"Running Up That Hill (A Deal With God)" by Scott Bradlee's Postmodern Jukebox featuring Sweet Megg is a unique cover of the iconic song originally written and performed by Kate Bush. This interpretation adds a fresh twist to the track with its vintage-inspired arrangement and Sweet Megg's soulful vocals, while retaining the powerful and thought-provoking essence of the original lyrics.
The song explores themes of longing, desperation, and the desire for change in interpersonal relationships. It delves into the complexity of human connections and the sacrifices one might be willing to make to bridge a divide. The lyrics are open to interpretation, with multiple layers of meaning and emotion.
The opening lines set the tone for the entire song by stating, "It doesn't hurt me. Do you wanna feel how it feels? Do you wanna know, know that it doesn't hurt me?" These questions indicate that the protagonist is inviting the listener to step into their shoes and experience the emotional turmoil they are going through. It highlights the pain they are willing to endure and suggests a longing for empathy and understanding.
The central theme of the song revolves around the idea of making a deal with God. The protagonist expresses their desire to swap places with someone else, presenting a metaphorical scenario where they would run up a road, hill, or building to symbolize their quest for change and overcoming obstacles. This pursuit is driven by a deep yearning, as if they are desperate for a different perspective or a new emotional dynamic.
In the chorus, the lyrics repeatedly express the protagonist's willingness to make this deal with God, emphasizing their determination to bring about this transformation: "And if I only could, I'd make a deal with God, And I'd get him to swap our places, Be running up that road, Be running up that hill." This longing for exchange implies a desire to understand the other person's perspective, to experience life through their eyes, and ultimately to find resolution and connection.
As the song progresses, the lyrics reveal a sense of pain and emotional struggle, with lines like "You don't wanna hurt me, Wanna see how deep the bullet lies, Unaware I'm tearing you asunder." These words depict the internal conflict within the relationship and the damage caused by misunderstandings and lack of communication. The thunder in their hearts refers to the intensity of their emotions and the turbulence within the connection they share.
The inclusion of the line, "Is there so much hate for the ones we love?" provides insight into the complexities of love and relationships. It questions why there can be such animosity or negativity towards those we hold dear. This line hints at the idea that love itself can be challenging, with its capacity to ignite both immense joy and deep pain.
Throughout the song, the constant repetition of "You, it's you and me" reinforces the importance of the connection between the protagonist and the person they are addressing. It emphasizes a bond that goes beyond individual experiences and seeks unity and understanding between two souls.
The bridge of the song introduces a more intimate dialogue between the protagonist and their partner, with a call and response between the two singers. This section adds another layer of emotional depth to the song, as they beg for a shared moment of vulnerability and experience. The plea to "come on, come on, darling" and the desire to "steal this moment" further underscores their longing for a mutual connection.
In the final repetition of the chorus, the lyrics, "No problems, If I only could, ooh baby, Deal with God, Running up, running up, running up that hill, mm, No problems," suggest that if the protagonist could make this deal with God, all their problems would be resolved. There is a yearning for a harmonious resolution and a release from the emotional burdens they have been carrying.
Overall, "Running Up That Hill (A Deal With God)" is a deeply introspective and emotionally charged song that explores the complexities of relationships, the longing for understanding, and the quest for change. Its poetic and metaphorical lyrics are brought to life through Scott Bradlee's Postmodern Jukebox's inventive arrangement and Sweet Megg's soulful delivery, making it a captivating reinterpretation of an iconic song.