Run Away
Smoking Popes Lyrics


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Don't take the hand of the man with the platform shoes
Don't take a ride from the guy with the dancing tattoos
Don't close your eyes when he whispers in your ear
All of the words that you long to hear
[Chorus]
You've gotta run away

Deep in the cracks of the pavement they sleep all day
Someday the rain's gonna wash 'em all away
Don't ever think you've got no place else to go
Don't ever think that the world stops at your window

[Chorus]

Don't take the hand of the man with the platform shoes
Don't take a ride from the guy with the dancing tattoos
Don't ever think that you've got no place to go
Don't ever think that the world stops at your window





[Chorus]

Overall Meaning

The Smoking Popes' song "Run Away" is a cautionary tale warning listeners to avoid dangerous people and to be aware of the world beyond their window. The lyrics are straightforward in their message, advising listeners to stay away from questionable characters, including the man with platform shoes and the guy with dancing tattoos. The singer urges the listener to keep their eyes open and their wits about them, reminding them that the words they long to hear may not always be trustworthy.


The second verse emphasizes the fact that danger can often be hidden in plain sight, as people "sleep all day" deep in the cracks of the pavement. This verse suggests that danger can exist even in mundane, everyday surroundings, and that no place is truly safe unless one is vigilant. The singer encourages the listener to remember that there is always somewhere else to go, and that the world extends beyond their immediate surroundings.


The chorus repeats the phrase "you've gotta run away," emphasizing the urgency of the singer's warning. The song drives home the message that danger can lurk anywhere, but by staying aware and alert, one can navigate the world safely.


Line by Line Meaning

Don't take the hand of the man with the platform shoes
Be wary of people who present themselves in a flashy or show-off-ish manner


Don't take a ride from the guy with the dancing tattoos
Be cautious of those who are attention-seeking or trying to impress others with their appearance or actions


Don't close your eyes when he whispers in your ear
Don't be enticed or fooled by sweet talk or empty promises


All of the words that you long to hear
The words that may seem too good to be true are likely just that


[Chorus]
The only way to protect yourself from potential danger or harm is to run away


Deep in the cracks of the pavement they sleep all day
There are people in society who have been pushed to the fringes and are often overlooked or ignored


Someday the rain's gonna wash 'em all away
There is hope that someday these societal issues and injustices will be washed away and resolved


Don't ever think you've got no place else to go
There are always other options and places to turn when in a difficult situation


Don't ever think that the world stops at your window
Don't become so absorbed in your own problems or perspective that you forget there is a much larger world out there




Lyrics © BMG Rights Management
Written by: Del Shannon, Max D. Crook

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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