After the release of Only by the Night in September 2008, the band achieved chart success in the United States. The singles "Sex on Fire", "Use Somebody", and "Notion" all peaked at number one on the Hot Modern Rock Tracks chart. The album was their first platinum-selling album in the United States, and the best-selling album of 2008 in Australia, being certified platinum nine times. The band's fifth album, Come Around Sundown, was released on October 18, 2010. Their sixth album, Mechanical Bull, was released on September 24, 2013. The seventh studio album, Walls, was released on October 14, 2016. Their eighth studio album, When You See Yourself, was released on March 5, 2021. The group has 12 Grammy Award nominations, including 4 wins.
Full Wikipedia article: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kings_of_Leon
Studio albums
Youth & Young Manhood (2003)
Aha Shake Heartbreak (2004)
Because of the Times (2007)
Only by the Night (2008)
Come Around Sundown (2010)
Mechanical Bull (2013)
Walls (2016)
When You See Yourself (2021)
The Runner
Kings of Leon Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
We know what times will change
I talked to Jesus
Jesus says I'm okay
Pushin' and jumpin'
Jumpin' the mountain range
And in a railroad
While she says she's on her own
I'll be pacin' on the phone
Sneakin' on the train come back
Awful sick and tired of the gang
She comes from nothing
Hopin' for a taste of fame
She's got a birthmark
A birthmark the shape of Maine
While she says she's on her own
I'll be pacin' on the phone
Sneakin' on the train come back
Awful sick and tired of the gang
And it's cold and it's cold and it's cold when you're near
Cold when you're near any bottle
Cold and it's cold and it's cold when you're near
Cold when you're near any bottle
Hard times as we go
We know where times will change
I talk to Jesus
Jesus everyday
(Hard times as we go)
The lyrics of Kings of Leon's song "The Runner" refer to the hardships that the singer and his love interest are going through, as they struggle to make their way in life. The song's opening stanza sets the tone, with the singer acknowledging that tough times are on the horizon, but they remain confident that these difficult conditions will eventually pass. The mention of Jesus has been interpreted in different ways by listeners, but it could refer to the idea of seeking divine guidance during challenging times.
The subsequent lines detail the efforts of the singer to overcome the obstacles in his way, as he tries to cross the mountain range and board a railroad from Hell to Maine. The latter part of the verse reveals that the singer's love interest is facing her own set of difficulties, having come from humble beginnings and hoping for her shot at fame. The references to her birthmark, shaped like Maine, provide a personal detail about the character.
The chorus of the song repeats the phrase "while she says she's on her own, I'll be pacing on the phone, sneaking on the train come back" which portrays the singer's concern for his love interest, and the efforts he is taking to be there for her. It also highlights the conflict and the constant back and forth of his efforts to support her and reconcile with his feelings.
Line by Line Meaning
Hard times as we go
We are experiencing tough times as we move forward
We know what times will change
We understand that this difficult time is only temporary and better times are ahead
I talked to Jesus
I turned to my faith for guidance and support
Jesus says I'm okay
I received assurance from my faith that I will be alright
Pushin' and jumpin'
We are working hard and taking risks to accomplish our goals
Jumpin' the mountain range
We are overcoming obstacles that might seem insurmountable
And in a railroad
We are on a path that's long and difficult
Railroad from Hell to Maine
The path we're on is difficult, but we're committed to seeing it through
While she says she's on her own
My partner feels alone and helpless in this situation
I'll be pacin' on the phone
I'm worried about my partner and trying to reach out for support
Sneakin' on the train come back
I'm finding a way to come back to support my partner
Awful sick and tired of the gang
We are fed up with the negativity and toxicity of the people around us
She comes from nothing
My partner has faced a lot of adversity and hardship in her past
Hopin' for a taste of fame
My partner is hoping to find success and recognition for her hard work
She's got a birthmark
My partner has a unique feature that sets her apart
A birthmark the shape of Maine
My partner's unique feature is a birthmark in the shape of Maine
And it's cold and it's cold and it's cold when you're near
My partner's negative energy brings a chill into the room
Cold when you're near any bottle
Even when my partner's drinking, her negativity still affects those around her
I talk to Jesus
I continue to turn to my faith for guidance and support
Jesus everyday
I make sure to keep myself connected with faith every day
Lyrics © BMG Rights Management, Royalty Network, Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: Caleb Followill, Jared Followill, Matthew Followill, Nathan Followill
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Michael Foy
on Birthday
HBD JOE