Running Up That Hill (A Deal With God) - 2018 Remaster

The song dives deep into the struggles of love and connection. It paints a picture of wanting to truly understand what another person feels. There's a sense of urgency in wanting to mend things, to make a deal with God just to feel what the other person feels. It’s emotional and raw, touching on themes like empathy, pain, and the complexities of relationships.

Verse 1

It doesn't hurt me
Do you wanna feel how it feels?
Do you want to know-know that it doesn't hurt me?
Do you wanna hear about the deal I'm making?

In the first verse, Kate sets the stage for an emotional conversation. She asks if the other person wants to truly understand her pain. It’s almost like she’s inviting them into her world. The mention of making a deal adds a sense of desperation and hope, hinting at her desire to swap experiences to ease their struggles.

Chorus

And if I only could, I'd make a deal with God
And I'd get Him to swap our places
Be running up that road, be running up that hill
Be running up that building

The chorus is the emotional core of the song. Here, she wishes for a literal exchange of places with God. This idea of "running up that road" symbolizes a journey or struggle. It’s powerful because it shows how much she’s willing to do just to understand what the other person is going through. The repetition emphasizes her longing and the weight of her wish.

Verse 2

You don't wanna hurt me
But see how deep the bullet lies
Unaware, I'm tearing you asunder
Oh, there is thunder in our hearts

In this verse, she acknowledges that the other person doesn’t want to cause pain, yet there’s a deep hurt. The "bullet" metaphor suggests that the pain is hidden but very real. She feels torn apart, and the "thunder" suggests a storm of emotions. It captures the turmoil that often exists in close relationships, where love and hurt coexist.

Chorus

Is there so much hate for the ones we love?
Oh, tell me we both matter, don't we?
You, it's you and me
It's you and me, you won't be unhappy

This chorus shifts the focus slightly, questioning the hate that can exist even among those who love each other. It’s a plea for reassurance that they both matter. This part feels hopeful, as she emphasizes their connection. It shows her desire to keep the relationship strong despite the pain.

Bridge

Come on baby, come on darling
Let me steal this moment from you now
Come on angel, come on, come on darling
Let's exchange the experience, oh

In the bridge, she’s inviting her partner to share a moment together. It’s a call for intimacy and understanding. The idea of "stealing a moment" suggests urgency and the need to connect deeply. It’s sweet and romantic, hinting at her desire to experience life together, even in their struggles.

Chorus

If I only could, I'd make a deal with God
And I'd get Him to swap our places
And be running up that road, be running up that hill
With no problems

The repetition of the chorus reinforces her longing to escape their issues. The idea of running "with no problems" is a dream of relief from their emotional burdens. It feels like a wish for simplicity in a complicated relationship, highlighting her desire for peace.

Outro

Say if I only could, I'd be running out that hill
If I only could, I'd be running out that hill

The outro repeats the idea of wanting to run away from their problems. It leaves us with a sense of longing. There’s a bittersweet feeling here, as she wishes for a way out but understands the complexities of love.

Closing Thoughts

"Running Up That Hill" is a powerful exploration of love, pain, and the desire for understanding. Kate Bush captures the emotional landscape of relationships beautifully. It’s a timeless piece that resonates with anyone who has ever felt the weight of love and the wish to connect more deeply with someone else.