Band on the Run
Beaux Arts Orchestra/Denny Laine/Linda McCartney/Paul McCartney/Paul McCartney & Wings Lyrics
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Sent inside forever
Never seeing no one
Nice again like you
Mama you, mama you
If I ever get out of her,
Thought of giving it all away
All I need is a pint a day
If I ever get outta here
If we ever get outta of here
Well, the rain exploded with a mighty crash
As we fell into the sun
And the first one said to the second one there
I hope you're having fun
Band on the run, band on the run
And the jailer man and sailor Sam
Were searching every one
For the band on the run
Band on the run
Band on the run
Band on the run
Well, the undertaker drew a heavy sigh
Seeing no one else had come
And a bell was ringing in the village square
For the rabbits on the run
Band on the run
Band on the run
And the jailer man and sailor Sam
Were searching every one
For the band on the run
Band on the run
Yeah the band on the run
Band on the run
Band on the run
Band on the run
Well, the night was falling as the desert world
Began to settle down.
In the town they're searching for us everywhere
But we never will be found
Band on the run
Band on the run
And the county judge who held a grudge
Will search for evermore
For the band on the run
Band on the run
Band on the run
Band on the run
"Band on the Run" is an epic rock song that tells the story of a band of outlaws escaping from prison. The opening verse reflects the feelings of confinement, hopelessness, and isolation experienced by the prisoners. It suggests the longing for the outside world and the desire to escape from the oppressive environment. The repeated "mama you" line, perhaps a reference to motherly comfort and love, provides a glimmer of hope to the prisoners.
The second verse anticipates an escaped prisoner's thoughts about giving away all his possessions to a registered charity if he were to be set free. He values his freedom more than any material possessions and reveals his willingness to relinquish ownership of it all. The chorus, "band on the run," adds to the overall theme of rebellion and escape.
The final verses feature a funeral procession in the background with an undertaker and mourners. The band is running not only from prison but also from the judgment of society, as represented by the county judge with a grudge, who will search for them forevermore. The song ends on a note of defiance and the idea that the band will never be caught.
Line by Line Meaning
Stuck inside these four walls
Trapped and confined within the boundaries of four walls.
Sent inside forever
Forced to remain inside for a long, indefinite time.
Never seeing no one
Isolated and not able to interact with anyone.
Nice again like you
Yearning to be with someone kind and good-hearted like the person they are singing to.
Mama you, mama you
Expressing longing and affection towards someone like a maternal figure.
If I ever get out of here,
If there is ever a chance to escape this confinement.
Thought of giving it all away
Considering giving up all possessions as a gesture of gratitude for being free.
To a registered charity.
Donating all possessions to a recognized organization that helps people in need.
All I need is a pint a day
A modest desire to have just enough to get by on each day.
Well, the rain exploded with a mighty crash
A sudden and powerful rainfall that startled them.
As we fell into the sun
As they imagined soaring towards the sun and flying through space.
And the first one said to the second one there
One of the band members addressing their bandmate during this intense moment.
I hope you're having fun
A sarcastic remark questioning if their current situation is truly enjoyable.
Band on the run, band on the run
A reminder of their current predicament and the urgency to escape.
And the jailer man and sailor Sam
The people responsible for keeping them captive and their pursuer.
Were searching every one
Scouring every corner and location to find them.
For the band on the run
For the group of people who fled from confinement.
Well, the undertaker drew a heavy sigh
The man responsible for receiving and preparing the dead is overwhelmed and feeling defeated.
Seeing no one else had come
Not expecting anyone else to arrive to mourn the death of someone.
And a bell was ringing in the village square
The sound of a bell tolling in the town that announces the presence of danger.
For the rabbits on the run
A code name for the band members who are on the run and being pursued.
Yeah the band on the run
Repeating the code name for added emphasis.
Well, the night was falling as the desert world
The end of the day was approaching as the barren, empty world awaited them.
Began to settle down.
A calming sensation comes over them, preparing them for the dark night to come.
In the town they're searching for us everywhere
The residents of the nearby town are on high alert and making thorough searches for them.
But we never will be found
An optimistic thought that they will remain undetected and free from captivity.
And the county judge who held a grudge
The authority figure who has a personal vendetta against them.
Will search for evermore
Will continue to hunt them down persistently and without end.
For the band on the run
A reminder of why they are in the current situation and why they must keep moving forward.
Band on the run
Repeating the phrase as it is the central theme of the song.
Band on the run
Repeating the phrase again for added emphasis.
Band on the run
Repeating the phrase one more time as a final thought and ending to the song.
Lyrics © Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd.
Written by: LINDA MCCARTNEY, PAUL MCCARTNEY
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
leokimvideo
I see this song as one of Paul's songs at his songwriting high point.
Hacantya Pradipta
Imagine, just imagine if The Beatles were still together in the 70's....
Prathmesh Yadav
@Hacantya Pradiptawhat a shame, John shouldn't have done that. He was lil sel
Tony Costanza
No doubt.
Freddy T. Black
Very true indeed 😉
C Purcell
This guy writes so many great songs that he has to combine three songs into one just to clear a backlog. Legend
Azure Flame Tarot
Also in the 70s a lot of people were doing this gorgeous thing with music where a song would have several “movements” like this, Led Zeppelin, Heart, Fleetwood Mac, Pink Floyd (especially the Sid days), all did great stuff like this. Paul McCartney’s song here is legendary though.
ElTagno
The first song was the best. He should have finished it and ditched the other two.
Yetzirah Litzow
@Azure Flame Tarot Syd Barrett was amazing.
Crispr Talk
I will watch Paul McCartney videos and say to myself man he wrote a truckload of great songs, best songwriter ever... then I see this video and remember .. oh yeah... he also did this classic!! Unbelievable talent came out of this man. What a treasure to humanity and the arts.