Runnin' Blue

The Doors' song 'Runnin' Blue' is a poignant reflection on loss, restlessness, and the search for meaning. The song opens with a tribute to Otis Redding, a legendary soul singer who tragically died in a plane crash. The lyrics 'Poor Otis dead and gone / Left me here to sing his song' suggest a sense of mourning and a desire to keep Otis's spirit alive through music. This sets a somber tone, highlighting the impact of Otis's death on the narrator and perhaps the music community at large.

As the song progresses, the theme of restlessness becomes more apparent. The repeated lines 'Runnin' away, back to L.A.' and 'Got to find the dock on the bay' evoke a sense of urgency and a need to escape. This could be interpreted as the narrator's attempt to flee from their troubles or to find solace in a familiar place. The mention of 'the dock on the bay' is a direct reference to Otis Redding's famous song '(Sittin' On) The Dock of the Bay,' further tying the narrative to Otis's legacy and the search for peace.

The chorus, 'Well, I've got the runnin' blues / Runnin' scared / Runnin' blue,' encapsulates the feeling of being trapped in a cycle of anxiety and melancholy. The phrase 'runnin' blue' suggests a deep-seated sadness that the narrator cannot escape, no matter how far they run. The repeated mention of 'look at my shoes / Not quite the walkin' blues' contrasts the idea of walking away from problems with the more frantic act of running, emphasizing the narrator's desperation and lack of direction. This song captures the essence of a restless spirit, haunted by loss and searching for meaning in a chaotic world.