Song Details
- Album Release Date: 2012
- Genre: hardcore
Song Meaning of “On the Run” by Kool G Rap
“On the Run” by Kool G Rap captures the struggles of being in a constant state of running from the hustle and bustle of city life and its struggles. The narrator provides a vivid visual of the hustle and bustle of life in the city, with references to gunshots, high stakes gambling, and the ever-present “green paper”. He paints a picture of a world of constant struggle that he is trying to find a way out of. The chorus provides an indication of his intension,, as he endlessly repeats “On the Run, On the Run, tryin’ to survive”. He is trying to find a way out of the daily hustle and escape the pressure of his life in the city.
The narrator is willing to go to whatever means necessary to free himself from the day-to-day struggles in the city, which is highlighted in the lines, such as “See I never been a coward so I don’t know how to hide, so if push comes to shove, I’m ready to roll up in front of your ride”. He is willing to fight for what he believes in, and sacrifice his own safety for a higher purpose. The last verse reveals the narrator’s own understanding of his plight. He notes that the hustle and grind of the city has taken its toll on him, as he notes, “My nerves are shook, I know it’s a matter of time, I must remain on the move if I’m gonna survive”. This displays his desire to survive, not because he is a coward, but because this is the only way out of his struggles.
Overall, “On the Run” by Kool G Rap captures the struggles of trying to escape the hustle and bustle of the city. It illuminates the sacrifices the narrator is willing to make in order to find a way out of the daily grind and the fight for his own safety. The story shows that it is more than just a fight for survival, but additionally a fight for freedom and purpose.