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Don't Run


by

I. Spike

 Genre: Ballad

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Description
This song is inspired by Roman Polanski's 'The Pianist'. This very powerful, profound and moving film had an intense effect on me. Not only is it an exquisitely made film, but one of the most personal experiences of the holocaust that I've ever seen.
There's a scene where the character that Adrien Brody portrays is in line to get on the train that ultimately will take him and his family to one of the death camps, and one of the Jewish guards that is a friend of some degree, tells him to get out of the line and to not get on the train. He tells Brody to leave, go back into the city, but act naturally, and don't run...
It was a very powerful scene...
Later on when I was watching the dvd extra's, there was an interview with Roman Polanski where he talked about his personal experience and how he used his specific memories in parts of film. One of them was this scene in the train line. In the interview he kept repeating the words "Don't run..." that the guard had stressed to him to adamantly obey. He said these words so many times, that you could tell he had made it into some kind of a mantra to keep from completely losing it, and over the years these words had taken on a disturbing, almost obsessive quality.
Needless to say I was very moved by this interview and the movie he so artfully made.
This is my song in reaction...
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Lyrics
Don't Run

don’t run
even though the train is leaving soon
don’t run
you don’t wanna ride to where it’s going to
don’t run
swallow hard and push up from the ground
don’t run
all the noise is murdering the sound

can I wish it all away

don’t run
don’t run

don’t run
look like you fit into this place
don’t run
hide the torture dripping down your face
don’t run
even though you fear that it’s the end
don’t run
even if you die at least you won’t come back here again

can I wish it all away

don’t run
don’t run
Song Stats
Hits: 2888
Comments: 55
Fans: 36
Plays: 393
Downloads: 139
Votes: 14
Uploaded: Apr 21, 2007 - 04:26:47 AM
Last Updated: Apr 21, 2007 - 04:32:11 AM Last Played: Nov 02, 2009 - 01:16:26 AM
Song License
Creative Commons License:
Attribution-NoDerivs

Creative Commons

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Comments
kclements said 946 days ago (April 21st, 2007)
Very nice!
What a beautiful piece. I like the comnination of your vocals, the piano and the synth behind you. Nice use of background vocals as well. I would have liked to hear a little more from the "drummer" just to mix up the loop a little bit. NIce mix throughout the song. I like how your vocals cut through the mix, and a nice bit of verb on the voice -not too much, but enough to give it a very airy feeling. Your voice has a Steve Lukather quality that I like.

Very nice indeed - Thanks for posting.
Check out my latest song called Elffin Circus
I. Spike said 946 days ago (April 21st, 2007)
Right on.
Thanks for the comments kc -
The synth in the background is actually a guitar... it's a really wild patch I have on my effects unit, a blast to play.
The choice was intentional on the drums - I wanted them to be very pedantic and repetitive.

Check out my latest song called Mighty Cracker Fly
Doadars Uncle said 946 days ago (April 21st, 2007)
Wow
Intense. Pefect mood with lyrics. I think the perc is ok. You captured the moment.
Check out my latest song called Capitalist's Drag
I. Spike said 946 days ago (April 21st, 2007)
Is that moon made of cheese?
Thanks Uncle!
Check out my latest song called Mighty Cracker Fly
Scott Carmichael said 946 days ago (April 21st, 2007)
there's a reason
that you are probably my fav artist at MJ... and there are several excellent artists... you are so intuitive with the mood and atmosphere... you deliver such a nuanced performance... and even if the way you framed this wasn't perfect... and it is... your voice sells me right out of the box...

sincere admiration here... I want to grow up to be like you
Check out my latest song called Good Morning
I. Spike said 946 days ago (April 21st, 2007)
Head expanding....
Scott you are way too kind. Thank you my friend.

Mood and atmosphere are to me what helps to drive a song. Most songs play out like little movies in my head, and all I have to do is look around through my characters eyes and tell about what I see. Then internalize what it is I'm seeing, and see how that effects the emotional composition of the character. After awhile you have enough information to start putting together a "thing"...
In this instant I already had an actual brilliant movie to work from.
That movie really killed me...

Check out my latest song called Mighty Cracker Fly
futzpucker said 946 days ago (April 21st, 2007)
Great beauty here
What you said here in reply to Scott, these are the words of a true artist.

Your music is that of a true artist.

Check out my latest song called Just As It Is
I. Spike said 945 days ago (April 21st, 2007)
Big words...
Thank you FP!
That is one of those compliments that I will not soon forget.

