We spent the summer running
Scared of what they might do
After we spent the winter crying
In the mist we came all unglued
Sometimes back to school
It seems so sad
And nothing’s new
Until I spent the summer running
Just we two
Just we two
I followed you to Zion
The four corners and the redwoods too
The Mesa in Arizona
The Grand Canyon and Las Vegas too
All the bad-brained people
One of these days we’ll run over you
And spend the summer running
Just we two
Just we two
I don’t walk
I run
Ridin’ into the sun
On my motorcycle
We can just blow
I don’t know
What’s ahead
We don’t talk of the dead
On my motorcycle
C’mon let’s go
‘Cause there’s always
There’s always
The world you know
The world you know
Well I wear a grim
Smile day after day, baby
As I’m working into our future
Oh yeah
And I take a quick drink
In a world that stinks, baby
‘Cause I’m standing up against the furies
Oh yeah
I can escape
I’ve got a Batman’s cape
And I can cover myself, and baby
Yes I’m flying
I’m flying
I’m flying tonight
Oh yeah
Just we two
Runnin’ down the highway
Smilin’ at the problems
‘Cause there’s always
There’s always
The world you know
The world you know
We spent the summer running
Just we two
Just we two
Just we two
Chasing Freedom and Connection: Lyric Analysis
Billy Idol’s “Summer Running” captures the spirit of youthful rebellion and the intimate bond between two souls escaping the confines of their world. The lyrics paint a vivid picture of adventure, from cross-country road trips to emotional highs and lows. Idol’s references to places like Zion, the Grand Canyon, and Las Vegas evoke a sense of wanderlust, while the phrase “just we two” highlights the central relationship at the heart of the song. The recurring motif of running—both literally and metaphorically—emphasizes the desire to break free from the past and face the unknown together. Motorcycle imagery and superhero metaphors add to the feeling of invincibility and the thrill of living in the moment, even as challenges loom.
Song Credits
- Artist: Billy Idol
- Songwriters: Billy Idol