On the Run Lyrics
I think this song is about how people are too fixcated on getting to their final destination in life that they fail to realize what is happening around them. People never take the time to just live life, which is often due to humanity's inability to ever be satisfied. People fear standing still and doing what they want, hence why they are "on the run". Society has warped the meaning of life to be about how far you can get. But really, it's about "where" you want to get. Does the man really need to catch that plane? Is it really that important in the long run? There are always other flights, but he only has one life to live (theoretically anyway).
This song, although there aren't any lyrics, is about some of the crazy thing sin life that drive you to insanity by thinking too much.
A man is running through an airport, trying to catch his flight. He gets to the gate, but the plane is already taking off. "Live for today, gone tomorrow, that's me..." As soon as it leaves the ground, BOOM!!!! It explodes, and you wonder if you were never meant to get on that plane. It's like what happened to many people on September 11, 2001 who were supposed to be in the WTC but decided otherwise at the last minute or some strange coincidence. Or maybe not a coincidence?? o.O
I get excited when this song comes on. I picture a criminal "on the run" who is hiding from a helicopter in the sky. It is nightime and there is a feeling of suspense, due to the build-up of the song. It goes perfect with the footsteps and the helicopter-like sounds.
This song was originally was a much different instrumental used to link "breathe" and "time". It still serves the same purpose. It's about the transition portion of one's life. It links "breathe" (childhood) to "time" (adulthood).
That's my take on it anyway.
this song is linked with the next song on the album time. about how time flys...and let life pass by..living an unforfilled life. "on the run" means trying to rush as much experience as possible into a lifetime which passes quickly. very spooky ^^
I absolutely love, if you're wearing headphones, you get the eery feeling that someone is running back and forth through your head. Such a trip!
On a technical standpoint, the whole song is made up of 8 notes repeated over and over in a synth sequencer later processed with filters and other stuff. Believe it or not, the hi-hat sound is also synthesized. If you can, try n' find an early live performance of this before they had their synthesizer. It's more of a jazz guitar jam. Different, but neat to hear how this evolved.
i agree with the 1st guy but wen i heard it i thaught he was in an airport too but later it sounds like a helicopter searching for him.
Wow.. if you're right, i finally understand this song.
all your ideas are great, i love pink floyd for this reason too, they can have all these crazy effects on the songs, and they're always so great. Nobody can touch them, they're too hot.