Kate Bush

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Running Up That Hill (A Deal with God) album cover

Running Up That Hill (A Deal with God)

Kate Bush

Lyrics

[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)

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One of the most iconic songs from the 80s is "Running Up That Hill (A Deal With God)" by the talented British singer-songwriter Kate Bush. This song was the lead single from her fifth studio album, "Hounds of Love", and has since been celebrated as a masterpiece of rock and pop music. "Running Up That Hill" has gained global popularity and recognition and has had a significant impact on contemporary music even after 37 years since its release.

About Running Up That Hill (A Deal with God)

"Running Up That Hill (A Deal With God)" showcases Kate Bush's exceptional writing and singing abilities. The song is a tale of different perspectives and gender roles, telling the story of two individuals who want to switch places to understand each other better. It starts with a slow, atmospheric build-up that bursts into an uplifting chorus as Kate's vocals rise and fall, accompanied by a compelling melody. The song's lyrical content provides a sense of hope and desperation, and the arrangement is masterfully crafted. It's no wonder why it is considered one of the greatest songs of all time.

The original title of the song was "A Deal With God," but it was changed by EMI's marketing department to "Running Up That Hill" to make it more agreeable to religious countries. The song was released as a single on August 5th, 1985, one month ahead of the "Hounds of Love" album release. Initially, it peaked at No. 3 on the UK charts, No. 6 on Australian charts and No. 30 on the US Billboard Hot 100, becoming Kate's first and only significant charting success in the US.

Fast forward 37 years after its initial release, "Running Up That Hill" has made a comeback, thanks to the Netflix hit show "Stranger Things" where it was featured. This resurgence in popularity propelled the song to the top of US iTunes charts in May 2022, and its success paved the way for it to hit No. 1 on the UK charts, making it Kate Bush's first since "Wuthering Heights" in 1978. The song broke three chart records in the UK, including the longest-ever gap between No. 1 singles, the longest time for a single to reach No. 1, and the oldest female artist ever to score a No. 1.

In her website post, Kate Bush expressed her delight about the song's renewed popularity, thanks to the enthusiastic response of young fans to the "Stranger Things" series. She praised the series and thanked everyone who supported the song and contributed to its success.

"Running Up That Hill (A Deal With God)" is a song that has stood the test of time and continues to inspire and connect with people in different ways. Its famous chorus, "Let's exchange the experience," encourages empathy and understanding, which has become even more important in today's world. This song is an unforgettable masterpiece, and it's deserving of all the love and recognition it has received throughout the years.

Furthermore, the music video for "Running Up That Hill (A Deal With God)" is a stunning piece of work with brilliant choreography and cinematic visuals. The video features a dance performance between a man and a woman, further illustrating the experience interchange that the song talks about. The video is symbolic, abstract, and will undoubtedly interest viewers even today.

The song has also been covered and interpreted by many other musicians and artists, further demonstrating the impact and legacy of this masterpiece. For example, Placebo's cover of the song in 2003 earned them a massive following and helped introduce the song to new audiences. "Running Up That Hill (A Deal With God)" has become a musical icon and will continue to inspire artists and listeners for generations to come.

Get your feet tapping with "Running Up That Hill"

"Running Up That Hill (A Deal With God)" is a must-listen for fans of rock and pop music. It's an exceptional song that showcases Kate Bush's exceptional talent, and its appeal only grows stronger over time. It's a timeless piece of music that has achieved worldwide fame and critical acclaim for its thoughtful lyrics, exceptional musicianship, and extraordinary vocal range. When you listen to it today, you'll get a sense of the brilliance of this song and why it deserves all the love and recognition that it has received over the years. "Running Up That Hill (A Deal With God)" is a song that you'll keep coming back to, and is undeniably one of the greatest songs ever to grace the world of music.

  • Release Date: August 5, 1985
  • Artist: Kate Bush