Dope Runner
Golden Earring Lyrics


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Who’s that runnin’ scared in sight?
Of the morning and the death of night?

Getting tired like a sinkin’ stone
Lost a fire long time ago
And I try to understand
I’m stunned and don’t know where it ends
Who’s that runnin’ scared in sight?
Of the morning and the death of night?

Dope runner
Dope runner

Turn around home
(Turn around home)
Turn around home
(Turn around home)
Turn around home, everyone

Buy some
(Buy some)
Try some
(Try some)
Sell it for half price, everyone

Who’s that guy with the kids and wife?
Poorly swept and ran with his life

Here’s the moment of no return
He’s got a ticket and he’s ready to go
Still tryin’ to understand
I’m stunned and don’t know where it ends

Who’s that runnin’ scared in sight?
Of the morning and the death of night?

Dope runner
Dope runner

Turn home
(Turn home)
Turn home
(Turn home)
Turn home, everyone

Buy some
(Buy some)
Try some
(Try some)
Sell it for half horse shit, everyone

Turn home
(Turn home)
Turn home
(Turn home)
Turn home, everyone

Buy some
(Buy some)
Try some




(Try some)
Sell it for half horse shit, everyone

Overall Meaning

The lyrics of Golden Earring's song "Dope Runner" touch upon the subject of a drug dealer running scared in sight of both the morning and the death of night. The singer of the song is tired, like a sinking stone, and has lost their fire a long time ago. Despite alternating perspectives between the singer and observer, it is uncertain whether the observer is a supporter or condemner of the singer's actions. The observer is attempting to understand the situation but is left stunned and without answers. The lyrics draw attention to the individual’s lack of agency, as they feel trapped or doomed as a drug runner.


The chorus repeats the phrase “Dope Runner” and is followed by the instruction to “turn around home”. The observer tells the singer to buy some and try some, and then to sell it for “half price”, implying that the drug runner is either desperate or simply trying to get out of the situation they are in. The lyrics are poignant and highlight the dangers of drug addiction and those who profit from it.


Line by Line Meaning

Who’s that runnin’ scared in sight?
Who is the one frantically running in fear?


Of the morning and the death of night?
Afraid of the beginning and ending of each day.


Getting tired like a sinkin’ stone
Exhausted and sinking down like a rock.


Lost a fire long time ago
The passion has been gone for a while.


And I try to understand
Attempting to comprehend the situation.


I’m stunned and don’t know where it ends
Overwhelmed and unsure of the outcome.


Dope runner
Someone who transports illegal drugs.


Turn around home
Go back to where you started.


Buy some, try some, sell it for half price, everyone
Engage in the illegal drug trade, from acquiring to distributing.


Who’s that guy with the kids and wife?
Who is the man with a family?


Poorly swept and ran with his life
Disheveled and ran away from his problems.


Here’s the moment of no return
This is the point of no going back.


He’s got a ticket and he’s ready to go
He has the means and the willingness to leave.


Turn home
Go back home.


Buy some, try some, sell it for half horse shit, everyone
Involved in the illegal drug trade with no regard for health or safety.




Contributed by Isabella S. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
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Comments from YouTube:

Caspar Brouwer

Gisteravond speelde Caesar Zuiderwijk in de Meervaart dit nummer ook mee met de soundtrack zónder de drumpartij, die toen ook heel anders was dan dit stuk!!! Blijft ook zo een vet nummer .....

RealJap

Lijkt wel een tune voor een vette car chase scene...en daarom dus goed!!

Wouter Veldboer

heerlijk