Check out my latest song called Mighty Cracker Fly
said 946 days ago (April 21st, 2007)
I bow....
Bow - wow
:-)

Very nice, gorgeous voice. piano. etc

. - Harold
dajama said 946 days ago (April 21st, 2007)
Outstanding song
Nice sentiment, well put together. Great production, and excellent playing. The piano and guitar in the background work really well together. Your vocal performance is outstanding. Atmospheric and evocative, this is a great song. Nice work.
Check out my latest song called Across the Wire (MJRF)
I. Spike said 945 days ago (April 21st, 2007)
In the details...
Your detailed comments are really appreciated.
Thank you!
Check out my latest song called Mighty Cracker Fly
stevewhit said 946 days ago (April 21st, 2007)
Excellent!
From start to finish this is just superb. Your vocals are amazing and they grabbed my attention from the first note. I Can't wait to listen to more of your work.

Best Regards

Steve
Check out my latest song called schooldays
AEROjet said 946 days ago (April 21st, 2007)
Don't Run
Wonderful harmonies. Mellow like Phil Collins. SImple construct but nice chord progression. The only thing I would have liked to see is a build up section into something with more power. It kept a quiet intensity through the whole piece, which was intriguing, but it didn't seem to reach any sort of conclusion. I do like the lyrics though. Professional Work.
Joel
Check out my latest song called You Got Me (remix)
I. Spike said 945 days ago (April 21st, 2007)
Considering...
The Phil Collins analogy I think is right on.
Interesting idea about the build section.... hmmmm... that would change the feel a bit, but it might give it even more dimension. I'm considering this... I like that suggestion Joel, thanks...

Check out my latest song called Mighty Cracker Fly
bud said 945 days ago (April 21st, 2007)
I love it - great spin on your experiencee
with the film. Coincidentally it's sitting here for me to watch tonight. Beautiful chording throughout the song - very engaging. Thanks.
Check out my latest song called eye for you (w/particledots and michael2)
I. Spike said 945 days ago (April 21st, 2007)
...intense experience...
Thanks Bud.
I hope you enjoy the movie as much as I did. It's a very well crafted piece of art. It is often brutal and hard, but the words that were picked, the scenes that were shot, and the music that embellishes the images, make for an intense experience.
Check out my latest song called Mighty Cracker Fly
echoroom said 945 days ago (April 22nd, 2007)
Twisted
This is a wierd one Spikey - a song about the holocuast put to a lovely, seventies sounds piano ballad. The production this is great (and very authentic), and as usual your voice sonds wonderful. You are a talented genre-hopper, and this is another fantastic track - it just seems really odd, given the subject matter. The whole thing a Donald Fagen feel to it.

What i love about your work is on the surface it seems just well done, and professional, but there's a lot of ice underneath that 'berg.

Steve
Check out my latest song called Deeper (w/t Racerat)
I. Spike said 943 days ago (April 24th, 2007)
Many Masks
I'd like to think it's okay to try on different masks now and again...
I am puzzled by the Donald Fagen comment... I don't quite hear that, but then again, I'm not you. That's the beauty of art, it all strikes us in different ways.
Ciao!
Mr. Berg

---
"We are the music makers, and we are the dreamers of the dreams..."
Check out my latest song called Mighty Cracker Fly
ledebutant said 940 days ago (April 26th, 2007)
Lovely
I love this film, too. It's one of my favorites ever made and I think that scene is a wonderful choice for you to build a song around and your vocal and musicianship on this are just stellar. The source material is an inspired choice on your part.

I think I do understand what Steve is saying in that the style of music doesn't seem to relate to the underlying inspiration. I think part of that is the guitar playing that synthy sound in the background, that rips the song way out of the late 30's, early 40's, but it's also the style of the music, as well. The production is also very contemporary and glossy.

I'm not really sure that's a very big deal because the lyrics could really be about any time when it's a really very not good idea to show fear. I do like the extra emotional oomph that comes from having it relate to the Holocaust, but it's not as though you can go around with the song and explain the inspiration to every listener. I don't know that people hearing this cold will have Nazi Germany jump to mind, but I know that they'll enjoy the song as it is, all on its own.

I like the fact that it doesn't have a chorus or a big build, because that really does play into the experience of the character, and your voice is really just flawless. It's an excellent piece of writing and the piano playing is, appropriately, very good.

