☝️ Key Points
- The song is about not being able to run away from oneself.
- One must confront their problems and take responsibility for their actions.
- Everyone has their own burdens and only the one who truly feels them can understand.
- The lyrics emphasize that one must find their own purpose in life.
- Bob Marley explains that he has made the decision to protect his own life and have no conflicts.
Interpretation
The lyrics of the song "Running Away" by
Bob Marley are about not being able to run away from oneself. The chorus repeats over and over again "You running and you running / And you running away" and emphasizes that one cannot escape their own problems and mistakes.
The verses delve into the idea that if one cannot find their place in life, it's because they must have done something wrong. The lyrics state: "You must have done something wrong / Why you can't find the place where you belong". This can mean that one must confront their own mistakes and decisions instead of running away from them.
It is also pointed out that everyone has their own personal burdens, but only the person who truly feels them can understand: "Every man thinketh his burden is the heaviest / But who feels it knows it Lord". This can mean that one cannot always understand what others are going through and that it is important to have empathy.
The lyrics also emphasize that one cannot hide from oneself: "But you can't runaway from yourself / Can't runaway from yourself". One must face their problems and take responsibility for their actions.
The lyrics also contain personal statements from Bob Marley, in which he explains that he has made the decision to protect his own life and not live in an environment full of conflicts: "I've got to protect my life / And I don't want to live with no strife". He defends against the idea that he is running away and emphasizes that he is not afraid of the consequences of his decisions.
Overall, the lyrics of the song "Running Away" convey the message that one cannot run away from oneself and that one must confront the challenges of life instead of running away from them. It is important to take responsibility for one's actions and find one's own purpose in life.