Outrunning Karma

Alec Benjamin's song "Outrunning Karma" is a narrative about the futility of trying to escape one's own misdeeds. The lyrics paint a picture of a boy who is likened to a modern desperado, a term that conjures images of an outlaw from the Wild West. This character is depicted as someone who has wronged many, symbolized by the 'ten dozen hearts in a bag' and the 'bodies lying' that he drags with him. The use of Colorado as a destination could be metaphorical for a place where one believes they can start anew, but as the song suggests, karma follows him everywhere.

The chorus emphasizes the theme of karma as an unrelenting force that cannot be outrun or hidden from. The boy runs through the night, but the inevitability of facing the consequences of his actions is clear. Karma is personified as a pursuer, always on his heels for the lies and betrayal he has committed. The references to 'the church steeple down to Satan' imply that karma operates on a cosmic scale, from the heights of supposed sanctity to the depths of evil. The song suggests that there is no escape from karma until death, highlighting the idea that actions invariably have consequences.

The song's narrative and haunting melody create a sense of urgency and inevitability. Alec Benjamin's storytelling through music often explores themes of regret, consequence, and the human condition. In "Outrunning Karma," he uses these themes to remind listeners that one's actions, good or bad, will eventually catch up to them, and that accountability is an inescapable part of life.