Hunter & The Bear are a British trio of Jimmy Hunter, Will Irvine & Josh Ab… Read Full Bio ↴Hunter & The Bear are a British trio of Jimmy Hunter, Will Irvine & Josh Abdelfatah.

Inspired by artists such as The Band, Lynyrd Skynyrd, Bruce Springsteen Will & Jimmy started to write and perform as a duo. Jimmy took responsibility for lead guitar, mandolin and vocal whilst beside him Will not only played rhythm guitar but also kick drum and joint lead vocals. Will took a performance course at University, where he met Josh who was also pursuing the same degree.

Jimmy & Will had already decided they needed a third member to play bass and over a few drinks, and despite already being an accomplished guitarist, Josh decided to learn the bass. This completed the band lineup and in November 2012 the trio all moved to London to bring their own brand of power folk to the huddled masses. A mix of folk, country & rock, tight three part harmonies and explosive energy ensures an impressive live show.

On the Run
Hunter & the Bear Lyrics

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On the run
I'm a father's son
I'll never let that go

I'm still young
but the things I've done
Have left me feeling old

I said no
I said no
I will fight no more

I said no
I said no
Away from here I'll go

Hold on
These waters run so deep
Head strong
The time is yours to keep

I'll be
On the road to clear my mind
You'll see
When I'm on the otherside

Parting ways
With the light of day
Buried in the snow

I want fade
I'm afraid to say
Left me room to grow

I said no
I said no
I will fight no more

I said no
I said no
Away from here I'll go

Hold on
These waters run so deep
Head strong
The time is yours to keep

I'll be
On the road to clear my mind

You'll see
When I'm on the otherside

Overall Meaning

In the song "On the Run," Hunter & The Bear paint an introspective portrait about internal conflict and the desire to leave one's past behind. The song's opening verse sets the tone with the declaration, "I'm a father's son, I'll never let that go." This line suggests that the singer is burdened with the expectations and ideals of his paternal lineage, perhaps feeling bound to a life he never felt was his own. Despite being young, the "things I've done have left me feeling old," a feeling that many can relate to as life experiences weigh heavily on one’s psyche.

The chorus, "I said no, I will fight no more" is a clear statement of determination to break free from his past and move on with his life. He is determined to take charge of his present and future by making the decision to leave his past behind. The line "Hold on, these waters run so deep," is a nod to the difficulties that lie ahead but also a call to be steadfast in courageousness during this new chapter in his life. After all, "The time is yours to keep."

The final verse concludes with the realization that though he is leaving his past behind, he is not escaping it entirely. "Parting ways with the light of day, buried in the snow," signifies that it is time to let go of the past and face the challenges ahead alone. Words like "I want to fade" and "afraid to say," suggest a sense of vulnerability in a new journey without the comfort and familiarity of what came before. Ultimately, the singer decides to set out on the road to clear his mind, with the hope of finding himself and new opportunities on the other side.

Line by Line Meaning

On the run
I'm currently fleeing from something or someone

I'm a father's son
I have a strong connection and resemblance to my father

I'll never let that go
The bond I share with my father can't be broken

I'm still young
I am not yet old

but the things I've done
My past experiences have aged me beyond my years

Have left me feeling old
I feel much older than I actually am due to my past experiences

I said no
I refuse to continue whatever I was doing

I will fight no more
I will not engage in any more conflicts

Away from here I'll go
I'll move on from my current situation

Hold on
Stay strong, don't give up

These waters run so deep
The situation I'm in is complex and has many underlying issues