The song lyrics were written by the band Van Halen, as they were asked to write a song for the 1979 movie "Over the Edge" starring Matt Dillon. The movie (and the lyrics, although more obliquely) are about bored, rebellious youth with nothing better to do than get into trouble. If you see the movie, these lyrics will make more sense. It's a great movie if you grew up in the 70s/80s you'll definitely remember some of these characters from your own life. Fun fact, after writing the song, Van Halen decided not to let the movie use it.
Tough of the track with the wind
And the rain that's beating down on your back
Your heart's beating loud
And goes on getting louder
And goes on even more 'til the sound is ringing in your head
With every step you tread and every breath you take
Determination makes you run, never stop
Gotta win, gotta run 'til you drop
Keep the pace, hold the race
The mind is getting clearer
You're over halfway there
But the miles, they never seem to end
As if you're in a dream, not getting anywhere
It seems so futile
Run, on and on
Run, on and on
The loneliness of the long distance runner
I've got to keep running the course
I've got to keep running and win at all costs
I've got to keep going, be strong
Must be so determined and push myself on
Run over stiles, across fields
Turn to look at who's on your heels
Way ahead of the field
The line is getting nearer
But do you want the glory that goes?
You reach the final stretch, ideals are just a trace
You feel like throwing the race
It's all so futile
Run, on and on
Run, on and on
The loneliness of the long distance runner
Run, on and on
Run, on and on
The loneliness of the long distance runner
And the rain that's beating down on your back
Your heart's beating loud
And goes on getting louder
And goes on even more 'til the sound is ringing in your head
With every step you tread and every breath you take
Determination makes you run, never stop
Gotta win, gotta run 'til you drop
Keep the pace, hold the race
The mind is getting clearer
You're over halfway there
But the miles, they never seem to end
As if you're in a dream, not getting anywhere
It seems so futile
Run, on and on
Run, on and on
The loneliness of the long distance runner
I've got to keep running the course
I've got to keep running and win at all costs
I've got to keep going, be strong
Must be so determined and push myself on
Run over stiles, across fields
Turn to look at who's on your heels
Way ahead of the field
The line is getting nearer
But do you want the glory that goes?
You reach the final stretch, ideals are just a trace
You feel like throwing the race
It's all so futile
Run, on and on
Run, on and on
The loneliness of the long distance runner
Run, on and on
Run, on and on
The loneliness of the long distance runner
Add your thoughts
Log in now to tell us what you think this song means.
Don’t have an account? Create an account with SongMeanings to post comments, submit lyrics, and more. It’s super easy, we promise!
More Featured Meanings
Light Up The Sky
Van Halen
Van Halen
Son Şansın - Şarkı Sözleri
Hayalperest
Hayalperest
This song seemingly tackles the methods of deception those who manipulate others use to get victims to follow their demands, as well as diverting attention away from important issues. They'll also use it as a means to convince people to hate or kill others by pretending acts of terrorism were committed by the enemy when the acts themselves were done by the masters of control to promote discrimination and hate. It also reinforces the idea that these manipulative forces operate in various locations, infiltrating everyday life without detection, and propagate any and everywhere.
In general, it highlights the danger of hidden agendas, manipulation, and distraction, serving as a critique of those who exploit chaos and confusion to control and gain power, depicting a cautionary tale against falling into their traps. It encourages us to question the narratives presented to us and remain vigilant against manipulation in various parts of society.
