[4] [12] [14] On The Run takes a sharp turn from the peacefulness of breathe, changing the key and tempo to a much quicker and rushed setting. Roger Waters developed this song as he had a fear of flying during his touring years as a performer. The Instrumental itself is supposed to depict the sonic soundscape of an airport through a very stressed, anxious and worried person. Complete with manic laughter, airport “last call” messages and whirring noises in the background
I’ve never felt more anxious than when listening to this track. It’s supposed to recreate the feeling of anxiety and unease and it does an incredible job at it, my heart starts racing every time it comes on. Although the instrumental is originally based around an airport, I like to think that this part links back to what I said in “Breathe” and that this depicts the rush of your teenager and young adult years, a manic rush through education, getting a job, perhaps even abroad, the whole feeling of not being in control of your own life.