"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.
All our times have come
Here but now they're gone
Seasons don't fear the reaper
Nor do the wind, the sun or the rain
We can be like they are
Come on, baby (don't fear the reaper)
Baby, take my hand (don't fear the reaper)
We'll be able to fly (don't fear the reaper)
Baby, I'm your man
La, la, la, la, la
La, la, la, la, la
Valentine is done
Here but now they're gone
Romeo and Juliet
Are together in eternity (Romeo and Juliet)
40,000 men and women everyday (like Romeo and Juliet)
40,000 men and women everyday (redefine happiness)
Another 40,000 coming everyday (we can be like they are)
Come on, baby (don't fear the reaper)
Baby, take my hand (don't fear the reaper)
We'll be able to fly (don't fear the reaper)
Baby, I'm your man
La, la, la, la, la
La, la, la, la, la
Love of two is one
Here but now they're gone
Came the last night of sadness
And it was clear she couldn't go on
Then the door was open and the wind appeared
The candles blew and then disappeared
The curtains flew and then he appeared
Saying don't be afraid
Come on, baby (and she had no fear)
And she ran to him (then they started to fly)
They looked backward and said goodbye (she had become like they are)
She had taken his hand (she had become like they are)
Come on, baby (don't fear the reaper)
Here but now they're gone
Seasons don't fear the reaper
Nor do the wind, the sun or the rain
We can be like they are
Come on, baby (don't fear the reaper)
Baby, take my hand (don't fear the reaper)
We'll be able to fly (don't fear the reaper)
Baby, I'm your man
La, la, la, la, la
La, la, la, la, la
Valentine is done
Here but now they're gone
Romeo and Juliet
Are together in eternity (Romeo and Juliet)
40,000 men and women everyday (like Romeo and Juliet)
40,000 men and women everyday (redefine happiness)
Another 40,000 coming everyday (we can be like they are)
Come on, baby (don't fear the reaper)
Baby, take my hand (don't fear the reaper)
We'll be able to fly (don't fear the reaper)
Baby, I'm your man
La, la, la, la, la
La, la, la, la, la
Love of two is one
Here but now they're gone
Came the last night of sadness
And it was clear she couldn't go on
Then the door was open and the wind appeared
The candles blew and then disappeared
The curtains flew and then he appeared
Saying don't be afraid
Come on, baby (and she had no fear)
And she ran to him (then they started to fly)
They looked backward and said goodbye (she had become like they are)
She had taken his hand (she had become like they are)
Come on, baby (don't fear the reaper)
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More Featured Meanings
Fast Car
Tracy Chapman
Tracy Chapman
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,
Magical
Ed Sheeran
Ed Sheeran
How would you describe the feeling of being in love? For Ed Sheeran, the word is “Magical.” in HIS three-minute album opener, he makes an attempt to capture the beauty and delicacy of true love with words. He describes the magic of it all over a bright Pop song produced by Aaron Dessner.
"Romeo and Juliet Are together in eternity... Romeo and Juliet."
They committed suicide, so this song does indeed promote suicide.
"Come on, baby... don't fear the reaper. Baby, take my hand... don't fear the reaper. We'll be able to fly... don't fear the reaper. Baby, I'm your man..."
This is coaxing...."come on baby, take my hand, don't fear, we'll fly, I'm your man"
"Came the last night of sadness, And it was clear she couldn't go on."
She had another bad night in her life. Could be anything to put you her in a bad way. She contemplated suicide before, but felt she couldn't go on any longer.
Then the door was open and the wind appeared, The candles blew then disappeared, The curtains flew then he appeared... saying don't be afraid, Come on, baby... and she had no fear, And she ran to him... then they started to fly. They looked backward and said goodbye... she had become like they are. She had taken his hand... she had become like they are.
She ran to him. They began to fly and SHE HAD BECOME LIKE THEY ARE. He was already in the land of the dead or undead....whatever you want to call it. This devil/reaper/vampire type/spirit appeared just when she had another bad night.
He is a deceiver using the romantic story of Romeo & Juliet to win her soul over to commit suicide.
Whatever religion you believe, suicide is not an option.
This song is about suicide and happens to in a beautiful melody, which many dark lyrics happen to have.
Just to clarify, the artists/band is delivering the message. They themselves are not promoting suicide...they are just used as a tool to deliver it on this one.
