"Running Bear" is actually a song written by J.P. Richardson, also known as The Big Bopper, and was originally recorded and released by him in 1959. However, I can provide an explanation of the story and meaning behind George Jones's version. The story of "Running Bear" revolves around a young Indian brave named Running Bear and his love for a lovely Indian maid named Little White Dove. They are from different tribes, and unfortunately, their tribes are engaged in a long-standing feud. This feud prevents their love from being realized. Despite the barriers imposed by their tribes, Running Bear and Little White Dove deeply love each other. Running Bear's love for her is described as big as the sky. They yearn to be together, but the raging river, which represents the division between their tribes, stands in their way. Running Bear is unable to swim across the wide river to reach Little White Dove waiting on the other side. He watches her in the moonlight as she sends kisses across the waves, her heart beating faster with anticipation. The couple's love and desire to be together are strong. In a courageous act, Running Bear decides to dive into the water, and to his surprise, Little White Dove follows suit. They swim towards each other through the swirling stream, defying the odds. As their hands touch and their lips meet, tragedy strikes. The powerful current of the river overwhelms them and pulls them down, leading to their tragic deaths. The song suggests that even in death, Running Bear and Little White Dove find solace. They will always be together in their "happy hunting ground," which is a reference to the afterlife or a spiritual realm where they can be united forever. Overall, "Running Bear" tells a poignant tale of star-crossed lovers who defy the odds and sacrifice everything for their love, only to tragically lose their lives in the process. It's a story about the power of love and the obstacles that can stand in its way.
