The Perfect Running Song for Your Running Music Playlist
Looking for the perfect addition to your running music playlist? “Beyond Control” by N’to from their 2021 album “Apnea” might just be the ideal track. This song’s lyrics convey a sense of longing, struggle, and the desire to let go of things beyond one’s control. And despite the album name meaning the lack of breath “Beyond Control” is an excellent song for understanding breathing, running and the spiritual journey that is life.
Additionally, “Beyond Control” explores themes of personal growth, self-discovery, and the need to release attachments that hinder progress—making it a powerful choice for runners. Whether you’re training for a marathon, competing, or simply exercising, this song could be the motivational boost you need. Let’s delve into the lyrics and discover why “Beyond Control” is the perfect running song for your playlist.
First let’s take a look at the lyrics:
Lyrics
[Verse 1]
Oh, the night is casting shadows as I follow you along
Down rivers into open fields, you’re running on and on
Sometimes you’ll turn around then to see me fallen far behind
I’m trying to keep up with you, but I feel you’re running blind
[Chorus]
You must leave
Everything
That you can’t control
That you can’t control
Can you leave
Everything
That you cannot control?
Can you let it go?
[Instrumental Break]
[Verse 2]
Can you feel how they are coming into your head, into your home?
Performing all their tricks on you, they won’t leave you alone
And I see how you are falling for them and all their lies
While you believe in magic now, I still believe my eyes
[Chorus]
You must leave
Everything
That you can’t control
That you can’t control
Can you leave
Everything
That you cannot control?
Can you let it go? x5
First Verse Analysis
In the opening verse, the imagery of “the night casting shadows” sets a somber and contemplative tone. It describes a nighttime scene where the protagonist follows someone through various landscapes.
These lyrics describe a dreamlike or perhaps nightmarish environment “Oh, the night is casting shadows as I follow you along/Down rivers into open fields, you’re running on and on”. This coupled with the beat makes the listener feel as if they are on a chase or trance-like mission of something where they must keep pushing forward.
Furthermore, night often symbolizes uncertainty and the unknown, suggesting that the journey being undertaken is fraught with challenges and ambiguity. The mention of “rivers” and “open fields” evokes a sense of movement and transition, implying that the journey is both physical and metaphorical.
The repeated references to “running” from something suggests a sense of urgency or a relentless pursuit of something elusive.
Simultaneously, there’s a reference to going after something evident in the lines, “Sometimes you’ll turn around then to see me fallen far behind” This highlights the struggle of keeping pace with someone who may be lost in their own pursuits or battles.
The protagonist’s feeling of being left behind underscores a sense of disconnection and helplessness. The phrase “running blind” suggests that the person they are following is aimless or unaware of their surroundings, further emphasizing the theme of losing control.
This running song’s introduction musically is slow and builds over time. It starts with a simple kick drum and some hi-hats and cymbals to start a slow and steady talkable running pace. The perfect running song.
After about 30 seconds into the song there is a release with the bassline and lyrics that help you focus on your body’s movement as you run.
Chorus Analysis
The chorus emphasizes the central theme of relinquishing control. The repetition of the line “You must leave everything that you can’t control” reinforces the idea of letting go of external factors that cannot be influenced or manipulated.
Additionally, The chorus is a direct and poignant plea for letting go of the things that are beyond one’s control. Repetition of the words “leave” and “cannot control” emphasizes the importance of this message. The use of questions, “Can you leave…?” and “Can you let it go?”, challenges the listener to introspect and consider their own relationship with control and surrender. This repetition and questioning create a sense of urgency and demand self-reflection, driving home the central theme of the song.
The phrase “Can you leave everything that you cannot control? Can you let it go?” acts as a rhetorical question, urging introspection and encouraging the listener to examine their own attachments and anxieties.
Running Song: It’s a metaphor
Running can be a powerful metaphor for letting go of control. As you hit the pavement, each step propels you forward, demanding focus on the present moment. The rhythmic motion of running encourages a release of mental tension, allowing thoughts to flow freely. In running, the uncontrollable variables—like the weather, the terrain, and your own body’s response—mirror life’s unpredictability.
