Speed is exhilarating, often synonymous with freedom, rebellion, and the thrill of life on the edge.
Whether it’s the rush of driving a fast car, the intensity of a fleeting romance, or the relentless pace of modern living, the theme of “fast” has inspired countless songs across genres.
In this blog post, we explore Songs about fast that capture the essence of speed and urgency, from the pulse-pounding beats of rock anthems to the smooth rhythms of pop classics.
These tracks not only reflect the pace of life but also the emotions that come with living in the fast lane.
1. “Fast Car” by Tracy Chapman (1988)
About this song:
- Album: Tracy Chapman
- Released: 1988
- Artist: Tracy Chapman
- Genre: Folk Rock
- Key Lyric: “You got a fast car, I want a ticket to anywhere.”
Tracy Chapman released “Fast Car” in 1988, a song that quickly became a massive hit.
The lyrics tell a poignant story of a young woman seeking escape from a life of poverty and despair.
Chapman’s storytelling, combined with her soulful voice, makes the song an enduring classic.
The song’s themes of hope and longing resonate with many, making it a powerful anthem for those seeking change.
“Fast Car” solidified Chapman’s place in music history, earning her several awards and critical acclaim.
2. “Fast” by Juice WRLD (2019)
About this song:
- Album: Death Race for Love
- Released: 2019
- Artist: Juice WRLD
- Genre: Hip-Hop/Rap
- Key Lyric: “I been living fast, fast, fast, fast.“
Released in 2019, “Fast” is a track from Juice WRLD’s album Death Race for Love, where he reflects on the rapid pace of life and its effects on mental health.
Juice WRLD, who wrote the song, delves into the pressures of fame and the constant movement in his life that leads to anxiety and turmoil.
The song’s lyrics express the need for escape while acknowledging the self-destructive tendencies that accompany this fast-paced lifestyle.
“Fast” gained popularity for its catchy beat and introspective lyrics, showcasing Juice WRLD’s ability to blend melody with deep emotion.
The track is a poignant reminder of the late artist’s talent for expressing vulnerability through his music.
3. “Life in the Fast Lane” by Eagles (1976)
About this song:
- Album: Hotel California
- Released: 1976
- Artist: Eagles
- Genre: Rock
- Key Lyric: “(Life in the fast lane) everything, all the time.”
“Life in the Fast Lane” was released in 1976 as part of the Eagles’ legendary album Hotel California.
The song was co-written by Joe Walsh, Glenn Frey, and Don Henley and is known for its energetic guitar riff and vivid lyrics.
It tells the story of a couple living a dangerous, fast-paced lifestyle, ultimately leading to their downfall.
The song is a critique of the hedonistic culture of the 1970s, capturing the era’s excesses and recklessness.
“Life in the Fast Lane” remains one of the Eagles’ most iconic songs, representing their signature blend of rock music with storytelling.
4. “Fast” by Luke Bryan (2015)
About this song:
- Album: Kill the Lights
- Released: 2015
- Artist: Luke Bryan
- Genre: Country
- Key Lyric: “Sixty seconds now feels more like thirty.”
“Fast” by Luke Bryan reflects on how quickly time passes, especially as we age.
Released in 2015, it was co-written by Bryan along with Rodney Clawson and Luke Laird.
The song uses poignant lyrics to convey the bittersweet realization of how swiftly life moves from childhood dreams to adult responsibilities.
Bryan’s inspiration came from observing his children grow up, which made him ponder the fleeting nature of time.
The song resonates deeply with listeners who feel the constant rush of time slipping away.
5. Fast & Furious 9 – song and lyrics by Jared Moreno Luna (2021)
About this song:
- Album: Fast & Furious 9 (Soundtrack)
- Released: 2021
- Artist: Jared Moreno Luna
- Genre: Electronic, Natural Sounds
- Key Lyric: “Feel the speed, feel the rush.”
“Fast & Furious 9” by Jared Moreno Luna encapsulates the high-octane energy synonymous with the Fast & Furious franchise.
Released in 2021, the track features pulsating beats that mirror the adrenaline rush experienced during fast-paced car chases.
Moreno Luna composed this track to align with the movie’s intense action scenes, emphasizing speed and thrill.
