Running up That Hill
The Badlees Lyrics

When the rain is sports arena loud
When the noise around you is so loud it feels like you're in a sports arena during a game. It's overwhelming and difficult to think clearly.

In the evening of a self-inflicted day
After a day full of choices that you regret making, you find yourself reflecting on what went wrong and where you could have made different decisions.

And you're contemplating sides that might collide
You're considering different options or paths, but you're worried that they might lead to conflict or confrontation.

The hemlock society and life insurance salesmen
The Hemlock Society is associated with assisted suicide, while life insurance salesmen represent the opposite end of the spectrum- the desire to keep living. These conflicting ideas represent the contrasting sides from the previous line.

And you discover all your coupons
Your attempt to save money through coupons has backfired, as you realize all the coupons you have are for things you hate or don't need.

Are for things you hate
Your coupons are for items you dislike, and you feel like you've wasted your effort trying to save money on them.

And all your pennies are Canadian
You're left with only Canadian coins, which you can't use in the United States. It feels like everything has gone wrong.

And you curse that paperweight
You become angry or frustrated about something small and insignificant, because it feels like one more thing going wrong in your day.

Drown it all and leave it still
Let go of the negativity and the chaos. Put it behind you so you can move forward.

You're a millionaire of words
You have the power of language at your disposal. You can express yourself creatively and powerfully, and that gives you strength.

Hand in hand as light as birds
You're connected to someone else- a partner or a friend- and together you move forward unencumbered. You feel free and light like a bird.

We'll go running up that hill
Together, you'll overcome the challenges and obstacles in your path. You'll be unstoppable and climb that metaphorical hill as a team.

When acquaintances drain your reservoir
When you spend time with people who sap your energy and enthusiasm, you feel depleted and empty. Your emotional energy is low.

Of cigarettes like bad construction
You're surrounded by something that's unhealthy or poorly made. Maybe it's literally cigarettes, or maybe it's a metaphor for the toxic relationships in your life.

And all your phone conversations slither
Your conversations feel sneaky or insincere, like the person on the other end is trying to manipulate you or take advantage of your vulnerability.

Into a sales pitch from the world of Don Lapre
Don Lapre was a notorious TV pitchman and scam artist. His name represents cringe-worthy sales pitches and schemes that prey on people's hopes and dreams.

And the love from a close-as-sisters friendship
The intense, supportive friendship you shared feels like it's falling apart. You're losing a connection that was once really special to you.

Up and dies like it too often does
Close relationships sometimes fade away, and it's a common but painful experience to lose someone who matters deeply to you.

The funeral directors' trade show crowd
A gathering of people who deal with death for a living. It's not a cheerful or comforting thought.

Strangles parking so you drive a while
There are so many people trying to park in the same area that you have to drive further away than you want to. It's frustrating and inconvenient.

Past streets and neighborhoods and ghosts
As you drive, you pass familiar sights that remind you of moments from your past. They feel like ghosts or echoes of your former self.

Of incidents that now define you
The memories and experiences you encounter feel like they've made you who you are. They're part of your identity- for better or worse.

When the weight of expectation cracks
You're feeling pressure from others, or from yourself, to be someone or do something that you're struggling to achieve. It's starting to break you down.

Cracks your countenance in the damnedest places
You're feeling the emotional strain in unexpected ways. It's affecting your appearance or your behavior in unexpected and sometimes embarrassing ways.