Tracy Chapman’s “Fast Car” Lyrics
You got a fast car
And 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 something
Me, myself, I got nothing to prove
You got a fast car
I got a plan to get us out of here
I’ve 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
See, my old man’s got a problem
He live with the bottle, that’s the way it is
He says his body’s too old for working
His body’s too young to look like his
Mama went off and left him
She wanted more from life than he could give
I said, “Somebody’s got to take care of him”
So, I quit school and that’s what I did
You got a fast car
Is it fast enough so we can fly away?
Still gotta make a decision
Leave tonight, or live and die this way
So, I remember when we were driving, driving in your car
Speed so fast, I felt like I was drunk
City lights lay out before us
And your arm felt nice wrapped around my shoulder
And I, I, I had a feeling that I belonged
I, I, I had a feeling I could be someone, be someone, be someone
You got a fast car
We go cruising, entertain ourselves
You still ain’t got a job
So I work in a market as a checkout girl
I know things will get better
You’ll find work and I’ll get promoted
We’ll move out of the shelter
Buy a bigger house, live in the suburbs
So, I remember when we were driving, driving in your car
Speed so fast, I felt like I was drunk
City lights lay out before us
And your arm felt nice wrapped around my shoulder
And I, I, I had a feeling that I belonged
I, I, I had a feeling I could be someone, be someone, be someone
You got a fast car
I got a job that pays all our bills
You stay out drinking 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 would find it
I got no plans, I ain’t going nowhere
Take your fast car and keep on driving
So, I remember when we were driving, driving in your car
Speed so fast, I felt like I was drunk
City lights lay out before us
And your arm felt nice wrapped around my shoulder
And I, I, I had a feeling that I belonged
I, I, I had a feeling I could be someone, be someone, be someone
You got a fast car
Is it fast enough, so you can fly away?
You still gotta make a decision
Leave tonight, or live and die this way
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The Pulsating Beat of “Fast Car”
Explore the rhythmic and emotive world of Tracy Chapman’s “Fast Car” as we dissect the lyrics, unraveling the poignant narrative embedded in this iconic song that has resonated across generations.
1. The Fast Car Metaphor: A Vehicle for Dreams
Dive into the symbolic significance of the fast car, a metaphor for escape and the pursuit of dreams. Chapman’s lyrics paint a vivid picture of a desire for a better life and the means to achieve it.
2. Yearning for Change: Escaping Mundanity
Delve into the theme of escape from a mundane existence. The lyrics portray a longing for a life beyond the constraints of the ordinary, where the fast car becomes the conduit for transformation.
3. Economic Struggle: Breaking the Cycle
Explore the socio-economic struggles depicted in the lyrics. Tracy Chapman uses the narrative to shed light on the challenges of breaking free from the cycle of poverty, illustrating the harsh realities many face.
4. Partnerships in Progress: A Journey Shared
Analyze the partnership dynamic presented in the lyrics. The fast car becomes a shared vision for a better future, emphasizing the importance of unity and collaboration in overcoming life’s obstacles.
5. Hope Amidst Hardship: The Optimistic Tone
Uncover the optimistic undertone in Chapman’s lyrics. Despite the hardships described, there is a persistent hope for a brighter future, symbolized by the fast car’s potential to lead to a better life.
6. Love as a Driving Force: Relationship Dynamics
Explore the complex relationship dynamics portrayed in the song. The lyrics touch upon love as both a source of comfort and a potential hindrance, adding layers of emotional depth to the narrative.
7. Nostalgia for Simplicity: Reflecting on the Past
Examine the theme of nostalgia embedded in the lyrics. Tracy Chapman’s portrayal of simplicity and innocence in the past creates a wistful reflection on the journey and the passage of time.
8. Contemporary Relevance: “Fast Car” Across Generations
Highlight the timeless nature of “Fast Car” and its continued relevance in contemporary society. The universal themes of aspiration, struggle, and hope make the song a poignant anthem for multiple generations.
Tracy Chapman’s Musical Legacy
As the lyrical journey concludes, appreciate Tracy Chapman’s enduring legacy. “Fast Car” stands as a testament to the power of music to encapsulate the human experience, offering solace, inspiration, and a timeless resonance that transcends eras.