The song’s electric vibe complements the film’s high-energy narrative, making it a fitting addition to the soundtrack.
It stands as a testament to the excitement and intensity that the franchise is known for.
6. “Fast Car” by Jonas Blue ft. Dakota (2015)
About this song:
- Album: Fast Car
- Released: 2015
- Artist: Jonas Blue ft. Dakota
- Genre: Tropical House, Dance/Electronic
- Key Lyric: “You got a fast car, I want a ticket to anywhere.”
Jonas Blue’s 2015 rendition of “Fast Car” reimagines Tracy Chapman’s 1988 classic with a fresh, modern twist.
Featuring Dakota’s emotive vocals, the song retains the original’s themes of escape and longing, while infusing it with a vibrant tropical house beat.
Blue’s version bridges the gap between generations, introducing the poignant story to a new audience through its upbeat, danceable rhythm.
The production was a massive success globally, proving Blue’s skill in remixing timeless songs.
This version not only honors the original but also stands on its own as a contemporary hit.
7. “Fastlove” by George Michael (1996)
About this song:
- Album: Older
- Released: 1996
- Artist: George Michael
- Genre: Pop, R&B
- Key Lyric: “Gotta get up to get down.”
“Fastlove” was released in 1996 as the second single from George Michael’s third studio album, Older.
The song is a smooth, funky pop track that explores the theme of seeking temporary pleasure and avoiding emotional attachment.
Inspired by the carefree spirit of the 90s, Michael crafted the song as a celebration of casual relationships without the weight of commitment.
The track’s infectious groove, combined with its soulful lyrics, made it a commercial success, reaching the top of the charts in multiple countries.
“Fastlove” remains one of George Michael’s most iconic hits, praised for its sophisticated production and timeless appeal.
8. “Fast and Frightening” by L7 (1990)
About this song:
- Album: Smell the Magic
- Released: 1990
- Artist: L7
- Genre: Grunge, Punk Rock
- Key Lyric: “Got so much clit she don’t need no balls.”
“Fast and Frightening” by L7 is a raw, unapologetic anthem from their 1990 album Smell the Magic.
The song is a powerful expression of female empowerment, filled with aggressive guitar riffs and rebellious lyrics.
Donita Sparks and Suzi Gardner wrote the track as a defiant statement against gender norms and societal expectations.
With its gritty sound and confrontational tone, “Fast and Frightening” became a defining song for the band, embodying the spirit of the grunge and punk movements.
The track’s energy and attitude continue to resonate with fans, making it a standout in L7’s discography.
9. “Fast as You” by Dwight Yoakam (1993)
About this song:
- Album: This Time
- Released: 1993
- Artist: Dwight Yoakam
- Genre: Country
- Key Lyric: “Maybe I’ll do things right, maybe I’ll start tonight.”
Released in 1993, “Fast as You” is one of Dwight Yoakam’s most popular tracks, featured on his album This Time.
The song blends traditional country with a rockabilly flair, reflecting Yoakam’s signature style.
Lyrically, it deals with themes of heartbreak and resilience, where the narrator vows to move on from a failed relationship just as quickly as his partner did.
Yoakam’s playful yet poignant delivery, coupled with the song’s catchy melody, made it a hit on the country charts.
“Fast as You” showcases Yoakam’s talent for blending humor with heartache, making it a fan favorite and a staple of his live performances.
10. “Fast Train” by Solomon Burke (2002)
About this song:
- Album: Don’t Give Up on Me
- Released: 2002
- Artist: Solomon Burke
- Genre: Soul, Blues
- Key Lyric: “You’ve been on a fast train and it’s going off the rails.”
Released in 2002, “Fast Train” is a powerful and reflective song by the legendary Solomon Burke, written by Van Morrison.
The song uses the metaphor of a fast train to convey the feelings of moving through life at breakneck speed, often leaving behind pain and regret.
Burke’s soulful voice adds a deep emotional layer to the song, making it resonate with listeners who have experienced life’s challenges.
This track is one of the highlights from Burke’s critically acclaimed album, showcasing his mastery of conveying emotion through music.
“Fast Train” remains a poignant reminder of the swift passage of time and the emotional toll it can take.
