This song seems to me to be about the stunted realities that so many people are being forced into with the current economic conditions. Even if people are employed and may have "stable" jobs, most people "work to live" in jobs they don't like to the point that their growing careers end making them "live to work". The theme of "running" in the chorus and title seems to come from a dire need for freedom from the oppressive situations that we are placed in against our wills. As jfoxx mentioned above, the place he seems to be describing in the second verse seems to be Africa, "where a little bit of condensation means so much". While the idea of a more communal and simpler life away from "all those stars and bars" seems more beautiful to the vocalist, he also recognizes the lack of glamor inherent in this lifestyle, mentioning that "a little bit of change is all your little fingers touch". In other words, in the face of the cutthroat economic policies exercised by America and its largely white power structure, Ezra Koenig seems to be viewing life in Africa as a sort of escape. This less complicated life, based on more traditional and tribal values of family, sharing, and music appears to be "the only honest way to go". And while such a lifestyle (almost akin to communism or socialism in its abandonment of capitalist motivations) is often regarded as 'good in theory but not in practice', Koenig suggests that "we could try". With "you" (love), and "a battered radio" (music, no matter how rudimentary), life would again return to its most essential needs, without any of its unnecessary bullshit.
This song seems to me to be about the stunted realities that so many people are being forced into with the current economic conditions. Even if people are employed and may have "stable" jobs, most people "work to live" in jobs they don't like to the point that their growing careers end making them "live to work". The theme of "running" in the chorus and title seems to come from a dire need for freedom from the oppressive situations that we are placed in against our wills. As jfoxx mentioned above, the place he seems to be describing in the second verse seems to be Africa, "where a little bit of condensation means so much". While the idea of a more communal and simpler life away from "all those stars and bars" seems more beautiful to the vocalist, he also recognizes the lack of glamor inherent in this lifestyle, mentioning that "a little bit of change is all your little fingers touch". In other words, in the face of the cutthroat economic policies exercised by America and its largely white power structure, Ezra Koenig seems to be viewing life in Africa as a sort of escape. This less complicated life, based on more traditional and tribal values of family, sharing, and music appears to be "the only honest way to go". And while such a lifestyle (almost akin to communism or socialism in its abandonment of capitalist motivations) is often regarded as 'good in theory but not in practice', Koenig suggests that "we could try". With "you" (love), and "a battered radio" (music, no matter how rudimentary), life would again return to its most essential needs, without any of its unnecessary bullshit.
I think this is an excellent in-depth and accurate interpretation of this song. Cheers
I think this is an excellent in-depth and accurate interpretation of this song. Cheers