"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.
Hey, girl, it's a new world, let's have a little fun!
Don't stay hidden away, come and join everyone.
Everyone.
Outside I'm ready to ride, we can go anywhere.
Don't wait, procrastinate take a chance if you dare
I want to take you there.
Find a pace in the sun.
You know you want to go, it's no sacrifice.
I want what you want, in fact I'll even do it twice
At half the price.
Find a place in the sun.
Didn't you hear that the war has been won?
Good people died to provide you a place in the sun.
I'm here, what's there to fear? We're not breaking any law.
Someday I know you'll say you wonder
What you waited for
What are you waiting for?
Find a place in the sun.
Didn't you know any wrong you have done
Cannot deny you the right to a place in the sun?
Find a place in the sun.
Don't stay hidden away, come and join everyone.
Everyone.
Outside I'm ready to ride, we can go anywhere.
Don't wait, procrastinate take a chance if you dare
I want to take you there.
Find a pace in the sun.
You know you want to go, it's no sacrifice.
I want what you want, in fact I'll even do it twice
At half the price.
Find a place in the sun.
Didn't you hear that the war has been won?
Good people died to provide you a place in the sun.
I'm here, what's there to fear? We're not breaking any law.
Someday I know you'll say you wonder
What you waited for
What are you waiting for?
Find a place in the sun.
Didn't you know any wrong you have done
Cannot deny you the right to a place in the sun?
Find a place in the sun.
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More Featured Meanings
Fast Car
Tracy Chapman
Tracy Chapman
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.
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/
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.
man this is an awesome song, i especially like "Didn't you know any wrong you have done Cannot deny you the right to a place in the sun" It's so optimistic!