In the early 90s, it was time for alternative rock to hit the airwaves. many of these songs reached in and touched raw emotion of personal struggles. The lead singer of Soul Asylum said that “Run Away Train” was originally about his personal experience with depression. It wasn’t common to admit struggles with depression and emotional impacts back then (some people still can’t deal with it.) I remember hearing the song and it resonating in times when not all decisions I was making were the best, both personally and in relationships…and I was learning to deal with the emotions and kick back from those situations.
The song and it’s video gained a different path when they decided to feature missing and exploited children in it. This was before Amber alerts and social media. The video featured 36 children, and it is reported that 25 of those have been located and as of 2019, 11 are still missing. You can see those still missing in this article on People.com.
“I distinctly recall first hearing ‘Runaway Train’, not least of all because it was the very first song on the demo cassette they sent me. It just had this rawness to it. It felt like the naked expression of this desperately sad person. Every sentiment, every lyric was so beautifully employed and placed. It all added up to a very intense mood, as well as something that was easy for anyone to relate to who has ever felt lost in their life. It reminded of a classic country-western song in that way.”
Producer Michael Beinhorn talking to Spin about the song.
Listen and experience the song below!
Call you up in the middle of the night Like a firefly without a light You were there like a blowtorch burning I was a key that could use a little turning So tired that I couldn't even sleep So many secrets I couldn't keep Promised myself I wouldn't weep One more promise I couldn't keep It seems no one can help me now I'm in too deep There's no way out This time I have really lead myself astray Runaway train never going back Wrong way on a one-way track Seems like I should be getting somewhere Somehow I'm neither here nor there Can you help me remember how to smile? Make it somehow all seem worthwhile How on earth did I get so jaded? Life's mysteries seem so faded I can go where no one else can go I know what no one else knows Here I am, just drowning in the rain With a ticket for a runaway train And everything seems cut and dry Day and night Earth and sky Somehow I just don't believe it Runaway train never going back Wrong way on a one-way track Seems like I should be getting somewhere Somehow I'm neither here nor there Bought a ticket for a runaway train Like a madman laughing at the rain A little out of touch, a little insane It's just easier than dealing with the pain Runaway train never going back Wrong way on a one-way track Seems like I should be getting somewhere Somehow I'm neither here nor there Runaway train never coming back Runaway train tearing up the track Runaway train burning in my veins I run away but it always seems the same
Are there songs that help you cope with strong feelings – what are some of your favorite?
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