City of Refuge Lyrics
[Chorus]
You better run, you better run
You better run and run and run
You better run, you better run
You better run and run and run and run and run
You better run, you better run
You better run to the City of Refuge
You better run, you better run
You better run to the City of Refuge
You better run, you better run
You better run to the City of Refuge
You better run, you better run
You better run to the City of Refuge
You better run, you better run
You better run to the City of Refuge
[Verse 1]
When you stand before your father
In a state of shame
Because your robes are covered in mud
When you kneel at the feet
Of a woman of the street
The gutters will run with blood
They will run with blood
[Chorus]
You better run, you better run
You better run to the City of Refuge
You better run, you better run
You better run to the City of Refuge
You better run, you better run
You better run and run and run
You better run, you better run
You better run and run and run and run and run
You better run, you better run
You better run to the City of Refuge
You better run, you better run
You better run to the City of Refuge
You better run, you better run
You better run to the City of Refuge
You better run, you better run
You better run to the City of Refuge
You better run, you better run
You better run to the City of Refuge
[Verse 1]
When you stand before your father
In a state of shame
Because your robes are covered in mud
When you kneel at the feet
Of a woman of the street
The gutters will run with blood
They will run with blood
[Chorus]
You better run, you better run
You better run to the City of Refuge
You better run, you better run
You better run to the City of Refuge
[Verse 2]
In the days of madness
My brother, my sister
When you're dragged toward the Hell-mouth
You will beg for the end
But there ain't gonna be one, friend
For the grave will spew you out
It will spew you out
[Chorus]
You better run, you better run
You better run to the City of Refuge
You better run, you better run
You better run to the City of Refuge
You better run
[Verse 3]
You'll be working in the darkness
Against your fellow man
And you'll find you're called to come forth
So you'll scrub and you'll scrub
Hey but the trouble is, bud
The blood it won't wash off
No, it won't come off
[Chorus]
You better run, you better run
You better run to the City of Refuge
You better run, you better run
You better run to the City of Refuge
You better run, you better run
You better run to the City of Refuge
You better run, you better run
You better run to the City of Refuge
In the days of madness
My brother, my sister
When you're dragged toward the Hell-mouth
You will beg for the end
But there ain't gonna be one, friend
For the grave will spew you out
It will spew you out
[Chorus]
You better run, you better run
You better run to the City of Refuge
You better run, you better run
You better run to the City of Refuge
You better run
[Verse 3]
You'll be working in the darkness
Against your fellow man
And you'll find you're called to come forth
So you'll scrub and you'll scrub
Hey but the trouble is, bud
The blood it won't wash off
No, it won't come off
[Chorus]
You better run, you better run
You better run to the City of Refuge
You better run, you better run
You better run to the City of Refuge
You better run, you better run
You better run to the City of Refuge
You better run, you better run
You better run to the City of Refuge
[Verse 4]
When you stand before your father
In a state of shame
Because your robes are covered in mud
When you kneel at the feet
Of some whore off of the street
The gutters will run with blood
They will run with blood
[Chorus]
You better run, you better run
You better run to the City of Refuge
You better run, you better run
You better run to the City of Refuge
You better run, you better run
You better run to the City of Refuge
You better run, you better run
You better run to the City of Refuge
You better run, you better run
You better run to the City of Refuge
You better run, you better run
You better run to the City of Refuge
You better run, you better run
You better run to the City of Refuge
You better run, you better run
You better run to the City of Refuge
You better run, you better run
You better run to the City of Refuge
You better run, you better run
You better run and run and run and run and run
When you stand before your father
In a state of shame
Because your robes are covered in mud
When you kneel at the feet
Of some whore off of the street
The gutters will run with blood
They will run with blood
[Chorus]
You better run, you better run
You better run to the City of Refuge
You better run, you better run
You better run to the City of Refuge
You better run, you better run
You better run to the City of Refuge
You better run, you better run
You better run to the City of Refuge
You better run, you better run
You better run to the City of Refuge
You better run, you better run
You better run to the City of Refuge
You better run, you better run
You better run to the City of Refuge
You better run, you better run
You better run to the City of Refuge
You better run, you better run
You better run to the City of Refuge
You better run, you better run
You better run and run and run and run and run
About
Genius Annotation
This song is inspired by the song I’m Gonna Run to the City of Refuge by gospel blues performer Blind Willie Johnson, itself based on the traditional folk song You Better Run.
Johnson’s son was later included on the album Original Seeds, a compilation of songs by artists who influenced the Bad Seeds.
Q&A
Find answers to frequently asked questions about the song and explore its deeper meaning
- 3.Deanna
- 5.Mercy
- 6.City of Refuge
- 10.New Morning
Credits
Produced By
Written By
Backing Vocals
Organ
Percussion
Bass Guitar
Acoustic Guitar
Electric Guitar
Drums
Harmonica
Hammond Organ
Lead Vocals
Release Date
September 19, 1988
City of Refuge Covers
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