"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.
I want to know how you feel
I want to know won't you please please tell me so
Tell me so, tell me so
I'll know to bring us closer
'Cause that's all I want to do
To bring me closer to you
To you me closer to you
Bring me closer to you
I want to know how you feel
How am I to know if you don't tell me so
Tell me so, tell me so
'Cause I sometimes get the impression
That for me you no longer care
Please let me know if our romance is over
If you no longer love me, I should know
In the shower and on the bus
At the cafe in the office
I just can't get my mind off of it
You never say a word, so I have to say them for you
Please tell me if I'm just insecure
I need to know how you feel
How am I to know if you don't tell me so
Tell me so, tell me so?
I want to know won't you please please tell me so
Tell me so, tell me so
I'll know to bring us closer
'Cause that's all I want to do
To bring me closer to you
To you me closer to you
Bring me closer to you
I want to know how you feel
How am I to know if you don't tell me so
Tell me so, tell me so
'Cause I sometimes get the impression
That for me you no longer care
Please let me know if our romance is over
If you no longer love me, I should know
In the shower and on the bus
At the cafe in the office
I just can't get my mind off of it
You never say a word, so I have to say them for you
Please tell me if I'm just insecure
I need to know how you feel
How am I to know if you don't tell me so
Tell me so, tell me so?
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More Featured Meanings
Fast Car
Tracy Chapman
Tracy Chapman
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.
American Town
Ed Sheeran
Ed Sheeran
Ed Sheeran shares a short story of reconnecting with an old flame on “American Town.” The track is about a holiday Ed Sheeran spends with his countrywoman who resides in America. The two are back together after a long period apart, and get around to enjoying a bunch of fun activities while rekindling the flames of their romance.
Page
Ed Sheeran
Ed Sheeran
There aren’t many things that’ll hurt more than giving love a chance against your better judgement only to have your heart crushed yet again. Ed Sheeran tells such a story on “Page.” On this track, he is devastated to have lost his lover and even more saddened by the feeling that he may never move on from this.
such a precious song. especially for one that captures the dying moments of a doomed relationship. isn't this always an early sign?
I believe it's "At the café and the office"