They Ran

[ycartrob]

OK, I have been sitting on this for about 4 years: I don't get They Ran. I "sort of" got it when I saw it live in 2006, but I totally do not get the TF version.  

Help.

[aMillionDreams]

Are you talking about the lyrics or the music?  My favorite version of it is the Jim solo acoustic version that appeared on one of the early recordings releases.  In the interview after the song the interviewer asked him about some of the lyrics and Jim admitted they didn't mean anything in particular he's just singing the words that seem to "fit" in the right places.  

[ycartrob]

Are you talking about the lyrics or the music?  My favorite version of it is the Jim solo acoustic version that appeared on one of the early recordings releases.  In the interview after the song the interviewer asked him about some of the lyrics and Jim admitted they didn't mean anything in particular he's just singing the words that seem to "fit" in the right places.  

the whole thing

[aMillionDreams]

Are you talking about the lyrics or the music?  My favorite version of it is the Jim solo acoustic version that appeared on one of the early recordings releases.  In the interview after the song the interviewer asked him about some of the lyrics and Jim admitted they didn't mean anything in particular he's just singing the words that seem to "fit" in the right places.  

the whole thing

:-?

Can't help ya there.  I love that song.

[xmascriminal]

The song's about a guy who moves to a really poverty stricken city and gets his lighter stolen.

[easy way]

I love this tune...I absolutely love it!

[evilPaauwe]

i think its about a guy who has a thing for chick. Then she just plays him. Uses him. Then bam, she grabs his lighter, and is off with another guy who he was cool with. Off with his lighter and heart.

[The DARK]

I think it's a very dynamic song, kind of in the style of "What Is And What Should Never Be". It's very haunting and slow, with semi-loud sections in the middle and great stop-start parts in the live version.

[xmascriminal]

i think its about a guy who has a thing for chick. Then she just plays him. Uses him. Then bam, she grabs his lighter, and is off with another guy who he was cool with. Off with his lighter and heart.

That really makes sense. I was always confused by the "his arms were thin" line as well as who "they" were.

[goose]

Are you talking about the lyrics or the music?  My favorite version of it is the Jim solo acoustic version that appeared on one of the early recordings releases.  In the interview after the song the interviewer asked him about some of the lyrics and Jim admitted they didn't mean anything in particular he's just singing the words that seem to "fit" in the right places.  

are you talking about the Holland interview?  When he does the bear, and I will be there when you die?

[touchingmept2]

You know what? I just acquired the tennessee fire. Wow amazing.

[easy way]

You know what? I just acquired the tennessee fire. Wow amazing.

Good for you...now you know.  :)

[Janet]

i think its about a guy who has a thing for chick. Then she just plays him. Uses him. Then bam, she grabs his lighter, and is off with another guy who he was cool with. Off with his lighter and heart.

That is just a sad little story - off with his lighter and heart....

[aMillionDreams]

Are you talking about the lyrics or the music?  My favorite version of it is the Jim solo acoustic version that appeared on one of the early recordings releases.  In the interview after the song the interviewer asked him about some of the lyrics and Jim admitted they didn't mean anything in particular he's just singing the words that seem to "fit" in the right places.  

are you talking about the Holland interview?  When he does the bear, and I will be there when you die?

It was deifintely from Holland and features the acoustic version of They Ran but I can't remember what else is on the set list. I could try and track it down.

[tomEisenbraun]

How's this one coming along for you Tracy? Try listening to it in its place on the album while driving after dark. Preferably a long drive, later in the evening than earlier.

[ycartrob]

How's this one coming along for you Tracy? Try listening to it in its place on the album while driving after dark. Preferably a long drive, later in the evening than earlier.

Not helping at all. I may just not ever get it  :-/

[tomEisenbraun]

How's this one coming along for you Tracy? Try listening to it in its place on the album while driving after dark. Preferably a long drive, later in the evening than earlier.

Not helping at all. I may just not ever get it  :-/

Damn, man. Maybe we'll get it someday.

[Yatz]

Who cares what it means.  It's about how it makes you feel, and I feel awesome.  

I second the best version being the acoustic one from Early Recordings as well.

Jim doesn't need words anyway.  He's like Miles Davis, but he sings.