"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.
PARLIAMENT OF WHORES
Liars
Don't you even fuckin' try
Bring your swollen head down
Do a great job covering up
I'm not the one you're gonna clown
You say you hate the mainstream
But when it welcomes you
You stop what
You've been preaching
To change your tune
Could it be the bus
Or could it be the ticket price
Your just another major
You guess it's not so bad
The public eye
Waiting for it all to go underground
Spend all the cash when no one's around
Do as I say not as I do
Dare you complain because
I haven't paid you
1987
You said you wish they'd go away
You became that thing that you hate
No more than a guest V.J.
And you bullshit labels
Say you're doing it for the kids
They believe every word
That you say
Too bad you don't live that way
Now P.C.
I hear what you say
There are so many things we would like to
Stop
So don't point your banner at me
You're no better than a nazi or jock
So don't cry because it sucks
To be in a band
No money for things at your command
Because if you want life
To be cozy and nice
Get ready to sponsor
The merchandise
Liars
Don't you even fuckin' try
Bring your swollen head down
Do a great job covering up
I'm not the one you're gonna clown
You say you hate the mainstream
But when it welcomes you
You stop what
You've been preaching
To change your tune
Could it be the bus
Or could it be the ticket price
Your just another major
You guess it's not so bad
The public eye
Waiting for it all to go underground
Spend all the cash when no one's around
Do as I say not as I do
Dare you complain because
I haven't paid you
1987
You said you wish they'd go away
You became that thing that you hate
No more than a guest V.J.
And you bullshit labels
Say you're doing it for the kids
They believe every word
That you say
Too bad you don't live that way
Now P.C.
I hear what you say
There are so many things we would like to
Stop
So don't point your banner at me
You're no better than a nazi or jock
So don't cry because it sucks
To be in a band
No money for things at your command
Because if you want life
To be cozy and nice
Get ready to sponsor
The merchandise
Lyrics submitted by pUnK-jUnKiE
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
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.
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.
Amazing
Ed Sheeran
Ed Sheeran
Ed Sheeran tells a story of unsuccessfully trying to feel “Amazing.” This track is about the being weighed down by emotional stress despite valiant attempts to find some positivity in the situation. This track was written by Ed Sheeran from the perspective of his friend. From the track, we see this person fall deeper into the negative thoughts and slide further down the path of mental torment with every lyric.
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.