"When We Ran" is a song by John Hiatt. The lyrics depict a love story that could have been either the best thing or the worst thing that ever happened to the narrator. The song suggests that the narrator and their lover had a profound connection. The opening lines, "Could have been the kiss of my life, Could have been the death of me," show that the relationship had the potential to be intense and life-changing. However, due to fear or uncertainty, the narrator didn't wait around to see where the relationship could have gone. They may have been too scared to take a risk and see what could have developed. The lyrics also mention the possibility that the narrator could have been the cause for the relationship's downfall. "I could have been the wicked one, Besides the buttons on our shirts, girl, What else did we leave undone?" The chorus, repeating "When we ran," suggests that both the narrator and their lover made a decision to run away from the relationship. The song questions whether it was just a matter of time slipping away or if there were other factors that led to their separation. The second verse acknowledges the strong love that the narrator felt for their lover. It reflects on the possibility that their love was so intense that they couldn't differentiate between right and wrong. The bridge of the song explores the idea that the relationship may have been a real-life story filled with regret. It hints at the idea that maybe it was all just a dream that the narrator can't forget, implying a sense of longing or nostalgia. The lyrics also touch on missed opportunities and the inability to turn back time. It suggests that if the lover had just spoken up and asked the narrator to stay, things may have turned out differently. However, now they are left with memories that feel like a gamble and a mind filled with regrets. In essence, "When We Ran" portrays a bittersweet love story of missed chances and the lingering impact of a once powerful connection. The song captures the complexity of relationships and the consequences of the decisions we make.
