Running Up That Hill
.Placebo Lyrics


Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴  Line by Line Meaning ↴

"If I only could, I'd be running up that hill.
If I only could, I'd be running up that hill."

It doesn't hurt me.
Do you want to feel how it feels?
Do you want to know that it doesn't hurt me?
Do you want to hear about the deal that I'm making?
You, it's you and me.

And if I only could,
I'd make a deal with God,
And I'd get him to swap our places,
Be running up that road,
Be running up that hill,
Be running up that building.
If I only could, oh

You don't want to hurt me,
But see how deep the bullet lies.
Unaware I'm tearing you asunder.
Ooh, there is thunder in our hearts.

Is there so much hate for the ones we love?
Tell me, we both matter, don't we?
You, it's you and me.
It's you and me won't be unhappy.

And if I only could,
I'd make a deal with God,
And I'd get him to swap our places,
Be running up that road,
Be running up that hill,
Be running up that building,
Say, if I only could, oh...

You,
It's you and me,
It's you and me won't be unhappy.

"C'mon, baby, c'mon darling,
Let me steal this moment from you now.
C'mon, angel, c'mon, c'mon, darling,
Let's exchange the experience, oh"

And if I only could,
I'd make a deal with God,
And I'd get him to swap our places,
Be running up that road,
Be running up that hill,
With no problems.

And if I only could,
I'd make a deal with God,
And I'd get him to swap our places,
Be running up that road,
Be running up that hill,
With no problems.

And if I only could,
I'd make a deal with God,
And I'd get him to swap our places,
Be running up that road,
Be running up that hill,
With no problems.

If I only could
Be running up that hill
With no problems





"If I only could, I'd be running up that hill.
If I only could, I'd be running up that hill."

Overall Meaning

The song "Running Up That Hill" by Placebo revolves around the idea of gender roles and power dynamics in relationships. The song explores the desire for transcendence beyond these roles in order to better understand the other person's perspective. The chorus of the song expresses the desire to be able to physically run up a hill to achieve this state of understanding. The second verse deals with the pain that comes with trying to understand someone else's perspective when it is vastly different from our own, and the universal question of why we as humans often end up hurting the ones we say we love. The bridge of the song makes a plea for a momentary break from reality - for a chance to escape from the limitations of our own gender roles and identity - if only for a moment.


Throughout the song, there is a central metaphor of "running up that hill," which may symbolize the struggle and effort it takes to understand each other, our own identities, and ultimately, to transcend those identities in pursuit of deeper understanding. The repeated line "If I only could" emphasizes the desire and longing to achieve this type of transcendent understanding with the other person.


Overall, "Running Up That Hill" is a complex and compelling exploration of the dynamics and struggles of human relationships, and the quest for understanding and connection beyond social constructs and limitations.


Line by Line Meaning

If I only could, I'd be running up that hill.
I wish I could change our situation and take on your struggles, even if it means running up a hill.


It doesn't hurt me.
Your actions don't physically harm me, but they deeply affect me emotionally.


Do you want to feel how it feels?
Do you want to experience the pain and sorrow that you're causing me?


Do you want to know that it doesn't hurt me?
Do you want to understand that although I endure this pain daily, I still love you?


Do you want to hear about the deal that I'm making?
Do you want to listen to the extreme sacrifices I'm willing to make to ease our situation?


You, it's you and me.
We're in this together, and our fate is interconnected.


And if I only could, I'd make a deal with God,
If I had any control over our circumstances, I'd do anything to make things better, even if it required divine intervention.


And I'd get him to swap our places,
I would offer my life in exchange for yours if it meant relieving your pain.


Be running up that road,
I would take on any challenge, even running uphill or running towards a difficult goal.


Be running up that hill,
I'm willing to face any obstacle and endure any hardship to alleviate your troubles.


Be running up that building,
I'm willing to climb to the highest heights to resolve our troubles.


You don't want to hurt me,
I know you don't intentionally cause me pain, but your actions still affect me deeply.


But see how deep the bullet lies.
My hurt runs deep and is difficult to ignore, even if it's not visible on the surface.


Unaware I'm tearing you asunder.
Without realizing it, my struggles are causing you pain and distress.


Ooh, there is thunder in our hearts.
Our emotions are intense and passionate, like a storm raging within us.


Is there so much hate for the ones we love?
Why is it that we tend to hurt those closest to us, even though we care for them deeply?


Tell me, we both matter, don't we?
Let's make a pact to remember that our relationship and well-being are equally important.


It's you and me.
The only way we can move forward is together.


It's you and me won't be unhappy.
As long as we're united, we can overcome any difficulty and maintain our happiness.


C'mon, baby, c'mon darling, Let me steal this moment from you now.
Let's forget our troubles for a short time and just be present in this moment together.


C'mon, angel, c'mon, c'mon, darling, Let's exchange the experience, oh
Let's take turns sharing our experiences and feelings to better understand each other's struggles and triumphs.


With no problems.
If only we could trade places and run up that hill with ease, but unfortunately, our lives are full of challenges and complications.




Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: KATE BUSH

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
To comment on or correct specific content, highlight it

Genre not found
Artist not found
Album not found
Song not found
Most interesting comment from YouTube:

@hatefuljon3997

I lost my sister to COVID/Cancer a year ago tomorrow. She was a great person, i have a weird condition that means I am in chronic pain 24/7 and can't work so i feel i am a burden to my wife, even though she would never say that, its just how i feel.

However if i could make a deal with God to swap places with my sister and be the one who has been dead for almost a year, i wouldn't because even though my life is a bit rubbish i wouldn't be without my wife or our dogs.

If anyone is out there thinking the world would be a better place without them in it, it wouldn't be, you are not alone, speak to friends, family or healthcare professionals.

Stay safe and take care.

God bless you D, gone but never forgotten.



All comments from YouTube:

@Wallnuts

Surprisingly I heard Placebo’s cover before Kate’s original, back when I was in high school, maybe 2006 or 2007. Placebo had a big impact on my life, despite everyone I know disliking them. I still listen to placebo when I want to feel something nostalgic and melancholic.

@marchelbianca4672

Same here, I loved Placebos version! Because of them I then was introduced to the Kate Bush original.

@KatzProductionsYT

Same. Emo memories!

@anuqaani2376

Same👏

@CarolPettirossi

samee

@alishacourtneyeddy94

same!! I love it so much more and had no idea it was a cover until just a few months ago 🤣

130 More Replies...

@runninbyfaith777

This is my favorite version. Heard it on the O.C. and now I feel sad everytime I hear it, remembering Ryan's pain and how lost he is.

@tlogank

That show introduced people to so many cool artists.

@runninbyfaith777

@@tlogank it really did!

@gabri9629

Ryaaannn and marissaaaa

More Comments

More Versions