The Runner

Album: Everything Not Saved Will Be Lost - Part 2 (2019)
Charted: 87
Play Video

Songfacts®:

  • "The Runner" is the first song with lyrics on Everything Not Saved Will Be Lost – Part 2. The last two tracks on Everything Not Saved Will Be Lost – Part 1 are set in a world of environmental destruction and social dislocation. Opening with a bombastic guitar riff, this tune's opening lines find Yannis Philippakis determined to keep persevering despite the troubles we are facing. As the singer keeps charging through the embers of this burnt out world, he vows to find a sense of purpose.

    Shadow, see how far I go
    Step by step I'll keep it up, I won't slow, I gotta go
    Through the embers, through the rows
    Every shadow step I take, I'll make sure that I won't break.


    Philippakis explained to DIY magazine: "'Sunday' and 'I'm Done with the World (& It's Done with Me)' [from ENSWBL Part 1] end in lots of imagery of fire and the world being devastated, and this record exists in the wreckage of everything that came from that."
  • The video, which was directed by French visual artist Quentin Deronzier, sees Yannis Philippakis being mercilessly chased by his doppelgänger. The singer's lookalike is played by the Lebanese actor Vincent Heneine.

Comments

Be the first to comment...

Editor's Picks

Philip Cody

Philip CodySongwriter Interviews

A talented lyricist, Philip helped revive Neil Sedaka's career with the words to "Laughter In The Rain" and "Bad Blood."

Michael Franti

Michael FrantiSongwriter Interviews

Franti tells the story behind his hit "Say Hey (I Love You)" and explains why yoga is an integral part of his lifestyle and his Soulshine tour.

Graham Parker

Graham ParkerSongwriter Interviews

When Judd Apatow needed under-appreciated rockers for his Knocked Up sequel, he immediately thought of Parker, who just happened to be getting his band The Rumour back together.

Dennis DeYoung

Dennis DeYoungSongwriter Interviews

Dennis DeYoung explains why "Mr. Roboto" is the defining Styx song, and what the "gathering of angels" represents in "Come Sail Away."

Chris Frantz of Talking Heads

Chris Frantz of Talking HeadsSongwriter Interviews

Talking Heads drummer Chris Frantz on where the term "new wave" originated, the story of "Naive Melody," and why they never recorded another cover song after "Take Me To The River."

Dar Williams

Dar WilliamsSongwriter Interviews

A popular contemporary folk singer, Williams still remembers the sticky note that changed her life in college.