"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.
Almost cut my hair
It happened just the other day
It was getting kind of long
I could have said it was in my way
But I didn't and I wonder why
I feel like letting my freak flag fly
And I feel like I owe it to someone
Must be because I had the flu for Christmas
And I'm not feeling up to par
It increases my paranoia
Like looking into a mirror and seeing a police car
But I'm not giving in an inch to fear
Cos I promised myself this year
I feel like I owe it to someone
When I finally get myself together
I'm gonna get down in some of that sweet summer weather
I'm going to find a space inside to laugh
Separate the wheat from the chaff
Cos I feel like I owe it, yeah
Said I feel like I owe it, yeah
You know I feel---- like I owe it yeah to someone
It happened just the other day
It was getting kind of long
I could have said it was in my way
But I didn't and I wonder why
I feel like letting my freak flag fly
And I feel like I owe it to someone
Must be because I had the flu for Christmas
And I'm not feeling up to par
It increases my paranoia
Like looking into a mirror and seeing a police car
But I'm not giving in an inch to fear
Cos I promised myself this year
I feel like I owe it to someone
When I finally get myself together
I'm gonna get down in some of that sweet summer weather
I'm going to find a space inside to laugh
Separate the wheat from the chaff
Cos I feel like I owe it, yeah
Said I feel like I owe it, yeah
You know I feel---- like I owe it yeah to someone
Lyrics submitted by Hunter
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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.
Mountain Song
Jane's Addiction
Jane's Addiction
Jane's Addiction vocalist Perry Farrell gives Adam Reader some heartfelt insight into Jane’s Addiction's hard rock manifesto "Mountain Song", which was the second single from their revolutionary album Nothing's Shocking. Mountain song was first recorded in 1986 and appeared on the soundtrack to the film Dudes starring Jon Cryer. The version on Nothing's Shocking was re-recorded in 1988.
"'Mountain Song' was actually about... I hate to say it but... drugs. Climbing this mountain and getting as high as you can, and then coming down that mountain," reveals Farrell. "What it feels to descend from the mountain top... not easy at all. The ascension is tough but exhilarating. Getting down is... it's a real bummer. Drugs is not for everybody obviously. For me, I wanted to experience the heights, and the lows come along with it."
"There's a part - 'Cash in now honey, cash in Miss Smith.' Miss Smith is my Mother; our last name was Smith. Cashing in when she cashed in her life. So... she decided that, to her... at that time, she was desperate. Life wasn't worth it for her, that was her opinion. Some people think, never take your life, and some people find that their life isn't worth living. She was in love with my Dad, and my Dad was not faithful to her, and it broke her heart. She was very desperate and she did something that I know she regrets."
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,
Punchline
Ed Sheeran
Ed Sheeran
Ed Sheeran sings about missing his former partner and learning important life lessons in the process on “Punchline.” This track tells a story of battling to get rid of emotions for a former lover, whom he now realized might not have loved him the same way. He’s now caught between accepting that fact and learning life lessons from it and going back to beg her for another chance.
In the early to mid 60's, before it got really popular, long hair was a contentious trademark of hippies. Unlike now, when it seems most boys have a long hair phase, back then you really could distinguish straights from freaks by the length of their hair.
It seems that Crosby, Stills, and Nash felt the pressure to cut their hair, but this is probably more of a metaphor for conforming generally.
"It increases my paranoia/like looking into a mirror and seeing a police car"
Hippies, because of their distinct hairstyles and dress and notorious reputation, could easily be targeted by cops and others straights. Anyone seen Easy Rider? Probably shows the most extreme examples of straight violence against hippies.
So the boys of Crosby, Stills, Nash, and Young definitely had reason to be paranoid. But luckily, the refused to "give an inch to fear," choosing freedom over conformity. And really, that's what made the hippies so great.
but basically, none of that is relevant to the songs meaning..
this song is great. its all about being yourself, and sticking it to the man. thats the only way to live
To me this song always felt like it was about the draft. The “almost cut my hair” being a reference to the buzz cut of the army, and the “I feel like I’m owing someone” being the feelings of guilt that are placed on those who are against a war. And of course, the draft caused massive feelings of paranoia in many people. Especially as the draft approached there number.. And the sweet summer weather I always saw as a reference to South America and running from the war. Then again, maybe I’m over reaching who knows. Either way it’s a great song.
@bradburyesqu I agree. He almost did that mistake, of going to war. Maybe because of the flu, etc. or because he felt like he owed someone (the stress on this part for me is critical). Why would he owe to someone to cut his hair litteraly? Anyway, many interpretations fit in the song, which adds a lot to the artistical piece. Great song!
This song is wonderful, yet sadly, seldom brought up. To me it's one of the ultimate songs about freedom. It represents the most important kind of freedom... Personal freedom. The ability to be yourself. Everybody feels the pressure to follow the leader, and this song reminds us that it isn't necessary to be happy.
this song is great. it really brings out the bad ass side of david crosby. and it still shows off his voice at the same time.
I wore my hair in a very long ponytail for years and because of this song I felt like I was selling out when I cut it off . It still haunts me evey time I go to the barber. I guess I still want to let my freak flag fly.
Wow, letting my freak flag fly. Long time ago....what a beautiful time in my life. This song always makes me feel a little melancholy, especially lately, because we tried so hard to make this country a better one, and it seems we're in the same position, possibly worse. Never again has the youth of America been as united as we were back then. Too bad they won out. Hard to fight crack, aids, no mental health care, just jails and prisons. Thanks for letting this old hippie vent a bit. Ya know if we didn't become Yuppies, we just faded away. Peace
go to youtube and look at the live solo acustic version crosby did in the early 90's. he shows off his superb voice even more and all he plays is static acoustic guitar which makes it sound even more lonesome and powerful. a message to every one to be free and happy with who you are.
ive always heard this song was about david crosby almost committing suicide
I guess long hair (on a man) is still seen as a sign of a social deviant.
"It increases my paranoia Like looking into a mirror and seeing a police car "
People's first impressions are based on looks. Someone who 'looks the part' is always going to be the first to be accused (at various times that could mean black, long-haired, tattooed or a skinhead etc). Life might be 'easier' in some ways if we all conformed and gave up our individuality, but it would be a miserable life.
Of course the song's not just about hair, but it's a simplified way of looking at the bigger issue..