Runaway Son
Mike Oldfield Lyrics


Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴  Line by Line Meaning ↴

Good sister, won't you let me in?
I'm in need of some warmth and shelter
It's a hard luck story; don't know where to begin
I've been riding on life's helter-skelter

[Bridge]
Save me, holy mother, please save me
I got a heart of gold

[Chorus]
And for your love, I'd go hungry and thirsty
I need a saviour, and you're the one
I throw myself into the arms of mercy
There's still hope for the runaway son

My good father, he say to me
Better come back to your senses
There's an empty bottle lying on the floor
And it's undermined your defences

[Bridge]

[Chorus]

Good brother, show me how to get home
I've been walking in the backyard of Satan
I'm so stubborn that I'll never give in
But now my heart's cold and aching

[Bridge]





[Chorus]

Overall Meaning

The lyrics to Mike Oldfield's "Runaway Son" suggest a plea for help from a desperate individual who has hit rock bottom. The song addresses the person's sister, father, and brother, asking for their guidance and support. The first verse depicts the singer as someone who is lost and in search of a warm place to shelter. The use of the metaphor "life's helter-skelter" suggests that they have been through a tumultuous and difficult journey. The second verse portrays a father who is concerned about his son's alcoholic behavior and warns him to come back to his senses. Finally, the last verse sees the singer asking his brother for assistance in reaching home while acknowledging his stubbornness.


The bridge features the singer's plea to the "holy mother" to save him, implying a religious dimension to the song. The chorus emphasizes the singer's willingness to sacrifice anything for love and the need for a savior, with "you" being the one. Despite the singer's difficult circumstances, there appears to be a glimmer of hope as they reach out to their family members, indicating that they still have a chance to turn things around and reconcile with their loved ones.


Line by Line Meaning

Good sister, won't you let me in?
I am asking for your kindness and hospitality so that I can find comfort and refuge.


I'm in need of some warmth and shelter
I am feeling lost and vulnerable, and I require a place to stay where I can feel safe and secure.


It's a hard luck story; don't know where to begin
I have experienced a series of unfortunate events, and it's difficult to communicate the details in a coherent manner.


I've been riding on life's helter-skelter
I have been caught up in the ups and downs of life's unpredictable journey, without much control or stability.


Save me, holy mother, please save me
I am calling out for divine intervention from a higher power or spiritual figure to offer me guidance and protection.


I got a heart of gold
Despite my struggles, I am a good-hearted person with pure intentions and a desire to do the right thing.


And for your love, I'd go hungry and thirsty
I am willing to sacrifice my basic needs and desires if it means earning your affection and approval.


I need a saviour, and you're the one
I am looking for someone to rescue me from my troubles, and I believe that you have the power to do so.


I throw myself into the arms of mercy
I submit myself to your mercy and compassion, and hope that you will show me kindness and forgiveness.


There's still hope for the runaway son
Despite my mistakes and misfortunes, I believe that there is still a chance for me to find redemption and turn my life around.


My good father, he say to me
My father, who cares about me deeply, advised me with good intentions.


Better come back to your senses
I need to regain my rationality and think more clearly, as I may have been acting impulsively or irrationally.


There's an empty bottle lying on the floor
There are signs of my unhealthy coping mechanisms, such as addiction to substances that cause more harm than good.


And it's undermined your defences
My reliance on unhealthy coping mechanisms has weakened my ability to cope with stressors and face challenges without them.


Good brother, show me how to get home
I am seeking guidance and support from someone I trust, who can help me find my sense of direction and purpose.


I've been walking in the backyard of Satan
I have been engaging in negative behaviors and beliefs that lead me away from positivity and well-being.


I'm so stubborn that I'll never give in
I have a strong will and conviction, but it may be hindering my ability to accept help and consider alternative solutions.


But now my heart's cold and aching
The pain and hardships I have experienced have taken a toll on me, and I feel vulnerable and alone.




Lyrics © EMI Music Publishing, BMG RIGHTS MANAGEMENT US, LLC
Written by: MIKE OLDFIELD

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
To comment on or correct specific content, highlight it

Genre not found
Artist not found
Album not found
Song not found