Running Out
Scissor Sisters Lyrics


Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴  Line by Line Meaning ↴

One two three four give me more
Cause I think we're going down
What you need it for?
Pass the wealth around
We're going right back to the borderline
Now you just save yourself
I'm on my own
No use to no one else

Cause I, every time I think I'm fine
You keep on dreaming up
A hundred different ways
To cause hysteria
Am I insane, am I blind?
I just can't seem to trust
Too many regulations
Coming back at ya

We're running out
Of money
Of love
Of luck
We're running out
Of language
Of fame
Of bread
We're running out

Something tells me that I'm fine
But when I get enough
Another one wouldn't be too much
And still I chew it up and spit it out
It's too big to swallow
Got enough for everyone
So here we go

Oh, let's see how far that we can run
Before this gig is over
I hear the warning sign
On everybody's stereo
Do you love, what do you like
What would you do for more?
You kept on dancing underneath the
Burning floor

We're running out
Of money
Of each other
Of confidence
We're running out
Of drugs
Of patience
Of air
We're running out

We're running out
Of money
Of love
Of luck
We're running out
Of language
Of fame
Of bread
We're running out

We're running out
Of money
Of each other
Of confidence
We're running out
Of drugs
Of patience




Of air
We're running out

Overall Meaning

The song "Running Out" by Scissor Sisters is a commentary on the state of the world, particularly focusing on the themes of depletion and scarcity. The lyrics suggest that we are running out of money, love, luck, language, fame, bread, each other, confidence, drugs, patience, and even air. The singer is frustrated with the current situation and feels like they are running out of options, as they are on their own and cannot rely on anyone else to provide what they need.


The chorus of the song is particularly powerful, repeating the phrase "We're running out" multiple times to emphasize the sense of urgency and desperation. The use of repetition serves to highlight the importance of the various things that are running out, emphasizing the fact that these are all things that we need to survive and thrive.


The song can be interpreted as a critique of capitalism and the idea that resources are limited and must be fought over. It can also be read as a call to action, urging listeners to come together and find new ways of creating abundance and sustainability rather than relying on the old ways of doing things.


Line by Line Meaning

One two three four give me more
Asking for more of something, potentially something addictive or harmful.


Cause I think we're going down
The singer believes they are on a downward trajectory.


What you need it for?
Questioning the motives behind someone’s actions.


Pass the wealth around
Advocating for wealth redistribution.


We're going right back to the borderline
Moving backwards or regressing to a previous state.


Now you just save yourself
Encouraging self-preservation.


I'm on my own
Taking responsibility for oneself.


No use to no one else
Feeling useless or unimportant to others.


Cause I, every time I think I'm fine
Despite thinking everything is okay, issues or problems keep arising.


You keep on dreaming up
Someone or something is causing problems or creating unrealistic expectations.


A hundred different ways
There are many different scenarios in which things could go wrong.


To cause hysteria
Intentionally provoking panic or chaos in others.


Am I insane, am I blind?
Feeling unsure of one’s own sanity or perception of reality.


I just can't seem to trust
Having a hard time putting faith in others or societal systems.


Too many regulations
Feeling restricted by excessive rules/laws.


Coming back at ya
Consequences or backlash for decisions or actions.


We're running out
There is a shortage or depletion of something important.


Of money
Lack of wealth or financial stability.


Of love
Deficit of affection or emotional connection with others.


Of luck
Feeling as though one’s luck has run out or success is unattainable.


Of language
Difficulty expressing oneself or communicating with others.


Of fame
Lack of recognition or attention from others.


Of bread
Shortage of food or resources necessary for survival.


Something tells me that I'm fine
Despite everything going on, the artist has an internal sense of reassurance.


But when I get enough
When the singer has enough of something, they become complacent or careless.


Another one wouldn't be too much
The singer is reliant on something and doesn’t see the harm in continuing to consume it.


And still I chew it up and spit it out
The singer consumes and disposes of something, without truly benefiting from it.


It's too big to swallow
Something is overwhelming or too much to handle.


Got enough for everyone
Despite something being potentially scarce, there is enough to share with others.


So here we go
Moving forward, despite not knowing what the future holds.


Oh, let's see how far that we can run
Wanting to push boundaries and explore new possibilities.


Before this gig is over
Before something important or valuable comes to an end.


I hear the warning sign
Sensing that something isn’t right or there is danger ahead.


On everybody's stereo
The warning sign is something everyone is aware of.


Do you love, what do you like
Asking others about their preferences and what they value.


What would you do for more?
Asking what lengths people would go to obtain more of something they desire.


You kept on dancing underneath the burning floor
Ignoring potential problems or warning signs and continuing to live recklessly.


Of each other
Lack of trust and connection with others.


Of confidence
Lack of self-esteem or belief in one’s abilities.


Of drugs
Running out of substance or means of self-medication.


Of patience
Feeling as though one has reached their limit or can’t wait any longer.


Of air
Running out of something necessary for survival.




Lyrics © Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd.
Written by: JASON SELLARDS, SANTI WHITE, SCOTT HOFFMAN

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
To comment on or correct specific content, highlight it

Genre not found
Artist not found
Album not found
Song not found
Comments from YouTube:

RfrancisR

This album is so under-appreciated and underrated. It really is a phenomenal album. Deserves a lot more credit.

Deathbymilkfloat1

OMG i love the scissor sisters,their epicness is beyond me

pandalambert56

This song is so masterful!

MutteringUrchin

As soon as they put out music worth listening to, the hype had disappeared. This album's gold.

Adam Kemper

The best theyve done. Amazing writing on this one. Dont stop.

grmirek

Masterpiece

Karin Anna Maria

I love this... sounds like early solo Bryan Ferry mixed with Heaven 17. Its f***ing GREAT.

IIZOSOII

Co-Written by The Amazing S A N T I G O L D !!!!!
SO DAMN GOLD !!!!!

Chloe

love this song wish there was lyrics :L

Sven Tveskägg

great song. it makes me think of a song made if Yaz and Devo got together to write music xD

More Comments

More Versions