Even though it’s been five years since we last heard from Runaway Brother, … Read Full Bio ↴Even though it’s been five years since we last heard from Runaway Brother, the Cleveland group has maintained a dedicated cult following, and it’s easy to see why. Sticky hooks collide with off-kilter riffs and warm tones and, five years since New Pocket, and eight since Mother, and nobody’s been able to recreate the magic they tapped on those records. Thankfully, they’ve been in the midst of a quiet comeback. Runaway Brother just released Jumpin the Gunn - 202X a re-recording of a fan-favorite off their 2012 debut Bedhead. It’s a fitting reintroduction to the band: as charming as ever, but maybe a little cleaned up, a little more powerful.

HARVEST
Runaway Brother Lyrics

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i grew fruit for you, i was inspired by the things you do
but so bruised and battered too
i'm sorry, i must've picked them too soon
you're ensnared in a chasm so deep
never fleeing from their mistreats
you've only a wooden ladder and you're burning it for heat and comfort
i grew fruit for you, they're finally ripe, i know you want them too
sewn to reap; the blue moon looms

i've only 43 weeks till next june
but there's a hole in my vision
it's like a cigarette burn in a film strip
a whole in my vision
it's like a cigarette burn
i was bored at a park of amusements
i was losing my sense of improvement

so i will rise above my pessimism
it's ruining my life

Overall Meaning

The song "Harvest" by Runaway Brother is a melancholic reflection on a failed relationship. The lyrics speak of an individual who grew fruit for their partner, inspired by their actions, but regrets having picked them too early, leaving them "bruised and battered." The partner is depicted as being trapped in a deep chasm, enduring mistreatment, and using a wooden ladder for comfort and warmth. Despite the fruit being finally ripe, the singer is plagued by a hole in their vision, like a cigarette burn in a film strip. The song concludes with the singer acknowledging their pessimism and resolving to rise above it.

The image of growing fruit is a metaphor for the care and effort put into a relationship. However, it is telling that the fruit was picked too soon, indicating that the relationship was not allowed to fully mature and bear fruit. The partner being trapped in a chasm can be interpreted as feeling trapped in an unhealthy dynamic, with no means of escape. The ladder being used for heat and comfort adds to the sense of desperation and hopelessness. The hole in the singer's vision suggests a sense of incompleteness or loss, as if a vital part of their relationship has been lost or destroyed. The acknowledgement of pessimism at the end of the song suggests a sense of acceptance and a willingness to move on.

Line by Line Meaning

i grew fruit for you, i was inspired by the things you do
I did something special for you because I was moved and motivated by your actions.

but so bruised and battered too
Unfortunately, the result was flawed and damaged.

i'm sorry, i must've picked them too soon
I apologize, I may have acted too quickly in my eagerness.

you're ensnared in a chasm so deep
You are trapped in a profound problem.

never fleeing from their mistreats
You are tolerating and facing mistreatment without escape.

you've only a wooden ladder and you're burning it for heat and comfort
You are using your last resort of warmth and relief while expending it without thinking of the future.

i grew fruit for you, they're finally ripe, i know you want them too
The act of kindness I did for you is now at its peak, and I understand why you have been eagerly waiting for it.

sewn to reap; the blue moon looms
I am bound to face the consequences of my actions, and a rare event is approaching, signifying the end of a cycle.

i've only 43 weeks till next june
The time is ticking, and I have less than a year to accomplish something important.

but there's a hole in my vision
I have a flaw in my perception or plan.

it's like a cigarette burn in a film strip
It's a minor but noticeable problem that could potentially affect the entire outcome.

a whole in my vision
There is a deficiency in my plan, which could lead to detrimental effects.

it's like a cigarette burn
The flaw seems insignificant but could impact the whole picture.

i was bored at a park of amusements
I was dissatisfied with something seemingly fun and entertaining.

i was losing my sense of improvement
I felt like I was deteriorating and losing my sense of self-improvement.

so i will rise above my pessimism
I am determined to overcome my negative mindset.

it's ruining my life
My negative perspective is significantly affecting my life and needs to change.

Contributed by Dominic E. Suggest a correction in the comments below.

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