Regarding the pronunciation of "Bic": "You say it Bec, rather than Bic", she explains. "It's Chinese, it's a strange vowel sound which doesn't seem to translate in English. It means the colour of jade, which I suppose is just green."
Runga was born in Christchurch. Her mother, Sophia Tang, was a Chinese Malaysian lounge singer in Malaysia when she met Joseph Runga, a Māori soldier on leave from Vietnam. They both moved to New Zealand to live.
Runga grew up in Hornby, Christchurch surrounded by a musically-inclined family, and started recording songs with her sisters, Boh and Pearl, when she was only four years old. Runga's older sister Boh is now a vocalist in the New Zealand rock group Stellar*, while Pearl is a session singer.
She learned how to play drums at the age of eleven, and guitar at about fourteen. Runga also learnt to play the keyboard at around this time. She attended Cashmere High School, joining high school bands and performing with local jazz groups by her mid-teens.
Singles
* "Bursting Through" (1996)
* "Sway" (1997) #10 Australia (re-issue Ireland in 2004 went to #26)
* "Suddenly Strange" (1997)
* "Roll into One" (1997)
* "Hey" (1998)
* "Sorry" (1999)
* "Get Some Sleep" (2002) #75 United Kingdom #3 New Zealand #27 Ireland
* "Something Good" (2002) #4 New Zealand
* "Listening for the Weather" (2003) #14 New Zealand
* "Winning Arrow" (2005) #23 New Zealand
* "Say After Me" (2006)
Listen
Bic Runga Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Sure are the season, you know you and I can't be wrong.
When you walk into the room like a song,
This can't be wrong.
Tender, long as the leavin',
I promise you this evening, and it's moving me along.
But a day away from you is too long.
Much much too long.
And I guess I'll say it plain,
We're one and the same, oh yeah.
In the face of all that's changed, we'll stay the same oh yeah.
Last time, I was mistaken,
My faith was shaken and my hope was never strong.
But the fear inside is already gone.
It's already gone.
It's already gone.
And I guess I'll say it plain,
We're one and the same, oh yeah.
In the face of all that's changed, we'll stay the same, oh yeah.
[instrumental]
And I guess I'll say it straight,
We're one and the same, oh yeah.
In the face of things that change, we'll stay the same oh yeah.
The song "Listen" by Bic Runga is a heartfelt tribute to the unchanging nature of love. The opening lines, "Listen, this stands to reason, Sure are the season, you know you and I can't be wrong," speak to the overwhelming sense of rightness that comes with being with the one you love, regardless of what is happening in the external world. The singer acknowledges that they are one and the same with their lover, and that they will remain steadfast in the face of change.
The second verse continues this theme, with the singer promising to be devoted to their partner, saying "Tender, long as the leavin', I promise you this evening, and it's moving me along." They note that even just one day away from their beloved is too long, emphasizing the depth of their feelings. The bridge of the song sees the singer reflecting on a time when they were mistaken about their love, but that doubt and fear is now gone.
The overall message of the song is one of comfort and reassurance, with the singer declaring their commitment to their partner and the idea that their love is unchanging and unbreakable. The use of musical language throughout, such as "when you walk into the room like a song," reinforces the idea that the relationship is something special and worth celebrating.
Line by Line Meaning
Listen, this stands to reason,
It's important to listen because it makes sense to do so.
Sure are the season, you know you and I can't be wrong.
We are meant to be together and nothing can change that.
When you walk into the room like a song,
Your presence fills the room and brings joy to my heart.
This can't be wrong.
Our connection is too strong to be a mistake.
Tender, long as the leavin',
Our love is gentle and lasts as long as time itself.
I promise you this evening, and it's moving me along.
I vow to cherish each moment with you because it inspires me to keep going.
But a day away from you is too long.
Being apart from you is unbearable and feels like an eternity.
Much much too long.
The separation is even longer than it seems.
And I guess I'll say it plain,
I'll speak the truth without any embellishment.
We're one and the same, oh yeah.
We are interconnected and share the same essence.
In the face of all that's changed, we'll stay the same oh yeah.
Despite any changes that may come, our bond will remain unbreakable.
Last time, I was mistaken,
I made a mistake in the past.
My faith was shaken and my hope was never strong.
My trust and confidence were low and I felt lost.
But the fear inside is already gone.
The anxiety and dread that once consumed me have vanished.
It's already gone.
The fear is no longer a part of me.
And I guess I'll say it plain,
Once again, I'll speak honestly and openly.
We're one and the same, oh yeah.
Our connection is unbreakable and we are united.
In the face of all that's changed, we'll stay the same, oh yeah.
Despite anything that happens, our love will remain constant.
[instrumental]
Musical interlude.
And I guess I'll say it straight,
I'll speak candidly and directly.
We're one and the same, oh yeah.
Once again, we are connected and inseparable.
In the face of things that change, we'll stay the same oh yeah.
Despite the shifting tides of life, our love is steadfast and unchanging.
Lyrics © BMG Rights Management
Written by: BIC BRIOLLETTE RUNGA
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Nunuk Ragang
I love this song!
Queene Ernest
This is a lovely song. Thanks.
Yosieposie Jones
I walked down the aisle to this!