Night Running (feat. Beck)
Cage The Elephant
The Thrill and Escape of Night Running
“Night Running” by Cage The Elephant, featuring Beck, is a pulsating anthem that captures the essence of nocturnal escapades and the thrill of living on the edge. The song's lyrics paint a vivid picture of a night filled with adrenaline, secrecy, and a sense of rebellion. The opening lines, “We’re on a night run, boy you better hold your tongue,” set the tone for a journey that is both exhilarating and fraught with danger. The mention of “kingdom come” and “cold blooded” suggests a sense of urgency and survival, as if the characters are running from something or someone, perhaps even their own inner demons.
The recurring chorus, “Night running, all night running,” emphasizes the relentless pace and the star-studded allure of the night. The phrase “cold blooded” adds a layer of detachment and resilience, indicating that the characters are hardened by their experiences. The song’s imagery of “killing the moonlight with daylight” and “x-ray eyes” evokes a sense of invincibility and heightened perception, as if the night grants them a superhuman ability to navigate their world.
As the song progresses, the lyrics delve deeper into the themes of secrecy and existential questioning. Lines like “Tell me what we’re hiding from” and “Are we for real, yeah? Or just pretending?” reflect a sense of uncertainty and introspection. The mention of “secrets and demons” and “people hiding from the sun” suggests a world where everyone has something to hide, and the night becomes a refuge from the harsh realities of the day. The song’s conclusion, with references to “tidal waves” and “biblical floods,” underscores the idea of enduring through chaos and finding strength in the face of adversity. Ultimately, “Night Running” is a celebration of the freedom and intensity that comes with living life on the edge, even if it means running all night long.