Worldbeat is usually said to have begun in the mid-1980s when artists like David Byrne, Peter Gabriel, and Paul Simon began incorporating influences from around the world, especially Africa and Latin America. Within a few years, worldbeat became a thriving subgenre of popular music that influenced many more mainstream musicians (for example Kirsty MacColl on her Latin America-inspired album Tropical Brainstorm). In the 2000s, indie bands such as Gang Gang Dance, Yeasayer, and Vampire Weekend were influenced by the genre. Some of the most commonly incorporated types of folk music include rai, samba, flamenco, tango, qawwali, highlife and raga.
Run
Vampire Weekend Lyrics
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We mostly work to live, until we live to work
She said, "You know, there's nowhere else to go"
But changing roles, it struck me that the two of us could run
Worlds away from cars and all the Stars and Bars
Where a little bit of condensation means so much
And a little bit of change is all your little fingers touch
I said, "You know, there's nowhere else to go"
But changing roles, it struck me that the two of us could run
'Cause, honey, with you-ooh-ooh-ooh
Is the only honest way to go
And I could take two-ooh-ooh-ooh
But I really couldn't ever know
Honey, with you-ooh-ooh-ooh
And a little bata radio
We could try
So lead my feet away, 'cause all they do is stay
And I don't think your eyes have ever looked surprised
She said, "You know, there's nowhere left to go"
But with her fund, it struck me that the two of us could run
'Cause, honey, with you-ooh-ooh-ooh
Is the only honest way to go
And I could take two-ooh-ooh-ooh
If I really couldn't ever know
Honey, with you-ooh-ooh-ooh
And a battered radio
We could try, ooh-ooh-ooh-ooh
In Vampire Weekend's song "Run," the lyrics explore the monotony of everyday life, the search for an escape, and the potential for adventure with a loved one. In the first verse, the lyrics express the feeling that we work and live just to work to survive until we can retire. It's a sentiment that many people can relate to, the never-ending cycle of working to make ends meet. The second verse describes the desire to escape from this mundane existence and to search for something more. The idea of leaving behind the hustle and bustle of the typical way of life is emphasized in the reference to being "worlds away from cars and all the Stars and Bars." The lyrics describe the simplicity of a different way of life, where condensation on a window can be exciting and small changes can mean so much.
The chorus of the song continues the theme of wanting to break free, with the repetition of "honey, with you is the only honest way to go." The idea that true, honest living can only be achieved through the act of running away, of exploring a new way of life with a loved one, is a powerful and evocative message. Finally, the last verse reiterates the monotony of our daily routine, with the lyrics "lead my feet away, 'cause all they do is stay." The thought of breaking free is emphasized with the idea that the two of them could run and explore together.
Overall, "Run" is a song about wanting to escape from the ordinary and to explore new things with someone you love. The lyrics paint a vivid picture of the mundane routine of everyday life and emphasize the desire to break free and find something more exciting.
Line by Line Meaning
Every dollar counts and every morning hurts
We are aware of the value of money and time but sometimes it's hard to keep going with the daily routine
We mostly work to live, until we live to work
Our job is a necessary evil to maintain our lifestyle, but it could become our sole purpose in life
She said, "You know, there's nowhere else to go"
She is feeling trapped and hopeless in her current situation
But changing roles, it struck me that the two of us could run
Realizing that a change in perspective could offer an escape from their current circumstances
Worlds away from cars and all the Stars and Bars
A desire to be far away from materialistic culture and symbolisms of patriotism
Where a little bit of condensation means so much
Finding joy and significance in the small things in life
And a little bit of change is all your little fingers touch
Simple gestures of change could lead to bigger results
'Cause, honey, with you-ooh-ooh-ooh
Is the only honest way to go
And I could take two-ooh-ooh-ooh
But I really couldn't ever know
Honey, with you-ooh-ooh-ooh
And a little bata radio
We could try
Together, they could find a genuine way forward even if it's uncertain with nothing but each other and some music
So lead my feet away, 'cause all they do is stay
A longing to escape and explore new things
And I don't think your eyes have ever looked surprised
Feeling stuck in a relationship where there's no sense of curiosity or excitement anymore
But with her fund, it struck me that the two of us could run
A realization that they have the means to pursue their dreams and leave their current situation
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: CHRISTOPHER JOSEPH BAIO, CHRISTOPHER WILLIAM TOMSON, EZRA KOENIG, ROSTAM BATMANGLIJ
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind