"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.
Andy would bicycle across town in the rain to bring you candy
And John would buy the gown for you to wear to the prom
With Tom the astronomer who'd name a star for you
But I'm the luckiest guy on the Lower East Side
'Cause I've got wheels and you wanna go for a ride
Harry is the one I think you'll marry
But it's Chris that you kissed after school
Well, I'm a fool, there's no doubt
But when the sun comes out
And only when the sun comes out
I'm the luckiest guy on the Lower East Side
'Cause I've got wheels and you wanna go for a ride
The day is beautiful and so are you
My car is ugly but then I'm ugly, too
I know you'd never give me a second glance
But when the weather's nice
All the other guys don't stand a chance
I know Professor Blumen makes you feel like a woman
But when the wind is in your hair you laugh like a little girl
So you share secrets with Lou, but we've got secrets, too
Well, one: I only keep this heap for you
'Cause I'm the ugliest guy on the Lower East Side
But I've got wheels and you want to go for a ride
Wanna go for a ride?
Wanna go for a ride?
Wanna go for a ride?
And John would buy the gown for you to wear to the prom
With Tom the astronomer who'd name a star for you
But I'm the luckiest guy on the Lower East Side
'Cause I've got wheels and you wanna go for a ride
Harry is the one I think you'll marry
But it's Chris that you kissed after school
Well, I'm a fool, there's no doubt
But when the sun comes out
And only when the sun comes out
I'm the luckiest guy on the Lower East Side
'Cause I've got wheels and you wanna go for a ride
The day is beautiful and so are you
My car is ugly but then I'm ugly, too
I know you'd never give me a second glance
But when the weather's nice
All the other guys don't stand a chance
I know Professor Blumen makes you feel like a woman
But when the wind is in your hair you laugh like a little girl
So you share secrets with Lou, but we've got secrets, too
Well, one: I only keep this heap for you
'Cause I'm the ugliest guy on the Lower East Side
But I've got wheels and you want to go for a ride
Wanna go for a ride?
Wanna go for a ride?
Wanna go for a ride?
Lyrics submitted by wickedlittlegirl
The Luckiest Guy on the Lower East Side Lyrics as written by Stephin Raymond Merritt
Lyrics © ROUGH TRADE PUBLISHING, Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd.
Lyrics powered by LyricFind
Add your thoughts
Log in now to tell us what you think this song means.
Don’t have an account? Create an account with SongMeanings to post comments, submit lyrics, and more. It’s super easy, we promise!
More Featured Meanings
Fast Car
Tracy Chapman
Tracy Chapman
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,
When We Were Young
Blink-182
Blink-182
This is a sequel to 2001's "Reckless Abandon", and features the band looking back on their clumsy youth fondly.
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/
Head > Heels
Ed Sheeran
Ed Sheeran
“Head > Heels” is a track that aims to capture what it feels like to experience romance that exceeds expectations. Ed Sheeran dedicates his album outro to a lover who has blessed him with a unique experience that he seeks to describe through the song’s nuanced lyrics.
I love this song, but I wish the production wasn't so tinny. More bass! I'm not talking hip-hop bass, just a little balance. And that squelchy synth percussion hit gets annoying, especially if you listen on headphones or very loud. Some background female vocals would be great...ah screw it, I should just record a cover. Can anyone nail that last held note? I can't.