"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.
Well I been workin' in a coal mine
Goin' down, down
Workin' in a coal mine
Whew! About to slip down
Well I been workin' in a coal mine
Goin' down, down
Workin' in a coal mine
Whew! About to slip down
Five o'clock in the mornin'
I'm up before the sun
When my work day is over
I'm too tired for havin' fun
I been workin' in a coal mine
Goin' down, down
Workin' in a coal mine
Whew! About to slip down
Workin' in a coal mine
Goin' down, down
Workin' in a coal mine
Whew! About to slip down
Lord I am so tired
How long can this go on'
Well, I been workin' in a coal mine
Goin' down, down
Workin' in a coal mine
Whew! About to slip down
Workin' in a coal mine
Goin' down, down
Workin' in a coal mine
Whew! About to slip down
Five o'clock in the mornin'
I'm up before the sun
When my work day is over
I'm too tired for havin' fun
I been workin' in a coal mine
Goin' down, down
Workin' in a coal mine
Whew! About to slip down
Workin' in a coal mine
Goin' down, down
Workin' in a coal mine
Whew! About to slip down
Lord I am so tired
How long can this go on'
I been workin', goin', workin'
Whew! About to slip down
Goin' down, down
Workin' in a coal mine
Whew! About to slip down
Well I been workin' in a coal mine
Goin' down, down
Workin' in a coal mine
Whew! About to slip down
Five o'clock in the mornin'
I'm up before the sun
When my work day is over
I'm too tired for havin' fun
I been workin' in a coal mine
Goin' down, down
Workin' in a coal mine
Whew! About to slip down
Workin' in a coal mine
Goin' down, down
Workin' in a coal mine
Whew! About to slip down
Lord I am so tired
How long can this go on'
Well, I been workin' in a coal mine
Goin' down, down
Workin' in a coal mine
Whew! About to slip down
Workin' in a coal mine
Goin' down, down
Workin' in a coal mine
Whew! About to slip down
Five o'clock in the mornin'
I'm up before the sun
When my work day is over
I'm too tired for havin' fun
I been workin' in a coal mine
Goin' down, down
Workin' in a coal mine
Whew! About to slip down
Workin' in a coal mine
Goin' down, down
Workin' in a coal mine
Whew! About to slip down
Lord I am so tired
How long can this go on'
I been workin', goin', workin'
Whew! About to slip down
Lyrics submitted by weezerific:cutlery, edited by sidewinder3000
Working in a Coal Mine Lyrics as written by Allen Toussaint
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Lyrics powered by LyricFind
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More Featured Meanings
Fast Car
Tracy Chapman
Tracy Chapman
Mental Istid
Ebba Grön
Ebba Grön
This is one of my favorite songs. https://fnfgo.io
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.
Dreamwalker
Silent Planet
Silent Planet
I think much like another song “Anti-Matter” (that's also on the same album as this song), this one is also is inspired by a horrifying van crash the band experienced on Nov 3, 2022. This, much like the other track, sounds like it's an extension what they shared while huddled in the wreckage, as they helped frontman Garrett Russell stem the bleeding from his head wound while he was under the temporary effects of a concussion. The track speaks of where the mind goes at the most desperate & desolate of times, when it just about slips away to all but disconnect itself, and the aftermath.
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/
Gotta dissagree with you there. Devo's all about "Joe Average" and how the common man is devolving. I think this song suggests that man isn't living anymore, we've become like ants who work to make money. Ironically, the miner in this song doesn't even spend this money on having fun, because he's too tired.
Evolution? Nay sir, DEVOlution!