A feeling I could be someone, be someone

I've listened to Tracy Chapman's "Fast Car" about 400 times in my life, but until yesterday I had never realised these four things.

1) What it was about.
2) The fact it was called "Fast Car"
3) The fact it was sung by a woman.
4) And that that woman was Tracy Chapman.

Now, I know that sounds pretty ignorant, but it happens to me quite a bit. I've caught myself a couple of times finally realising what songs are about after years of mumbling along to them in the car (and occasionally belting out wrong lyrics with complete confidence).Anyway, "Fast Car". Is a really sad song.

You got a fast car
I want a ticket to anywhere
Maybe we make a deal
Maybe together we can get somewhere

A young girl, meets a guy and wants to escape her life. Her mother ran out on her alcoholic father, leaving the girl to drop out of school to look after her sick, drunk dad.

You got a fast car
And I got a plan to get us out of here
I been working at the convenience store
Managed to save just a little bit of money
We won't have to drive too far
Just 'cross the border and into the city
You and I can both get jobs
And finally see what it means to be living

She hopes to break out of her life and make something new for herself. That feeling of hope and the possibilities of life is encapsulated in the chorus.

I remember we were driving, driving in your car
The 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
And I had a feeling I could be someone, be someone, be someone
But she doesn't get what she wants. She ends up living in the same life as her mother, with a man who resembles her dad.

You got a fast car
And 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
So take your fast car and keep on driving It sounds like she's accepted her fate with that last line, until the refrain comes in again.

You got a fast car
But is it fast enough so you can fly away
You gotta make a decision
You leave tonight or live and die this way

It's decision time. For her and her man. She knows that if she doesn't leave like her mother did, she'll die in the same life she's living.Heavy! And a really good song.

Anyone else occasionally suddenly realise that the song they've been singing along to for years actually has a meaning? I'm reminded of that Arrested Development episode when Michael and Maebe sing "Afternoon Delight" at the work Christmas Party...