"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.
Do you not hear me anymore
I know it's not your thing to care
I know it's cool to be so bored
I sucks me in
When you're aloof
It sucks me in, it sucks it works
I guess it's cool to be alone
Will you never rest
Fighting the battle of who could care less
Everyday you wake up late
Sometimes I wish I was
That way
And you think Rockford Files is cool
But there are some things
That you would change
If it were up to you
So think about your masterpiece (yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah)
Watch the Rockford Files
And call to see if Paul can score some weed.
Do you never rest
Fighting the battle of who could care less
Unearned unhappiness
That's all right I guess
I've got this great idea
Why don't we pitch it to the Franklin Fucking Mint
Fine pewter portraits of
General apathy and major boredom singing
Whatever and ever Amen
Oh well maybe not I'll try again
This should cheer you up for sure
See I've got your old I.D.
And you're all dressed up like the Cure
You never rest
Fighting the battle
Of who could care less
Unearned unhappiness
You're my hero I confess
I know it's not your thing to care
I know it's cool to be so bored
I sucks me in
When you're aloof
It sucks me in, it sucks it works
I guess it's cool to be alone
Will you never rest
Fighting the battle of who could care less
Everyday you wake up late
Sometimes I wish I was
That way
And you think Rockford Files is cool
But there are some things
That you would change
If it were up to you
So think about your masterpiece (yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah)
Watch the Rockford Files
And call to see if Paul can score some weed.
Do you never rest
Fighting the battle of who could care less
Unearned unhappiness
That's all right I guess
I've got this great idea
Why don't we pitch it to the Franklin Fucking Mint
Fine pewter portraits of
General apathy and major boredom singing
Whatever and ever Amen
Oh well maybe not I'll try again
This should cheer you up for sure
See I've got your old I.D.
And you're all dressed up like the Cure
You never rest
Fighting the battle
Of who could care less
Unearned unhappiness
You're my hero I confess
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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
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.
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/
"Why don't we pitch it to the Franklin fucking mint Fine pewter portraits of General Apathy and Major Boredom singing... Whatever and ever Amen"
Awesome lines.
A few nights ago, I had those lines stuck in my head.. and it kept me up all night.. I couldn't sleep! .. 4 and a half hours... .. I woke up still singing them.