"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.
This ain't the down, it's the upbeat, make it complete
So what's the story, guaranteed accuracy, enhanced CD
Latest technology, darts at treble twenty
Huge non-recoupable advance, majors be vigilant
I excel in both content and deliverance
So let's put on our classics and we'll have a little dance, shall we?
No sales pitch, no media hype
No hydro, it's nice and ripe
I speak in communications in bold type
This ain't your archetypal street sound
Scan for ultrasound
North, South, East, West and all round
And then to the Underground
[Chorus: Repeat 2X]
You say that everything sounds the same
And then you go buy them
There's no excuses, my friend
Let's push things forward
As we progress to the check point
I wholeheartedly agree with your viewpoint
But this ain't your typical garage joint
I make points which hold significance
That ain't a bag it's a shipment
This ain't a track, it's a movement, I got the settlement
My frequencies are transient and resonate your eardrums
I make bangers not anthems, leave that to the Artful Dodger
The broad shouldered fifty-one percent shareholder
You won't find us on Alta Vista
Cult classic not bestseller, you're gonna need more power
Plug in the free phase and the generator, crank it up to gigawatts
Critics, ready with your pot shots, the plot thickens
Put on your mittens for these sub zero conditions
But remember I'm just spitting, remember I'm just spitting
Once bitten, forever smitten
[Chorus]
Spit jewels like Eastern riches, junkie fixes
Around here we say 'birds', not bitches
As London Bridge burns down Brixton's burning up
Turns out your in luck, I knows this dodgy fuck in the Duck
So it's just another show flick for your local city poet
In case you geezers don't know it, let's push things forward
It's a tall order but we're taller, calling all maulers
Back street brawlers, corner shop crawlers, victory's flawless
Love us or hates us but don't slate us
Don't conform to formulas, pop genres and such
Sharp darts, double dutch, parked cars troubles you much
With more bud - let's - push - things - forward
[Chorus]
So what's the story, guaranteed accuracy, enhanced CD
Latest technology, darts at treble twenty
Huge non-recoupable advance, majors be vigilant
I excel in both content and deliverance
So let's put on our classics and we'll have a little dance, shall we?
No sales pitch, no media hype
No hydro, it's nice and ripe
I speak in communications in bold type
This ain't your archetypal street sound
Scan for ultrasound
North, South, East, West and all round
And then to the Underground
[Chorus: Repeat 2X]
You say that everything sounds the same
And then you go buy them
There's no excuses, my friend
Let's push things forward
As we progress to the check point
I wholeheartedly agree with your viewpoint
But this ain't your typical garage joint
I make points which hold significance
That ain't a bag it's a shipment
This ain't a track, it's a movement, I got the settlement
My frequencies are transient and resonate your eardrums
I make bangers not anthems, leave that to the Artful Dodger
The broad shouldered fifty-one percent shareholder
You won't find us on Alta Vista
Cult classic not bestseller, you're gonna need more power
Plug in the free phase and the generator, crank it up to gigawatts
Critics, ready with your pot shots, the plot thickens
Put on your mittens for these sub zero conditions
But remember I'm just spitting, remember I'm just spitting
Once bitten, forever smitten
[Chorus]
Spit jewels like Eastern riches, junkie fixes
Around here we say 'birds', not bitches
As London Bridge burns down Brixton's burning up
Turns out your in luck, I knows this dodgy fuck in the Duck
So it's just another show flick for your local city poet
In case you geezers don't know it, let's push things forward
It's a tall order but we're taller, calling all maulers
Back street brawlers, corner shop crawlers, victory's flawless
Love us or hates us but don't slate us
Don't conform to formulas, pop genres and such
Sharp darts, double dutch, parked cars troubles you much
With more bud - let's - push - things - forward
[Chorus]
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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”
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.
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/
pure British! our humour is the best! dry, sarcastic,satirical and ironic. americans would never understand!! lol "cult classic not best seller"
"Cult classic, not best-seller". What mad cunts!!!
i think mike is sayin that the streets are starting something: music that is real, music that isnt made for the charts and music that u will actually enjoy...
I think this song is trying to instill creativity. Just like The Streets! They're comming up with creative new sounds like no one else. They're pushing things forward!
"lets put on our classics and we'll have a little dance shall we?"
Newquay 2003
grr, it deleted half my comment!! sorry for double (now triple) posting
Newquay 2003 = best holiday i ever had, with this album playing constantly at the bar whilst we played pool and got drunk and did holiday stuff, awesome.
"cult classic not best seller" Gee, you're right. That's so ironic and backwords that I can't possibly decipher the meaning here. If only someone would translate this strange language into something my heretofor virgin ears might be able to grasp. These crazy Brits and their outrageous take on the language. Am I being sarcastic? I don't know; I don't understand English. :end rant:
Hahah what an idiot rocknrollrulez is....seriously it has nothing to do with the fact that your British or not...Sorry but millions of people get that statement so I would shut up.
But remember I'm just spittin', Remember I'm just spittin' Once bitten, forever smitten'
Ace.
rocknrollrulez ISN'T an idiot, simply because he/she has a point, sometimes americans dont understand british humour...or should i say, just dont find it amusing? But still, that was a while back, i think were all very much up to date now. =]
rocknrollrulez is just saying it wouldn't be as entirely funny to yanks because it has so much slang or some of the meanings just dont cross cultures. but im sure most ppl get it.
'cult classic, not best sellaaaaaaa' yess