Fast Car by Tracy Chapman, released in 1988, reflects on poverty, hope, and the desire to escape difficult circumstances through the symbolic promise of a fast car. Tracy Chapman drew inspiration for the song from her own life and her experiences growing up in a tough neighborhood. The song became an international hit and is considered one of Chapmans biggest successes.
Key: G
Introduction:C7MGEmD x4
C7MG You got a fast car. EmD I want a ticket to anywhere. C7MG Maybe we make a deal, EmD Maybe together we can get somewhere. C7MG Any place is better. EmD Starting from zero, got nothing to lose. C7MG Maybe we'll make something, EmD Me myself, I got nothing to prove.
C7MGEmD C7MG You got a fast car. EmD I got a plan to get us out of here: C7MG I been working at the convenience store, EmD Managed to save just a little bit of money. C7MG Won't have to drive too far EmD Just 'cross the border and into the city, C7MG You and I can both get jobs EmD And finally see what it means to be living.
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C7MG You see, my old man's got a problem: EmD He live with the bottle, that’s the way it is. C7MG He says his body's too old for working, EmD His body's too young to look like his. C7MGEmD My mama went off and left him, she wanted more from life than he could give, C7MG I said, "Somebody's got to take care of him." EmD So I quit school and that's what I did.
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C7MG You got a fast car. EmD But is it fast enough so we can fly away? C7MG We gotta make a decision: EmD Leave tonight or live and die this way.
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EmCGC So I remember when: we were driving, driving in your car, EmC The speed so fast I felt like I was drunk, EmC City lights lay out before us EmC And your arm felt nice wrapped 'round my shoulder. CEmD And I had a feeling that I belonged CEmDEmCEm And I had a feeling I could -- be someone, be someone, be someone.
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C7MG You got a fast car. EmD And we go cruising to entertain ourselves; C7MG you still ain't got a job EmD And I work in a market as a checkout girl. C7MG I know things will get better: EmD You'll find work and I'll get promoted, C7MG We'll move out of the shelter EmD Buy a bigger house and live in the suburbs.
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EmCGC So I remember when: we were driving, driving in your car, EmC The speed so fast I felt like I was drunk, EmC City lights lay out before us EmC And your arm felt nice wrapped 'round my shoulder. CEmD And I had a feeling that I belonged CEmDEmCEm And I had a feeling I could -- be someone, be someone, be someone.
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C7MG You got a fast car. EmD And I got a job that pays all our bills. C7MG You stay out drinking late at the bar, EmD You see more your friends than you do your kids. C7MG I'd always hoped for better, EmD Thought maybe together you and me would find it, C7MG I got no plans I ain't going nowhere, EmD so take your fast car and keep on driving.
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EmCGC So I remember when: we were driving, driving in your car, EmC The speed so fast I felt like I was drunk, EmC City lights lay out before us EmC And your arm felt nice wrapped 'round my shoulder. CEmD And I had a feeling that I belonged CEmDEmCEm And I had a feeling I could -- be someone, be someone, be someone.
C7MGEmD
C7MG You got a fast car. EmD But is it fast enough so you can fly away? C7MG You gotta make a decision: EmD Leave tonight or live and die this way.