"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.
Compliance
We just need your compliance
You will feel no pain anymore
And no more defiance
We just need your compliance
Just give us your compliance
We won't let you feel lost anymore
No more self-reliance
Fall into line, you will do as you're told
No choice fatigue, your blood is running cold
We lose control, the world will fall apart
Love of your life will mend your broken heart
Life lived in fear, you need protection
You're all alone, too much rejection
We have what you need, just reach out and touch
We can save you (we can save you)
We just need your
Compliance
We just need your compliance
You will feel no pain anymore
No more defiance
Just give us your compliance
Cover your tracks, we know what's best for you
You've bitten off much more than you can chew
You're running scared, you'll run into our arms
Come join our clique, we'll keep you safe from harm
Our toy soldier, you'll do the dirty work
Stay loyal to us, we'll take away the hurt
We have what you need, just reach out and touch
We can save you (we can save you)
Just give us your
Compliance
We just need your compliance
You will feel no pain anymore
No more defiance
Just give us your compliance
Ooh, ooh, ooh
Ooh, ooh, ooh
(We can save you, can save you)
Compliance
We just need your compliance
You will feel no pain anymore
And no more defiance
We just need your compliance
We just need your compliance
We won't let you feel lost anymore
No more self-reliance
Compliance
We just need your compliance
You will feel no pain anymore
And no more defiance
We just need your compliance
Oh, fear is controlling you
It's time to give it up
And give in to us (we can save you, can save you)
Give us your compliance
We just need your compliance
You will feel no pain anymore
And no more defiance
We just need your compliance
Just give us your compliance
We won't let you feel lost anymore
No more self-reliance
Fall into line, you will do as you're told
No choice fatigue, your blood is running cold
We lose control, the world will fall apart
Love of your life will mend your broken heart
Life lived in fear, you need protection
You're all alone, too much rejection
We have what you need, just reach out and touch
We can save you (we can save you)
We just need your
Compliance
We just need your compliance
You will feel no pain anymore
No more defiance
Just give us your compliance
Cover your tracks, we know what's best for you
You've bitten off much more than you can chew
You're running scared, you'll run into our arms
Come join our clique, we'll keep you safe from harm
Our toy soldier, you'll do the dirty work
Stay loyal to us, we'll take away the hurt
We have what you need, just reach out and touch
We can save you (we can save you)
Just give us your
Compliance
We just need your compliance
You will feel no pain anymore
No more defiance
Just give us your compliance
Ooh, ooh, ooh
Ooh, ooh, ooh
(We can save you, can save you)
Compliance
We just need your compliance
You will feel no pain anymore
And no more defiance
We just need your compliance
We just need your compliance
We won't let you feel lost anymore
No more self-reliance
Compliance
We just need your compliance
You will feel no pain anymore
And no more defiance
We just need your compliance
Oh, fear is controlling you
It's time to give it up
And give in to us (we can save you, can save you)
Give us your compliance
Lyrics submitted by DeezNuts69
Compliance Lyrics as written by Matthew James Bellamy
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group
Lyrics powered by LyricFind
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Fast Car
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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.
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“Plastic Bag” is a song about searching for an escape from personal problems and hoping to find it in the lively atmosphere of a Saturday night party. Ed Sheeran tells the story of his friend and the myriad of troubles he is going through. Unable to find any solutions, this friend seeks a last resort in a party and the vanity that comes with it.
“I overthink and have trouble sleepin’ / All purpose gone and don’t have a reason / And there’s no doctor to stop this bleedin’ / So I left home and jumped in the deep end,” Ed Sheeran sings in verse one. He continues by adding that this person is feeling the weight of having disappointed his father and doesn’t have any friends to rely on in this difficult moment. In the second verse, Ed sings about the role of grief in his friend’s plight and his dwindling faith in prayer. “Saturday night is givin’ me a reason to rely on the strobe lights / The lifeline of a promise in a shot glass, and I’ll take that / If you’re givin’ out love from a plastic bag,” Ed sings on the chorus, as his friend turns to new vices in hopes of feeling better.
According to Matt Bellamy, "Compliance is about the promise of safety and reassurance sold to us by powerful entities during times of vulnerability. Gangs, governments, demagogues, social media algorithms & religions seduce us with misleading untruths and comforting fables. They want us to join their narrow worldview in exchange for obedience and turning a blind eye to our own internal voice of reason & compassion. They just need our Compliance."