On the Run
Tom Stoppard Lyrics

The lyrics of Tom Stoppard & Pink Floyd's song "On the Run" can be interpreted in different ways. The female announcer introducing flights at the airport, including Rome, sets the scene for travel and movement. The first line "Live for today, gone tomorrow" can be seen as a comment on the transience of existence and our need to seize the moment before it's gone. The singer identifies with this impermanence, laughing off any concerns about the future.

The instrumental section that follows is a frenetic, pulsating depiction of the rush and chaos of traveling, with electronic beeps and blips replicating the sounds of an airport or train station. The lack of lyrics in this section allows the music to fully immerse the listener in the experience of moving quickly from one place to another.

Overall, "On the Run" can be seen as a commentary on the modern experience of travel, with its sense of dislocation and constant change. The lyrics express a sense of excitement and perhaps even a hint of danger in the face of this uncertainty.