"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.
Is it asking too much to be given time
to know these songs and to sing them
Is it asking too much of my vacant smile
and my laugh and lies that bring them
But as the stars are going out
and this stage is full of nothing
and the friends have all but gone
for my life my god I'm singing
We'll take our hearts outside
Leave our lives behind
I'll watch the stars go out
Is it asking too much of my favorite friends
to take these songs for real
Is it asking too much of my partner's hands
to take these songs real
Is it asking too much
Is it asking too much
to know these songs and to sing them
Is it asking too much of my vacant smile
and my laugh and lies that bring them
But as the stars are going out
and this stage is full of nothing
and the friends have all but gone
for my life my god I'm singing
We'll take our hearts outside
Leave our lives behind
I'll watch the stars go out
Is it asking too much of my favorite friends
to take these songs for real
Is it asking too much of my partner's hands
to take these songs real
Is it asking too much
Is it asking too much
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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.
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/
Blue
Ed Sheeran
Ed Sheeran
“Blue” is a song about a love that is persisting in the discomfort of the person experiencing the emotion. Ed Sheeran reflects on love lost, and although he wishes his former partner find happiness, he cannot but admit his feelings are still very much there. He expresses the realization that he might never find another on this stringed instrumental by Aaron Dessner.
Punchline
Ed Sheeran
Ed Sheeran
Ed Sheeran sings about missing his former partner and learning important life lessons in the process on “Punchline.” This track tells a story of battling to get rid of emotions for a former lover, whom he now realized might not have loved him the same way. He’s now caught between accepting that fact and learning life lessons from it and going back to beg her for another chance.
A song that evokes such specific thoughts. To me, the song is of the end of the world. I imagine that nuclear war has started and the singer in the verses is saying "is it to much to ask to have a little more time to do the things I wanted to do with my life". But of course, she knows in her heart that it is too late and that everything she has known will be destroyed as the bombs fall. So, she says to her companion, let's go outside and watch it happen..... Wait for the end. When I listen to her sing, I can really put myself in that situation, where it's all coming to a stop and there's nothing to do except be frustrated at what might have been and done, and wait for the inevitable. Read "The Forge of God" by Greg Bear, or watch "Miracle Mile" and you'll capture the sentiment the song conveys exactly. A beautiful and sad song.