Running Scared
Ell & Nikki
The Vulnerability of Love in 'Running Scared'
Ell & Nikki's song 'Running Scared' delves into the intense emotions and vulnerabilities that come with deep affection. The lyrics express a profound need for the presence of a loved one, highlighting the desperation and fear that accompany such strong feelings. The repeated plea, 'Oh God, I need you,' underscores the urgency and dependency felt by the narrator, suggesting that their emotional well-being is closely tied to the presence of their beloved.
The recurring theme of running and being scared reflects the anxiety and fear of losing the person they adore. The lines 'I'm running, I'm scared of life' and 'I'm running, I'm scared of breathing' convey a sense of overwhelming dread and insecurity. This fear is not just about the potential loss of the loved one but also about the narrator's own ability to cope with life without them. The act of running symbolizes an attempt to escape these fears, yet it also indicates a lack of resolution and peace.
The song also touches on the desire to protect and provide safety for the loved one, as seen in the lines 'Oh, what I wouldn't give away / To be your shelter and keep you safe.' This protective instinct further emphasizes the depth of the narrator's love and the lengths they would go to ensure the well-being of their partner. The overall tone of the song is one of raw emotion and vulnerability, capturing the essence of what it means to love someone so deeply that it becomes both a source of strength and a cause of fear.