I agree 100% with this comment. To me its saying " Came the last night of sadness it was clear that she couldn't go....( this next line is very dark) The door was open and he appeared....she had taken his hand, she began to fly. To me its a song
@soulfreedom the song is NOT about suicide:<br /> <br /> "I felt that I had just achieved some kind of resonance with the psychology of people when I came up with that, I was actually kind of appalled when I first realized that some people were seeing it as an advertisement for suicide or something that was not my intention at all. It is, like, not to be afraid of death as opposed to actively bring it about. It's basically a love song where the love transcends the actual physical existence of the partners." — Buck Dharma, lead singer
@soulfreedom This song encourages suicide in the same way that Hegel and Nietzsche encouraged the Nazis. Weak-minded people are always looking for stronger intellects to justify their positions even if the inferences they draw from the stronger intellect are all wrong. If you want this song to be about suicide, then that's on you, and your expression of such an opinion is a sad commentary on your personal state of mind. <br /> <br /> I have always seen these lyrics as a statement on immortality - not personal immortality, but the rise and fall of individuals in the face of the vast indifference of Nature whom by pushing past their personal fears are able to join the long litany of those who drive humanity toward a better place. The sadness and sting of Death is transcended through the realization that our physicality, this mortal coil, is made of Earth and must return to it; but that same Nature gave rise to an ego such as ours and thus it WILL in time give rise to an ego much like it again. I'm not sure if Buck and the artists herein took it that far, but I hold that my inferences contain much more honor than yours would allow.<br /> <br /> Nonetheless, the song itself seems to be more of a statement on aspects of the literary character of Imaginos. I do wish you people would do your homework on the band. We're not talking the Beatles, Pink Floyd, or even the scholarly references of Iron Maiden here. The true genius of BOC is carrying an element of the Imaginos theme across several albums from songs such as Workshop of the Telescopes(BOC) and Mistress of the Salmon Salt(T&M) through Tattoo Vampire(AoF), the Great Sun Jester(Mirrors) and beyond. <br /> <br /> Once you've completed your outlines, please feel free to amend your comments accordingly.
@soulfreedom <br /> I can see your reasons for interpreting it this way, but together with the other verses, I've always taken this song to have more of a "live in the moment' message. Be like the seasons, happen, don't spend time worrying about death.
@soulfreedom I wouldn’t say promoting… rather than sharing the idea. Based on what I’ve understood from the lyrics it is clear to me it is about a suicide pact. “We could be like they are” and how Romeo and Juliet are together for eternity.
In my estimation, this song is a narration directly from 'the grim reaper, ' coaxing a woman to ease into death. It seems that the singer is adopting 'Death's' personna as he is cajoling and comforting a woman about how easy dying can be when one's fear is allayed. I'm not certain about whether this is an instance of a woman's mulling over suicide or if its a natural end, (Came the last night of sadness, And it was clear she couldn't go on. ...), but i don't think that's the real issue. I believe it to be one of dispelling the trepidation surrounding our own deaths, as death is only part of the natural cycle of things, as plenty of people have already stated. (seasons don't fear the reaper.....).....and besides, the number of people dying is just another "40,000 men and women everyday..." ...so don't be afraid.....
All good things, or moments in life have either happened or passed us by, all chances and moments were here at one time, but they eventually go away, and never come back. Seasons change year in and year out, just like people change. Seasons experience death, leaves die, trees die, plants die, animals die, but they feel no fear for the fate that every change in the season holds. The same goes for the wind, sun, and rain. The Wind eventually stops blowing, the sun eventually stops shining, and the rain eventually stops falling. Once your own personal season, or wind, sun, or rain changes, or ends, you will not always be alone. You don’t need to be afraid, because the one person that has always been there for you in times of need will remain there for you in the very end. You will be able to wait for that person to take your hand, and walk with you into whatever your life after death may bring. Everybody will eventually pass on, and leave loved ones behind, only to be reunited again in a better place. There is nothing to be afraid of, and when your partner joins you in the afterlife, you two can fly away, to whatever place you always dreamed of going. Ultimately, in the end, the love of your life will always be there with you, in life, death, spirit, and soul.
Wouldn't it be great if life actually worked that way?
Wouldn't it be great if the world didn't give birth to people like you?
Well that was obnoxious of you SaintHak. I agree with Gondring
halffast, i like the way you write/think and put words together =]] <br /> you sound like a poet, its awesome man*
@SaintHak: wouldnt it be great if the world didnt... um.... wait for it... ummm... YOUR FACE =P, lol jk. anyways, yeah, i agree with fernie310. and this is an awesome song
It would be nice if it were all that simple. Seasons are not capable of fear (I know, it's poetry) only humans fear death and that fear is there for a reason. We are all here for a reason. But if you send your days listening to cool music you will never know the truth. The truth is out there. Seek and ye shall find.
