Running In The Family
Level 42
The Inescapable Legacy of Family Ties
“Running In The Family” by Level 42 delves into the complexities of familial relationships and the inescapable traits and behaviors passed down through generations. The song opens with a depiction of a strict father figure, whose stern demeanor and disciplinary actions are meant to shape his children for the better. However, the children, represented by the narrator and his siblings, often find themselves rebelling against this authority, symbolized by their escape from the house at night. This act of rebellion is a metaphor for their struggle to break free from the expectations and patterns set by their family lineage.
The chorus, “Looking back it’s so bizarre, it runs in the family,” highlights the realization that despite their efforts to escape, the siblings inevitably inherit their father’s traits and behaviors. The imagery of being in the backseat of a car with Joseph and Emily suggests a journey through life where they can only see so far ahead, limited by their inherited characteristics. The repeated mention of “daddy’s eyes” signifies the undeniable influence of their father, both genetically and behaviorally, on their lives.
The song also touches on the theme of inevitability and acceptance. The line “Like a dream within a dream, we’re all somewhere in between” suggests a sense of being trapped in a cycle, unable to fully escape or change their inherited traits. The phrase “face the music” implies that they must come to terms with their family legacy and the mistakes that come with it. Ultimately, “Running In The Family” is a reflection on the powerful and often unchangeable impact of family on one’s identity and life choices, emphasizing the blend of rebellion and acceptance that defines the human experience within the family structure.
