Runner Boy

Story Behind The Song

I read this interview with a marathon runner from Kenia I believe it was. The interviewer wondered if it was a genetic matter and then came this story about running to school, rattling pencil cases etc..Wanted to tell the story, but in these cases it is always more difficult to find a strong chorus etc..Song is probably a bit too long as well. Originally in open E-tuning.All recorded in Nashville,strange mixture of styles..white soul, voice even like Neil Diamond..Had to do it..

Song Description

An explanation why most marathon athletes are from Africa

Song Length 5:25 Genre Pop - Classic, Country - Contemporary
Tempo Medium Slow (91 - 110) Lead Vocal Male Vocal
Mood Composed, Cool Subject Running, Athlete, Sports
Similar Artists Neil Diamond, Don Henley Language English
Era 2000 and later

Lyrics

Runner boy

Mum and dad have no money for the bus
He needs to go to school just like us
No shoes just his bare feet
His pencils in his backpack that`s all he needs

Chorus:
Oooh he`s a runner, boy
One day he will run a marathon you`ll see
Oooh he`s a runner, boy
That`s how he gets back to you and me

Leaving home before the break of dawn
A kiss for mum and then he`s gone
He does not want to be too late
Porridge from yesterday is all he ate

Chorus

For two hours he`ll run, hear his pencils rattle
In the dark, past the meadows, the smell of cattle
The blood on his feet; there are no options here
Missing school staying home is all he fears

Chorus instrumental

When he arrives at school he can hear the classes
He runs to his stool and takes out his glasses
During the day the African sun will burn
Without lunch mum`s afraid he won`t return

Chorus

Running home his feet are burning
But mum`s glad her son`s returning
His run is a run from poverty
That`s why he succeeds unlike you and me

Chorus

Erwin de Ruiter lyrics and music 18th of August 2012


Lyrics Erwin de Ruiter Music Erwin de Ruiter
Producer Stacy Hogan (paid)

Other Songs By Erwin de Ruiter

Song
Actions
Accident
Rock - New Wave
Plays: 77
All I want to do
Pop - Easy Listening
Plays: 125
Body and Soul
Folk - Contemporary
Plays: 11
Bread of Angels
Folk - Alternative
Plays: 57
Bright Eyes
Pop - Standards
Plays: 58
Bright Eyes (instr.)
Pop - General
Plays: 12
Broken Toy
Folk - General
Plays: 7
Burning Heart
Pop - Classic
Plays: 48
Burning Heart (instr)
Folk - Contemporary
Plays: 14
Caught on the run
Country - Cowboy
Plays: 170
View All Songs
Clean Clean

Clean Clean

Artist Name
00:00 / 00:00