Our ancestors ran from predators and their enemies wielding arrows We run from calls of creditors collecting debts in great wheel barrows Knowing nothing of the ancients' toil or strife When I run, I run for my life
Politically minded men run for the prize of public office And most folks run for exercise to avoid their stomachs’ softness To attract prospective husbands or a wife When I run, I run for my life
Run not to win some decorated prize When you run, run for you life
I’ve seldom had to run to preserve my own existence And ain’t it sad to lose your breath after only a short distance The sharp pains in your gut cut like a knife When you run, run for your life
Run not to win some decorated prize When you run, run for your life Run not to win some decorated prize When you run, run for your life
Sedentary men, they don’t have to run for nothing And I would rather run to you than run away from something Followed closely by a fiddle and a fife When you run, run for your life
Run not to win some decorated prize When you run, run for your life Run not to win some decorated prize When you run, run When you run, run for your life