Running In the Red
Charlie Major Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Working like a dog just to make my pay
Pay union dues and when the taxman sues
Always someone else coming out for you
When you're running in the red
In so deep way over my head
Running in the red
Running in the red
It's a dirty life, someone's got to do it
Another day comes and you put in your time
Time rolls on, on and on
Still trying to take it long after you're gone
When you're running in the red
In so deep way over my head
Running in the red
Buried alive and I'm worth more dead
Running in the red
Money comes, money goes
In one hand and out the other it flows
You break your back just to carry that load
Give them your body and they want your soul
Running in the red
In so deep way over my head
Running in the red
Buried alive and I'm worth more dead
Running in the red
Yeah running in the red
Running in the red
Yeah I'm running in the red
The song “Running In the Red” by Charlie Major is a reflection of the struggles and challenges faced by hardworking individuals trying to make a living. It depicts a life filled with hard work and no respite, regardless of how much effort is put in. The lyrics talk about a person working tirelessly to make their ends meet, paying union dues, and trying to keep up with tax payments, only to find out that there is always someone out to get you.
The phrase “running in the red” is a metaphorical representation of belonging deeply in debt, and trying to keep one’s head above water while struggling to pay off the bills. The song's tone is sombre as it highlights the stress and burden of the daily grind, where one feels "buried alive" and "worth more dead." The chorus relays the message of a painful but necessary reality, where one has to run on empty and live on loans, just to survive.
Overall, “Running In the Red” is a powerful song that encapsulates the daily struggles faced by ordinary individuals. It showcases the reality of working hard just to get by, and the sacrifices we make to achieve success in life. It is a poignant reminder that despite the difficulties we face, we can still continue to push forward, try our best, and hope for a better future.
Line by Line Meaning
It's an incoming outgoing kind of existence
Life is a constant cycle of giving and taking.
Working like a dog just to make my pay
Putting in a lot of effort to earn a living.
Pay union dues and when the taxman sues
Paying membership fees to belong to a union, and taxes which often lead to legal issues.
Always someone else coming out for you
There's always someone or something that requires your attention or money.
When you're running in the red
When you're constantly struggling financially and carrying debt.
In so deep way over my head
In a difficult situation that is hard to get out of.
Buried alive and I'm worth more dead
Feels trapped and that death would be a better option.
It's a dirty life, someone's got to do it
Acknowledgment that some jobs are unpleasant but necessary.
Another day comes and you put in your time
Each day passes and there is a sense of routine and clocking in for work.
Time rolls on, on and on
The passing of time is an unstoppable force.
Still trying to take it long after you're gone
People or organizations will continue to benefit from your work even after you are no longer there.
Money comes, money goes
Money is a fleeting resource that can quickly be spent or lost.
In one hand and out the other it flows
The money earned is quickly spent and there is no money left.
You break your back just to carry that load
Working very hard to earn a living and support oneself.
Give them your body and they want your soul
Employers demand a lot of time and energy from their employees, causing them to feel burnt out and depleted.
Yeah running in the red
Acknowledgment of being in a difficult financial situation.
Writer(s): Charlie Major, Randall Prescott
Contributed by Gianna V. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
@stellagervais8457
Went to see Charlie Major years ago and still love his music
@Deer_Dodger
I heard this song when I was 8 or 9 once on the radio and it haunted me because I never knew the name of it or even any lyrics to google. I thought it was roses in the bed or red or something but I couldn’t find it. I have spent years casually searching for it, looking at charts from back then with no luck. I’m not a huge country music fan, but I was always hoping I’d stumble on it one day because I loved it when I heard it way back then. Today I decided to google the word running instead of roses and I just found this video. Literally jumped up and awkwardly hugged a coworker after I recognized the chorus. Only took me 23 years to be able to write this, feel a little lost for purpose now, but I LOVE THIS SONG!!
@garnetradford6980
One of the best Canadian country albums.....EVER!!! Always been a big fan of Charlie when I was in Canada and still listen to him regularly here in Australia. Cheers mate!
@zombienectar
wish this one was on itunes. my fave
@musicone2703
Grew up on this. bad and the good memory's of my parent's. Love life now, and recognize what must have went on.
@ashlynblackie
Music One2 your so right
@Ray7009ify
Ashlyn Umpherville
I
@wtfman5018
Memories boy!
@jamie640
Great Song
@Reggie-kv2ql
after a day of planting, my cousin chris said "when you get older you understand country music".......that is just the type of bullshit they want you to think.......i find it to be so cheezy or sappy it is ridiculous.......still i will listen