Ford cites Rhythm and Blues singers Ann Peebles, Roberta Flack, and Donny Hathaway as influences, and this is evident in her debut album. Jenny Charlesworth of The Georgia Straight wrote that a few of the songs "swing with a mellow neo-soul beat enlivened by buttery vocals". Ford also credits her free spirited parents (her father was an American draft dodger who moved to Canada), and being a mother as strong influences on her songwriting.
Obadiah takes its name from Ford's middle name "Obadiah". When she was born, her parents asked her brothers to choose her middle name; they decided to name her after their pet cat Obadiah that had recently run away.
Ford was raised in the Kootenays in Southeastern British Columbia, and Toronto. She currently resides in Vancouver.
Runnin'
Frazey Ford Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Aha! For Something else
I know why no one gets out
'Cause, you'll find I'll come with you out
You'll find that you can do it
All by yourself
Nothing is just so fine
All alone to find
Cause you're the judge (oh yeah)
I never doubted you
I never doubted you
Cause you're the judge
I never doubted you
Hey, you have always
Paid to testify
Hold the world beyond destruction
So nobody asks a question
Cause you're getting tired
Everyday that ends
You're alone in your mind
Running in circles in your heart
Hand over hand
Cause you're the judge (oh yeah)
I never doubted you
I never doubted you
Hey you're the judge
I never doubted you
Cause you're the judge (oh yeah)
I never doubted you
I never doubted you
Cause you're the one holding yourself
back
From knowing what true freedom means
You believe in something that's imaginary
And it's only in your dreams
Frazey Ford's song "Runnin'" is a poignant and introspective piece, the lyrics of which can be interpreted in a variety of ways. At a surface level, the song seems to be addressing the experience of feeling trapped or stuck in life, and the longing for true freedom. The reference to "one-eyed" figures could be interpreted as a metaphor for those who are blinded by certain beliefs or ideologies that keep them from truly living. The repetition of the line "cause you're the judge" suggests that the singer is addressing someone who is holding themselves back, whether consciously or unconsciously. The final lines of the song suggest that true freedom can only be found by letting go of beliefs that are holding us back and embracing the reality of our own lives.
However, the song's meaning is far from straightforward, and could be interpreted in a number of different ways, depending on the listener's perspective. The song's cryptic lyrics and abstract phrasing leave a lot of room for interpretation, and Frazey Ford's distinctive voice and emotional delivery only add to the song's haunting and enigmatic feel.
Line by Line Meaning
Who are the one-eyed?
Who are the people who have a narrow, limited perspective?
Aha! For Something else
Ah, there is something else going on here.
I know why no one gets out
I understand why people feel stuck and unable to escape their situation.
'Cause, you'll find I'll come with you out
But I promise to be there for you and help you through it.
You'll find that you can do it
You'll realize that you have the strength and ability to overcome your struggles.
All by yourself
Even though it may feel like you're alone, you're actually capable of pushing through on your own.
Nothing is just so fine
Things are not as good as they seem.
All alone to find
Trying to find your way by yourself can be difficult.
Hey yeah
A bit of emphasis or encouragement.
Cause you're the judge (oh yeah)
You are the one who ultimately makes the decisions in your life.
I never doubted you
I always believed in you and your capabilities.
Hey, you have always
You have consistently been doing something.
Paid to testify
You have been paid to speak, perhaps as a witness or someone who testifies in a court of law.
Hold the world beyond destruction
You have a responsibility to maintain and preserve the world around you.
So nobody asks a question
You do this in order to avoid scrutiny or criticism from others.
Cause you're getting tired
You're starting to feel exhausted and worn out from the pressure of it all.
Everyday that ends
Each day that goes by.
You're alone in your mind
Even though you may be surrounded by others, you're preoccupied with your own thoughts and concerns.
Running in circles in your heart
You feel like you're stuck in an endless cycle of emotions and struggling to break free.
Hand over hand
Slowly and steadily making progress, step by step.
Cause you're the one holding yourself
You are responsible for your own actions and choices, and have the power to change your situation.
Contributed by Aaron T. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
@jerkuser
Who are the one-eyed?
Aha! For Something else
I know why no one gets out'Cause, you'll find I'll come with you out
You'll find that you can do it
All by yourself
Nothing is just so fine
All alone to find
Hey yeah
Cause you're the judge (oh yeah)
I never doubted you
I never doubted you
Cause you're the judge
I never doubted you
@zaakistan
Brian McDonald
Who are the one-eyed?
Aha! For Something else
I know why no one gets out
'Cause, you'll find I'll come with you out
You'll find that you can do it
All by yourself
Nothing is just so fine
All alone to find
Hey yeah
Cause you're the judge (oh yeah)
I never doubted you
I never doubted you
Cause you're the judge
I never doubted you
Hey, you have always
Paid to testify
Hold the world beyond destruction
So nobody asks a question
Cause you're getting tired
Everyday that ends
You're alone in your mind
Running in circles in your heart
Hand over hand
Cause you're the judge (oh yeah)
I never doubted you
I never doubted you
Hey you're the judge
I never doubted you
Cause you're the judge (oh yeah)
I never doubted you
I never doubted you
Cause you're the one holding yourself
Read more: Frazey Ford - Runnin' Lyrics | MetroLyrics
@correaequipamentos8677
Essa e umas das musicas feitas pelos deuses que me contagia a alma.
@bishopvelasquez
This may sound crazy, but I want to hear a Van Morrison cover of this song.
@ACERAMGAD
Wow... I hear shades of Al Green here. Very good!
@alanrose5756
Should be shades..Frazey inherited Al Green's band for this album 😁👍
@radmillerjr.6931
Same same Ane Brun. That voice! Mega! the Radman
@bdmatzek5060
Just heard it again on CBC2 beautiful old school soul. You go girl go!
@douglasdecristo7319
Crazy Merry Christmas from South Austin we love you girl happy New year
@SunnyLikesCats
just a beautiful song thank you, have never left a comment before (am in the dark here when i hit post) but this whole album is on my deck permanently until you visit Australia, just gotta come here, really and truly :)
@myinnercircles6827
+SunnyLikesCats you should of went to bluesfest at byron
@jameshines8629
I love this 🤩😍😊🥰.