Run Fast
The Julie Ruin Lyrics


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we were called sluts from the time we were five
and teased so fucking bad that we thought we would die
we were the girls in tight jeans who always walked alone
and rode our bikes late at night to avoid going home
we numbed ourselves out on peppermint schnapps
and super-sized sundaes with chocolate sauce
we stole cheap locks from the hardware store
and put 'em up with butter knives on our bedroom doors

we ran so fast

in the movie they show us in each other's arms
but the truth is we almost always cried alone
we gave handjobs quick and always with a smile
so it didn't get too weird and we didn't have to die
we lived in light switches and painted walls
and spent too many hours at the food court at the mall
we smoked pin joints under fluorescent lights
and wore shorts at the beach just to hide our thighs

we ran so fast

years later we'd be told that we weren't real punks
by boys in bands who acted like our dads when they were drunk
and they can all brag now 'bout how they were there
when we took over the stage and took our fair share
but whatever the truth in the end we made
tiny islands where we didn't always have to be afraid
and an X will forever mark the spot
where we decided we'd had just about enough

we ran so fast





we ran so fast

Overall Meaning

The Julie Ruin's "Run Fast" is a powerful and raw narrative of growing up as a girl in a society that shamed them for their sexuality and autonomy, and how they found solace and freedom in the punk scene. The first verse sets up the foundation of the song, with lines like "we were called sluts from the time we were five" and "teased so fucking bad that we thought we would die" depicting the pressure and scrutiny that girls face from a young age. They were treated like outsiders, reflected in the lines "we were the girls in tight jeans who always walked alone" and "rode our bikes late at night to avoid going home". However, they found ways to cope, such as numbing themselves with alcohol and junk food and putting locks on their bedroom doors for protection.


The chorus, "we ran so fast", is a declaration of the freedom and escape that the punk scene provided for them. They found each other and formed a community in which they could be themselves and not be judged or shamed. The second verse explores the darker aspects of their experiences, such as feeling isolated despite being together and engaging in sexual activities in uncomfortable and unsafe situations. However, they found joy in simple things like decorating their living spaces and spending time at the mall.


The final verse is a defiance of those who would try to diminish or erase their experiences, with lines such as "years later we'd be told that we weren't real punks by boys in bands who acted like our dads when they were drunk". The X that marks the spot where they had enough serves as a symbol of their rebellion and unity. The song ultimately paints a picture of the strength and resilience of young women who are constantly belittled and oppressed, and how they find empowerment in each other and in music.


Line by Line Meaning

we were called sluts from the time we were five
Our sexuality was judged and labeled from an extremely young age.


and teased so fucking bad that we thought we would die
The emotional pain of constant bullying was crushing and felt life-threatening.


we were the girls in tight jeans who always walked alone
Our choices in fashion and behavior set us apart from the crowd and left us feeling isolated.


and rode our bikes late at night to avoid going home
We sought refuge outside of our homes, where we didn't feel safe or accepted.


we numbed ourselves out on peppermint schnapps
We turned to alcohol at a young age to cope with the pain and to escape reality.


and super-sized sundaes with chocolate sauce
We also found solace in food, especially when it offered a temporary distraction from our troubles.


we stole cheap locks from the hardware store
We were resourceful in finding ways to protect ourselves from danger and create a sense of privacy.


and put 'em up with butter knives on our bedroom doors
We used whatever tools we had available to fortify our personal spaces.


we ran so fast
We were constantly on the move, both physically and emotionally, in order to escape our painful realities.


in the movie they show us in each other's arms
Pop culture romanticizes female friendships, but the reality was often more lonely and painful.


but the truth is we almost always cried alone
We didn't have a shoulder to cry on, and had to bear our pain in isolation.


we gave handjobs quick and always with a smile
We were forced to engage in sexual behavior in order to be accepted, but had to hide our discomfort.


so it didn't get too weird and we didn't have to die
We performed these acts out of fear, to avoid being physically or emotionally harmed.


we lived in light switches and painted walls
Our physical surroundings were humble, but we made them feel like home with our creativity.


and spent too many hours at the food court at the mall
We found refuge and connection in public spaces, where we could bond with others who were different like us.


we smoked pin joints under fluorescent lights
We experimented with drugs in order to explore our minds and experiences outside of societal norms.


and wore shorts at the beach just to hide our thighs
We had body image issues that were perpetuated by societal beauty standards.


years later we'd be told that we weren't real punks
Our authenticity would be called into question by those who didn't understand our experiences and choices.


by boys in bands who acted like our dads when they were drunk
The gatekeepers of a subculture often perpetuate the harmful societal attitudes that they claim to reject.


and they can all brag now 'bout how they were there
Those who were once dismissive would later try to take credit for our contributions to the culture.


when we took over the stage and took our fair share
We fought hard to make our voices heard and to claim space in a world that was hostile to us.


but whatever the truth in the end we made
Despite the challenges we faced, we were able to create something meaningful and lasting.


tiny islands where we didn't always have to be afraid
We formed communities where we could feel safe and supported, even in the face of adversity.


and an X will forever mark the spot
Our legacy and impact will be felt for generations to come, and will never be forgotten.


where we decided we'd had just about enough
We reached our breaking point and used that as impetus to create change and fight for our rights and freedoms.


we ran so fast
We never gave up the fight, and always raced towards a better future.




