Run Wild Song Meaning, Biblical Reference and Inspiration
For KING & COUNTRY is a Christian pop duo made up of brothers Joel and Luke Smallbone. They have been making music together since 2007 and have released several albums over the years. One of their most popular songs is titled "Run Wild," which is a powerful anthem that encourages listeners to break free from fear, live boldly, and love deeply.
The Meaning of "Run Wild"
At its core, "Run Wild" is a song about freedom. It's about breaking free from the chains of fear and doubt that can hold us back and living our lives to the fullest. The lyrics encourage listeners to "run wild, live free, love strong" and to embrace the adventure of life with open arms. The song acknowledges that we all have a tendency to hold ourselves back, to stay in our comfort zones and avoid taking risks. But it reminds us that we were created to be free, to explore, to experience new things, and to love others deeply.
The Inspiration Behind "Run Wild"
According to Joel Smallbone, one of the inspirations behind "Run Wild" was the story of the prodigal son from the Bible. In Luke 15:11-32, Jesus tells the story of a young man who demands his inheritance from his father and goes off to live a wild and reckless life. Eventually, he squanders all his money and ends up living in poverty. But after hitting rock bottom, he decides to go back to his father and beg for forgiveness. To his surprise, his father welcomes him back with open arms and throws a big party to celebrate his return.
Joel saw parallels between the prodigal son's story and the human experience. He believes that we all have a tendency to follow our own desires and make mistakes along the way. But just like the prodigal son's father, God is always waiting for us with open arms, ready to forgive us and welcome us home. "Run Wild" is a song that encourages us to take risks, to make mistakes, and to trust that God will always be there for us no matter what happens.
Biblical References in "Run Wild"
In addition to the story of the prodigal son, "Run Wild" contains several other biblical references. One of the most prominent is the idea of being made in God's image. In the second verse, the lyrics say, "Back to imago dei with the blood of a king and the heart of a slave." "Imago Dei" is a Latin phrase that means "image of God." It refers to the biblical idea that humans were created in God's image and therefore have inherent dignity and worth. The reference to "the blood of a king" likely refers to Jesus, who is often referred to as the King of Kings in the Bible. The line "the heart of a slave" may be a reference to Jesus' humility and willingness to serve others, as he washed his disciples' feet in John 13:1-17.
Another biblical reference in "Run Wild" is the idea of running with perseverance. In the bridge, the lyrics say, "To every soul locked in a cage, in the prison of your past mistakes, no, there's no time left to waste, yeah, you can make your great escape. We're made to run wild, run wild, run wild." This line echoes Hebrews 12:1-2, which says, "Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith."
Practical Application of "Run Wild"
So how can we apply the message of "Run Wild" to our daily lives as Christians? Here are a few practical suggestions:
1. Take risks: The song encourages us to "run wild" and live boldly. This means taking risks and stepping out of our comfort zones. Maybe it's starting a new business, moving to a new city, or volunteering for a cause we're passionate about. Whatever it is, we can trust that God will be with us every step of the way.
2. Love deeply: The song also encourages us to "love strong." This means loving others deeply and sacrificially, just as Jesus loved us. We can do this by serving others, listening to their stories, and showing them the same grace that God has shown us.
3. Embrace freedom: Finally, the song encourages us to embrace the freedom that comes from knowing Christ. We can do this by letting go of our fears and doubts, and trusting that God has a plan for our lives. As we run wild, live free, and love strong, we can rest in the knowledge that we are loved and accepted by God, no matter what happens.
Conclusion
"Run Wild" is a powerful song that encourages us to break free from fear, live boldly, and love deeply. It reminds us that we were created to be free, to explore, to experience new things, and to love others deeply. The song draws on several biblical references, including the story of the prodigal son and the idea of being made in God's image. As we apply the message of "Run Wild" to our daily lives, we can take risks, love deeply, and embrace the freedom that comes from knowing Christ.