Placebo

Lyrics

[Intro]
"If I only could, I'd be running up that hill
If I only could, I'd be running up that hill"

[Verse 1]
It doesn't hurt me
You want to feel how it feels?
You want to know, know that it doesn't hurt me?
You want to hear about the deal I'm making?

[Pre-Chorus]
You (Be running up that hill)
You and me (Be running up that hill)

[Chorus 1]
And if I only could
Make a deal with God
And get Him to swap our
Places, be runnin' up that road
Be runnin' up that hill
Be runnin' up that buildin'
If I only could, oh-oh

[Verse 2]
You don't want to hurt me
But see how deep the bullet lies
Unaware that I'm tearing you asunder
There's a thunder in our hearts, baby
So much hate for the ones we love
Tell me, we both matter, don't we?
[Pre-Chorus]
You (Be running up that hill)
You and me (Be running up that hill)
You and me won't be unhappy

[Chorus 1]
If I only could
Make a deal with God
And get Him to swap our
Places, be runnin' up that road
Be runnin' up that hill
Be runnin' up that buildin'
If I only could, oh-oh

[Bridge]
Come on, baby
Come on, come on, darling
Let me steal this
Moment from you now
Come on, angel
Come on, come on, darling
Let's exchange the
Experience
Oh-oh

[Chorus 2]
And if I only could
Make a deal with God
And get Him to swap our
Places
Be runnin' up that road
Be runnin' up that hill
With no problem
And if I only could
Make a deal with God
And get Him to swap our
Places
Be runnin' up that road
Be runnin' up that hill
With no problem
[Outro]
(If I only could
Be running up that hill
If I only could
Be running up that hill
If I only could
Be running up that hill
If I only could
Be running up that hill
If I only could
Be running up that hill
If I only could
Be running up that hill
If I only could
Be running up that hill)

Running Up That Hill by Placebo is a captivating and haunting cover of the original song by Kate Bush. With its downbeat tone and rough, low-fi delivery, Placebo manages to infuse the track with a sense of irony and despair, even though the lyrics themselves hold a positive message. This reinterpretation takes the listener on a journey through a darker and more unresolved emotional landscape.

About Running Up That Hill

Kate Bush's Running Up That Hill was originally inspired by her desire to "reverse the gender experience" between herself and her lover. Although the lyrics suggest serious emotional damage, comparable to a bullet wound, they also bring an element of contradiction to Bush's initial explanation. Placebo's rendition further enhances this paradox by omitting certain words and phrases, deepening the song's unresolved and enigmatic nature.

Placebo released their cover of Running Up That Hill as a digital single in 2007, four years after it appeared on their Covers album. The timing was perfect, as the song gained widespread recognition through its inclusion in popular US television shows such as Bones, CSI: Crime Scene Investigation, and The OC. Despite the song's popularity, no official music video was released.

The band's deep admiration for Kate Bush's work is evidenced by their approach to covering her song. They even sought her approval before releasing it, ensuring that she appreciated their interpretation. In an interview with Kate Bush's fan site, Placebo expressed relief when they found out that Bush liked their version. Their respect for her artistry shines through in every note they play.

In interviews, lead singer Brian Molko has spoken about his connection to Running Up That Hill. He were grew up listening to the song and always considered it amazing, but felt that the tempo was too fast to allow the true emotion to come through. This led him to slow down the pace of the cover, creating the space necessary for the fear and abandon within the song to be fully expressed. Placebo's rendition thus delves deeper into the raw emotions hidden within Bush's original composition.

Since its release, Placebo's version of Running Up That Hill has been used in multiple productions, further solidifying its impact and popularity. It continues to captivate listeners with its brooding atmosphere and thought-provoking lyrics, serving as a testament to the timeless nature of this powerful song.

In essence, Placebo's cover of Running Up That Hill beautifully reinterprets Kate Bush's original work, introducing a darker and more mysterious quality to the song. With its downbeat tone and rough delivery, it adds layers of irony and despair to the already complex lyrics, creating an emotional landscape that is simultaneously haunting and captivating. This version of the song showcases Placebo's respect for Kate Bush's artistry, capturing the attention of both new and old fans alike. Running Up That Hill is a true masterpiece that continues to leave its mark on the music industry.

• Release Date: September 22, 2003
• Artist: Placebo