Contributed by Grace C. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
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Most interesting comments from YouTube:

@kinetikx

I've been listening to this whole album since it came out and it's pure perfection from front to back.

I liked Bikini Kill from way back when, when a girl I liked introduced me to the band in the early 1990's. I was a dumb late teen/early 20's guy who could barely get out of his own way socially, politically, and musically.

Fast forward to a time after I stopped caring so much for punk and hardcore and I became a raver in the party scene and I barely remembered my days of aggressive music that wasn't made by a machine. Then I eventually outgrew that whole youthful revery.

Then, by a random encounter I found Le Tigre by way of a friend and suddenly I remembered and embraced Kathleen's new voice. That band reignited something within me that had laid dormant for so long. They combined the political with a fun electronic backbone that merged two things that epitomized the person that I had become.

Years later I once again found Julie Ruin randomly right after this album came out. It's like somehow everything past was prologue to what I was hearing on that first album. I'm dead serious that nearly every song creates feelings of joy, mixed with melancholy, and sometimes sadness. All of it in the most satisfying way.

This song especially.

It reminds me of being a clueless teenager. It reminds me of girls who I loved but I had no perspective of what they were feeling while I remained completely oblivious. I only wish that this album was around and I had the good sense to appreciate it when I was younger. I have a feeling it may have informed some of my younger and dumber ways of thinking and decisions.

Or maybe I wasn't ready for any of that.

Either way, Julie Ruin is one of a scant few bands that I have paid money for in the past few years.

I'm still finding my way with their new album... It's great, but there is something magical about how this older one just bored it's way into me and hasn't let go and may never be matched again. But I sure as hell hope so.

Maybe it's a timing thing. Maybe it's just that this album was ferocious and heartfelt enough to slap a man of around 40 back to his senses and made him passionate about great music again.

Either way. This fucking album kills me and I can honestly say I'm a lifelong fan of everything you, and the people you surround yourself do.

Keep doing whatever makes you this awesome.

P.S.
"The Punk Singer" was an extraordinary documentary.



@Instantmetamorphosis

We were called sluts from the time we were five
And teased so fucking bad that we thought we would die
We were the girls in tight jeans who always walked alone
And rode our bikes late at night to avoid going home
We numbed ourselves out on peppermint schnapps
And super sized sundaes with chocolate sauce
We stole cheap locks from the hardware store
And put em up with butter knives on our bedroom doors

We ran so fast

In the movie they show us in each other's arms
But the truth is we almost always cried alone
We gave handjobs quick and always with a smile
So it didn't get too weird and we didn't have to die
We lived in light switches and painted walls
And spent too many hours at the food court at the mall
We smoked pin joints under fluorescent lights
And wore shorts at the beach just to hide our thighs

We ran so fast

Years later we'd be told that we weren't real punks
By boys in bands who acted like our dads when they were drunk
And they can all brag now about how they were there
When we took over the stage and took our fair share
But whatever the truth, in the end we made
Tiny islands where we didn't always have to be afraid
And an X will forever mark the spot
When we decided we had had just about enough

We ran so fast
We ran so fast



All comments from YouTube:

@fascinationstreet8

almost got tears to my eyes "in the movie they show us in each other's arms
but the truth is we almost always cried alone" and "wore shorts at the beach just to hide our thighs", it's too fucking true

@rdvangogh

In my 30s and I still get a rock in my chest when I hear this voice ❤

@slynngray

This is fantastic, I never thought I would have my own anthem! I fucking adore Miss Hanna. Ladies, do not ever forget how strong we really are. That we made it out of adolescence without losing that beautiful mind, sharp tongue, and kept that heart beating with love... It is nothing short of a miracle. Don't ever forget that. What the hell can life dish out that we won't overcome with grace? Walking badasses and born fighters, I say BRING IT ON!!!!!!!!

@gilbertcrespin5631

This song makes me so sad and happy at the same time

@hombreazu1

three days now. this song has been on heavy rotation. love it. just love it.

@dorothyowen9127

"in the movie they show us in each other's arms, but the truth is we almost always cried alone"

@jcmmanuel

Fantastic. Oh and only 16 comments after 8 months online - so typically low profile for a genius who has been a great inspiration even to Kurt Cobain. I feel so young again when I hear Kathleen ;) - Besides also suddenly feeling like some things in this world are still totally real.

@IAmJudy1111

What is the reason this doesn't have a million views yet? Kathleen Hannah is so inspiring speaking out through her music. i just feel so happy to have stumbled upon Punk Rock Singer on Netflix and have a chance to hopefully catch a show. Hmm, maybe people dont promote because they want to see shows in smaller venues. I don't know. Or maybe me thinking she is genius is not a view shared by everyone. I wonder where she is most well known and respected - I think I would want to live near those people. 

@rlhescher8876

It's because of it's roots in counter culture. Who cares how popular it is, all that matters is that you're here now. I'd recommend Corin Tucker's stuff: Sleater-Kinney, Heavens to Betsy, etc. Greg Graffin's kinda like a male Hannah. American Lesion's acoustic version of 'Cease' is really good, for example.  

@Merkin678

RLH ESCHER It's Dr. Greg Graffin lol Big fan of Bad Religion & Greg's solo albums. Nice to randomly see his name.

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