Only If You Run by Julian Plenti Lyrics Meaning – The Pursuit of Personal Triumph in the Face of Life’s Struggles
Lyrics
I’ve tasted degradation and found the lace and candle light
But we have the weights, we have the measures of our days and nights
I’ve had my frustrations, but now I’ve found my place
And you will make it
But only if you run
Only if you run
Only if you run
These lonely dedications I’ve found, they bring me peace and light
When three-fold applications of doubt surround my fate, you might say
We have the weights, we have to wage an assault on what it is
Cause harmless medications abound and you’re not sick
You will make it
But only if you run
Only if you run (You will make it)
Only if you run
Surprise
Surprise
Surprise
Surprise
You will make it
But only if you run
Julian Plenti is a moniker synonymous with Paul Banks, the frontman of the post-punk revival band Interpol. In his song ‘Only If You Run,’ Plenti embarks on a lyrical journey through the trials and tribulations of existence, while offering a simple yet profound formula for overcoming them. The song is a composite of dark, introspective musings and a clarion call for action, highlighting the juxtaposition between struggle and the required drive for success.
Through an evocative and melodic landscape, Plenti crafts a narrative that resonates with anyone grappling with the ‘weights and measures’ of their days and nights. It is more than a tune—it’s a mantra for survival and vindication, entwined with the subtle intricacies of human emotions and existential angst. Let’s delve into the profound depths of ‘Only If You Run’ and unpick the threads of meaning woven throughout this compelling track.
Struggle as a Catalyst for Growth
At first glance, the chorus ‘You will make it / But only if you run’ reads like a straightforward incentive, urging one toward persistence and effort. Yet, on deeper inspection, it symbolizes the inherent struggle accompanying any worthwhile pursuit. Plenti isn’t merely suggesting movement; he’s advocating for the necessity of confronting our challenges with vigor and momentum.
Running here doesn’t imply a physical act but serves as a metaphor for the inner resilience and relentless spirit required to traverse the intricacies of life. It’s a poetic way to lay bare the often-unseen emotional labor involved in pushing against the grain of ‘daily life’ frustrations and ‘tasted degradation.’
The Luminous Edge of Despair
Lines like ‘I’ve tasted degradation and found the lace and candle light’ convey a dichotomy where bleak experiences are juxtaposed with unexpected beauty. Plenti underscores that within our lowest points, there lies the potential for a radiant awakening of sorts—a chance to transcend our grievances and bask in the serenity that lies just beyond turmoil.
Understanding this lyric requires us to acknowledge that human endurance is often adorned with a surprising grace. It’s about finding a flicker of hope amidst despair, or peace in our ‘lonely dedications,’ and recognizing that redemption often wears the mask of the ordinary, ready to reveal itself when we persevere.
Assault on Complacency
‘We have to wage an assault on what it is,’ Plenti proclaims, laying siege to the apathy that can consume our spirits when oppressively mundane realities threaten to sap our wills. This line directs us to combat the inertia that stems from ‘harmless medications abound’—the numbing distractions that provide temporary solace yet deflect us from our paths.
The song rejects the seductive comfort of mediocrity and the dangers of misdiagnosed ennui. It’s a powerful reminder that the malaise we often accept as part of life’s landscape is not an ailment but a state from which we’re called to rally and ‘run’ toward our true potential.
Recurring Revelations: Surprise
Within the simplicity of the repeated word ‘Surprise,’ Plenti captures the essence of life’s unpredictable nature. It serves as a moment of suspense, a breath before the plunge, and the anticipation of a breakthrough that is both sudden and sublime. This motif propels us to remain vigilant for the unforeseen victories that frequent the path of the steadfast.
The surprise is not merely a plot twist but an acknowledgment of our capacity for misjudging the orbit of our lives. It is a prompt to remain open to the unexpected turns of fortune that often accompany relentless pursuit and effort—a nod to the notion that even in our algorithmic world, the human narrative retains its capacity for wonder.
The Intimate Intersection of Personal and Universal
What makes ‘Only If You Run’ both haunting and uplifting is Plenti’s ability to weave the intimate with the universal. His introspections are introspections of us all—navigating the seas of doubt and reassurance. The song is not solely about one man’s endeavor but a reflection of the collective human experience.
Through its poignant lyrics, ‘Only If You Run’ becomes a microcosm of human endeavor. It mirrors our individual struggles and triumphs, succinctly encapsulating the essence of the human condition—that our destinies are both singular and shared, and that our salvation lies not only in the distance we cover but in the courage to take the first step and keep moving.
