Kate Bush is a British singer-songwriter who changed pop music forever. She began her career early, releasing her first album in 1978 at the age of 19.
Kate won many awards, including Ivor Novello Awards, for her songwriting skills. She also received a CBE from the Queen for her contributions to music.
Her albums, such as Hounds of Love, remain beloved today. Kate rarely performs live, making her concerts very special events that fans treasure.
About the Song
Running Up That Hill’s concept is of striking a deal with God to help two people switch places and gain a greater understanding of each other.
The song discusses how men and women sometimes struggle to comprehend each other’s feelings and experiences, suggesting that swapping roles could lead to a deeper understanding.
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Release Date | August 5, 1985 |
| Album | Hounds of Love (1985) |
| Writer | Kate Bush |
| Producer | Kate Bush |
Full Lyrics of Running Up That Hill
Verse 1
It doesn’t hurt me (Yeah, yeah, yo)
Do you wanna feel how it feels? (Yeah, yeah, yo)
Do you wanna know, know that it doesn’t hurt me? (Yeah, yeah, yo)
Do you wanna hear about the deal that I’m makin’? (Yeah, yeah, yo)
Pre-Chorus
You
It’s you and me
Chorus
And if I only could
I’d make a deal with God
And I’d get him to swap our places
Be runnin’ up that road
Be runnin’ up that hill
Be runnin’ up that buildin’
Say, if I only could, oh
Verse 2
You don’t wanna hurt me (Yeah, yeah, yo)
But see how deep the bullet lies (Yeah, yeah, yo)
Unaware, I’m tearin’ you asunder (Yeah, yeah, yo)
Oh, there is thunder in our hearts (Yeah, yeah, yo)
Is there so much hate for the ones we love? (Yeah, yeah, yo)
Oh, tell me, we both matter, don’t we? (Yeah, yeah, yo)
Pre-Chorus
You
It’s you and me
It’s you and me, won’t be unhappy
Chorus
And if I only could
I’d make a deal with God
And I’d get him to swap our places
Be runnin’ up that road
Be runnin’ up that hill
Be runnin’ up that buildin’ (Yo)
Say, if I only could, oh
Post-Chorus
You (Yeah, yeah, yo)
It’s you and me
It’s you and me, won’t be unhappy (Yeah, yeah, yo)
Bridge
Oh, come on, baby (Yeah)
Oh, come on, darlin’ (Yo)
Let me steal this moment from you now
Oh, come on, angel
Come on, come on, darlin’
Let’s exchange the experience (Yo, ooh, ooh)
Chorus
And if I only could
I’d make a deal with God
And I’d get him to swap our places
I’d be runnin’ up that road
Be runnin’ up that hill
With no problems
Say, if I only could
I’d make a deal with God
And I’d get him to swap our places
I’d be runnin’ up that road
Be runnin’ up that hill
With no problems
Say, if I only could
I’d make a deal with God
And I’d get him to swap our places
I’d be runnin’ up that road
Be runnin’ up that hill
With no problems
Outro
Say, if I only could
I’d be runnin’ up that hill
With no problems
(If I only could, be runnin’ up that hill)
(If I only could, be runnin’ up that hill)
Similar Songs Like Running Up That Hill
If Running Up That Hill moved you, these Kate Bush tracks offer rich emotion, vivid sound, and haunting vocals:
- Wuthering Heights: Inspired by the novel, this song floats with high vocals and eerie melodies. It’s full of emotion and feels like a ghost story.
- Cloudbusting: With steady beats and a rising melody, this track tells a touching, yet strange, story of a father and child. It feels hopeful yet sad.
- Hounds of Love: This one has more energy and a fast rhythm. It’s about fear and love chasing each other, and it sounds big and bold.
- This Woman’s Work: A soft piano ballad that feels like a quiet cry. It talks about regret and love in moments that feel too late.
Awards for the Song
| Award/Event | Year |
|---|---|
| Guinness World Records for Longest time for a track to reach No. 1 on the UK Singles Chart | 2022 |
Similar Artists Like Kate Bush
Here are a few artists who share Kate Bush’s imaginative spirit and emotional depth, each bringing their unique musical voice and style:
- Björk
Genre: Electronic / Avant-garde
Top Albums: Debut (1993), Homogenic (1997) - Tori Amos
Genre: Alternative Rock / Piano Rock
Top Albums: Little Earthquakes (1992), Under the Pink (1994) - Fiona Apple
Genre: Alternative / Baroque Pop
Top Albums: Tidal (1996), Fetch the Bolt Cutters (2020) - Bat for Lashes
Genre: Dream Pop / Indie
Top Albums: Fur and Gold (2006), The Dream of Delphi (2024) - Goldfrapp
Genre: Electronic / Dream Pop
Top Albums: Felt Mountain (2000), Supernature (2005)
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does Running Up That Hill Feel so Emotional?
The music builds slowly, with haunting vocals and a rhythm that creates a sense of tension and longing.
How does Running Up That Hill Use Repetition Musically?
The repeated phrases and steady beat create tension and rhythm that pull the listener into the song’s mood.
Why is Running Up That Hill Still Popular Today?
Its timeless sound, emotion, and recent media use helped new generations reconnect with it.
What Instruments Stand Out in Running Up That Hill?
The synths and pounding drums are most noticeable, creating an unforgettable sound.
