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)
Hearthammer
Runrig Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
I used to search the stars at night and I felt so safe and small
Sweet sounds from a Mercy town and my nursery God
I wanted to ride with Yuri Gagarin as he circled all around my world
Hearthammer and I lose control
Hearthammer
Settle down with Caroline as she sailed all summer long
Sweetheart of the Rodeo
Mining Hearts of Gold
I think it was somewhere post Rubber Soul
Hearthammer and I lose control
Hearthammer
Hearthammer and I lose control
Hearthammer
There was the first caress
There were the Labour years
There was the man that walked the moon something I never really believed
The Di Stefano twists the Charlton goals
Now I'm still here with the eyes of a child the wonder never grows old
Hearthammer and I lose control
Hearthammer
Hearthammer and I lose control
Hearthammer
Hearthammer and I lose control
Hearthammer
The wonder never grows old
The lyrics of Runrig's "Hearthammer" are reflective of childhood nostalgia, particularly the feeling of awe and wonder that comes with experiencing the world with fresh eyes. The singer of the song remembers how, as a child, he used to look up at the stars and feel small and safe. The reference to Yuri Gagarin and his orbiting of the earth speaks to the sense of limitless possibility and adventure that the singer felt at that age.
The song then moves on to describe other memories from the singer's past, such as listening to the radio under the covers and daydreaming about far-off places. The sweet sounds of "Mercy town" and references to "Mining Hearts of Gold" indicate a nostalgia for a simpler, more innocent time.
The chorus of "Hearthammer" repeats the phrase "Hearthammer and I lose control", which can be interpreted in different ways. It may refer to the overwhelming and uncontrollable emotions that the singer felt as a child, or it may be a metaphor for the fiery passion that still burns within him.
Overall, "Hearthammer" is a song that celebrates the wonder and magic of childhood, and the way in which those memories continue to shape and inspire us as adults.
Line by Line Meaning
With the eyes of a child the wonder of it all
Looking at the world with the same awe and naivety as a child
I used to search the stars at night and I felt so safe and small
Finding comfort and security in the vastness and beauty of the night sky
Sweet sounds from a Mercy town and my nursery God
Fond memories of growing up in a town filled with music and strong religious beliefs
I wanted to ride with Yuri Gagarin as he circled all around my world
Dreaming of adventure and exploration beyond the limits of Earth
Hearthammer and I lose control
Feeling overwhelmed and swept away by intense emotions
Lying under the covers. Radio on
Finding comfort in listening to music while tucked in bed
Settle down with Caroline as she sailed all summer long
Relaxing and enjoying the company of a loved one while listening to the story of her adventures
Sweetheart of the Rodeo
Referring to the classic country-rock album of the same name by The Byrds
Mining Hearts of Gold
Burrowing deep into the richness and depth of love and human connection
I think it was somewhere post Rubber Soul
Recalling a specific time period in relation to the release of The Beatles' album Rubber Soul
There was the first caress
Remembering the intimate and tender moments of a first romantic encounter
There were the Labour years
Reflecting on a time of hard work and dedication towards a greater cause
There was the man that walked the moon something I never really believed
Marveling at the incredible achievement of humans walking on the moon, which seemed almost impossible and surreal
The Di Stefano twists the Charlton goals
Referring to legendary football (soccer) players and their remarkable skills and goals
Now I'm still here with the eyes of a child the wonder never grows old
Continuing to appreciate the beauty and mystery of life with a childlike fascination and curiosity
Lyrics © BMG Rights Management
Written by: CALUM MACDONALD, RORY MACDONALD
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@sarahholverson9724
My older cousin was at this concert as a Scots woman brought up in England I'm so proud of where I was born always
@jamiefoyers2800
One of the first major shows I went to. Those were the days!. Tons of mad Scots in a field by Loch Lomond bouncing up and down with Runrig onstage. There's a documentary on the night charting the band's success which I'm watching. They were massive when I was growing up, sold out shows everywhere and a great atmosphere.
@colinbrown5127
The coolest songe ever played come back ru rig . Best band ever miss great Scottish bands. Never be a equal. Colin thanks for the pleasure off your skilled music.plese come back.
@strictlydope_
This song is awesome! 🎶🎶
@michaelantonyaustin
Yes it is!
@lisamuller68
i love the version at day of days ♥
@deathrotor
@Lisa Müller that is an epic performance of it but i still prefer donnie's version as he puts sooo much more energy into it
@nealspilsbury8639
Underrated band they were awesome saw them supporting simple minds they were equally as good
@oldiedrummermarkus
I miss RUNRIG 😢😢 one of the best in the world 🫶🫶🫶🥁🥁🫶🫶🥁🫶👍
@christinajennings4890
Been looking for this for a lonnnnng time. Xxxc.Tune 😍