Run Run Run
Chasing Salvation: The Spiraling Tales of Souls in Velvet Underground's 'Run Run Run'
Lyrics
Teenage Mary said to Uncle Dave
Teenage Mary confides in Uncle Dave about selling her soul, seeking salvation.
I sold my soul, must be saved
Expressing the consequence of selling her soul and the need for redemption.
Gonna take a walk down to Union Square
Planning to visit Union Square, hinting at a journey or quest for something.
You never know who you're gonna find there
Emphasizing the unpredictable nature of encounters in Union Square.
You gotta run, run, run, run, run
An imperative to run, suggesting urgency or escape.
Take a drag or two
Suggesting substance use with "Take a drag or two."
Run, run, run, run, run
Repetition of the urgency to run, possibly from a negative force ("Gypsy Death").
Gypsy Death and you
Linking running with a concept of inevitable fate or consequence.
Tell you whatcha do
Instructions or advice on what to do in the given situation.
Marguerita Passion had to get her fix
Introducing Marguerita Passion, facing addiction and seeking a fix.
She wasn't well, she was getting sick
Highlighting her deteriorating health due to addiction.
Went to sell her soul, she wasn't high
Attempts to sell her soul, possibly to sustain her addiction.
Didn't know, thinks she could buy it
Ignorance about the impossibility of buying one's soul.
And she would run, run, run, run, run
Reiteration of the theme of running, now applied to Marguerita Passion.
Take a drag or two
Continuation of substance use as indicated by "Take a drag or two."
Run, run, run, run, run
Repetition of the urgency to run, emphasizing a link with negative consequences.
Gypsy Death and you
Connecting running with a concept of fate or death, suggesting inevitability.
Tell you whatcha do
Instructions or advice, possibly related to the consequences of running.
Seasick Sarah had a golden nose
Introduction of Seasick Sarah, described with a distinctive feature (golden nose).
Hobnail boots wrapped around her toes
Physical description of Seasick Sarah, emphasizing her unique footwear.
When she turned blue, all the angels screamed
Describing a dramatic moment when Sarah turns blue, with angels reacting.
They didn't know, they couldn't make the scene
Angels unable to intervene, suggesting a helpless situation or destiny.
She had to run, run, run, run, run
Applying the theme of running to Seasick Sarah, emphasizing urgency.
Take a drag or two
Continuation of substance use with "Take a drag or two."
Run, run, run, run, run
Repetition of the urgent need to run, connecting with negative outcomes.
Gypsy Death and you
Linking running with a concept of fate or death, similar to previous instances.
Tell you whatcha do
Instructions or advice, possibly related to the consequences of running.
Beardless Harry, what a waste
Introducing Beardless Harry, portrayed as lacking experience or maturity.
Couldn't even get a small-town taste
Highlighting Harry's inability to enjoy life in a small town, suggesting dissatisfaction.
Rode the trolleys down to forty-seven
Depicting Harry's journey on trolleys, possibly a metaphor for a mundane existence.
Figured he was good to get himself to heaven
Belief that his actions lead to a heavenly destination or positive outcome.
'Cause he had to run, run, run, run, run
Applying the theme of running to Beardless Harry, emphasizing urgency.
Take a drag or two
Continuation of substance use with "Take a drag or two."
Run, run, run, run, run
Repetition of the urgent need to run, connecting with negative outcomes.
Gypsy Death and you
Linking running with a concept of fate or death, echoing previous instances.
Tell you whatcha do
Instructions or advice, possibly related to the consequences of running.
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