Go4Know > What If We Could Make a Deal with God? The Story Behind Kate Bush's "Running Up That Hill"

What If We Could Make a Deal with God? The Story Behind Kate Bush's "Running Up That Hill"

When Kate Bush released "Running Up That Hill (A Deal with God)" in 1985, she wasn't just releasing a song - she was offering a haunting, emotional plea wrapped in one of the most distinctive pop sounds of the era. Decades later, the track has resurfaced with new relevance, especially after its resurgence through the series Stranger Things, captivating a new generation. But what is this song really about? Why has it endured for so long? What was its origin, and what deeper meaning lies beneath its lyrics and sound? Let's explore one of the most iconic songs in alternative pop history.

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At its core, "Running Up That Hill" is about the fundamental human desire for understanding and empathy, especially in relationships. Kate Bush imagines a world in which a man and a woman could switch places - literally - in order to understand each other's pain and perspective. She wishes she could make a deal with God to trade roles with her partner, to truly experience what the other feels. This metaphor is both fantastical and deeply grounded in real emotional struggle. The title itself was almost too controversial for radio in the 1980s. The phrase "A Deal with God" made record executives nervous due to its religious implications, especially in conservative markets. Bush originally intended that to be the main title, but under pressure, it was presented primarily as "Running Up That Hill," with the subtitle added later.

The lyrics explore the anguish and frustration of miscommunication in a relationship. The woman wants to be understood, to share the burden of emotional labor. The chorus - "And if I only could, I'd make a deal with God, and I'd get him to swap our places" - encapsulates that cry for empathy. Bush has explained in interviews that the idea was to express how difficult it is for people to really understand one another, especially in love. And in that yearning, the song touches something deeply human. Rather than laying blame or wallowing in heartbreak, the song pleads for connection.

Musically, "Running Up That Hill" was revolutionary. Built on a propulsive drum machine pattern, synthesizers, and Bush's ethereal voice, the track is instantly recognizable. At the time of its release, this kind of production was ahead of its time, blending art rock with synthesizer-based pop. The song opens with a dramatic rhythm and swirling synths that feel like a storm building in slow motion. The drums were created using a Fairlight CMI, one of the first digital sampling synthesizers, which Bush used heavily during this period. The result is a sound that still feels fresh today.

The song was the lead single from her fifth studio album, Hounds of Love, which marked a massive return to mainstream success for Bush after a few quieter years. "Running Up That Hill" became her biggest hit in the U.S. at the time and reached No. 3 in the UK. But more than just a commercial success, it solidified Bush's reputation as a unique voice in pop - mysterious, literary, experimental, and completely unafraid of big emotions.

The resurgence of the song in 2022, nearly 40 years after its release, is a story in itself. Featured prominently in Stranger Things Season 4, the track became a centerpiece of a key emotional storyline, leading to an explosion in streams and downloads. It topped charts again, reaching No. 1 in the UK, and entered the Billboard Hot 100 Top 5 in the U.S. - a feat it had never achieved before. Bush, notoriously reclusive, issued a rare public statement expressing her delight that a new audience was connecting with the song's message.

But why does this song resonate so deeply, even now? Perhaps it's because it addresses something timeless: the pain of being misunderstood, and the dream of being seen - truly seen - by another person. The metaphor of making a "deal with God" is powerful not because of its theological implications, but because it suggests just how desperate someone might feel in the face of emotional distance. It's about striving for empathy in an often divided world. The hill isn't just a metaphor for struggle - it's the work we all do to keep love alive.

"Running Up That Hill" endures because it captures the complexity of love without simplifying it. It doesn't offer easy answers or a tidy resolution. Instead, it offers a question - what if? - and dares us to feel the weight of it.

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What If We Could Make a Deal with God? The Story Behind Kate Bush's "Running Up That Hill"

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