Warren wanted a Beach Boys thing for this one, and Carl Wilson and Billy Hinsche came in, with Carl arranging the vocal parts. The other harmony vocalists (credited as the "Gentlemen Boys") were Jackson Browne, J.D. Souther, Zevon's longtime backers Waddy Wachtel and Jorge Calderon, and Linda Rondstadt/Stone Poneys guitarist Kenny Edwards.
Oh well
You've got me under your spell
And I don't think that I'm kidding around
I don't think I can forget you now
I once sat up on my roof
And examined the planning of my town
I saw the structured grid and pavement cutting through grass
And I remembered the cold of winter running up the legs of my pants
I picked the nicest lawn
And imagined the two of us rolling around down along the ground
I saw myself touch your face
And I noticed jets begin to race above our heads
And I pinched my arm and remembered how much you hate me
I remembered the fact that I can't see what you need...
And I'm too stupid to be aware of the beauty that you give this place and
How shitty this town would seem without you in it.
When you aren't around, I let the shades fall down to shut out all the sun's light
And make myself feel all right
What am I doing with my life?
Oh well
You've got me under your spell
And I don't think that I'm kidding around
I don't think I can forget you now
Remember the only thing we need sometimes are chilly nights and warmer
thighs
Cause nothing's like being held...sometimes
You've got me under your spell
And I don't think that I'm kidding around
I don't think I can forget you now
I once sat up on my roof
And examined the planning of my town
I saw the structured grid and pavement cutting through grass
And I remembered the cold of winter running up the legs of my pants
I picked the nicest lawn
And imagined the two of us rolling around down along the ground
I saw myself touch your face
And I noticed jets begin to race above our heads
And I pinched my arm and remembered how much you hate me
I remembered the fact that I can't see what you need...
And I'm too stupid to be aware of the beauty that you give this place and
How shitty this town would seem without you in it.
When you aren't around, I let the shades fall down to shut out all the sun's light
And make myself feel all right
What am I doing with my life?
Oh well
You've got me under your spell
And I don't think that I'm kidding around
I don't think I can forget you now
Remember the only thing we need sometimes are chilly nights and warmer
thighs
Cause nothing's like being held...sometimes
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In regards to the meaning of this song:
Before a live performance on the EP Five Stories Falling, Geoff states “It’s about the last time I went to visit my grandmother in Columbus, and I saw that she was dying and it was the last time I was going to see her. It is about realizing how young you are, but how quickly you can go.”
That’s the thing about Geoff and his sublime poetry, you think it’s about one thing, but really it’s about something entirely different. But the lyrics are still universal and omnipresent, ubiquitous, even. So relatable. That’s one thing I love about this band. I also love their live performances, raw energy and Geoff’s beautiful, imperfectly perfect vocals. His voice soothes my aching soul.
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"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.
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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.
If A guy ever felt this strongly for me... I would never hate him! I go out on my roof from time to time and reminsese about old times with Ex- boyfriends. My roof is like my meditational area, its great. Good song, ya gotta love Saves the day!!!!!