To everyone that took Buck Dharma's words the wrong way. He chose his words carefully: "I was actually kind of appalled when I first realized that some people were seeing it as an advertisement for suicide or something. That was not my intention at all." That doesn't mean the song ISN'T about suicide, and he never said it isn't. It's just not an ADVERTISEMENT for suicide - which I totally agree with. I also completely believe him when he says DFTR is a love song. It's about two people, in love, that make a suicide pact. So he wasn't PROMOTING suicide, but he did write a song about it.
Exactly....they themselves are not promoting suicide. They are telling the story. Good point to take in with ANY lyrics from ANY artist/band.
@JayoftheDead So its supposed to be about a man whose wife finally joins him in the afterlife, not because of suicide or drugs.<br /> <br /> How exactly did his wife finally join him in the afterlife? I wonder?
@JayoftheDead Honestly, that is "word smithing". When you are a successful rock band, and your lyrics romanticize the suicide of a couple, even comparing it to Romeo and Juliet, you are indeed promoting suicide. The lyrics make it sound like suicide is a reasonable, peaceful, even beautiful solution. You can't write a song that makes it sound like things turned out great for a couple who committed suicide, and then say you're not promoting it.
He is promoting Gnostic suicide, eating the fruit of Satan from Genesis 3:5 -- "Ye shall be as God," --baby, don't fear the reaper, take my hand...and be as a god. Only, God told you not to do it! Wherever Romeo & Juliet are now, Jesus says He will remake both Earth AND Heaven. Oddly, Jesus GOES OUT OF HIS WAY to say that at The Resurrection, you will no longer be male or female. It's like He's giving you a clue that you are not marrying someone in the afterlife, but giving your body over to demons :O
Sorry, I get mixed up text on this site. Someone doesn't want people to hear the Gospel. Hmmm....
What he said.
I went to a BOC concert and was killed by their amazing laser light show! Damn BOC!
@Muzzy Oh my god, you killed Muzzy! You bastards!
This was written by lead guitarist Donald Roeser, also known as Buck Dharma. This was rumored to be about suicide, but it actually deals with the inevitability of death and the belief that we should not fear it. When Dharma wrote it, he was thinking about what would happen if he died at a young age and if he would be reunited with loved ones in the afterlife. Due to the lyrics, some people thought they were a satanic band. People turned out to protest their concerts. Some of the lyrics were inspired by Shakespeare's Romeo And Juliet. In Shakespeare's play, Romeo swallows poison when he believes Juliet is dead. Juliet responds by taking her own life. This led many people to believe the song was about suicide, but Dharma was using Romeo and Juliet as an example of a couple who had faith that they would be together after their death. For the lines that begin, "40,000 men and women," Dharma was guessing at the number of people who died every day.
im pretty sure this song is about his penis named the reaper
@cja0127 I gave you a plus, but I wonder if the song wouldn't then be called "Don't fear the Raper"?
@cja0127 Dong fear the Reaper
please people, it's not about suicide...i know it does sound like it is but Buck Dharma said it isn't and is still very upset people still misinterpret, or that they ever had to begin with...who are we to disagree with the meaning of a song with the guy who wrote it...it's about not being afraid of death by natural causes...the number 40,000 was picked b/c it sounded good, apparently it was astonishingly close to the actual statistic for suicides per day...
ZimbobDan, I am upset with Donald Roeser. He is "upset" that people think that the song might be about suicide. What does the silly bollocks mean then if it isn't about suicide ?
@ZinbobDan And I've got some swamp land in Florida... 40,000? Romeo and Juliet? All the imagery about how death is the answer? Songwriters do this all the time - create a song about something edgy, and just avoid acknowledging that in public so they don't get castigated by the public. They know their fans "get it", and it becomes their little inside joke.
You guys are right, for the most part. It is a song about how death is a natural part of life, and since it inevitably happens to everyone and evewrything (even the seasons winds and rain) there is no reason to be afraid when your time comes.
There are only two things I don't get. One is the whole "love of two is one" line. What does that mean? The other is the whole thing with Death talking to a dying girl as if they were lovers; is that just to be creepy and poetic, or is there something I've missed?
Someone explain it to me, please.
@tuvia love of two is one = real love unites