Having self-released two EPs since 2008 to positive acclaim, Alex is set to release a new album in early 2010. Tracks from the ‘Leave This City EP’ were played on regional radio across Hampshire, Sussex, Kent, Dorset and Surrey. In Summer 2009 Alex performed material from the ‘Trafalgar EP’ and other unreleased tracks Live on BBC South Live Radio. He supported Jon Allen, Emily Baker and Christine Collister to great rapport in 2009.
Formerly the frontman of various locally-hyped acoustic/rock bands, Alex now gigs solo with a loop pedal, a piano and an acoustic guitar.
Significant influences include Ben Kweller, Teitur, Paul Steel, Bon Iver, Damien Rice, Ryan Adams and Scott Matthews.
Runs In The Family
Alex Hall Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Don't swallow your pride when you run out of strength
The whisky's never too far away
It runs in the family
Sing out for your angels with your demons in the dark
Don't ask for help when you're fallin' apart
Keeping secrets ain't that hard
Put ten thousand miles on your pickup truck
Change your number just to stay sane
But you can't run away, no
When times get tough buckle down for the fight
Defend your blood even if they ain't right
Then disappear like a thief in the night
It runs in the family
Put twenty thousand miles on your pickup truck
Cut your hair and change your name
But you can't run away
You can't run away
Ooh, ooh, ooh
You can't run away (ooh)
Oh
I just had to tell you before the big day
There's a whole lot your gettin' when you're takin' my last name
But I love you forever and a day
It runs in the family
The lyrics of "Runs In The Family" by Alex Hall explore the idea of inherited traits, both in terms of family habits and behaviors, as well as the commitment and love within a relationship. The song suggests that certain characteristics, both positive and negative, are passed down through generations and become inherent in one's identity. The verses describe various situations where these traits manifest themselves.
The first verse advises to keep working hard, even when faced with challenges, and to never let pride get in the way of asking for help. It also mentions the presence of whisky, indicating a potential family tendency for alcohol consumption. The second verse encourages embracing both the light and dark aspects of oneself and not being afraid to seek assistance when feeling broken. It also suggests that keeping secrets is something that comes naturally in the family.
The chorus emphasizes the inability to escape or run away from these inherited qualities. It highlights the constant journey and effort put into coping with life's challenges and the strong sense of determination passed down through generations. The song acknowledges that running away may seem like a solution at times, but ultimately, these traits and responsibilities cannot be avoided.
The last verse takes a different turn, focusing on the personal relationship of the singer. They express their love and commitment, acknowledging that being part of a family means accepting all that comes with it, both the good and the bad. The chorus reinforces the idea that love and commitment, just like the family traits, are deeply ingrained and cannot be escaped.
Overall, "Runs In The Family" explores the themes of heritage, family dynamics, and the strength of love and commitment. It suggests that certain qualities are passed down through generations and that embracing them, as well as the challenges they present, is an essential part of one's identity and relationships.
Line by Line Meaning
Keep grease on your elbows and the sweat in your days
Continue working hard and persevering through difficult times
Don't swallow your pride when you run out of strength
Don't let your ego prevent you from seeking help when you're feeling weak
The whisky's never too far away
Alcohol is often a coping mechanism in our family
It runs in the family
These patterns and behaviors are inherited and recurrent across generations
Sing out for your angels with your demons in the dark
Express your vulnerabilities and weaknesses alongside your strengths and flaws
Don't ask for help when you're fallin' apart
Refuse assistance even when you're struggling and need support
Keeping secrets ain't that hard
Concealing information comes naturally to us
Put ten thousand miles on your pickup truck
Travel extensively to escape your problems
Change your number just to stay sane
Avoiding people and responsibilities is a way of preserving your mental well-being
But you can't run away, no
Running away will not solve your issues
When times get tough buckle down for the fight
During difficult moments, gather strength and prepare to face the challenges ahead
Defend your blood even if they ain't right
Stand up for your family, regardless of their faults or mistakes
Then disappear like a thief in the night
Vanish without a trace to avoid confronting your problems directly
Put twenty thousand miles on your pickup truck
Travel even further in an attempt to escape your troubles
Cut your hair and change your name
Alter your appearance and identity to evade recognition
But you can't run away
Escaping from your problems is not a viable solution
You can't run away
Running away from your anxieties and challenges will only lead to further complications
I just had to tell you before the big day
I wanted to share this with you before our important milestone
There's a whole lot your gettin' when you're takin' my last name
There are significant family traits and behaviors that come with marrying into our family
But I love you forever and a day
Despite everything, my love for you is endless and eternal
It runs in the family
These characteristics and dynamics are deeply ingrained within our family lineage
Lyrics © Downtown Music Publishing, Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd., Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: Aaron Babcock, Alex Hall, Kassi Ashton, Peter Good
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Rebecca Turnbull
Lyrics
Keep grease on your elbows, and the sweat is your daze, don’t swallow your pride when you’ve run out of strength. The whiskeys never to far away, it runs in the family.
Seeing out for your angels, with the demons in the dark. Don’t ask for help when you’ve fallen apart, keepin’ secrets ain’t that hard, it runs in the family.
Ten thousand miles on your pick up truck, change your number just to stay sane. But you can’t run away, ( no ).
When times get tough, buckle down for the fight. Defend your own blood even if they ain’t right. They’ll disappear like a thief in the night, it runs in the family.
But twenty thousand miles on your pick up truck, cut your hair and change your name but you can’t run away, you can’t run away.
(Oooooooooo),
(you can’t run away ),
I just had to tell you, before the big day, there’s a whole lot your gettin’ when you’re taking my last name.
But I’ll love you, forever and a day.. it runs in the family.
Rebecca Turnbull
Laying next to my fireplace in the cold of winter and this song is what’s truly keeping me warm.
Brooke W
Wow...beautiful, y'all.
Brice Lane
Change the oil kiss the one you love. Growing up in a small town will never be enough.
Brice Lane
Keep fighting for layers above
Melissa Hall
❤❤❤