Story Behind The Song
I read this interview with a marathon runner from Kenia I believe it was. The interviewer wondered if it was a genetic matter and then came this story about running to school, rattling pencil cases etc..Wanted to tell the story, but in these cases it is always more difficult to find a strong chorus etc..Song is probably a bit too long as well. Originally in open E-tuning.All recorded in Nashville,strange mixture of styles..white soul, voice even like Neil Diamond..Had to do it..
Song Description
An explanation why most marathon athletes are from Africa
| Song Length |
5:25 |
Genre |
Pop - Classic, Country - Contemporary |
| Tempo |
Medium Slow (91 - 110) |
Lead Vocal |
Male Vocal |
| Mood |
Composed, Cool |
Subject |
Running, Athlete, Sports |
| Similar Artists |
Neil Diamond, Don Henley |
Language |
English |
| Era |
2000 and later |
| |
Lyrics
Runner boy
Mum and dad have no money for the bus
He needs to go to school just like us
No shoes just his bare feet
His pencils in his backpack that`s all he needs
Chorus:
Oooh he`s a runner, boy
One day he will run a marathon you`ll see
Oooh he`s a runner, boy
That`s how he gets back to you and me
Leaving home before the break of dawn
A kiss for mum and then he`s gone
He does not want to be too late
Porridge from yesterday is all he ate
Chorus
For two hours he`ll run, hear his pencils rattle
In the dark, past the meadows, the smell of cattle
The blood on his feet; there are no options here
Missing school staying home is all he fears
Chorus instrumental
When he arrives at school he can hear the classes
He runs to his stool and takes out his glasses
During the day the African sun will burn
Without lunch mum`s afraid he won`t return
Chorus
Running home his feet are burning
But mum`s glad her son`s returning
His run is a run from poverty
That`s why he succeeds unlike you and me
Chorus
Erwin de Ruiter lyrics and music 18th of August 2012