They were successful from the beginning, with their 1981 single "Favourite Shirts (Boy Meets Girl)" setting the stage for the breakthrough success of the album 'Pelican West' (1982). The single "Love Plus One" was even bigger than anything previous, and Haircut 100 seemed poised for stardom just as Heyward decided to seek a solo career. The remainder of the band tried to continue with the album 'Paint and Paint' (1984), with percussionist Mark Fox taking over Heyward's vocal duties, but they broke up soon after.
Although somewhat dismissed as a 'one hit wonder' due to the spread of blockbuster hit "Love Plus One", the band proved influential by the late 00s when new wave revivalist bands such as Vampire Weekend and No Kids emerged employing a similar style of preppy, afrobeat-like guitar pop.
Where Do You Run to Now
Haircut 100 Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Where do you run to?
How many times will I fall for the lines and your cues
Where do you run to now?
And where do you turn to?
Passing away like the sun
People leave their tracks behind
Can't ever tear yourself from my mind
Is there nothing more I can say to you?
Just think what you're putting me through
Who's in the running now?
Who do you cling to?
Sifting the friends like the passing of waves over sand
And who's going to call your hand?
Who's going to understand?
so I wait...
People leave their tracks behind
Can't ever tear yourself from my mind
Why did you let it slip away?
Is there nothing left for me to say?
Forget it - we'll call it a day
Where do you run to now?
Where do you run to?
How many times would you fall for your lines in my shoes?
And who do you run with now?
Who do you turn to now?
With a laugh in your eyes...
The song "Where Do You Run to Now" by Haircut 100 speaks to the pain and confusion felt when a relationship ends and the partner has moved on. The singer asks, "Where do you run to now?" and "Where do you turn to?" showing a sense of desperation and a longing to understand where their former lover has gone. They also question their own vulnerability, wondering how many times they will fall for someone's lines and cues.
The lyrics touch on the idea of memories and how people leave their tracks behind. The singer cannot tear themselves away from the memory of their former lover and is left feeling haunted. They also express frustration, wondering why their partner smiled and slipped away and if there is nothing more they can say.
The chorus of the song shifts to focus on the present and questions who the ex-partner is with now and who they turn to. The singer is left waiting for answers, hoping for someone to call out the former partner's behavior or understand what they're going through. The song ends with resignation, acknowledging that it's time to move on and call it a day.
Line by Line Meaning
Where do you run to now?
Asking where the person goes now, maybe because they left without explanation before.
Where do you run to?
Repeating the same question, emphasizing the urgency to find out where the person went.
How many times will I fall for the lines and your cues
Expressing frustration about repeatedly falling for the person's tricks or manipulations.
And where do you turn to?
Asking where the person goes for support or comfort when they're not around.
Passing away like the sun
Comparing the person's disappearance or departure to the slow fading of the sun in the sky.
People leave their tracks behind
Noting how people's actions or decisions can have lasting effects or consequences.
Can't ever tear yourself from my mind
Admitting to still thinking about the person, despite their absence or mistreatment.
Why did you smile and slip away?
Questioning why the person left without warning or explanation, and wondering if they were happy to do so.
Is there nothing more I can say to you?
Feeling like there's nothing that can be said or done to change the person's actions or behavior.
Just think what you're putting me through
Expressing emotion about how difficult the situation is and blaming the person for causing the pain.
Who's in the running now?
Asking who the person is interested in now, or if there's someone else they've already moved on to.
Who do you cling to?
Asking who the person goes to for support or comfort now that they're not around anymore.
Sifting the friends like the passing of waves over sand
Comparing how the person treats their friends or social circle to the way the waves change the shape of sand on a beach.
And who's going to call your hand?
Wondering who will recognize the person's true intentions or behavior and confront them about it.
Who's going to understand?
Feeling like no one really understands the situation or the pain it's causing except for the singer.
so I wait...
Expressing that the artist is willing to wait for the person to come back or make things right.
Why did you let it slip away?
Wondering why the person allowed the relationship or connection to end or fade away without trying to fix it.
Is there nothing left for me to say?
Feeling like everything that could be said or done has already been tried and failed.
Forget it - we'll call it a day
Giving up or ending the relationship or connection because it's no longer worth the effort or pain.
How many times would you fall for your lines in my shoes?
Challenging the person to imagine how they would feel if the roles were reversed and someone was using the same tricks or manipulations on them.
And who do you run with now?
Asking who the person spends time with or goes to for support and comfort now that they're not around anymore.
Who do you turn to now?
Repeating the same question, emphasizing the importance of discovering who the person relies on for emotional support.
With a laugh in your eyes...
Describing the way the person might look or act when they're hiding something or enjoying the attention they're getting.
Contributed by Elena W. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
Debbie Tempalsky
Watching Bands Reunited, Marc really didn't speak too positively about this album... but these are damn good songs, musically, lyrically, vocally... and I have to say, my heart broke and skipped a beat a few times during this song. So beautiful. Great job guys!! (... yes, I am 30 years too late, I know)
pusang halaw
@Debbie Tempalsky
did this playlist of other stuff you might like:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0KIldqq5Ch0&list=PLkpFWjKqqO_Rtco0cN3SnG95YXgb_ZXJ6
Debbie Tempalsky
Thank you. I actually listened to the whole thing and love it! The guys did a fantastic job, even minus Mr. H.... great album!
pusang halaw
@Debbie Tempalsky
would you allow me to suggest the other tracks in the tape? they're all in the same vein. perhaps you could tell me what you think?
Debbie Tempalsky
Thank you :) Very beautiful song!
pusang halaw
you have good taste there. i got my first serious girlfriend to go out with me when i gave her a tape with this song back in 85. this song is PRICELESS!
The Health Junkie
Damn good song..damn good album 😀
TimRandyHo
Les Nemes is awesome
Jimmy Wunts
My friend Steve French wrote this one. Had to share the credit though..... Nice posting FC!
Harley Govi
J'adore cette chanson, que j'écoutais car j'avais acheté l'album en angleterre, en 19...78 ? 79 ? Je ne sais plus...mais j'adore ce groupe.