The Meaning Behind The Song: Runaway Train by Soul Asylum
Runaway Train is a powerful and emotive song that tackles the sensitive issue of missing children. The song was released in 1992 by Soul Asylum, an American rock band formed in Minneapolis. It became a huge hit and helped to raise awareness about the issue of missing children across the world.
The Inspiration for Runaway Train
The inspiration for Runaway Train came from the band’s lead singer and songwriter, Dave Pirner. Pirner was reading a magazine article about missing children when he came across a section that listed their names and locations. He was struck by the fact that there were so many children who had disappeared, and the thought of their grieving families inspired him to write the song.
In an interview with MTV, Pirner said, “I read this article about how there were something like 36,000 kids that were missing. The FBI was saying that they felt like they had exhausted all their leads; they were at a loss as to what to do next. And they were thinking about putting their pictures on milk cartons, which at the time sounded pretty ridiculous, but they ended up doing it. I think it was really kind of inspiring that they went ahead and tried to do something. That’s what the song is about, really. It’s about people trying to do something.”
The Lyrics of Runaway Train
The lyrics of Runaway Train are poignant and heartfelt. They describe the pain and fear that missing children and their families experience, as well as the hope that they will one day be reunited. The chorus, in particular, is powerful and memorable:
“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”
The lyrics convey a sense of confusion and desperation, as if the singers are on a journey that doesn’t seem to have a destination. They are searching for something, but they don’t know what it is. The line “wrong way on a one-way track” is particularly symbolic, as it suggests that the journey is futile and that there is no way out.
The Music Video for Runaway Train
The music video for Runaway Train is one of the most famous and impactful ever made. It was directed by Tony Kaye, an English filmmaker, and features the band singing the song against a black background while footage of missing children is displayed on screen.
The video ends with a message encouraging viewers to call a hotline if they have any information about the missing children. The hotline number is different for each region, and viewers are encouraged to write it down and keep it with them.
The Runaway Train video was groundbreaking at the time because it used real images of missing children instead of actors. It also helped to raise awareness about the issue of missing children across the world. According to the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children, the video led to the recovery of 21 missing children within a year of its release.
The Legacy of Runaway Train
Runaway Train remains one of the most powerful and influential songs of all time. It has been covered by a number of artists, including Rosanne Cash, Keb’ Mo’, and John Waite. It has also been used in several films and TV shows, including Beverly Hills 90210 and Without a Trace.
More importantly, Runaway Train has helped to raise awareness about the issue of missing children. Since its release, the number of missing children reported in the United States has decreased significantly. According to the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children, the number of missing children cases nationwide decreased from approximately 1.6 million in 1997 to less than 900,000 in 2019.
The Impact of Soul Asylum’s Message
Soul Asylum’s message remains just as important today as it did when Runaway Train was first released. There are still thousands of children who go missing every year, and their families continue to suffer. The band’s message of hope and perseverance in the face of tragedy is an important reminder that we should never give up on those who are missing.
In an interview with Songfacts, Pirner said, “If somebody picks up this phone number and makes a connection that they wouldn’t have otherwise, that’s what it’s all about. Like, let’s try to make a difference here. The song is not about me. It’s about this thing that I noticed that’s going on in the world.”
In conclusion, Runaway Train is a song with a powerful message that has stood the test of time. Its impact on the world can still be felt today, and it continues to inspire people to take action to help missing children. Soul Asylum’s willingness to tackle such a sensitive and difficult issue is a powerful reminder that music can be used as a force for good in the world.
