The Meaning Behind The Song: Running Up That Hill (A Deal With God) by Kate Bush
Few songs have captured the imagination of the public like Kate Bush’s “Running Up That Hill (A Deal With God).” Released in 1985, the song has become an enduring classic, beloved by people of all ages. While many people may know the song, few know the true meaning behind the lyrics. Here, we explore the deep symbolism hidden within the song to discover its true meaning.
The Concept of the Song
“Running Up That Hill (A Deal With God)” is essentially a love song. In it, Kate Bush sings about the struggles and challenges of a relationship and the desire to fundamentally change oneself to make the relationship work. Specifically, the song deals with the struggle between men and women and the power dynamic that exists between them. Bush uses metaphor and symbolism to explore these themes, creating a powerful and memorable song.
The Meaning Behind the Lyrics
The first verse of the song sets up the metaphor that Bush returns to throughout the song:
“If I only could, I’d be running up that hill.If I only could, I’d be running up that hill.”
The “hill” in question represents a metaphorical obstacle that must be overcome in order to make the relationship work. More specifically, it represents the power dynamic between men and women and the ways in which this dynamic affects relationships.
The second verse of the song expands on this metaphor, painting a picture of the difficulties faced by women in relationships with men:
“It doesn’t hurt me.Do you want to feel how it feels?Do you want to know that it doesn’t hurt me?Do you want to hear about the deal that I’m making?”
Here, Bush is asking the listener whether they want to understand the pain that women go through in relationships with men. She then introduces the concept of a “deal,” suggesting that women in relationships make compromises that they find difficult in order to make things work.
The chorus of the song is where the metaphor comes to the forefront:
“And if I only couldMake a deal with GodAnd get him to swap our placesBe running up that roadBe running up that hillBe running up that building”
Bush is essentially saying that if she could change places with her partner, she would be willing to run up the hill and face the challenges of the relationship head-on. She is willing to confront the power dynamics and make the necessary compromises to make things work.
The final verse of the song takes this one step further, introducing the idea of physical transformation:
“You don’t want to hurt me,But see how deep the bullet lies.Unaware I’m tearing you asunder.Ooh, there is thunder in our hearts.”
Here, Bush is saying that in order to change the power dynamic, there must be a physical transformation in both parties. She is willing to make this transformation, but is also aware of the ways in which it will hurt her partner. The final line of the song – “Let’s exchange the experience” – sums up the message of the song. The power dynamic must be changed in order for the relationship to work, and both parties must be willing to make changes.
The Influence of the Song
“Running Up That Hill (A Deal With God)” has had a profound influence on popular music and culture. It has been covered by numerous artists over the years, including Placebo, Within Temptation and the Futureheads. The song has also been used in various movies, TV shows and commercials, further cementing its place in popular culture.
Perhaps the most notable example of the song’s influence, however, is its impact on other musicians. Several high profile musicians have cited “Running Up That Hill (A Deal With God)” as an influence on their own work. These include Bjork, Radiohead, and Florence + the Machine.
The Legacy of the Song
In the years since its release, “Running Up That Hill (A Deal With God)” has become an enduring classic. It has stood the test of time and remains relevant today, over 35 years after its initial release. The song’s message of transformation and compromise resonates with people of all ages and backgrounds, making it a true masterpiece of popular music.
In conclusion, “Running Up That Hill (A Deal With God)” is an iconic song that explores the complexities of relationships and the struggles faced by women in patriarchal societies. Its clever use of metaphor and symbolism has resonated with audiences for decades, making it one of the most beloved songs of all time.
