running away
Carlene Davis Lyrics


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You're running and you're running and you're running away
You're running and you're running and you're running away
You're running and you're running and you're running away
You're running and you're running
But you can't run away from yourself
Can't run away from yourself
Can't run away from yourself
Can't run away from yourself
Can't run away from yourself
Can't run away from yourself

You must have done something wrong
Said you must have done something wrong
Why you can't find the place where you belong

Every man thinketh his burden is the heaviest
Every man thinketh his burden is the heaviest
But who feels it knows it, Lord
Who feels it knows it
Who feels it knows it, Lord
Who feels it knows it

You're running and you're running and you're running away
You're running and you're running and you're running away
You're running and you're running and you're running away
You're running and you're running
But you can't run away from yourself
Could you run away from yourself?
Can you run away from yourself?
Can you run away from yourself?
Can't run away from yourself
Can't run away from yourself

Ooh-ooh, you must have done something
Something, something, you don't want nobody to know about it
You must have, oh Lord, something wrong
Well, what you must have done
You must have done something, something wrong
Why you can't find the place where you belong

Running away, ay
You're running away, ooh-wee ooh-wee
Running away, oh no oh no
Running away
No, don't say that, don't say that, 'cause I'm not running away

Ooh, got to protect my life
Don't want to live with no strife
It's better not to live in a house
Than to live in a house full of confusion

Well, well, running away
Well, I made my decision and I left you
And now you come to tell me that I'm running away
Well, well, well, well
Running away
Don't say that
Don't say that
Don't say that
Don't say that
Don't say that
Running away
'Cause I'm not
Running away
Oh no
Running away
Running away
Running away
'Cause I'm not




Running away
Well

Overall Meaning

Carlene Davis’s song “Running Away” is about someone who is running away from their problems and themselves. The repetition of “you’re running and you’re running and you’re running away” emphasizes the constant attempt to escape the reality of the situation. The lyrics “you can’t run away from yourself” depict the idea that no matter how hard one tries to run away from their problems, their true self will always follow them. Additionally, the line “you must have done something wrong” suggests that the person is trying to evade the consequences of their actions.


The song also touches on the idea that every person has their own burdens to bear. The line “every man thinketh his burden is the heaviest” shows that we tend to think our own problems are the biggest and most significant, but those who feel the weight of a burden truly understand its magnitude.


In the final section of the song, the singer denies accusations of running away and instead asserts their choice for self-preservation. The line “it’s better not to live in a house than to live in a house full of confusion” reflects a desire for a peaceful and stable life.


Line by Line Meaning

You're running and you're running and you're running away
You keep trying to escape from something you fear or cannot confront.


But you can't run away from yourself
No matter where you go, you will always carry your problems with you because they are within you.


You must have done something wrong
There must be something in your past or in your actions that makes you feel guilty or ashamed.


Why you can't find the place where you belong
You are lost and unable to find meaning or purpose in your life.


Every man thinketh his burden is the heaviest
Everyone believes their problems are the most important and difficult to bear.


Who feels it knows it, Lord
Only those who have experienced hardship or pain can truly understand what it is like.


Could you run away from yourself?
Is it possible to escape from your inner demons or issues?


Ooh-ooh, you must have done something
There is a sense of shame or guilt associated with the things you have done or are hiding.


No, don't say that, don't say that, 'cause I'm not running away
Despite the accusations or assumptions made by others, you are not trying to escape but rather protect yourself and live a peaceful life.


Got to protect my life
It is important to prioritize your safety and wellbeing.


It's better not to live in a house than to live in a house full of confusion
It is better to have nothing at all than to have a life filled with chaos and turmoil.


Well, I made my decision and I left you
You have made a choice to leave a situation that was causing you pain or discomfort.


And now you come to tell me that I'm running away
Others may not understand or agree with your decision to leave, but you know it was necessary for your own wellbeing.


Running away
The theme of escaping continues throughout the song, suggesting a desire to leave behind negative thoughts or situations.




Contributed by Samuel J. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
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