"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.
Friends, near complete family
At times, they don't understand me
Birthday, Christmas they send all love
We both know, it's just not enough
I'd feel alive as part of a team
St. Pauli, hear me scream
Punk rock ist nicht tot!
Punk rock ist nicht tot!
Punk rock ist nicht tot!
Punk rock ist nicht tot!
She, can't say she loves me
Even though it's plain to see
I'm saying it to her
So she can say it back to me
Sometimes our phone isn't quite what it seems
I'd have companionship as part of a team
Punk rock ist nicht tot!
Punk rock ist nicht tot!
Punk rock ist nicht tot!
Punk rock ist nicht tot!
We are Hamburg school
Sorry if my accent's flawed
I learnt my German from a 7 inch record
Sorry if my accent's flawed
I learnt my German from a 7 inch record
Sorry if my accent's flawed
I learnt my German from a 7 inch record
Punk rock ist nicht tot!
Punk rock ist nicht tot!
Punk rock ist nicht tot!
Punk rock ist nicht tot!
The kids don't like it,
The kids don't like it
What else can we do when the kids don't like it
The kids don't like it,
The kids don't like it
What else can we do when the kids don't like it
yeah!
At times, they don't understand me
Birthday, Christmas they send all love
We both know, it's just not enough
I'd feel alive as part of a team
St. Pauli, hear me scream
Punk rock ist nicht tot!
Punk rock ist nicht tot!
Punk rock ist nicht tot!
Punk rock ist nicht tot!
She, can't say she loves me
Even though it's plain to see
I'm saying it to her
So she can say it back to me
Sometimes our phone isn't quite what it seems
I'd have companionship as part of a team
Punk rock ist nicht tot!
Punk rock ist nicht tot!
Punk rock ist nicht tot!
Punk rock ist nicht tot!
We are Hamburg school
Sorry if my accent's flawed
I learnt my German from a 7 inch record
Sorry if my accent's flawed
I learnt my German from a 7 inch record
Sorry if my accent's flawed
I learnt my German from a 7 inch record
Punk rock ist nicht tot!
Punk rock ist nicht tot!
Punk rock ist nicht tot!
Punk rock ist nicht tot!
The kids don't like it,
The kids don't like it
What else can we do when the kids don't like it
The kids don't like it,
The kids don't like it
What else can we do when the kids don't like it
yeah!
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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.
Cajun Girl
Little Feat
Little Feat
Overall about difficult moments of disappointment and vulnerability. Having hope and longing, while remaining optimistic for the future. Encourages the belief that with each new morning there is a chance for things to improve.
The chorus offers a glimmer of optimism and a chance at a resolution and redemption in the future.
Captures the rollercoaster of emotions of feeling lost while loving someone who is not there for you, feeling let down and abandoned while waiting for a lover. Lost with no direction, "Now I'm up in the air with the rain in my hair, Nowhere to go, I can go anywhere"
The bridge shows signs of longing and a plea for companionship. The Lyrics express a desire for authentic connection and the importance of Loving someone just as they are. "Just in passing, I'm not asking. That you be anyone but you”
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/
punk rock is not dead? ok, if art brut say so...
Art Brut are the best band ever.
"What else can we do when the kids don't like it" Got to be a reference to the Undertones song "Girls don't like it", right? There's so many classic punk references in Art Brut songs, it's fun to spot them all.
and that line was in "disco" by eddie's last band the art goblins.
I'm listening to Disco right now!
I love the line "We are Hamburg school"! For those of you not familiar with the German music scene (I don't blame you), it refers to the "Hamburger Schule", a music movement. The joke is that the bands usually said to belong to the Hamburger Schule (Blumfeld, Tocotronic, Die Sterne...) hate that lable and would never say "We are Hamburg school".
St. Pauli obviously refers to the district in Hamburg, as well as the football (soccer) club. But you probably already knew that... ;)
Oh wow, I totally misinterpreted this song! I heard it as 'Punk rock is nicht toll' meaning punk rock is not cool haha. I guess it's the opposite meaning :P
'Punk rock is nicht tod' is a great song by billy childish and i am sure it came out as 7" record...
It's about wanting to belong. Apparently, Eddie felt a bit alone in Germany and stumbled upon a large crowd of St.Pauli fans (probably on their way to a game?) and envied their comradeship. Introducing himself using the only German he knows (which he learnt from a 7" punk rock record) he attempts to ingratiate himself with them.