Running Up That Hill

Placebo's cover of 'Running Up That Hill' offers a poignant exploration of empathy and the desire to understand the pain of a loved one. The song, originally by Kate Bush, is a powerful plea for the ability to swap places with another person to truly comprehend their emotional struggles. Placebo's rendition, with its darker and more somber tone, emphasizes the yearning for a deeper connection and the lengths one would go to achieve it.

The lyrics 'You want to feel how it feels?' and 'You don't want to hurt me, but see how deep the bullet lies' suggest a conversation between two people where one is trying to convey the depth of their pain. The repeated chorus 'If I only could, make a deal with God, and get him to swap our places' reflects the wish to trade places with God or a higher power to make the other person understand this pain. The metaphor of 'running up that hill' represents the uphill battle and the challenges faced in trying to bridge the gap of understanding between two individuals.

Placebo's interpretation of the song adds a layer of intensity to the original, possibly due to the band's alternative rock style, which often deals with themes of angst and emotional turmoil. The song resonates with listeners who have experienced the frustration of not being able to fully communicate their feelings or have wished to take on someone else's burden to spare them from suffering.