Long Distance Runner
Promoe Lyrics

What was going on (yeah, aha)
Introducing the song, the artist starts by questioning the context that prompted him to write the song.

And i wrote this
Acknowledging his authorship of the song that follows.

The Long Distance Runner
Title drop, as Promoe references his own athletic endurance and persistence in the face of adversity.

And recorded this (check it, ya)
Confirming that the song is already recorded and encouraging the listener to check it out.

Its 2004
Setting the song's temporal context as the year 2004.

Last year Tony and George started the war of the whores
Referencing the Iraq War started by US President George W. Bush and British PM Tony Blair in 2003, which Promoe pejoratively calls the 'war of the whores.'

Same year, and the year before, plus the year before that
Highlighting the fact that he and his music collective, The Troop, were constantly touring during this time period.

Me and the Troop were on constant tours
Further emphasizing the grueling nature of their tour schedule.

Chanting Imbumba! from the South African shores
Describing a specific chant they used during their tour in South Africa.

To the Norwegian fjords, I tried to keep a vegan course
Detailing his preference for a vegan diet as he traveled from South Africa to Norway.

Traveling with good friends like Chords, Timbuk and DJ Large, Jonny Bass and Big Boss
Listing some of the people he traveled with during this time.

Before the Struggle album made the recordstores
Referring to The Troop's album called 'The Struggle,' which wasn't yet available in record stores at the time of this song's release.

We were on a Road to Hell, breakin doors and laws
Imagery describing The Troop's chaotic touring energy, breaking doors and laws.

Me, Supreme, Gangsta Pete and Schumi of course
Naming some members of The Troop who he toured with.

Had a little trouble with the German police force (aha)
Referring to an incident where the group had a run-in with German police.

Thats why I had to stop drinking
Acknowledging that his past drinking habits have led to trouble with the law.

Cuz when I start drinking is when I stop thinking
Elaborating on the negative consequences of his alcohol use.

That i gotta stay on top off things
Highlighting his need to stay in control and focused in order to succeed in music.

And when im under the botlle you know I stop think
Reiterating that his alcohol use has detrimental effects on his cognitive abilities.

(Chorus)
Refrain that emphasizes Promoe's athlete-like endurance and resilience.

Livin' in this free world - expecting cops to abuse me
Commenting on the systemic racism and police brutality that he faces as a Black man in society.

When i'm chilling with a cup full o' müsli
Describing a peaceful moment in his life, enjoying a bowl of muesli.

Matter of time 'fore my cup is running over
Anticipating that he will eventually have enough of the systemic oppression he faces.

But Im' a get mine cus mahfuckers running slower (Yeah!)
Describing his own determination to succeed despite the systemic obstacles that he faces.

Followin' my sprinter trail
Using a running metaphor, Promoe describes others following in his footsteps as he paves the way for them.

I run shit down the line on the Interrail (Yeah!)
Describing his travel and music experiences, referencing the Interrail train pass.

I ain't going, I ain't been to jail
Making it clear that he intends to stay out of jail and continue making music.

I got work to do, and I got things to say
Affirming his commitment to his music and its themes.

A real rolemodel for the kids today
Stating his desire to be a positive influence on younger generations.

Can't afford gettin' sent away, get them fingerprints away
Asserting his need to avoid getting caught up in the criminal justice system.

Wipe off the mike every single stain
Metaphorically cleaning up any missteps or negative influences in his musical career.

Recognize bomb shit when it's in my mail
Acknowledging that he knows good music when he hears it.

What a big disgrace, what a big bam-bam you had to end this way
Commenting on a negative situation that has come to an end.

All you ever wanted to was to entertain
Reflecting on the motivations of someone who may have contributed to that negative situation.

Went against the wrong guy cus i was meant to stay...
Imagining that he came out on top against someone who underestimated him or chose the wrong person to mess with.

(Chorus)
Repeating the refrain, emphasizing his athlete-like perseverance.

The battle ain't for the strong, nor the race for the swift
Playing off the Bible verse about how the race is not for the swift, the song argues that the battle is also not only for those with physical strength.

But for those who can't endure the type o' blaze that I spit
Acknowledging that his artistic voice and message might not be palatable for everyone and that only those who can handle it will thrive.

For those that will survive all the changes and shit
For the strong and the enduring, the song suggests that they will survive no matter the circumstance.

With families, fans, partners and labels you're with
Reiterating that success is often linked to the support one has from their personal and professional relationships.

And even if I wanted I woldn't be able to quit
Asserting that he's in music for the long haul and won't stop anytime soon.

I gotta keep running til the pavement will split
Once again emphasizing his endurance, using a running metaphor to suggest he'll only stop when the road ahead of him has physically collapsed.

Under my bare feet, the concrete with red heat
Using imagery to describe how he feels on this endless musical journey.

Or till my future kids eat, and we all livin' carefree
Describing a dream that drives him, suggesting that his work will ultimately lead to a time where he can provide for his family and live with less stress in his life.

In a zion hut, we ain't dawgs no more
Describing an idealized version of the future, using a biblical reference to suggest living in peace and harmony.

Were my lion's at?
Asking for people to show their support, maybe potentially the members of his music collective The Troop.

Gimme some signal let me see your lion paw
Extending the previous metaphor and asking for some kind of sign from his supporters.

Let me know what we're living and what we're dying for
Inviting his listeners to consider what's important in life, what's worth fighting and dying for.

Ask myself
The song takes a reflective turn, the artist questioning his own motives.

It's it a good enough reason
Asking if his own reasons for pursuing his artistic passions are worth it to him.

If so I go all out like it was my last season
Asserting that if the reasons are good enough, he will pursue his vision with all his might.

If my, voice is weak, my boys will speak
Suggesting that his friends and supporters will help carry his message if he can't do it himself.

To conquer the world I gotta keep a top physique
Reiterating that his success as an artist is tied to his own physical and mental strength.

(Chorus)
Repeating the refrain one last time, emphasizing the song's theme of endurance and strength.

No alcohol, no weed
In a final reflection on his life's healing journey, the artist lists substances he no longer commits to.

No cigaretts, no És
Continuing the list of substances he's given up.

No milk, no cheese
Opting for a vegan lifestyle.

No eggs, no meat
Eliminating all animal products from his diet.

Just medation and peace
Meditation and peace have become his go-tos.

Red lentils, chick peas
Naming more vegetative protein alternatives that are part of his diet.

Good workout, good sleep
Reflecting on habits he's developed to care for his body and mind.

Mo' sunshine, light breeze...
Reiterating the focus on elements of nature and reflects on the nature of his journey.