Lyrics
I used to run by the Hudson when it was getting dark
The singer used to run along the Hudson River when it was getting dark.
Twenty miles on the jogging trail in Riverside Park
They would run about twenty miles on the jogging trail in Riverside Park.
And as the sun would set I could get from 155
They could cover the distance from 155th Street and end up where streets have names as the sun set.
And end up where the streets all have names
Reaching an area where streets are identifiable and named.
I've been trapped in my bedroom all spring
During spring, they've been confined to their bedroom, focusing on running to stay fit.
Trying to get in daily mileage to keep myself in trim
The singer aims to maintain their physical fitness by running regularly.
And as the sun sets, the bugs get to eat me alive
Bugs bother them as they run during sunset.
My feet eat the miles of my long run
Their feet endure the miles covered during their long runs.
And on my long run everything's alright
During the long run, everything seems fine and manageable.
And on my long run everything works out
Things seem to work out during the extended running sessions.
And on my long run I don't have to worry about anything
They feel free from worries while on the long run.
Your mom and dad live smack dab at the middle of the line
The singer's parents live in the middle of a route they run.
Running from Washington to Garvey, in a cabin in the sky
They describe a place from Washington to Garvey, possibly metaphorical, where their parents reside.
And I can spend all morning running six-mile loops round the Park
The singer spends mornings running loops around a six-mile track.
Considering the honor due the dead
Reflecting on paying respects to historical figures or events.
From Frederick Douglass to Columbus to Duke Ellington I fly
The singer feels a connection to various historical figures as they run.
On past the Frick, the Lincoln jail, and then the spot John Lennon died
Passing significant landmarks and historical sites during the run.
This whole island used to be a bunch of thickets and schist
Describing how the area they're running in used to be dense with vegetation and rocks.
I used to be a Berkman fanboy
They used to be a fan of Berkman, possibly a historical or influential figure.
And on my long run, everything's all right
During the long run, everything feels fine and manageable.
And on my long run, everything is fine
Similar to the previous lines, expressing a sense of ease and contentment during the run.
And on my long run, I won't have to worry about keeping time
Not worrying about keeping track of time during the extended run.
Back in school my dude we used to look like Leopold and Loeb
Referencing a time in school when they resembled notorious figures known for their actions.
Back then the thought of my mortality would make my head implode
Reflecting on how thoughts of mortality used to deeply trouble them.
Now don't I look just like a genius for predicting my own end?
Feeling prescient or insightful for anticipating their own mortality.
I'm fairly certain that it's coming down the line
Believing that their predicted end is approaching.
O never fear, bro, naught's to dread, look not to left nor right
Encouraging themselves not to fear what's ahead.
In all the endless road you tread there's nothing but the night
Advising to focus on the path ahead, not worrying about what's around.
So I'll keep running and keep running and
Continuing to run persistently.
Keep running, and keep running, and keep running, and keep running
Emphasizing the repetitive nature of their running.
And on my long run, what am I running from?
Questioning the motivation behind their extensive running.
And on my long run, what am I running toward?
Wondering about the ultimate goal or destination of their long run.
On my long run, I make up these songs so that I won't get bored
Creating songs during the run to alleviate boredom.
And in the long run, the the names turn to numbers
Suggesting a transition from named places to mere numerical references, possibly indicating a loss of significance.
And in the long run, the house always wins
Implies that in the long term, the odds are in favor of a particular outcome (the house always wins).
And in the long run, I won't have to worry about staying thin
Not worrying about physical appearance during prolonged runs.
And in the long run my song won't amount to anything
Expressing doubt about the lasting impact or significance of their songs.
And in the long run the stars will burn down to nothing
Reflecting on the eventual demise or burning out of significant entities or ideas.
And in the long run I won't have to worry about what you think
Not concerned about others' opinions or judgments in the long run.
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