After the release, the folk singer John Denver sued the group, claiming the song, in particular the instrumental part, sounded too similar to his hit "Leaving on a Jet Plane". The case was settled out of court, and as a result the single has been out of print ever since. The track lists to Singles and the U.S. version of (The Best of) New Order claim to include the "2" version when in fact both are the album mix.
Run 2
New Order Lyrics
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Why won't you answer me
I can't recall the day that I last heard from you
Well you don't get a town like this for nothing
So here's what you've got to do
You work your way to the top of the world
Then you break your life in two
When you've got what you don't need
Anyone would think you were hardened too
What do you want me to believe
What the hell is happening
I can't think of everything
I don't know what day it is
Or who I'm talking to
But I know that I'm ok
'Cause you're here with me today
I haven't got a single problem
Now that I'm with you
So what's the use in complaining
When you've got everything you need
Anyone would think you were hardened too
What do you want me to believe
The song "Run 2" by New Order is a complex and deeply introspective piece of music that touches on themes such as loneliness, isolation, and disillusionment. The lyrics suggest a sense of detachment that can arise from striving toward success and reaching the pinnacle of one's career, realizing that the journey is ultimately an empty one. The singer is pleading with a partner who has seemingly disappeared, asking them to clarify their intentions and to offer some indication of what is happening in his life.
The opening lines of the song set the tone for the rest of the lyrics. The singer is confused and searching for answers, unable to remember the last time he heard from his partner. He then offers some advice to new arrivals in a town that offers limitless opportunities: work your way to the top of the world, and then break your life in two. This line suggests a certain nihilistic cynicism about what it means to achieve success in a competitive, capitalist society.
As the song progresses, the singer questions why he should bother complaining when he has everything he needs, and yet he still feels unfulfilled. The final lines offer a glimmer of hope, that maybe everything will be okay as long as his partner is with him. However, the song as a whole suggests that even with love, it can be difficult to find meaning and purpose in life.
Overall, "Run 2" is a powerful meditation on the complexities and contradictions of modern life, expressed through the lens of a romantic relationship. It speaks to the ways that we can feel lost, even when we achieve our goals, and the difficulties of connecting with others when we feel detached from ourselves.
Line by Line Meaning
Answer me
Please respond to me
Why won't you answer me
I don't understand why you're not responding
I can't recall the day that I last heard from you
It's been so long since I heard from you that I can't remember when
Well you don't get a town like this for nothing
This town has value and didn't come about by chance
So here's what you've got to do
I'm going to tell you what you need to do
You work your way to the top of the world
You need to strive for success and reach the highest level
Then you break your life in two
But success often comes at a cost and may require significant sacrifice
Well what's the use in complaining
There's no point in expressing dissatisfaction
When you've got what you don't need
Especially when you already have everything you could possibly want
Anyone would think you were hardened too
Others might perceive you as emotionally tough
What do you want me to believe
What is the truth and what should I take to heart?
What the hell is happening
I'm confused and don't understand what's going on
I can't think of everything
I can't keep track of every detail or possibility
I don't know what day it is
I'm so disoriented that I can't even remember what day it is
Or who I'm talking to
Or even who I'm currently conversing with
But I know that I'm ok
Despite all this confusion, I'm still feeling alright
'Cause you're here with me today
Because you're here with me right now
I haven't got a single problem
There isn't a single issue bothering me at the current moment
Now that I'm with you
Thanks to your presence
So what's the use in complaining
Again, there's really no point in voicing frustration
When you've got everything you need
Especially when you already possess all you could ever desire
Anyone would think you were hardened too
Others might perceive you as being tough-minded
What do you want me to believe
So what is the truth here, and what am I supposed to believe?
Lyrics © O/B/O APRA AMCOS
Written by: BERNARD (GB 2) SUMNER, GILLIAN LESLEY GILBERT, JOHN DENVER, PETER HOOK, STEPHEN PAUL DAVID MORRIS
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@almeidavini89
My favorite version of one of their best songs
I love NO soo much
@richterrain3502
Great band New Order great sounds from my youth :)
@tinkywinky74
Masterpiece!
@SleazyNice
Yes "Leaving on Jet Plane" is a masterpiece.
@dasein23asmr67
first time i heard this it blew my mind; was not expecting :)
@ellaclive5031
It did mark a change for me!It was the confirmation of ecstasy couture!
@jacobh82
If you're curious, look up Scott Litt, who's credited with the remix on this track (see above). He produced six of REM's most successful albums.
@cosmecasas9342
One OF THE HARDEST REMIXES TO FIND ON VYNIL AND CD. YOU TUBE HAS IT. YOU TUBE GOTS IT GOING ON. FROM DJ SYMBOL OR CDC . ONLY A FEW WERE MADE. GOOD JOB YOU TUBE.!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
@charlieshine6157
It's available on Technique CD Deluxe Edition from 2008!
@sydneysherman1765
It’s my first time to hear this song