I Run For Life

Melissa Etheridge

It's been years since they told her about it
The darkness her body possessed
And the scars are still there in the mirror
Everyday that she gets herself dressed
Though the pain is miles and miles behind her
And the fear is now a docile beast
If you ask her why she is still running
She'll tell you it makes her complete

I run for hope
I run to feel
I run for the truth, for all that is real
I run for your mother, your sister, your wife
I run for you and me my friend
I run for life

It's a blur since they told me about it
How the darkness had taken its toll
And they cut into my skin
And they cut into my body
But they will never get a piece of my soul
And now I'm still learning the lesson
To awake when I hear the call
And if you ask me why I am still running
I'll tell you I run for us all

I run for hope
I run to feel
I run for the truth, for all that is real
I run for your mother, your sister, your wife
I run for you and me my friend
I run for life

And someday if they tell you about it
If the darkness knocks on your door
Remember her
Remember me
We will be running as we have before
Running for answers
Running for more

I run for hope
I run to feel
I run for the truth, for all that is real
I run for your mother, your sister, your wife
I run for you and me my friend
I run for life

I run for hope
I run to feel
I run for the truth, for all that is real
I run for your mother, your sister, your daughter, your wife
For you and me my friend
I run for life

I run for your mother, your sister, your wife
I run for you and me my friend
I run for life


Lyrics submitted by Cassieh

I Run for Life Lyrics as written by Melissa Etheridge

Lyrics © BMG Rights Management

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I Run For Life song meanings
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6 Comments

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  • 0
    General Comment
    They have been using this song in the background of breast cancer walk/run ads (Specifically the 3 day ones.) I didn't know if it was an 'actual' song or just something for the events. Either way it is extremely powerful to hear this: "I run for hope I run to feel I run for the truth For all that is real I run for your mother, your sister, your wife I run for you and me, my friend I run for life" I doubt it is much about feminism at all, Etheridge is a breat cancer survivor herself isn't she?
    jazzchicon October 16, 2006   Link
  • 0
    General Comment
    Yes, she is. The song is about the breast cancer fight in general, and how you need to keep on running. Beating it and sharing your story with other women will help with early detection, etc. That's the reason for: I run for your mother, your sister, your wife I run for you and me, my friend
    stagemanager86on March 01, 2007   Link
  • 0
    General Comment
    this song is played at relay for lifes. its incredibly inspirational and touches all of those who have been effected by cancer
    Randomlymton June 09, 2007   Link
  • 0
    General Comment
    In an interview she mentioned the 3 different verses. One of a woman who beat her battle, the second being her own personal fight with "the darkness", and the third as an inspiration to those who are just beginning their battle. This song has personal meaning to me because a friend was going through chemo, and we both found comfort in this song. Beautiful work, Melissa, as always.
    ErickLjungon September 23, 2007   Link
  • 0
    General Comment
    This song is quite inspirational. I was actually running on the treadmill in the gym the other day and almost broke down. Now I don't have breast cancer myself; but I have had my own fair share of struggles with several surgeries throughout my life. The lyrics are general enough, that anyone can find inspiration in them. Great song!
    doosydaisyon April 16, 2008   Link
  • -1
    General Comment
    I think this has something to do with feminism....
    Artemiston September 25, 2006   Link

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