When a crowd is singing along with the last chorus after hearing the song for the first time, and Twitter lights up with those same lyrics in the days following a performance, you know it's a song that connects. With poignant yet sing-along-able lyrics and undeniable rock noir musical undertones, Spirits, the first single from The Strumbellas’ forthcoming album, embodies the essence of what has been attracting fans from across North America to this Lindsay, Ontario-bred band.
That journey has been a whirlwind since the release of the band’s 2012 debut album My Father And The Hunter. The Strumbellas' sound — haunting lyrics fused with infectious, danceable melodies — won them both fans and critical recognition. A year later, they followed up with We Still Move On Dance Floors, which earned the band six awards, including a JUNO and Sirius XM
Indie Award, as well as a spot on the Polaris Music Prize Long List. And of course, there’s been touring. Lots of touring.
In early 2015, the Strumbellas, off the road and ready to go into the studio again, set up shop at downtown Toronto’s Lincoln County Social Club to record the new album with LA Producer/Engineer, Dave Schiffman (Johnny Cash, Haim, Weezer). During three recording sessions during the first half of 2015, Schiffman and the band harnessed a vivid sound that was itchin’ to get out of them. Bigger. Bolder. Beckoning.
Running Scared
The Strumbellas Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
The night we met at the boathouse
I was hoping you noticed me
And I still believe in another life we were meant to be
Like two birds on a desert tree
'Cause we could all get a little high if we want
We could all get a little high if we want, come on
'Cause I'm running scared
Hey, and I'm running scared
Oh, I'm running scared
And I'm running scared
Oh, don't look back
Don't look back, hey
Oh, don't look back
Don't look back, hey
'Cause I'm borderline, mentally unstable
Sweep it under the table, yeah
And these bedouin eyes
We were meant to be in a different time
Everything is a warning sign
'Cause we can all live a better life if we want
We can all live a better life if we want, come on
Ah, come on
'Cause I'm running scared
Hey, and I'm running scared
Oh, I'm running scared
And I'm running scared
Oh, don't look back
Don't look back, hey
Oh, don't look back
Don't look back, hey
'Cause we could all get a little high if we want
We could all get a little high if we want, come on
Yeah, we can all live a better life if we want
We can all live a better life if we want, come on
'Cause we could all get a little high if we want
We could all get a little high if we want, come on
'Cause I'm running scared
Hey, and I'm running scared
Oh, I'm running scared
And I'm running scared
'Cause I'm running scared (We could all get a little high if we want)
Hey, and I'm running scared (We could all get a little high if we want)
Oh, I'm running scared (We could all get a little high if we want)
And I'm running scared
The song "Running Scared" by The Strumbellas is a reflective song that talks about the memories of someone who got away. The song seems to be a reminiscence of a special night long ago, at a boathouse, where the artist met someone, and he still believes that they were meant to be in another life. The lyrics "Do you remember me, back when we were young?" suggest that the two have now grown apart, and the artist is left to ponder about what could have been. The comparison of the two people to "two birds on a desert tree" reinforces the belief that they belonged together in some way, but it just never happened.
In the chorus, the artist talks about running scared, signifying his fear of what could have been if they had pursued their relationship further. He also talks about being borderline mentally unstable, which could relate to the emotional turmoil that the artist is going through, as he is haunted by the memories of that special night. The line "We were meant to be in a different time" further reinforces the idea that they belong together, but it was not the right time for them.
Overall, "Running Scared" is a powerful and emotional song that highlights the struggle of letting go of the past and dealing with the pain of lost opportunities, especially in love.
Line by Line Meaning
Do you remember me, back when we were young?
Do you recall the time when we were young and carefree?
The night we met at the boathouse
The evening when we first encountered each other at the boathouse
I was hoping you noticed me
I had a desire that you might pay attention to me
And I still believe in another life we were meant to be
I have faith that in another existence, we were destined to be together
Like two birds on a desert tree
Similar to a pair of birds perched on a barren tree in the desert
'Cause we could all get a little high if we want
Because we can all experience a moment of happiness if we desire
Oh, don't look back
Do not reflect on past events
'Cause I'm borderline, mentally unstable
Because I am teetering on the edge of mental instability
Sweep it under the table, yeah
Pretend it's not a problem or ignore it completely
And these bedouin eyes
And these eyes resembling those of a nomadic desert dweller
We were meant to be in a different time
We were destined to exist in another era
Everything is a warning sign
Every little thing is an indication of something larger looming ahead
'Cause we can all live a better life if we want
Because we all have the potential to live an improved life if we desire
'Cause I'm running scared
Because I'm frightened and frantically fleeing
'Cause we could all get a little high if we want
Because we can all experience a moment of happiness if we desire
Yeah, we can all live a better life if we want
Yes, we all have the potential to live an improved life if we desire
'Cause I'm running scared (We could all get a little high if we want)
Because I'm frightened and desperately seeking a moment of happiness
Lyrics © Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd.
Written by: Darryl James, David Ritter, Isabel Ritchie, Jeremy Drury, Joanne Setterington, Simon Alexander Ward, Jonathan Hembrey
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Dillan Yee
Their music keeps getting better and better🎵🎶
Chupa Cabra
Cara essa música é tão boa 😍👏👏🇧🇷
Campos Murillo Alejandra
I have just discovered this band and I already love it. This song is incredible
Sammy Trujillo
them and the lumineers are the best
Chiristian Awesome
Acabo de descubrir esta banda y realmente me gustan mucho sus canciones, me siento inspirado ahora mismo!
Dany Wilfredo Aju Ajzalan
Que obra maestra, no se porque esto no es de reconocimiento mundial. This is like a feeling and it feels great, thanks for this song :')
Nick Blish
Love both songs I've heard from "Rattlesnake". For the first time in a VERY long time, I'm excited for the release of a record. Love what you do!!!!
Sheriff Bacara
I love this band
TImagineMashups
This album is gonna be a really good one.
moosefinder
so great. love the vibe