About the song
## Running Bear: A Timeless Tale of Love and Loss
**Johnny Preston’s** “Running Bear” is a classic rock and roll ballad that has captivated audiences for decades. Released in 1959, the song tells a poignant tale of love, loss, and the enduring power of memory. With its simple yet evocative lyrics and Preston’s soulful vocals, “Running Bear” remains a beloved and timeless piece of music.
The song begins with a haunting melody that immediately sets a melancholic tone. Preston’s voice, filled with both longing and resignation, introduces us to the tragic story of Running Bear, a Native American man who is consumed by grief after the loss of his beloved. The lyrics paint a vivid picture of a man who is unable to move on from his sorrow, haunted by memories of his lost love.
“Running Bear” is notable for its use of a simple, repetitive chord progression that serves as a musical anchor for the song. This repetition creates a sense of longing and yearning, mirroring the emotional state of the protagonist. Preston’s vocal performance is equally impressive, as he conveys a deep sense of sadness and despair through his tone and phrasing.
The song’s lyrics are filled with imagery that evokes the beauty and mystery of the American West. References to the “prairie,” the “wind,” and the “stars” create a sense of isolation and loneliness that mirrors the emotional state of Running Bear. The song’s refrain, “Running Bear, running free, with the wind upon his face,” is both haunting and evocative, suggesting a man who is searching for solace in the vastness of the natural world.
“Running Bear” is a song that has resonated with audiences of all ages and backgrounds. Its timeless themes of love, loss, and the enduring power of memory continue to make it a relevant and powerful piece of music. Whether you are a longtime fan of rock and roll or simply looking for a beautiful and moving song, “Running Bear” is a must-listen.
Video
Lyrics
On the bank of the river stood Running Bear, young Indian brave
On the other side of the river stood his lovely Indian maid
Little White Dove was her name, such a lovely sight to see
But their tribes fought with each other, so their love could never be
Running Bear loved Little White Dove
With a love big as the sky
Running 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 throwing kisses ‘cross the waves
Her little heart was beating faster, waiting there for her brave
Running Bear loved Little White Dove
With a love big as the sky
Running Bear loved Little White Dove
With a love that couldn’t die
Running 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 raging river pulled them down
Now they’ll always be together in that happy hunting ground
Running Bear loved Little White Dove
With a love big as the sky
Running Bear loved Little White Dove
With a love that couldn’t die