By embracing these uncertainties, runners learn to let go of rigid expectations and find peace in the journey itself. This act of surrender can translate into everyday life, fostering resilience and a deeper acceptance of the ebb and flow of existence.
As the song progresses with the synths and vocals it creates a build-up and drop movement. Similarly, to like pacing yourself on a run.
“Beyond Control” features build-ups where tension is created through rising synth lines and increasing rhythmic complexity. When the beat drops back in, it brings a sense of release and catharsis, mirroring the lyrical theme of letting go.
However, when we are training for a run it is important to build up endurance and pace ourselves as we move. Sometimes it can feel quite tense as we reach certain time limits and physical restraints on our body.
Second Verse: Runnings Songs and Signs
In the second verse, the focus shifts to external influences that invade the mind and personal space (“coming into your head, into your home”). The “tricks” and lies symbolize deceptive thoughts or external pressures that manipulate and distort reality.
Likewise, this verse speaks to the struggle of discerning truth from illusion, as well as the difficulty in maintaining clarity amidst external chaos.
Running can serve as an escape from the external influences that invade the mind and personal space, as described in the verse. As deceptive thoughts and external pressures perform their tricks, manipulating and distorting reality, the rhythmic motion of running becomes a sanctuary.
Continually, a safe place. Each stride pushes back against the chaos, creating a space where clarity can be reclaimed. The physical exertion helps to dispel the lies and illusions, allowing a runner to reconnect with their own truth.
Indeed, while the world may believe in the “magic” of these deceptions, running offers a grounded perspective. The clarity of one’s own vision prevails over the confusion and manipulation.
Magic Running Song
Similarly, the line “While you believe in magic now, I still believe my eyes” contrasts faith in illusions with reliance on empirical evidence. It suggests a divergence in perspectives, where one person is swayed by fantastical thinking while the other remains grounded in reality. This contrast highlights the tension between fantasy and truth, and the importance of staying true to one’s own perception.
How does that relate to running? Well running can embody the contrast between faith in illusions and reliance on empirical evidence, much like the line “While you believe in magic now, I still believe my eyes.” For some, running might seem magical—an effortless escape or a source of boundless energy.
Yet, seasoned runners know the importance of staying grounded in reality. They can recognize the tangible evidence of progress through consistent training and measurable improvements. This juxtaposition mirrors the tension between fantasy and truth. It reminds runners that while the allure of an easy, magical run is enticing, true achievement comes from dedication and a clear-eyed view of one’s capabilities and limits. The perfect running song always makes a run more enjoyable.
Instrumental Break
The instrumental breaks in the song provide a moment of introspection and emotional release. These sections allow the listener to absorb the gravity of the lyrics and reflect on their own experiences with control and letting go. The music builds and recedes, mirroring the ebb and flow of emotions tied to the themes of the perfect running song.
Final Chorus
The final chorus reiterates the key message of the song with increased intensity. The repeated question “Can you let it go?” becomes almost a mantra, urging the listener to embrace the idea of surrendering control and finding peace in acceptance.
The repetition of the phrase “Can you let it go?” in the bridge further emphasizes the need to release burdens and surrender to the flow of life. It suggests that by relinquishing the desire for control and accepting the inherent uncertainties, one can find liberation and inner peace.
In conclusion, the repetitive rhythm of running echoes the phrase “Can you let it go?” with each step serve as a reminder. A reminder to release burdens and surrender to life’s flow. Just as the bridge in a song emphasizes the need to let go, running encourages a similar mindset.
By embracing the natural cadence of your breath and stride, and relinquishing the desire for control. Running becomes a meditative practice. It allows you to accept uncertainties and find liberation and inner peace in the simple, unyielding forward motion. Through this physical act, the metaphorical act of letting go becomes tangible, offering clarity and tranquility amidst life’s chaos.
Overall, “Beyond Control” explores the concept of surrendering to the uncontrollable aspects of life, urging listeners/runners to let go of attachments. This running song encapsulates a journey towards self-awareness and embracing the unknown. Enjoy your run folks!
Lyrics provided by:
NTO & Monolink – Beyond Control Lyrics
https://youtu.be/3Xj9pJECk2o?si=1nMiX0ftsaeVlcJ-
Sources:
https://www.webmd.com/fitness-exercise/how-running-affects-mental-health
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