Running Bear
Johnny Preston
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On the banks of the river stood runnin' bear, young Indian brave On the other side of the river stood his lovely Indian maid Little white dove was-a her name, such a lovely sight to see But their tribes fought with each other so their love could never be Runnin' bear loved little white dove with a love big as the sky Runnin' bear loved little white dove with a love that couldn't die He couldn't swim the raging river 'cause the river was too wide He couldn't reach little white dove, waiting on the other side In the moonlight he could see her blowing kisses 'cross the waves Her little heart was beating faster, waiting there for her brave Runnin' bear loved little white dove with a love big as the sky Runnin' bear loved little white dove with a love that couldn't die Runnin' bear dove in the water, little white dove did the same And they swam out to each other through the swirling stream they came As their hands touched and their lips met, the ragin' river pulled them down Now they'll always be together in that happy hunting ground Runnin' bear loved little white dove with a love big as the sky Runnin' bear loved little white dove with a love that couldn't die
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Written by: J. P. RICHARDSON
Lyrics © CARLIN AMERICA INC, Universal Music Publishing Group
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
10 facts about this song
Origin"Running Bear" was originally written by songwriter J.P. "The Big Bopper" Richardson, who also gave the song to a young artist named Johnny Preston to originally record.
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Music GenreThe song falls under the category of Teen Tragedy Song and Pop Ballad, encapsulating elements of both pastoral innocence and youthful love.
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ThemesIt tells the tragic story of two young Native American lovers from opposing tribes, Running Bear (a young warrior) and Little White Dove, who drowned while trying to be together.
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Chart StatusUpon its release, "Running Bear" quickly climbed to number 1 on the Billboard Hot 100 in 1959, and retained that position for three weeks.
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Language TwistThe song includes a unique twist with its chorus, which is sung in "Indian gibberish" supposed to represent Native American chanting.
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Impact of "Running BearThe song has had a lasting impact in popular culture and has been covered many times by various artists, including country music legend George Jones in 1969.
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George Jones’ VersionGeorge Jones’ version of the song was included in his album “George Jones Sings the Hits of His Country Cousins.”
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PopularityDespite being a cover, George Jones' version also enjoyed considerable success and was popular among his fan base.
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Earning AccoladesThe song is considered an important part of early rock and roll and country music history, and is still recognized as a classic today despite its controversial history.
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Lasting ImpactToday, "Running Bear" is still being played and remembered as a major hit from the early days of rock 'n' roll music. It remains a classic tale of star-crossed lovers, shared and enjoyed by many music enthusiasts across the globe.
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Citation
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"Running Bear Lyrics." Lyrics.com. STANDS4 LLC, 2024. Web. 26 Sep. 2024. <https://www.lyrics.com/lyric/3060908/Johnny+Preston/Running+Bear>.
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