Just A Little Lovin'
Dusty Springfield
Dusty Springfield
I don't think it's necessarily about sex. It's about wanting to start the day with some love and affection. Maybe a warm cuddle. I'm not alone in interpreting it that way! For example:
"'Just a Little Lovin’ is a timeless country song originally recorded by Eddy Arnold in 1954. The song, written by Eddie Miller and Jimmy Campbell, explores the delicate nuances of love and showcases Arnold’s emotive vocals. It delves into the universal theme of love and how even the smallest gesture of affection can have a profound impact on our lives." https://oldtimemusic.com/the-meaning-behind-the-song-just-a-little-lovin-by-eddy-arnold/
Punchline
Ed Sheeran
Ed Sheeran
Ed Sheeran sings about missing his former partner and learning important life lessons in the process on “Punchline.” This track tells a story of battling to get rid of emotions for a former lover, whom he now realized might not have loved him the same way. He’s now caught between accepting that fact and learning life lessons from it and going back to beg her for another chance.
Head > Heels
Ed Sheeran
Ed Sheeran
“Head > Heels” is a track that aims to capture what it feels like to experience romance that exceeds expectations. Ed Sheeran dedicates his album outro to a lover who has blessed him with a unique experience that he seeks to describe through the song’s nuanced lyrics.
I think it compares the marathon with life. In life, we sometimes have to run on and on, not turn back and never stop, no matter how hard it seems. And if you want to reach a certain aim, you will have to be strong. That's what the song means to me.
This song is written based on The Loneliness of the Long Distance Runner, by Alan Sillitoe:
It's about a poor teenager (Colin) from Nottingham who doesn't have many plans for his life and doesn't really get into anything more than committing petty crimes. His home life is terrible and when he gets caught robbing a bakery, Colin is the equivalent of a juvenile delinquinet school or sorts.
He finds solace in distance running, attracting the school's authorities but during an important cross-country meet that he is about to win, he stops shortof the finish line to defy his captors.
There was a movie also made based on the book.
On the surface it's about, well, running. But it's also about making it through life.
This song was written after the book with the same name. I'm not sure who the author is, I never read this one.
Has anyone posting here actually tried running seriously? maybe you should, then you'll understand the title! try getting up before work and going on a hard training session in the cold dark by yourself and having just enough enegy to get you through the day before you collapse without saying much to anyone! then you'll know the loneliness of the long distance runner! you're alone in your quest to be the best.... and it's flippin hard!
This song is based on the short story by Alan Sillitoe about a boy in a Britting borstal (detention center) who is training for a long distance run in his schools name. The last verse is about the end of the story where he doesn't want to win the race becuase it would mean glory for the people who are opressing him, and instead he makes a choice to throw the race in front of his headmasters and everyone.
Guys, SIT is a concept album, listen to every song very carefully and you'll begin to understand. SIT is one of the 3 concepts from Maiden's history.
@VuVang Not exactly intentional on the band's part.
Can't believe "slipper"'s the only poster who thinks this song is about more than the surface meaning. Iron Maiden have a habit of stealing titles from movies/books and writing about horror/history/sci-fi/etc. BUT, that doesn't mean there's no deeper meaning to the songs (sometimes, maybe - I don't think "Phantom of the Opera" is anything more than a cool story). This song simply has a DOUBLE meaning. Yes, it's probably influenced by the story of the same name (book or movie), but it's also a metaphor for their enormously long tours. Remember, at this time Iron Maiden had just finished a massive year-and-a-half tour for Powerslave. Adrian Smith's talked about going to visit his parents and he knocked on the wrong door! Most of "Somewhere in Time" is about that - the feeling that much of the rest of their lives was abandoned for that time ("Wasted Years"), and tales of traveling the world despite weariness ("Alexander the Great"). But,as Iron Maiden's schtick is telling exciting tales of adventure and horror, they're not gonna sing about "bein' on the road again, touring". They're going to write a metaphorical song that's about "run, on and on" to also refer to "gig, on and on".
@Heavymetalharp They're more loose adaptions.
One o fmy favorite Maiden tracks, but not the best on "Somewhere In Time", which has some really fackin' good songs on it. I love the guitar to this, and the lyrics are pretty cool since they're about facing hardship and such.
I have done a marathon (and more) and it wasn't always nice and dandy. My luck: I had this fine tune to think about. "Will not run again". Next day ---> On the road.