Always Running

Malukah's 'Always Running' delves into the perpetual struggle of escaping one's own inner demons and the haunting past. The song opens with a vivid depiction of a 'solemn field of silence,' where the protagonist feels numb to the surrounding violence and pain. This sets the tone for a narrative steeped in introspection and existential dread. The recurring theme of running suggests a relentless pursuit, not just from external threats but from an internal transformation that the protagonist finds both inevitable and terrifying.

The lyrics are rich with metaphors, such as 'fear and death perfume the air,' which evoke a sense of inescapable doom. The protagonist is caught in a cycle of mystery and misery, always ending up in the same place despite their efforts to escape. This cyclical nature of their plight is emphasized by the repetition of the phrase 'always running,' highlighting the futility and exhaustion of their efforts. The song's chorus underscores this internal conflict, where the protagonist is 'running from something I'm becoming,' suggesting a fear of their own evolving identity.

As the song progresses, the protagonist's sense of self becomes increasingly fragmented. They describe a 'buried well of consciousness' and a world where 'everyone becomes anonymous,' indicating a loss of individuality and connection. The descent into a 'twisted fantasy' and 'nightmare' further illustrates the psychological torment they endure. The final verses reveal a resigned acceptance of their fate, acknowledging that 'becoming has taken its toll.' The haunting repetition of 'becoming one' signifies a merging of their past and present selves, a transformation that is both unstoppable and irreversible. Through 'Always Running,' Malukah masterfully captures the essence of an internal battle, where the lines between hunter and hunted, self and other, blur into a hauntingly beautiful narrative.