After their initial formation in 2008, their debut album "Passive Me, Aggressive You" was released on the "Somewhat Damaged" label during September 2010. The single "Young Blood" debuted at number one on the New Zealand chart - the first New Zealand artist to do so in three years. On 6 December 2010, the BBC announced that The Naked and Famous had been nominated for the BBC's Sound of 2011 poll.
Their second album, 2013's In Rolling Waves, reached the top 5 on the New Zealand Albums chart, and top 15 on the Australian Albums and US Billboard Top Alternative Albums charts. Their following album, Simple Forms, was Xayalith and Powers' first release as a two-piece. Their fourth album, Recover, was released in 2020, and peaked at 19 on RMNZ's New Zealand Artist Albums chart.
The Runners
The Naked and Famous Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
We survived under crystal skies
Silver tides, whipping winds and shore lines
Grows just like a grape vine
We align weather-beaten spines
Settle scores, we just want to be adored
I am still clinging to
A heart no home can hold
The hole we left behind
I feel your body right here
It takes on any shape
This place that made me run
And gave me every reason to
Stay
In the rain
In the rain
Stay
In the rain
In the rain
Caught in the reminder
Will I sleep? Will I beg for peace?
Leave the reckless hearts (leave the reckless hearts)
And find the little spark (and find the little spark)
To lead you through the dark
When you fall apart
My ears are ringing to these
Summers not quite defined
A heart no home can hold
The hole we left behind
I feel your body right here
It takes on any shape
This place that made me run
And gave me every reason to
Stay
In the rain
In the rain
Stay
In the rain
In the rain
My ears are ringing to these
Summers not quite defined
A heart no home can hold
The hole we left behind
I feel your body right here
It takes on any shape
This place that made me run
And gave me every reason to
Stay
In the rain
In the rain
Stay
In the rain
In the rain
The Naked and Famous's song "The Runners" portrays a person's journey towards self-discovery, growth, and acceptance. The song begins with the lyrics "High just like the runners," which could be interpreted as feeling liberated and invigorated like a runner during a race. The singer has survived under the crystal skies, against the silver tides, whipping winds, and shorelines. This could represent the obstacles and challenges that they've come across along their journey. The first verse ends with the lyrics "Settle scores, we just want to be adored," which could suggest that the singer has overcome certain conflicts and just wants to be loved and acknowledged for who they are.
In the chorus, the lyrics "Stay in the rain" are repeated, which could mean that despite the challenges and setbacks, the singer wants to stay in the rain and embrace the difficulties that come along with growth and self-discovery. The line "The hole we left behind" can also be interpreted as the pain and hurt caused by past experiences that have shaped the singer's growth. The singer is searching for a heart no home can hold as they hope to find the missing piece that completes them.
The second verse follows the same themes as the first verse, highlighting the challenge of falling apart and the importance of finding that little spark to lead you through the dark. The song ends with a repetition of the chorus, emphasizing the desire to stay in the rain and continue on the journey towards self-discovery.
Overall, "The Runners" is a song that paints a picture of a journey towards self-discovery and acceptance. The singer has overcome challenges and is searching for a heart that no home can hold, finding strength in the rain and the obstacles they face.
Line by Line Meaning
High just like the runners
Feeling elated and empowered, like athletes in their prime
We survived under crystal skies
We made it through tough times, perhaps under clear and hopeful conditions
Silver tides, whipping winds and shore lines
The imagery of natural forces, possibly leading to a sense of awe or insignificance
Grows just like a grape vine
The progression of something in a natural, organic way
We align weather-beaten spines
Coming together despite external hardships and difficulties
Settle scores, we just want to be adored
Trying to resolve conflicts and be appreciated or recognized
I am still clinging to
Holding onto something meaningful or important
These signs that I hope to find
Searching for meaning or guidance in specific symbols or messages
A heart no home can hold
A passionate or restless spirit that cannot be tied down
The hole we left behind
The longing or sadness associated with a loss or departure
I feel your body right here
Sensing the presence or essence of someone or something, even without physical contact
It takes on any shape
Manifesting in different ways or forms, depending on the situation or context
This place that made me run
The location or situation that motivated one to move or change
And gave me every reason to
Providing the inspiration or impetus for a significant action or decision
Stay
Remaining in a given place or situation
In the rain
Enduring the hardships or sorrows, perhaps with a sense of cleansing or renewal
Caught in the reminder
Being reminded of something painful or significant
Will I sleep? Will I beg for peace?
Questioning whether one will find rest or solace from the reminders
Leave the reckless hearts (leave the reckless hearts)
Separating from those who act impulsively or carelessly
And find the little spark (and find the little spark)
Discovering the small source of hope or inspiration that can drive one forward
To lead you through the dark
Having guidance or support during difficult or uncertain times
When you fall apart
Experiencing emotional or mental breakdowns, perhaps due to stress or trauma
My ears are ringing to these
Hearing sounds or echoes that might be symbolic or haunting
Summers not quite defined
A season or time that lacks clarity or definition
Stay
Enduring the hardships or sorrows, perhaps with a sense of cleansing or renewal
In the rain
Enduring the hardships or sorrows, perhaps with a sense of cleansing or renewal
Stay
Remaining in a given place or situation
In the rain
Enduring the hardships or sorrows, perhaps with a sense of cleansing or renewal
Lyrics © Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd.
Written by: Thomas Brading Powers, Alisa Xayalith, Aaron Philip Short, Jesse Wood, David William Henry Beadle
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
NodMan
Let me put this on repeat for a few weeks straight. Love it.
Þráinn Gíslason
pretty much..
sign ature
A moment of silence for the ones who will never find this masterpiece
Salvatore Ingrassia
Done
Anorganism
@Nikki Coetser M83 and Sigur Ros.
Nikki Coetser
... I prefer it that way to be honest. This song is so special it will be hard for joe public to come to grips with the sound/production/creativity...much like one of my other all time favourites: Radiohead.
Anorganism
High just like the runners.
Brandon Squires
Preachhhhhhh 😂
Runaway Zoo
This is just amazing, every song they put out is spectacular!! The new album is going to be sick, one of the best of this year for sure.
Mark Freedman
This album IS sick, and the best of the year so far.