A stranger, an outsider a man who does know the language or the ways of a people finds himself the object of a deadly manhunt. He knows not of what he is accused only that they are hunting him down with weapons. He hears the drums and chants of those running him down and seeking him out.
While he frantically runs for his life he senses their calm and sense of purpose. He keeps reassuring himself that he has done nothing wrong, as if his innocence and righteousness may somehow keep him alive.
He’s not sure if the jungle fever taking hold of him is sickness or just fear. He slips in and out of consciousness as he continues to stay safely ahead of the hunters following his trail and occasionally making war cries. Is he being blamed for some ill done to the tribe, or is he just a needed body to satisfy some ancient cleansing rite or ritual?
Finally exhausted far beyond the limits he would have ever thought possible he hurls himself into the rapids of a roaring river and hopes that he will later awake on the other side safe and far from those hot on his trail.
The song ends with him slipping once again into unconsciousness while we listen to the haunting rhythmic breathing of his pursuers. The song is a stark reminder that we are the creators of justice, and with justice comes a tremendous responsibility.
lyrics
The Hunt 10/14/1986
Fever, my head is exploding
I don’t know if I’ll ever be free
Come on, come on let’s fly
Silently fly
Breathe, push, push on
Running thru the trees (who)
I’m feeling followed
Wading thru the brush (move)
As drums banter
Run on, run on now, faster
The hunter does chase and chased are the hunted
The heat’s burning holes in my head
My lungs like burning embers eating thru my chest
Run on, run on now, faster
oo-la-sha-kunta-de-oo-na-da-lani
No longer can I outrun the forest
Bent like a snake I slither thru the leaves
Into the river I thrust myself forward
Rapids do carry me
Chanting I flow into dream
Run, run, run, hunt
I didn’t do it
The land must be clean
I didn’t do it
Beneath their rituals they know
I didn’t do it
credits
from Take Me,
released May 26, 2014
Vocals Jim Guido
Synths Jim Guido
Drums and Percussion Jim Guido, John Barden
Guitar Jim Guido
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