Fast Car – English Lyrics

• By: Tracy Chapman
• Album: Tracy Chapman

Lyrics & Translation

Discover the powerful story behind Tracy Chapman's timeless hit, "Fast Car." This poignant song explores themes of hope, escape, and the harsh realities of poverty, offering a glimpse into the lives of those striving for a better future. Learn about the societal issues the song addresses and reflect on the personal connections listeners have made with its enduring message.

[English]

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 something

Me, myself, I got nothing to prove

...

You got a fast car

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

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

...

See, my old man's got a problem

He lives 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

My 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?

We gotta make a decision

Leave tonight or live and die this way

...

So I remember 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 'round my shoulder

And I-I, had a feeling that I belonged

I-I had a feeling I could be someone, be someone, be someone

...

You got a fast car

We go cruising to 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

We'll move out of the shelter

Buy a bigger house and 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 'round my shoulder

And I-I, had a feeling that I belonged

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

So 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 'round my shoulder

And I-I, had a feeling that I belonged

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 gotta make a decision

Leave tonight or live and die this way

...

Key Vocabulary

Vocabulary	Meanings
ticket /ˈtɪkɪt/ A2	noun - a piece of paper that allows you to travel or enter a place
deal /diːl/ B1	noun - an agreement or arrangement verb - to distribute or give out
border /ˈbɔːrdər/ B1	noun - the invisible line that separates two countries
money /ˈmʌni/ A2	noun - a medium of exchange in the form of coins and banknotes
car /kɑːr/ A1	noun - a vehicle with four wheels powered by an engine
life /laɪf/ B1	noun - the existence of living things
problem /ˈprɒbləm/ B1	noun - a matter or situation that needs to be dealt with
life /laɪf/ B1	noun - the duration of existence
work /wɜːrk/ A2	noun - tasks or activities involving effort verb - to perform tasks or duties
house /haʊs/ A2	noun - a building for people to live in
decide /dɪˈsaɪd/ B1	verb - to choose after consideration
live /lɪv/ B1	verb - to exist or be alive

Key Grammar Structures

• You got a fast car

  ➔ Simple Present Tense

  ➔ The phrase "You got" indicates a state of possession in the present.

• I want a ticket to anywhere

  ➔ Modal Verb (want)

  ➔ The use of "want" expresses a desire or wish.

• Maybe we'll make something

  ➔ Future Simple Tense

  ➔ The phrase "we'll make" indicates a future action or intention.

• He says his body's too old for working

  ➔ Present Simple Tense

  ➔ The phrase "he says" indicates a habitual action or a general truth.

• You gotta make a decision

  ➔ Informal Contraction (gotta)

  ➔ The term "gotta" is an informal way of saying "have to".

• I had a feeling that I belonged

  ➔ Past Simple Tense

  ➔ The phrase "I had" indicates a completed action in the past.

• We'll move out of the shelter

  ➔ Future Simple Tense

  ➔ The phrase "we'll move" indicates a future plan or intention.

• Take your fast car and keep on driving

  ➔ Imperative Mood

  ➔ The phrase "take your fast car" is a command or instruction.