Blues Run The Game

Simon & Garfunkel's rendition of 'Blues Run The Game' is a poignant exploration of perpetual sadness and the futile attempts to escape it. The song's protagonist is a wanderer, constantly moving from place to place—England, Spain, or wherever the winds may take him. Despite these travels, he finds that the 'blues'—a metaphor for his deep-seated melancholy—are an inescapable part of his existence. This recurring theme of travel and the omnipresence of sadness suggests a universal truth about the human condition: no matter where one goes, internal struggles often follow.

The lyrics delve into the protagonist's coping mechanisms, notably his reliance on alcohol and room service, which he describes as 'livin' a life of sin.' This phrase captures the self-destructive behaviors he engages in to numb his pain. However, these temporary escapes only serve to highlight his underlying sorrow, as evidenced by his admission that when he isn't drinking or sleeping, he is consumed by thoughts of a lost love, leading him to tears. This cycle of temporary relief followed by overwhelming sadness underscores the futility of his attempts to outrun his emotional turmoil.

The song also touches on the themes of gambling and love, equating both to risky endeavors with uncertain outcomes. The line 'Livin' is a gamble, baby, Lovin's much the same' suggests that life and love are unpredictable and often disappointing. The protagonist's hope that he might 'wake up older' and cease his efforts to escape his blues indicates a longing for peace and acceptance, though it remains an elusive goal. Ultimately, 'Blues Run The Game' is a haunting reflection on the persistence of sorrow and the human desire for solace, even when it seems perpetually out of reach.