Running Water
Pilot Lyrics


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Running water
Can't you tell me where you go
Running water
I'm not old enough to know
But I believe in what is often told
That all the glitters is not gold
Oh no, oh no
Running water
Can't you tell me where you go
Running water
I'm not old enough to know
And I know that people break your heart
They run you down before you start
Oh no, oh no
So can you tell me why your life goes on




Is it yourself that you run from
Oh no, oh no

Overall Meaning

The song "Running Water" by Pilot is a poignant reflection on the transience of life and the emotional turmoil that comes with it. Running water is used as a metaphor for the unstoppable passage of time and its untold mysteries. The song deals with the uncertainty and fear of not knowing what lies ahead as one navigates through life. The singer is seeking answers from the running water, wondering where it goes and what it can tell him about the future.


The lyrics suggest a sense of innocence and naive optimism, as the singer admits to not being old enough to know the ways of the world. However, he does believe in the adage that all that glitters is not gold, implying a certain level of wisdom and understanding. The lyrics also convey a sense of disillusionment and betrayal, as the singer acknowledges that people and life can often break our hearts and run us down.


The chorus repeats the opening lines, almost as if the singer is pleading with the running water to shed some light on the mysteries of existence. He questions whether it is our own fears and insecurities that we are running from, as we try to make sense of the chaos around us.


Overall, "Running Water" is a heartfelt and introspective song that reflects on the human experience of trying to make sense of the mysteries of life and the passage of time.


Line by Line Meaning

Running water
The singer addresses the natural phenomenon of flowing water


Can't you tell me where you go
The singer wonders about the destination of the water


I'm not old enough to know
The singer acknowledges their limited knowledge and experience


But I believe in what is often told
The artist trusts in common wisdom


That all the glitters is not gold
The artist recognizes that appearances can be deceiving


Oh no, oh no
The singer expresses apprehension


And I know that people break your heart
The singer understands that water can be polluted or harmed by human actions


They run you down before you start
The artist describes how people can harm waterways before they even begin to flow


So can you tell me why your life goes on
The artist wonders how water keeps moving even in the face of adversity


Is it yourself that you run from
The artist asks if water keeps moving to avoid its problems, as people sometimes do


Oh no, oh no
The singer expresses further worry




Contributed by Eli J. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
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