Fast Car
by Tracy Chapman
What is “Fast Car” really about?
If you’ve ever wondered what “Fast Car” by Tracy Chapman is really about, you’re not alone. Let’s break it down.
Fast Car' by Tracy Chapman poignantly captures the protagonist's yearning for a better life away from their current struggles, using the metaphor of a fast car as an escape from socio-economic hardships.
So… what’s this song really about?
Fast Car' delves into the personal aspirations and the stark realities faced by the song's protagonist. The narrative revolves around the theme of escape and hopeful transformation, juxtaposed with the inertia of an unchanged, challenging life marked by financial instability and unfulfilled promises. The song encapsulates a spectrum of emotions including hope, disillusionment, and a deep-seated desire for belonging and improvement. The fast car symbolizes not just physical escape but also the broader, universal quest for a better future against the odds of socio-economic constraints.
Within the detailed narrative, we see the progression from youthful optimism to the harsh confrontations with reality. This includes dealing with joblessness, familial responsibilities, and the erosion of dreams. The recurring escape theme in the lyrics is twofold; it represents both the fleeting moments of joy experienced during fast drives, and a deeper, more desperate craving to break free from cyclical poverty and unfulfillment.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What year was 'Fast Car' by Tracy Chapman released?
'Fast Car' was released in 1988.
Q: Did 'Fast Car' by Tracy Chapman win any awards?
'Fast Car' was nominated for Record of the Year and Song of the Year at the Grammy Awards.
Lyrics to “Fast Car”
130 ContributorsTranslations
[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
[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
[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
[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
[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'
[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
[Outro]
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