From the recording Running
Rosa wanted me to write a song for her to sing. She was born in April, so right around her birthday was Easter. Every Easter, one of the television networks airs THE TEN COMMANDMENTS starring Charlton Heston as Moses.
Knowing that Rosa had run away as a teenager, I watched THE TEN COMMANDMENTS and wondered how I would have felt if I had been faced with the decision of walking between the waters or a parted sea or standing to face the oncoming Egyptian soldiers.
I assume most of the Hebrews just followed the crowd, not knowing what they were in for, not even asking. The guy in front of you is going. The guy behind you is going. If you don't go, you're going to be trampled.
Really, though, the song is about keeping the faith when your family is killing you and you can't take it anymore.
Lyrics
RUNNING
There was no time to wait, no time to reconsider,
The waters parted--It was drown or be delivered.
It was almost a reflex to stand my ground
Something told my heart I'd best not wait around
All I really needed was some time to heal
but there was no time
I wasn't made of steel
Had me down so long I would have cut a deal
and sold my soul away.
Seemed like running was the only thing to do
the only thing to do
So I ran
Seemed like running was the only thing to do
the only thing to do
So I ran
Maybe something clicked or maybe something snapped
After the first step, there was no turning back
I used to lie awake sometimes for half the night
I've seen enough turmoil to last me all my life
All I really needed was some breathing room
until my hiding place slowly became my tomb
Had me down so long I started to assume
that I would never see the light of day
Seemed like running was the only thing to do
the only thing to do
So I ran
Seemed like running was the only thing to do
the only thing to do
So I ran
You must know where you've come from.
You must honor the past.
But Godspeed carry you forward
and carry you fast.
Seemed like running was the only thing to do
the only thing to do
So I ran
Seemed like running was the only thing to do
the only thing to do
So I ran
So I ran