we've been through
There ain't nothing new
Here in the calm after the storm
Maybe I can find you
Down this broken line
Maybe you can find me
I guess we'll know in time
Ooh skies are black and blue
I'm thinking about you
Here in the calm after the storm
Ooh after all that we've been through
There ain't nothing new
Here in the calm after the storm
There ain't nothing new
Here in the calm after the storm
Counting mile marker signs
The empty seat beside me
Keeps you on my mind
Livin' in the heartache
Was never something I pursued
I can't keep on chasing
What I can't be for you
Ooh skies are black and blue
I'm thinking about you
Here in the calm after the storm
Tears on the highway
Water in my eyes
This rain ain't gonna change us
So what's the use to cry?
I could say I'm sorry
But I don't wanna lie
I just wanna know if staying
Is better than goodbye
Ooh skies are black and blue
I'm thinking about you
Here in the calm after the storm
Ooh after all that we've been through
There ain't nothing new
Here in the calm after the storm
Maybe I can find you
Down this broken line
Maybe you can find me
I guess we'll know in time
Ooh skies are black and blue
I'm thinking about you
Here in the calm after the storm
Ooh after all that we've been through
There ain't nothing new
Here in the calm after the storm
There ain't nothing new
Here in the calm after the storm
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More Featured Meanings
Fast Car
Tracy Chapman
Tracy Chapman
Bron-Y-Aur Stomp
Led Zeppelin
Led Zeppelin
This is about bronies. They communicate by stomping.
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.
Holiday
Bee Gees
Bee Gees
@[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.
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,