Of Cajun ancestry, Preston sang in high school choral contests throughout the state of Texas. He formed a rock and roll band called 'The Shades', before recording his No. 1 hit single "Running Bear." The song was written in 1958 by J. P. "The Big Bopper" Richardson, who had died the previous year in the same plane crash that killed Buddy Holly and Ritchie Valens.
Preston quickly followed up with a minor hit called "Cradle of Love," and made several other records during the early 1960s that met with modest success.
"Cradle of Love" however, was a big hit in Athens, Greece in the early 60s.
Preston's pioneering contribution to the genre was recognized by the Rockabilly Hall of Fame. He also performed at Dick Clark's American Bandstand Theater in Branson, Missouri. In 2009 and 2010, Preston performed with the Lamar State College (LSCPA)Touring Band at Lamar State College- Port Arthur, in his hometown.
Johnny Preston's pioneering contribution to the genre has been recognized by the Rockabilly Hall of Fame. Preston died of heart failure in Beaumont, Texas on March 4, 2011.
Runnin' Bear
Johnny Preston Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
On the other side of the river stood his lovely Indian maid
Little white dove was-a her name, such a lovely sight to see
But their tribes fought with each other so their love could never be
Runnin' bear loved little white dove with a love big as the sky
Runnin' bear loved little white dove with a love that couldn't die
He couldn't reach little white dove, waiting on the other side
In the moonlight he could see her blowing kisses 'cross the waves
Her little heart was beating faster, waiting there for her brave
Runnin' bear loved little white dove with a love big as the sky
Runnin' bear loved little white dove with a love that couldn't die
Runnin' bear dove in the water, little white dove did the same
And they swam out to each other through the swirling stream they came
As their hands touched and their lips met, the ragin' river pulled them down
Now they'll always be together in that happy hunting ground
Runnin' bear loved little white dove with a love big as the sky
Runnin' bear loved little white dove with a love that couldn't die
The song "Runnin' Bear" by Johnny Preston tells the tragic story of two young lovers, Runnin' Bear and little White Dove, who are kept apart by their warring tribes. Runnin' Bear is an Indian brave and little White Dove is his lovely Indian maid. They are deeply in love, but the conflict between their respective tribes prevents them from being together. The lyrics describe how Runnin' Bear can see his lover from the other side of the river, blowing kisses to him in the moonlight. Despite his love and longing for her, he is unable to reach her because he cannot swim across the wide river.
The climax of the song arrives when both Runnin' Bear and little White Dove, driven by their love and desperation, dive into the water and swim towards each other. They are united for a brief moment, but tragically they are swept away by the raging river and drown. The final verse of the song suggests that they are now together forever, in the happy hunting ground, which is the Native American equivalent of heaven.
The lyrics of "Runnin' Bear" are a tribute to the power of love, but also reflect the problem of tribal conflicts and social barriers that prevent individuals from following their hearts. The song's narrative is a poignant reminder of the destructive effects of war and prejudice, and how they can tragically impact a relationship.
Line by Line Meaning
On the banks of the river stood runnin' bear, young Indian brave
Standing on the bank of the river was Runnin' Bear, a young Indian brave.
On the other side of the river stood his lovely Indian maid
Standing across the river was his beautiful Indian maiden.
Little white dove was-a her name, such a lovely sight to see
Her name was Little White Dove, and she was a beautiful sight to behold.
But their tribes fought with each other so their love could never be
Unfortunately, their love was not meant to be, as their tribes were enemies and conflicted with each other.
Runnin' bear loved little white dove with a love big as the sky
Runnin' Bear loved Little White Dove with an immense and boundless love.
He couldn't swim the raging river 'cause the river was too wide
The river was too wide for Runnin' Bear to swim across.
He couldn't reach little white dove, waiting on the other side
Consequently, Runnin' Bear wasn't able to get to Little White Dove, who waited for him across the river.
In the moonlight he could see her blowing kisses 'cross the waves
In the dim moonlight, he could envision her blowing kisses across the waves towards him.
Her little heart was beating faster, waiting there for her brave
Little White Dove's heart was racing as she waited for her brave to come for her.
Runnin' bear dove in the water, little white dove did the same
Desperate to be with each other, Runnin' Bear and Little White Dove dove into the water and swam towards each other.
And they swam out to each other through the swirling stream they came
They finally met each other in the middle of the swirling river.
As their hands touched and their lips met, the ragin' river pulled them down
Just as they touched hands and met in a tumultuous embrace, the river's rough currents took them beneath the surface.
Now they'll always be together in that happy hunting ground
Fortunately, they will forever be together in their happy and eternal afterlife.
Runnin' bear loved little white dove with a love big as the sky
Even in their afterlife, Runnin' Bear's love for Little White Dove remains unbreakable and as vast as the sky.
Runnin' bear loved little white dove with a love that couldn't die
Runnin' Bear's love for Little White Dove is so powerful that it cannot fade away, even in death.
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group, CARLIN AMERICA INC
Written by: J. P. RICHARDSON
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@tattlover5896
My dads sitting right next to me in the nursing home singing this as it’s playing. Great memories of me growing up hearing dad sing it. Now he’s 84 and singing it best he can xx
@mach1mach187
This was also my dads song unfortunately he passed two years ago and today would have been his birthday so I thought I’d give it another listen for old times sake,I can still hear him singing it like he’s still here,god bless to your dad x
@ddoeser5830
Fijne Avond ❤🇳🇱👋👍🙏🌹
@waynesilva3129
At the end about all we have left are memories.
@tattlover5896
A year on. Dads still in the nursing home he can no longer sing. Or walk. Or barely talk. But these old songs will always remind me of him ❤️
@dennisthemenace7801
I hope this song always makes you think of your dad
And I'm sorry that you have to experience this, I guess we all have to eventually. The debt that all men pay. It doesn't make it easier though
@wildstreak73
This song is NOT racist. I love it, and whoever said it is racist; give your head a shake. It is a love song and both died to be together, which is how my ancestors would have more than likely acted.
@captainkawaii2440
My dad asked me to play this today in the car and he just lit up, it's nice to see him so happy for once.
@kellysiemion6828
Yep!
@jryoung5567
My dad was the same