Divergent – “Runnin’ Free” (Official Music Video)
”Runnin’ Free”
Directed by Aaren Neely
Runnin’ Free is a song that James Richards began composing almost 20 years ago. The song’s initial chord progression and syncopated rhythm was written on acoustic guitar. The chord pattern was an idea that James kept returning to many times because it was a pleasure to play. The song’s original tempo was much slower than the version that was recorded for Divergent’s “Runnin’ Free” album in 2024. Over time, James came up with a verse melody that worked well with the song’s chord progressions. James wrote several sets of lyrics, but they turned out to be unsatisfying, so the song lay dormant for many years. In the meantime, James kept returning to the song as a practice piece and along with that he developed the guitar solo that was ultimately included in the recorded version. Then one day, while James was playing through the song’s chord progressions, he developed the chords for the pre-chorus and chorus of the song. This inspired the words “runnin’ free” for the chorus. Working from that, James began writing the lyrics that ultimately became the song Runnin’ Free. James introduced the song to Paul during rehearsals. With Paul adding his percussion flair, the song’s tempo increased and became more urgent and intense, which nicely complemented the lyrics. For the album recording, layers of guitars were added along with a percussion solo by Paul which gave the song a harder rock edge. The song ends with a crescendo of vocal harmonies underneath a soaring guitar solo which leads to a climatic finish.
The lyrics for the song were inspired by the music, which is in a minor key that evokes emotional longing. The words “runnin’ free” were the first words of the song and the theme of freedom is carried throughout the verses of the song. The song is about two young lovers who become soulmates and make the life changing decision to leave their past lives to be together for a new life of freedom together. However, to make that happen, they need to break through the gauntlet of their past lives to run free to a new life together. Major life changing decisions are never easy, and they know they will have to persevere to overcome the oppression of their past lives to achieve the new life of freedom and love they desire together.
Lyrics:
I see it in your eyes tonight
There’s something going round
I see it in your eyes tonight
I feel it comin’ down
You know it won’t be easy
You know it won’t be free
You know they’ll try to shake us
They won’t let us be
Oh Oh Oh Oh it won’t be easy
Oh Oh Oh Oh we’re runnin’ free
We’re runnin’ free
We’re runnin’ free
We’re runnin’ free
We are all alone tonight
We’re hangin’ out of town
We are all alone tonight
We’re livin’ out of bounds
You know it will get heavy
But I won’t you let you down
Now it’s time to break free
Let’s burn it to the ground
Oh Oh Oh Oh it won’t be easy
Oh Oh Oh Oh we’re runnin’ free
We’re runnin’ free
We’re runnin’ free
We’re runnin’ free
There’s no goin’ back tonight
There’s no turnin’ round
There’s no goin’ back tonight
They’ll try to run us down
We’re runnin’ for our freedom
We’re runnin’ to be true
We can’t let them take us
No matter what they do
Oh Oh Oh Oh it won’t be easy
Oh Oh Oh Oh we’re runnin’ free
We’re runnin’ free
We’re runnin’ free
We’re runnin’ free
Oh Oh Oh Oh it won’t be easy
Oh Oh Oh Oh we’re runnin’ free
We’re runnin’ free
We’re runnin’ free
We’re runnin’ free
We’re runnin’ free
We’re runnin’ free
We’re runnin’ free
We’re runnin’ free
We’re runnin’ free
We’re runnin’ free
We’re runnin’ free
We’re runnin’ free
Produced, engineered, mixed and mastered by Jason Peets
Recorded at Sweetwater Studios, Fort Wayne, Indiana
All music and lyrics written and arranged by James Richards
All instruments played by Divergent
About Divergent
Just a few short months ago, most listeners probably couldn’t tell Divergent from Deftones or Daft Punk. The trio of longtime friends had only just embarked on the next chapter of their musical journey—forming a new identity rooted in unrestrained expression, sonic curiosity, and true collaboration. It was a dream nearly 40 years in the making—a teenage fantasy postponed, then seemingly abandoned, when James Richards (guitar, keys, and vocals) and Mike McAlister (bass and vocals) went their separate ways.
But their enduring love for music and performing ultimately brought them back together years later as the reunited Chautauqua Road Band, joined by James’ brother, Paul Richards, on drums. Now, with a new name, Divergent is ablaze, fully ensconced in a universe of their own creation and earning praise from both new fans and fellow artists.
