By Gabriela Caeli Sumampow
Australian singer-songwriter Harrison Storm released his first single for 2019, “Run”, on the 22nd of February, 2019. The first visibly noticeable aspect not only from hearing the song and paying close attention to the lyrics, but also from glancing at the single’s cover is the message it communicates – listeners should run away (with Storm) from life’s obstacles and into oblivion.
The album art utilizes a calming choice of colors, with Storm himself running into the ocean, to support the message. It perfectly meets eye to eye with the song’s message. The sunset at the background is truly a soothing sight. Blending it with the splashing waves surrounding Storm himself running into the oblivious ocean with his arms spread wide is a vivid representation of freedom, which is – once again – what the song encourages.
“Run” serves as a perfect outlet for Storm to showcase his classic, fingerpicking skills on the guitar – which is clearly audible throughout the song, from beginning to end. This song taunts listeners to “run” away from their problems and constraints with him in a heart-warming way, as if its purpose is also to overpower whatever obstacles Storm’s listeners face. Storm’s clever use of layered vocals and a low vocal range (there are seldom high notes) complements the song’s hypnotizing aura. The beats of the song are made obvious by the use of subtle foot stomping and hand clapping, which stops the song from putting listeners to sleep and sends them bobbing their heads and tapping along. This doesn’t mean the song is a head banger like most chart toppers, it’s slow and soothing – which is why it warms the heart, melting all the stress away.
The lyrics have a certain personal sense to Storm’s listeners, evident from the use of first and second person pronouns. Storm reaches out to his listeners and asks them to run away with him because they give him hope and a chance for freedom. He clearly states this in the second verse, which begins with “With you, I see hope” and continues with a repetition of the phrase “I need you”.
There is a frequent use of repetition in the song that – when combined with the layered voices, soothing instrumental and low vocal range – is the missing puzzle piece to creating a fully hypnotizing effect on listeners. Other than the previously mentioned repetition of “I need you”, the bridge is a repetition of the phrase “Maybe it’s freedom. A chance to keep breathing. Maybe we’re lonely”. This part certainly stands out because these 3 phrases emphasize the “sunshine after the rain” – which Storm hopes to see when he runs into oblivion.
Overall, “Run” by Harrison Storm perfectly embraces the concept of escapism and companionship in a calm manner – which is a rare sight among chart-toppers. If you’re feeling stressed out and mindlessly scrolling through Spotify for the perfect song to kick your stress away, this song certainly deserves a spot on your playlist!