"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.
Only you can bring back the good old days
Let's hear it again for our long lost friend
Who passed away
Maybe it's better that way
And even if I'm thinking upside down
You're right side up with me my friend
You know that you're the one for me
Only you still can see a memory
Like what about the time you took my arm
Said come with me you don't have to be strong
Said here's a little something to relax your mind
Now that we are two of a kind my friend
All we are is two of a kind
Only you can bring back the good old days
Like what about the time you tripped and fell
But you didn't care 'cause all the time you knew that you'd be getting well
You don't do nothing and you land in jail
Farewell, farewell, farewell my friend
They took all your money now look what they've done for you
Chump!
Only you still can see a memory
Like what about the time you took my arm
Said come with me you don't have to be strong
Said here's a little something to relax your mind
Now that we are two of a kind my friend
All we are is two of a kind
Save a little space for me my friend
Save a little space for me
Let's hear it again for our long lost friend
Who passed away
Maybe it's better that way
And even if I'm thinking upside down
You're right side up with me my friend
You know that you're the one for me
Only you still can see a memory
Like what about the time you took my arm
Said come with me you don't have to be strong
Said here's a little something to relax your mind
Now that we are two of a kind my friend
All we are is two of a kind
Only you can bring back the good old days
Like what about the time you tripped and fell
But you didn't care 'cause all the time you knew that you'd be getting well
You don't do nothing and you land in jail
Farewell, farewell, farewell my friend
They took all your money now look what they've done for you
Chump!
Only you still can see a memory
Like what about the time you took my arm
Said come with me you don't have to be strong
Said here's a little something to relax your mind
Now that we are two of a kind my friend
All we are is two of a kind
Save a little space for me my friend
Save a little space for me
Add your thoughts
Log in now to tell us what you think this song means.
Don’t have an account? Create an account with SongMeanings to post comments, submit lyrics, and more. It’s super easy, we promise!
More Featured Meanings
Fast Car
Tracy Chapman
Tracy Chapman
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/
Head > Heels
Ed Sheeran
Ed Sheeran
“Head > Heels” is a track that aims to capture what it feels like to experience romance that exceeds expectations. Ed Sheeran dedicates his album outro to a lover who has blessed him with a unique experience that he seeks to describe through the song’s nuanced lyrics.
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.
Plastic Bag
Ed Sheeran
Ed Sheeran
“Plastic Bag” is a song about searching for an escape from personal problems and hoping to find it in the lively atmosphere of a Saturday night party. Ed Sheeran tells the story of his friend and the myriad of troubles he is going through. Unable to find any solutions, this friend seeks a last resort in a party and the vanity that comes with it.
“I overthink and have trouble sleepin’ / All purpose gone and don’t have a reason / And there’s no doctor to stop this bleedin’ / So I left home and jumped in the deep end,” Ed Sheeran sings in verse one. He continues by adding that this person is feeling the weight of having disappointed his father and doesn’t have any friends to rely on in this difficult moment. In the second verse, Ed sings about the role of grief in his friend’s plight and his dwindling faith in prayer. “Saturday night is givin’ me a reason to rely on the strobe lights / The lifeline of a promise in a shot glass, and I’ll take that / If you’re givin’ out love from a plastic bag,” Ed sings on the chorus, as his friend turns to new vices in hopes of feeling better.