“It’s just a game that can’t be won” — ISAAK struggles with his demons in “Always On The Run” lyrics

ISAAK will represent Germany at Eurovision 2024 with the song “Always On The Run”.

He won the national selection Das Deutsche Finale 2024 with a perfect score of 12 points from both the jury and the public. But what do the lyrics of the song mean? Who or what is he running from? And why? We delve deeper into the lyrics.

Let’s do this.

What do the “Always On The Run” lyrics mean?

The lyrics of “Always On The Run” delve into themes of feeling isolated and struggling with our identity. It is an emotional journey of grappling with one’s aspirations and inner demons while feeling trapped in a cycle of uncertainty.

“I am nothin’ but the average
Even though I’m special to some
I can’t refuse, I’m going under
No one gives a shit about what’s soon to come
What’s soon to come”

We often feel that we are being overlooked or underestimated in life, despite having different, unique qualities. The feelings of being overwhelmed, undervalued and unable to take the pressures or expectations placed upon ourselves, and the added pressures of life.

“I know my blessing with the privilege
Of doin’ anything I want
But I don’t feel like getting stronger
In my mind, it’s just a game that can’t be won”

ISAAK acknowledges the freedoms and opportunities he has but feels exhausted by constantly striving for success. There’s a sense of resignation in trying to improve or change his life.

“All I do is keep my head up
But it’s hard to keep the pace
Like I’m haunted by the voices deep within
Oh, they’re just never gonna fade“

We often battle with the intense struggles of maintaining positivity and running towards our goals, despite our inner doubts and insecurities. The constant fight between positivity, and the feelings of being haunted by our inner demons or negative thoughts despite our efforts to ignore them – resulting in running away.

“I’m always on the run”

ISAAK — “Always On The Run” lyrics (Germany Eurovision 2024)

I am nothin’ but the average
Even though I’m special to some
I can’t refuse, I’m going under
No one gives a shit about what’s soon to come
What’s soon to come
I know my blessing with the privilege
Of doin’ anything I want
But I don’t feel like getting stronger
In my mind, it’s just a game that can’t be won
That can’t be won

I’m always on the run, run, run, run
Close, but never done, done, done, done
I can’t break out when I’m free
Lost in my own identity
I’m on the run, run, run, run

I’m always on the run, na-na-ayy, run, na-na-ayy
Run, na-na-ayy, run, na-na-ayy
(It’s like I’m on the) Run, na-na-ayy, run, na-na-ayy
Run, na-na-ayy, run, na-na-ayy

All I do is keep my head up
But it’s hard to keep the pace
Like I’m haunted by the voices deep within
Oh, they’re just never gonna fade
Not gonna fade

I’m always on the run, run, run, run
Close, but never done, done, done, done
I can’t break out when I’m free
Lost in my own identity
I’m on the run, run, run, run

I’m always on the run, na-na-ayy, run, na-na-ayy
Run, na-na-ayy, run, na-na-ayy
(It’s like I’m on the) Run, na-na-ayy, run, na-na-ayy
Run, na-na-ayy, run, na-na-ayy

Run from the silence, screamin’ for guidance
Who am I fighting for?
Get out of my head, I’m so sick and tired
Can’t do this anymore
Run from the silence, screamin’ for guidance
Who am I fighting for?
Get out of my head, I’m so sick and tired
Can’t do this anymore

Run from the silence, screamin’ for guidance (run, na-na-ayy, run, na-na-ayy)
Who am I fighting for? (Run, na-na-ayy, run, na-na-ayy)
Get out of my head, I’m so sick and tired (run, na-na-ayy, run, na-na-ayy)
Can’t do this anymore (run, na-na-ayy, run, na-na-ayy)
Run from the silence, screamin’ for guidance (run, na-na-ayy, run, na-na-ayy)
Who am I fighting for? (Run, na-na-ayy, run, na-na-ayy)
Get out of my head, I’m so sick and tired (run, na-na-ayy, run, na-na-ayy)
Can’t do this anymore (run, na-na-ayy, run, na-na-ayy)

What do you think of “Always On The Run” by ISAAK? Can you relate to the lyrics? Let us know in the comments.