Middle Distance Runner
Sea Wolf Lyrics

In "Middle Distance Runner," Sea Wolf sings about feeling exhausted and inadequate, both on the track and in a relationship. The song is a metaphor for the singer's sense of himself, as he feels like he's only capable of putting in a mediocre effort and can't quite measure up to the expectations of his lover or of life in general. The lyrics suggest that although he's striving for something, he's stuck in a limbo of sorts, and his lack of stamina keeps him from achieving his goals. The song ends on a somewhat melancholy note, with the singer succumbing to his exhaustion and asking his lover to come to him, even though he knows he's only a "middle distance runner."

The chorus, with its repeated plea for someone to "run to me tonight," suggests the idea of someone seeking comfort and consolation from another person. However, the repeated line "but I'll only ever be a middle distance runner" also communicates a feeling of resignation and acceptance of one's limitations. The imagery of the race, with the singer "off with a shot at the start" and "draining" at the finish line, reinforces this sense of struggle and effort, but also of being stuck in a particular position.

Overall, "Middle Distance Runner" is a poignant and introspective song, with lyrics that offer a window into the singer's emotional landscape. The metaphor of the race works on multiple levels, pointing to the idea of striving for something but also acknowledging the inevitability of limitations and the possibility of failure.