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The Runner (single)

by ady johnson

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about

Inspiration for The Runner comes from when I used to go running through Nunhead Cemetery in south east London. The song deals with, in part, confronting our fears of mortality.

Imagery evoked in the song, is also reflected in the original album art by my stepfather David Leeming.

The Runner was recorded live (vocals and guitar simultaneously) with no click track and minimal overdubs, with the intention of capturing an intimacy and authenticity not often heard in many of today's recordings.

lyrics

Down Linden Grove
Along Dissenter’s Road
Dreaming of the future as she goes
Gravel under feet
To a pounding beat
Under the watchful London Eye
And graveyard spies

And the runner keeps on running
Through the open gates
And she never
Oh, she never looks back

Under canopies
Among fallen leaves
A winged angel kneels and prays
Laughter on the breeze
Taunting from trees
“Oh, you may run but your time will run out”
Your torch will snuff out

But the runner keeps on running
Through the open gates
Oh she never
No, she never looks back

In the dappled light
A song thrush breaks
A snail’s shell on a neglected stone
Unforgiving roots
Open ancient tombs
There’s a beauty in the gloom
She’ll return here soon

But the runner keeps on running
Through the open gates
And she never
No, she never looks back

credits

released October 28, 2022
Words and music by Ady Johnson
Ady Johnson - vocals, guitar and foot stomp.
Toby Bull - flugelhorn
Recorded and produced by Nathan Wacey
Album artwork by David Leeming

license

all rights reserved

tags

about

ady johnson London, UK

Ady Johnson is a singer-songwriter from Colchester, Essex. His influences are diverse - the melodic writing of The Beatles, the character studies of Ray Davies and the guitar virtuosity of troubadours such as John Martyn and Bert Jansch, all find their way into his mix.

‘He’s damn good live!’ - Tom Robinson, BBC Radio 6 Music
‘Kitchen-sink romanticism worthy of Ray Davies’ Americana UK
... more

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