Why Are All the Best Running Songs About Getting High?

Disclaimer: I do not want anyone to think that by writing this post that I am in any way condoning the use of illicit drugs. 

Why are all the best running songs about getting high? I'm pretty sure most of you've probably never had this thought. I'm also sure it will be no surprise to most of you that I have thought about this. With plenty of time to myself on my last long run, I settled into my pace and my music. I pondered this question while listening to my current favorite running song, appropriately titled High by the alternative group Sir Sly.

"It feels good to be running from the devil, another breath and I'm up another level, it feels good to be up above the clouds, it feels good for the first time in a long time now..."

Maybe you're reading this and you're thinking, "what is she smoking?" or "did she finally accept that medical marijuana from her rheumatologist?" (she offered, I declined) or maybe "I don't know what she's smoking but I want some of that".

Or maybe you are just rolling your eyes. Maybe you listen to pop music when you run or maybe you listen to nothing. But I bet there's a group of us out there who listen to music and run not only for fitness but for the entire experience. Running isn't just a physical act, but a feast for the senses. Running is a mind/body experience. Yep, I grew up in the 1970s.

Life isn't always a peaceful, easy feeling. Maybe you're like me and you run because you are high strung and need an outlet. Road therapy, right? I don't always solve the world's problems on my runs, but when I do, I do my best thinking when I'm running.

Then there are those times when you don't want to think. Sometimes, you need an escape from the reality of life. Music is and has always been, for me, the perfect escape. Running to music? Even better.

"Swallow me whole, finding my peace of mind." ~Sir Sly. 

I often joke that if I didn't run, I'd probably be an alcoholic. It's really not a joke because I did party my way through my 20s until I couldn't do that anymore. Although I do have a lot of good stories. Running truly saved me from me. I'm fortunate that I've been able to run all these years and rid myself of stress and angst. It's not easy being me, but running softens the edges.

Just because I don't party like I used to doesn't mean that I don't enjoy a good runner's high. I've written posts about the runners high and how running releases not just endorphins, but endocannabinoids. Yep, the same substances that are released on a run as when people smoke on the peace pipe or ingest whatever mind-altering substance they choose to get high. So it makes sense to me that the songs written about getting high are the ones that are in heavy rotation on my playlist.

Does this make sense to you? Hold my beer. Let's go for a run. Running is my drug of choice. I'll bring the music. Some of my choices might surprise you because the references are subtle. It's no fun to go for the obvious choice. You won't find any Afroman on my playlist. I need lyrics that make me think when I'm running!

Here are some of the songs that I've run to while I'm in search of that runner's high.

I Can't Feel My Face The Weekend

"I can't feel my face when I'm with you but I love it...and I know she'll be the death of me but at least we'll both be numb..."

Semi-Charmed Life Third Eye Blind

"I want something else...to get me through this semi-charmed kind of life...I won't come down, I keep stock, with a tick-tock rhythm and a bump for the drop..."

Hymn for the Weekend Coldplay

"And said, drink from me, drink from me. When I was so thirsty, pour on a symphony, now I just can't get enough... Got me feeling so drunk and high.."

Up All Night Beck

"I've been running like an animal struggling, looking for a diamond, I'm trying, I'm fighting, back into the rhythm now..."

Learn to Fly Foo Fighters

"I'm looking for a complication, looking 'cause I'm tired of trying, make my way back home, when I learn to fly high"  PS The video is hilarious.

Half Full Glass of Wine Tame Impala

"thank god I've been blessed with a patient mind, 'cause what I want to happen won't happen in a very long time..."

My Own Worst Enemy Lit

"It's no surprise to me, I am my own worst enemy, 'Cause every now and then, I kick the living shit out of me...."

Blurry Puddle of Mudd

"Preoccupied without you, I cannot live at all. My whole world surrounds you, I stumble then I crawl."

Feel Good Inc Gorillaz

"Don't stop, get it, get, We are your captains in it (feel good), steady, watch me navigate..."

What kind of music do you listen to when you run, if any? Do you pick your songs based on the music or the lyrics? Do you think what you listen to affects your running performance?

I'm linking this post up with Marcia, Erika, and Patti for Tuesdays on the Run and with Debbie, Lora, and Rachel for Coaches Corner.