I'd love to hear an alternate version of this that is mostly piano and voice, with maybe a few period instruments in the background that would tie it back to the time and place of the film. It wouldn't be better than this one, just another take and something I'd really enjoy hearing. Any excuse to make you do more music. :-)
Check out my latest song called Black Star (MJ Live Aid w/jgurner)
ledebutant said 940 days ago (April 26th, 2007)
Forgot
I forgot to mention that I felt that some of the piano parts really evoked a train car rocking over railroad tracks. Whether that was intentional or not, it's brilliant. (I suspect it was intended.)
Check out my latest song called Black Star (MJ Live Aid w/jgurner)
ktb said 945 days ago (April 22nd, 2007)
elemental
You create the soundcapes that move the mind. Whew, this is simply powerful stuff. Particularly impressive to me that you create this rich ambience with just a few instrumental tracks. It leaves your voice (which is always captivating) the central thread and draws the listener in to focus on the lyrical content, which is superb. Outstanding track
Check out my latest song called off the deck (w/Z293)
I. Spike said 943 days ago (April 24th, 2007)
Deep end of the pool... help!
Once again you got it!
One of things I've learned over time is that if you are doing vocal music, then the vocal should be the featured item.
Build a sonic stage, dress is with harmonic lights, and then invite the voice to come in a and be the giant floating head in the middle of the undulating landscape.
Ciao!
Mr. Extremely Esoteric

---
"We are the music makers, and we are the dreamers of the dreams..."
Check out my latest song called Mighty Cracker Fly
Estella said 945 days ago (April 22nd, 2007)
ispike
I don't know what to say, your voice is beautiful as always, and those two words are very powerful - especially with the line, 'look like you fit in' wow. Song is well-crafted in my humble opinion.

I've been reading a lot of amazing poetry by the great masters of poetry who survived or died in the holocaust. It's heart-breaking and beautiful all at once.

Saw a documentary of the famous Miklos Radnoti, who wrote poems on a forced march, when he was emaciated and too weak to do much else. he wrote right into death and the mass grave he was dumped into. His notebook was discovered in his coat pocket later when his wife unearthed him - the notebook was wet. It had to be dried, and the front page said, in several languages - thank you for finding my poems- geez. And to read those poems in particular, gives you the chills. To think we lost so many other brilliant artists, many undiscovered. How many undiscovered notebooks must there be underground?

Anyway, i haven't seen 'the pianist' but I plan to. Thanks for this great song.
Check out my latest song called Este Momento
I. Spike said 943 days ago (April 24th, 2007)
Humbled...
Thank you very much for the crafting comment.

The story of Miklos Radnoti is heartbreaking...
I will search out his work and read.
Thanks for sharing that story.

See "The Pianist" - it is an extremely powerful film.

---
"We are the music makers, and we are the dreamers of the dreams..."
Check out my latest song called Mighty Cracker Fly
Leon said 945 days ago (April 22nd, 2007)
soundtrack
I saw this movie quite a while ago, and it indeed one of the most emotionally powerful movies i have seen in recent years. I can't quite remember the part or scene which this song is based on, but the horror and suspense of that film as a whole is well encapsulated by the message of this poignant and plaintive song. It seems to lack a chorus as a dramatic center, but maybe that is the unique character of this song altogether.
Check out my latest song called The Nightingale (music and lyrics by Oceans)
I. Spike said 943 days ago (April 24th, 2007)
...just below the surface...
I thought a big chorus to this song would be too much... and I guess if anything does serve as a chorus, it is the repeat of the "don't run" after the verses.
I thought a big chorus would wake up the sleeping damon Nazi and lead to the characters demise. Thus a slow pedantic piece with guitar whispers of insane panic held just below the surface.

---
"We are the music makers, and we are the dreamers of the dreams..."
Check out my latest song called Mighty Cracker Fly
Alannah said 945 days ago (April 22nd, 2007)
I don't even know what to say ....
... deep and intense delivery on a deep and intense subject matter ... this one struck a chord on my heartstrings .... well done! I think it conveyed the message!
I. Spike said 943 days ago (April 24th, 2007)
... heartstring...
Thank you very much.
It's always such a satisfying feeling to know that your music was involved in the plucking of a heartstring....


---
"We are the music makers, and we are the dreamers of the dreams..."
Check out my latest song called Mighty Cracker Fly
onesweetworld said 945 days ago (April 22nd, 2007)
:-)
Yeeeeah Spike. I knew I could count on you while I take my break from school work. You're such a talented artist. :-)
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I. Spike said 943 days ago (April 24th, 2007)
Smiling.
Thank you world of sweetness!...

