Interpreting the Meaning Behind Kate Bush’s Running Up That Hill Lyrics

Kate Bush is one of the most innovative and influential artists of the past few decades.

Her unique style, ethereal vocals, and thought-provoking lyrics have earned her a devoted fan base and critical acclaim.

One of her most beloved and iconic songs is Running Up That Hill, which was released in 1985 and became an instant classic.

At first listen, Running Up That Hill may seem like a straightforward love song, but upon closer examination, the lyrics reveal a much deeper and more complex message.

The song’s themes of power, gender, and sacrifice have resonated with audiences for decades and have cemented Bush’s place in the canon of great songwriters.

In this article, we’ll take a closer look at the lyrics of Running Up That Hill and explore their meaning and significance.

Whether you’re a die-hard fan or a casual listener, you’re sure to gain a new appreciation for this timeless classic.

Overview of the song and its lyrics

Running Up That Hill is a song by Kate Bush that was released in 1985 as the lead single from her album Hounds of Love.

The song’s lyrics describe the struggle between two people who want to swap their roles in life: a man and a woman who wish to experience what it’s like to be in each other’s shoes.

The song is notable for its unique structure, which consists of two distinct sections. The first half features a driving rhythm and pulsing bassline, while the second half is slower and more contemplative.

The lyrics of Running Up That Hill are filled with vivid imagery and metaphors that convey complex emotions and ideas.

Bush uses a variety of literary devices throughout the song to explore themes of power, gender, and sacrifice.

The lyrics contain several recurring motifs, such as running, climbing, and reaching for the top, which symbolize the struggle for power and the desire to transcend one’s limitations.

It is a song that defies easy categorization. Its blend of pop, rock, and art music, coupled with its enigmatic lyrics, has made it a perennial favorite among music lovers and critics alike.

In the next section, we’ll take a closer look at the lyrics and explore their meaning in more detail.

Analysis of the lyrics

The lyrics of Running Up That Hill are rich in symbolism and allusions, making them ripe for interpretation.

In this section, we will carefully analyze each stanza to uncover its meaning and significance.

The song commences with the lines, “It doesn’t hurt me / You want to feel how it feels?”

In these first lines, Bush sets up the main idea of the song: that two people want to switch places in life.

The following stanza continues this theme, with the lyrics, “It’s you and me / And if I only could / I’d make a deal with God / And I’d get him to swap our places.”

The concept of bargaining with God creates a sense of urgency and suggests that this is a significant and potentially life-changing experience.

The chorus of the song is the most memorable and iconic part: “And if I only could / I’d make a deal with God / And I’d get him to swap our places / Be running up that road / Be running up that hill / Be running up that building.”

The imagery of running, climbing, and striving for something unattainable is a recurring theme throughout the song.

The repetition of the phrase “running up” emphasizes the idea of pushing oneself to the limit and striving for something greater than oneself.

The subsequent stanza includes some of the most poetic and mysterious lines in the song: “If I only could make a deal with God / And get him to swap our places / I’d be running up that road / Be running up that hill / With no problems.”

Here, Bush seems to imply that the exchange is not solely a physical transformation but also an alteration in mindset and perspective.

The notion of running with “no problems” suggests a sense of ease and grace that is only possible through a complete change in one’s outlook.

The second half of the song has a more reflective melody and lyrics that contemplate the aftermath of the exchange.

The lines “It doesn’t hurt me / You want to know how it feels?” are repeated, but with a more melancholy tone.

The final stanza of the song contains some of its most touching and beautiful lines: “If I only could / I’d make a deal with God / And I’d get him to swap our places / Be running up that road / Be running up that hill / With no problems / And if I only could / I’d make a deal with God / And I’d get him to swap our places / Be running up that road / Be running up that hill / With no problems.“

In summary, the lyrics of Running Up That Hill are poetic and cryptic, offering a glimpse into the complexities of power, gender, and sacrifice.

In the next section, we will delve into different possible interpretations of the song and its lyrics.

Possible interpretations of the song

Running Up That Hill is a song that has been interpreted in a variety of ways over the years.

Here are some of the most common interpretations of the song:The struggle for power: One of the most common interpretations of the song is that it’s about the struggle for power between men and women.

The idea of switching roles shows a desire to go beyond traditional gender roles and gain power in a different way.

The lyrics also talk about climbing and trying to get to the top, which are symbols of the fight for power.

The desire for empathy: Another interpretation of the song is that it’s about the desire for empathy and understanding between people who are different from each other.

By swapping roles, the two people in the song are able to gain a new perspective on each other’s lives and experiences.

This interpretation is supported by the line, “You want to know how it feels?”

The quest for transcendence in Running Up That Hill can also be interpreted as a quest for transcendence and spiritual enlightenment.

The repeated references to running up a hill or building suggest a desire to reach a higher plane of existence.

The line “I’d make a deal with God” further reinforces this interpretation.

A personal struggle: Finally, it’s possible to interpret Running Up That Hill as a personal struggle for the singer herself.

The song’s lyrics contain many references to physical exertion and pushing oneself to the limit, which may reflect Bush’s own personal struggles with creativity, fame, and identity.

Cultural impact and legacy
The song’s impact can be seen in a variety of cultural contexts. For example: Music: “Running Up That Hill” has been covered by many musicians over the years, including Placebo, Chromatics, and Within Temptation.

The song’s influence can also be heard in the music of other artists, such as Florence + The Machine, who have cited Kate Bush as a major influence.

Film and television: The song has been used in numerous films and TV shows over the years, including “San Junipero,” an episode of the Netflix series “Black Mirror,” “Stranger Things,” and the 2017 film “Atomic Blonde.”

The song’s haunting tune and powerful lyrics make it a popular choice for movies and TV shows that want to show how intense and deep emotions can be.

Popular culture: Running Up That Hill has become a part of popular culture, appearing in video games, commercials, and even political campaigns.

The song’s iconic chorus has been used in ads for Nike and Volvo and was even used as the official campaign song for Hillary Clinton’s 2008 presidential run.

LGBTQ+ community: “Running Up That Hill” has become an anthem for the LGBTQ+ community, with many fans interpreting the song’s lyrics as a call for greater empathy and understanding between different groups of people.

The song’s emotional intensity and universal themes have made it a powerful symbol of hope and resilience.

Overall, Running Up That Hill has had a big effect on popular culture, and it is still one of Kate Bush’s best-known and most-loved songs. 

Its legacy is a testament to the power of music to inspire, move, and connect people across cultures and generations.

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