Fast Car Lyrics – Tracy Chapman Meaning & Facts By (Singles). You Can Watch This Video On YouTube While The Lyrics Are Written By Tracy Chapman. The Music Track Was Released Date :Apr. 15, 1988.
[Verse 1]
You got a fast car
I want a ticket to anywhere
Maybe we make a deal
Maybe together we can get somewhere
Any place is better
Starting from zero, got nothing to lose
Maybe we’ll make somethin’
Me, myself, I got nothing to prove
[Explanation of Verse 1]
The narrator expresses a desire for change, symbolized by a “fast car.” The idea is to escape their current circumstances and make a better life. The song talks about the idea that both people can work together to make their lives better
[Verse 2]
You got a fast car
I got a plan to get us outta here
I been working at the convenience store
Managed to save just a little bit of money
Won’t have to drive too far
Just across the border and into the city
You and I can both get jobs
Finally see what it means to be living
[Explanation of Verse 2]
The plan is laid out – the narrator works at a convenience store and saves money. The entity is to move to the megacity for better openings, jobs, and a chance at a further filling life.
[Verse 3]
See, my old man’s got a problem
He lives with a bottle, that’s the way it is
He says his body’s too old for workin’
His body’s too young to look like his
When mama went off and left him
She wanted more from life than he could give
I said, “Somebody’s gotta take care of him”
I quit school and that’s what I did
[Explanation of Verse 3]
The narrative introduces the challenges faced by the narrator’s family. The father struggles with drunkenness, and the mama leaves to seek a better life. The narrator takes on the responsibility of minding for the father, quitting academy to work and support the family.
[Pre-Chorus]
You got a fast car
Is it fast enough so we can fly away?
We gotta make a decision
Leave tonight or live and die this way
[Explanation of Pre-Chorus]
The dream of a fast car is revisited, questioning if it’s fast enough to provide an escape. A decision must be made – leave the current situation behind or continue living in difficulty.
[Chorus]
So I remember when we were drivin’, drivin’ in your car
Speed so fast, I felt like I was drunk
City lights lay out before us
And your arm felt nice wrapped ’round my shoulder
And I had a feeling that I belonged
I had a feelin’ I could be someone
Be someone, be someone
[Explanation of Chorus]
The memories of driving in the car are revisited. The experience is glamorized , with the megacity lights and the feeling of belonging. The chorus reflects on the stopgap and sense of possibility that the fast auto represents.
[Verse 4]
You got a fast car
We go cruisin’, entertain ourselves
You still ain’t got a job
And I work in a market as a checkout girl
I know things will get better
You’ll find work and I’ll get promoted
And we’ll move out of the shelter
Buy a bigger house and live in the suburbs
[Explanation of Verse 4]
The reality of the present is revealed – the couple is still struggling. The narrator works in a market, and the partner remains unemployed. Despite the hardships, there’s optimism that things will improve – the partner will find work, the narrator will get promoted, and they’ll move to a better living situation.
[Chorus]
So I remember when we were drivin’, drivin’ in your car
Speed so fast, I felt like I was drunk
City lights lay out before us
And your arm felt nice wrapped ’round my shoulder
And I had a feeling that I belonged
I had a feelin’ I could be someone
Be someone, be someone
[Explanation of Chorus]
The chorus is repeated, emphasizing the nostalgia for the moments when the couple felt a sense of belonging and hope while driving in the car.
[Verse 5]
You got a fast car
I got a job that pays all our bills
You stay out drinkin’ late at the bar
See more of your friends than you do of your kids
I’d always hoped for better
Thought maybe together, you and me’d find it
I got no plans, I ain’t going nowhere
So take your fast car and keep on drivin’
[Explanation of Verse 5]
The narrator acknowledges the current challenges, expressing disappointment in the partner’s choices and the unfulfilled hope for a better life together. The narrator remains stagnant with no plans for the future.
[Chorus]
So I remember when we were drivin’, drivin’ in your car
Speed so fast, I felt like I was drunk
City lights lay out before us
And your arm felt nice wrapped ’round my shoulder
And I had a feeling that I belonged
I had a feelin’ I could be someone
Be someone, be someone
[Explanation of Chorus]
The chorus is repeated again, underscoring the emotional impact of the memories and the ongoing struggles.
[Refrain]
You got a fast car
Is it fast enough so you can fly away?
You gotta make a decision
Leave tonight or live and die this way
[Explanation of Refrain]
The refrain revisits the idea of the fast car as a means of escape, questioning whether it’s fast enough to allow for a new beginning. The decision to leave or continue in the current circumstances is reiterated.