Runrig began in 1973 as a three-piece named the "Run Rig Dance Band", its members comprising Calum Macdonald and Rory Macdonald, and their friend, accordionist Blair Douglas. The line-up played its first gig at the Kelvin Hall in Glasgow. Donnie Munro joined the following year and the band started to expand outside its native Skye. Douglas left the band in late 1974 and was replaced by Robert Macdonald, with Campbell Gunn joining for a brief spell in 1976. This line-up continued until 1978, when Blair Douglas re-joined and multi-instrumentalist Malcolm Jones became guitarist, both displacing Macdonald. This lasted until the following year when Douglas left again to pursue a solo career. 1980 saw the arrival of drummer Iain Bayne (ex-New Celeste) and 1981 that of keyboard player Richard Cherns. Cherns left in February 1986 and was replaced by ex-Big Country member Peter Wishart. This formed what became known as the classic line-up for the next 11 years.
In 1997, lead singer Donnie Munro left the band for a career in politics, but later resumed his musical career to become a solo artist. The remaining members contemplated splitting up, but after a long search they replaced Donnie with Canadian singer-songwriter Bruce Guthro. This issue has divided Runrig's fan base; some argue that the loss of Donnie's highly distinctive vocals and his ability to sing in both Gaelic and English has not been truly compensated for by Bruce, whose vocal style is much lighter and who is not a Gaelic speaker. Others claim that the fact that Bruce has such a different voice has allowed Runrig to evolve musically in ways that it might not have done were Donnie still with them.
In 2001, Peter Wishart, the band's keyboard player, left after being elected Member of Parliament for the constituency of Tayside North for the Scottish National Party. Brian Hurren stepped in to take Wishart's place in the band.
The band "pulled down the curtain" on their 45 year career with a final concert in Stirling on 18th August 2018, titled "The Last Dance".
Membership
- Bruce Guthro (Lead vocals, guitar)
- Rory Macdonald (Songwriter, bass, vocals)
- Calum Macdonald (Songwriter, percussion)
- Malcolm Jones[ (Guitars, pipes, accordion)
- Iain Bayne (Drums)
- Brian Hurren (Keyboards, vocals)
Past members
- Donnie Munro (Lead vocals, guitar)
- Peter Wishart (Keyboards)
- Richard Cherns (Keyboards)
- Blair Douglas (Accordion, keyboards)
- Robert Macdonald (Accordion)
- Campbell Gunn (Vocals)
Headlights
Runrig Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Through the silent miles the empty spaces
With the drinking boys
The dancing wine
Somewhere outside the laughing glass burns in your eye
Elvis is still the king the long road home
The flushed caress the trembling heart
In Runrig's song "Headlights," the lyrics evoke a feeling of driving alone at night with only the headlights to guide you. The barren heath creates a sense of isolation and loneliness, which is amplified by the empty spaces and silence that surround you. The "drinking boys" and "dancing wine" suggest a sense of freedom and escape from reality, while the line "somewhere outside the laughing glass burns in your eye" could refer to a distant memory or a longing for a different life.
The mention of Elvis Presley as "still the king" adds a nostalgic tone to the song and suggests a longing for a simpler time. The "flushed caress" and "trembling heart" could be referring to a romantic encounter or a deep connection with someone, which is further emphasized by the line "she's in your arms electric chord's accordion bands." The imagery of music in this line suggests a profound emotional experience that is difficult to express in words.
Overall, "Headlights" is a song that captures the essence of a lonely drive on a dark, winding road. The lyrics paint a vivid picture of the emotions and experiences that one might encounter during such a journey.
Line by Line Meaning
The headlights swing across the naked heath
As the car moves across the open plain, the headlights light up the barren landscape.
Through the silent miles the empty spaces
During this journey, there are long stretches with no conversation or activity.
With the drinking boys
The passengers in the car are male and enjoying alcoholic beverages.
The dancing wine
The alcohol is causing them to feel jovial and dance around.
Somewhere outside the laughing glass burns in your eye
From outside the car, you can see the reflection of a bright light in the eyes of someone inside the car.
Elvis is still the king the long road home
Despite the long journey ahead, the passengers are enjoying themselves and listening to Elvis.
The flushed caress the trembling heart
One of the passengers is feeling intense emotions and experiencing a physical reaction.
She's in your arms electric chord's accordian bands
One of the passengers is holding a woman close to him as they listen to music being played on an electric guitar and accordion.
Lyrics © BMG Rights Management, Peermusic Publishing
Written by: MATTHEW JAMES MACDONALD
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
mgraebner
on Rise and Fall
and thinking about if he can survive
mgraebner
on Rise and Fall
all these tries of explanation fail if you fail to accept the connotation
this is from a soldier in WW2 fighting in Normandy. trying to reach
Caen thru the bocage (their version of wind-stopping hedges)
Colin Souter
on Dust
IMHO, the line by line meaning given, strongly underplays the significance of the words, “Lowland Scots with English habits, brought me to its Lowland manners.” It speaks to the cultural loss of the Gaels’ way of life in favour of a creeping transition to an alien society with alien values imported by those who have abandoned their own, in favour of becoming “English”. It resonates with an incredible strength for anyone who rejects Westminster politics/corruption and supports Scottish independence.