Run Run Run

The Velvet Underground's song 'Run Run Run' paints a vivid picture of the gritty, desperate lives of various characters in New York City. Each verse introduces a new character, each with their own struggles and vices, all united by a common theme of running—both literally and metaphorically. The song's repetitive chorus, 'run, run, run,' underscores the urgency and the endless cycle of escape and pursuit that defines their existence.

Teenage Mary, Marguerita Passion, Seasick Sarah, and Beardless Harry are all emblematic of the counterculture and the darker side of the 1960s. They are individuals who have sold their souls, either metaphorically or literally, in a bid to find some form of salvation or escape. The references to drug use, such as 'take a drag or two' and 'had to get her fix,' highlight the pervasive influence of substance abuse in their lives. The mention of 'Gypsy Death' adds a layer of mystique and danger, suggesting that their lifestyle is a dance with death.

The song's setting in places like Union Square and the trolleys down to forty-seven adds a sense of place, grounding these characters in the real, yet surreal, landscape of New York City. The Velvet Underground, known for their avant-garde style and raw portrayal of urban life, use these characters to explore themes of addiction, desperation, and the search for meaning in a chaotic world. The song is a snapshot of a time and place where the boundaries between salvation and damnation are blurred, and running seems to be the only option left.