Behind the Meaning of Paul Simon’s “Run That Body Down”

The life of a successful musician is hectic to say the least. Paul Simon is one such musician that has filled his life with extensive tours, studio sessions, and more. He talked about the effects of such a schedule in “Run That Body Down.” Uncover the meaning behind this song, below.

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Behind the Meaning of Paul Simon’s “Run That Body Down”

Went to my doctor yesterday
She said I seem to be okay

She said, “Paul, you better look around
How long you think that you can
Run that body down?
How many nights you think that you can
Do what you been doin’?
Who, now who we foolin?”

Simon sings about wearing himself down in this track. Given his lifestyle, we can only think that this song refers to his life as a musician. In the opening verse, the doctor gives him some life saving advice. Paul, you better look around / How long you think that you can / Run that body down, she asks.

It’s a life altering question that many of us could stand to hear from time to time. In fact, Simon turns his attention toward the listener in the subsequent verses.

I came back home and I went to bed
I was resting my head
My wife came in and she said
“What’s wrong, sweet boy, what’s wrong?

I said, “Peg, you better look around
How long you think that you can
Run that body down?
How many nights you think that you can
Do what you been doin’?
Who now we foolin’?
Who you foolin’?
Who you foolin’?”

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In the second verse, Simon asks the same sobering question to his then wife, Peggy Harper. He projects the same issues with living a fast paced life onto her, repeating the insatiably catchy refrain.

Kid, you better look around
How long you think that you can
Run that body down?
How many nights you think that you can
Do what you been doin’?
Who, now who you foolin’?
Who you foolin’?
Who you foolin’?

At the end of the song, Simon asks the listener the titular question. It leaves us with work to do in our personal lives. It sticks with you long after the final verses wrap up. Revisit this Simon track, below.

(Photo by George Rose/Getty Images)