The band, from London, UK, started out as The Dave Clark Quintet in 1957, with Dave Clark on drums, Dave Sanford on lead guitar, Chris Walls on bass, Don Vale on piano (and arranger) and a saxophone player. By 1962, the band had changed its name to The Dave Clark Five and settled on the line-up that continued until the band called it a day in 1970: Dave Clark (drums, vocals; born December 15, 1939), Lenny Davidson (guitar; born May 30, 1944), Rick Huxley (bass; born August 5, 1942; died February 11, 2013), Denis Payton (saxes, harmonica, vocals; born August 11, 1943, died December 17, 2006), Mike Smith (keyboards, vocals; born December 6, 1943, died February 28, 2008).
Between 1964 and 1967, the band had 17 records in the US Billboard Top 40, with 12 Top 40 United Kingdom hits.
The DC5 disbanded in 1970, having placed three singles on the UK chart that year, two of which reached the Top Ten. That same year, Davidson, Huxley and Payton left and Alan Parker and Eric Ford joined on lead guitar and bass; this line-up, renamed "Dave Clark & Friends", lasted until 1973.
We'll Be Running
The Dave Clark Five Lyrics
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One thing I gotta see
If you see us walking down the street
You better not look our way
'Cause we'll be running, running, running
We can't wait around
Yeah we'll be running, running, running
Don't you even know she doesn't need you
That's what I gotta see
She's the only one that tells no lies
You don't have to look that way
*Sax solo*
'Cause we'll be running, running, running
We can't wait around
Yeah we'll be running, running, running
You'll be wasting time
Don't you even know she doesn't need you
That's what I gotta see
She's the only one that tells no lies
You don't have to look that way
The Dave Clark Five's "We'll Be Running" expresses a sense of urgency in its lyrics, demanding quick action and movement from the singer. The song could be interpreted as a warning to someone who is encroaching on the singer's territory, whether that be a romantic interest or a physical location. The opening lines, "If you wanna save yourself some time / One thing I gotta see," paint a picture of a direct and blunt confrontation.
The chorus, which repeats the refrain "we'll be running, running, running," emphasizes the need for speedy action and the lack of patience for dawdling. The second verse hints at a love triangle as the singer suggests that the person they are warning against may not be needed by the woman in question. The song's structure is quite simple, featuring a sax solo in the middle section before returning to the chorus and closing out with the same verse as before.
Overall, "We'll Be Running" is a high-energy, rhythmic track that demands action and is likely meant to be danced to, much like much of The Dave Clark Five's other works.
Line by Line Meaning
If you wanna save yourself some time
If you want to be efficient and avoid wasting any unnecessary time
One thing I gotta see
There's something important that needs attention
If you see us walking down the street
If we happen to pass by you while walking outside
You better not look our way
You should avoid making eye contact with us
'Cause we'll be running, running, running
Because we will be quickly fleeing the area
We can't wait around
We don't have the luxury of lingering
Yeah we'll be running, running, running
Yes, we will be urgently and swiftly moving away
You'll be wasting time
Any attempt to interact with us will be fruitless and unproductive
Don't you even know she doesn't need you
You seem unaware that this woman you may be interested in does not require your presence
That's what I gotta see
This is something that is evident and needs to be recognized
She's the only one that tells no lies
This woman is the only one who speaks truthfully
You don't have to look that way
There is no need to direct your attention towards us or the situation
'Cause we'll be running, running, running
Once again, we will be hastily departing
We can't wait around
We simply cannot tarry
Yeah we'll be running, running, running
Yes, we will be in a rush to move on from this location
You'll be wasting time
Any efforts to engage with us will be for naught
Contributed by Lily O. Suggest a correction in the comments below.