---
"We are the music makers, and we are the dreamers of the dreams..."
Check out my latest song called Mighty Cracker Fly
guitapick said 944 days ago (April 23rd, 2007)
The inspiration...
...definitely comes through in the music.

This definitely resonates with me, iSpike. Beautiful tune. Chord changes, instrumentation, playing, lyrics. It's all good, man...
Check out my latest song called Outside the Corral
I. Spike said 943 days ago (April 24th, 2007)
Danka...
Thanks for the comments and being a repeat listener to my music. I appreciate that you come back for more, and that I haven't scared you away.... yet....

---
"We are the music makers, and we are the dreamers of the dreams..."
Check out my latest song called Mighty Cracker Fly
guitapick said 942 days ago (April 25th, 2007)
Weellll...
...I don't scare easy, pardner...

...and I've always loved horror flicks, anyway....

...AND: you're music is great....

...So I'll keep comin'...

---
I live between the notes
Check out my latest song called Outside the Corral
Mystified said 943 days ago (April 23rd, 2007)
So fine....
What a poignant and heartfelt performance here, Mr.Spike...Beautiful voice and accompanying track.

I actually listened to this the other day and decided to wait and listen again a few days later, because, upon first listen, I found the fuzzy synth a bit distracting and incongruous to the piano, voice and somber lyrics.
Listening again, it wasn't as distracting this time, though it still seems 'separated' from the rest of the track--though maybe that is an aural device you meant to employ?

thanks for sharing this track...


Check out my latest song called Father Time
I. Spike said 943 days ago (April 24th, 2007)
Fuzzy...
The fuzzy synth is actually a guitar, and it is very intentional.
The chord voicing on the piano are specifically in a lower register for a dark pallet - they act as a coat or skin.
The guitar (fuzzy synth) is the desperation, panic, the violence that runs just underneath, and is just waiting to explode... as long as the character doesn't run, it will be kept at bay...

---
"We are the music makers, and we are the dreamers of the dreams..."
Check out my latest song called Mighty Cracker Fly
Mystified said 943 days ago (April 24th, 2007)
I knew...
...you'd have an answer for this, which is why I brought it up ;)
Thanks for taking the time to explain.
And thanks, again, for posting this.
Check out my latest song called Father Time
TobinMueller said 943 days ago (April 24th, 2007)
...where to run?
I loved the movie too. Fingers moving in the air, needing absolute silence to keep from being discovered, needing to remain invisible, music made only inside the head, in memory. Such an awful time, starkly so. Nothing more to say, your lyrics repeat a single message (with so many convolutions), just as he would be. Would make a great soundtrack tune. Your voice is naturally compelling, one of my favs on this site or any other. So many more trains waiting for so many more people...
Check out my latest song called Forge A New Life (MJRF)
jiguma said 940 days ago (April 26th, 2007)
Seriously good
Beautiful vocals/lyrics and excellent music - your intro made me wonder how many similar mantras go through people's heads after experiencing such terror, and what those creating the terror feel retrospectively for the damage they cause. Just food for thought.
Really good sounding song - not much left for me to say. Your voice is one of the best here.
Neil
Check out my latest song called Lost In Translation (w Mike Watkins)
dreadmon said 937 days ago (April 30th, 2007)
Beautiful track
And it's working for me on two different levels - without the exposition, it could be an approach to live on the edge in these modern times. With the backstory, it becomes an even more compelling and powerful slice of time. Though you've approached it with a contemporary sensibility, I can easily see this tune included with the aforementioned DVD as an extra. Nice production all around, and you've got one of the most expressive and pleasant voices here at MJ. I thank you for your passion and ability to capture it and beam it to the rest of us.
Check out my latest song called Dive!
RickW said 928 days ago (May 8th, 2007)
Perfect sound track
This would have been a perfect accompaniment to that scene. Well felt and well done!

God bless,

Rick

Check out my latest song called Picture of Perfection (MJRF)
bonnieprincejohnny said 927 days ago (May 10th, 2007)
Yes.
Great movie - great song. I love your voice,use any specific recording technique? Nice one pal.

Aw the best.

Johnny
Check out my latest song called twenty seven
Seven Ate Nine said 922 days ago (May 15th, 2007)
band?
Is this you playing each track?
I. Spike said 921 days ago (May 16th, 2007)
Yes.
I'm playing and singing all the tracks except for the simple drum loop I used.

