Best Songs for Working Out #2
Running With Scissors by Electronicore band, I See Stars, is a different twist on my typical workout playlist. This song has a heavy focus on clean vocals, rather than gritty and anger fueled screams. However, this song is a staple in my workout routine for multiple reasons. First, the message behind the song is beautiful. The focus on clean vocals by Devin Oliver is unique, and I am absolutely obsessed with the interluding techno/electric sounds in the background of the song.
The song begins with a heavy looping guitar riff, backed by heavy hitting drums, and a steady stream of techno sounds, with one sound interjecting the riff and drums in 4-5 second intervals.
A break in the riff and drums transitions into a synth keyboard instrumental, with Devin’s vocals beginning. In a soft-spoken tone, Devin angelically sings,
“The truth cannot be anymore clear
And I’m not asking you to hold on
It’s everything that you ever feared
I know you’re trying so hard to move on
It kind of feels like someone
Replaced the heart that once was yours
I’m trying hard to be someone
But falling short of the person I want to be
I want to be”
The same, but slower drum beat can be heard as Devin begins singing the words “I want to be”.
Once again, the song breaks, but this time, A mellow guitar riff joins the drum beat heard over the previous verse. The infectious chorus begins, and the lyrics matched with Devin’s vocals is guaranteed to send chills throughout the listener.
“So I’ll pretend
I’m letting go
While you’re dancing in the past without colors
You’ll be the one
Running away in my nightmares
I’m letting go
You said you’d never ever look back
You’ll be the one
Running away in my nightmares”
The song breaks once more, and heavier hits on the drums fill the track along with backing techno sounds, and Devin stressfully whispering the bridge before exploding into a full scream. A heavy guitar riff joins the melody stated above, creating a completely different, yet welcome atmosphere from a drastic change in sound and pace.
“Trying hard to be someone
But falling short of the person I want to be
Trying hard to be someone
But falling short of the person I want to be
I want to be”
Still in the bridge, the tone of the song returns softly with the steady synth keyboard, slow drum beat, and background techno sounds all appearing. Over this, Devin’s voice, now modified vocally, softly sings and repeats the word “running”.
“Running, running, running
Running, running, running
Running, running, running
Running, running, running”
The previous verse, chorus, and instrumentals all repeat after the bridge ends. However, the second chorus is ended shortly by Devin continuing his soft vocals, while his brother Andrew whispers the lyrics in parentheses. Towards the end of this second chorus, the synth keyboard and drums begin rising as the song reaches its epic climax.
“You said you’d never ever look back
You’ll be the one
I want to be (Oh)
I want to be (Oh)
I want to be (It kinda feels like someone, replaced the heart that once was yours)
I want to be
I’m trying hard to be someone“
Devin begins singing the chorus seen earlier in song, but this time, Devin sings the lyric “running away in my nightmares” in an incredibly stunning high note. Devin proceeds to repeat this lyric and high note combo, before returning to his soft vocals heard all throughout the song.
“So I’ll pretend I’m letting go
While you’re dancing in the past without colors
You’ll be the one
Running away in my nightmares
I’m letting go
You said you’d never ever look back
(Running away in my nightmares)
You’ll be the one
Running away in my nightmares”
Although there is no official meaning to the lyrics of Running With Scissors from I See Stars, I believe the song deals with the struggle of getting rid of a past relationship, person, or experience. The meaning of this song can be interpreted differently from person to person, but no matter what meaning the song has to you, I highly recommend adding this song to your gym routine.
