Lyrics
I promised you if you'd love me
I made a promise that I would stay if you loved me
That I'd never ever go
Assurance that the speaker wouldn't leave
Want you to know now that I meant that
Reiterating the sincerity of the promise
Just didn't know they'd need me so
Unaware of the future challenges and responsibilities
My body's here in the city
Physically present in the city but emotionally connected to home
But my soul is back at home
Expressing the internal conflict of being away
My people need my education
Feeling obligated to fulfill educational responsibilities
Pleading eyes won't leave my head alone.
The emotional burden of the pleading eyes of loved ones
So this is Running Deer running
Identifying as Running Deer, returning home
To the home I left behind
Returning to the place left behind
This is running deer running
Repeating the theme of the speaker's journey
Before I run out of my mind.
Highlighting the urgency before losing mental stability
I told you bout the reservation
Earlier explanation of the speaker's background and values
And the way that I was raised
Describing the modest upbringing and cultural background
How my family never had much
Reference to the family's financial struggles
Well now I've got some debts to pay
Conveying a sense of duty to repay debts
You were born here in the city
Contrasting the partner's city origin with the speaker's roots
You've seen the hunger and the pain
Acknowledging the partner's familiarity with urban challenges
My people lived like that for centuries
Reflecting on the enduring hardships of the speaker's people
That's what I have got to try and change.
Expressing the commitment to bring about positive change
Comment