---
"We are the music makers, and we are the dreamers of the dreams..."
Check out my latest song called Mighty Cracker Fly
Seven Ate Nine said 921 days ago (May 16th, 2007)
thank you
Brilliant.
rainfice said 916 days ago (May 21st, 2007)
wow!
i'm sort of at a loss for words right now. Without the story as a backdrop this would have been a great performance, but that added touch of history and your reaction pushes it up several notches.
This is the first thing of yours i've listened to, and i can't imagine finding anything here now that could soil the image you've carved for yourself.
absolutely fantastic.
Check out my latest song called Moment
I. Spike said 914 days ago (May 22nd, 2007)
Glimmering...
Thank you for you the glimmering compliment!
I appreciate it greatly.
Ciao!
(Hopefully I won't scare you away with some of my other tunes. I'm very much a "one of these things is never like the other...")

---
"What matters, matters, and what doesn't matter, is antimatter."
Check out my latest song called Mighty Cracker Fly
rainfice said 914 days ago (May 23rd, 2007)
fear not
Everything else I checked out here seems spot on. I am always hoping and searching for artists with a certain level of diversity. Some bands are so good at what they do, that you know what to expect, and then find nice surprises and grow within their niche, but often I like an album to take me from one extreme to another.


---
signature remark
Check out my latest song called Moment
I. Spike said 914 days ago (May 23rd, 2007)
Diversity.
I couldn't agree more... Where would we be without bands like the Beatles and Queen!? I love being taken on the journey through their albums. The sad thing today is that the whole nature of the album is disintegrating - it's all just a bunch of singles slapped together in a collection, or at least it seems to me in a lot of cases that this is the way it is...
Ciao amico!


---
"What matters, matters, and what doesn't matter, is antimatter."
Check out my latest song called Mighty Cracker Fly
MissChaos said 913 days ago (May 24th, 2007)
it's so humbling...
to hear you perform. I never click "play" with the intention of finding anything wrong and I never prepare myself to give any sort of critique. It's always purely an entertaining experience to sit back and listen. A joy and an inspiration. I love this one -- it's got the pensive quality I always gravitate toward.
Check out my latest song called Mama Cries - Album Version (MJRF)
damiengh said 907 days ago (May 30th, 2007)
Totally Have it
Your phrasing, sound everything just sounds soooo good. I even hear bits of Gino Vannelli, but you got your own. On my favorites.
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***itiswotitis*** said 875 days ago (July 1st, 2007)
what a lovely song
sung from he heart and the music is perfect.. I love your voice you have a really nice soft tone.. there is an undeniable warmth to it!
Check out my latest song called WALKING BASS IN THE CLOUDS
gail60 said 827 days ago (August 17th, 2007)
you are so good!
I love your voice. I have listened to several of your songs and really enjoy all of them. You are very talented indeed. Your writing skills, your instrumentation, your voice.....goodness...what else could anyone want? Thanks for sharing! Looking forward to more of your music.
Check out my latest song called Sweet September
timothy devine said 766 days ago (October 18th, 2007)
I. Spike
Hmmm
What a great sounding piano.
You got a real good thing going here.
The chords and the piano playing remind me of something Joni Mitchel would do.
(Her new record has been playing in my car for a week or so now)
The vocals are beautifully performed with exquisite harmonies. Such a cool production with the synths perfectly placed accenting tune.
Love the whispers
nice touch!
Great song writing and superb performance.
You got a new fan.
Now I got to catch the Movie
Check out my latest song called Mankind Needs a Change/WoodstockII
Pie said 663 days ago (January 29th, 2008)
Slipped under my radar
Just discovered this little gem. Great writing and the vox particularly shine - as usual. More please.

Pie


Check out my latest song called Kaleidoscope (Single)
magnatone said 618 days ago (March 14th, 2008)
Don't Run
wow - this is the third piece of yours I've listened to in a row, and I'm HOOKED! You're an amazing musician on all levels - your vocals are wonderful, I'm not sure what instruments you might be actually playing and what is written in - doesn't matter - it all sounds great. You are a FIND! Thanks for making my morning
Check out my latest song called Symphonic Smackdown
Artist Info
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One day as the sun was melting and the pudding was setting, from out of the sky dropped a little bag of mostly salty water, with fur and such, and his name was I. Spike. Blog Interview: I. Spike (Steve Hale) - Singer/Songwriter/Producer Coll... [see more]

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Genre Info
A ballad is a story in a song, usually a narrative song or poem. It is a rhythmic saga of a past affair, which may be heroic, romantic or satirical, political (affected by the previous three types mentioned, refers to either glorifying the exploits o

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