11. “Fast Lane” by Bad Meets Evil (2011)
About this song:
- Album: Hell: The Sequel
- Released: 2011
- Artist: Bad Meets Evil
- Genre: Hip Hop
- Key Lyric: “Movin’ at the speed of life and I can’t slow down.”
“Fast Lane” was released in 2011 by the rap duo Bad Meets Evil, consisting of Eminem and Royce da 5’9″.
The track features rapid-fire verses that boast about their lyrical prowess and lifestyle in the fast lane.
The song’s high-energy beat and clever wordplay highlight the duo’s chemistry and skill in delivering complex rhymes.
“Fast Lane” became one of the standout tracks on their collaborative EP, Hell: The Sequel, which marked the duo’s reunion after years of working separately.
The track reflects the duo’s aggressive approach to rap, symbolizing their relentless pursuit of success.
12. “Fast Lane” by Rationale (2017)
About this song:
- Album: Rationale
- Released: 2017
- Artist: Rationale
- Genre: Alternative/Indie
- Key Lyric: “Everybody speeds in the fast lane truly now.”
“Fast Lane” by Rationale, released in 2017, is a poignant reflection on the pressures of modern life.
The song is part of Rationale’s self-titled album and blends alternative and indie elements.
Its lyrics capture the emotional weight of living in a fast-paced world, touching on themes of regret and introspection.
Rationale’s distinct voice and the atmospheric production create a hauntingly beautiful soundscape.
The track stands out for its ability to resonate with listeners who feel caught up in the relentless pace of life.
13. “Fast Forward” by Joe Jackson
About this song:
- Album: Fast Forward
- Released: 2015
- Artist: Joe Jackson
- Genre: Pop, Rock
- Key Lyric: “I’m hitting fast forward, seems like we’ve gotten kind of stuck.”
“Fast Forward” is the title track from Joe Jackson’s 2015 album.
This song reflects on the feeling of being stuck in a repetitive cycle and the urge to move quickly past it, resonating with a sense of urgency for change.
The lyrics express frustration with societal stagnation, wrapped in Jackson’s unique blend of pop and rock influences.
It’s a reflective piece that critiques the current state of the world, suggesting that progression is necessary to break free from old patterns.
“Fast Forward” serves as a commentary on modern life, capturing the desire for forward momentum in a world that often feels like it’s standing still.
14. “Fast Girls” by Janet Jackson
About this song:
- Album: Dream Street
- Released: 1984
- Artist: Janet Jackson
- Genre: Pop, R&B
- Key Lyric: “Fast girls are true, they’re all you really need.”
“Fast Girls” by Janet Jackson was released in 1984 on her album Dream Street.
The song is about the thrill and excitement of fleeting romances, where Jackson sings about the allure of fast-paced, carefree relationships.
The lyrics suggest a physical attraction and temporary love, contrasting with deeper, more committed relationships.
The upbeat tempo and catchy chorus reflect the pop and R&B influences of the early ’80s, making it a standout track that showcases Janet Jackson’s evolving style at the beginning of her career.
15. “Fast Fuse” by Kasabian (2008)
About this song:
- Album: FIFA 09
- Released: 2008
- Artist: Kasabian
- Genre: Rock, Alternative
- Key Lyric: “I’m like a fuse, I am ready to blow.”
“Fast Fuse” is a high-energy track by Kasabian, released in 2008 as part of their album FIFA 09.
The song is a metaphor for pent-up aggression and the desire for release, with lyrics comparing the singer to a fast-burning fuse ready to explode.
The intense, fast-paced rhythm and rebellious lyrics make it a perfect example of Kasabian’s distinctive style, blending rock and alternative influences.
“Fast Fuse” captures the raw energy and emotion that have made Kasabian one of the most exciting bands of their time.
Conclusion
The songs explored in this blog post demonstrate the many facets of living life in the fast lane.
From the literal speed of a “Fast Car” to the metaphorical rush of “Fastlove,” these tracks capture the energy, excitement, and sometimes the pitfalls of a fast-paced existence.
Each song tells a unique story, reflecting how speed influences our emotions, decisions, and experiences.
Whether you’re seeking motivation, reflection, or simply a good time, these songs about “fast” offer something for every listener’s playlist.