Kate Bush – Running Up That Hill

Kate Bush’s “Running Up That Hill” is one of the most distinctive recordings of the 1980s, combining an insistent electronic rhythm with atmospheric synthesizers and one of Bush’s most emotionally charged vocal performances. Released in 1985 as the first single from Hounds Of Love, it was written and produced by Bush.

The song explores the difficulties of understanding another person within a relationship. Bush imagined a man and woman being able to exchange places, allowing each to experience the other’s emotions and perhaps overcome the misunderstandings created by their differences. The original title, “A Deal With God”, expressed this idea directly, although it was changed because of concerns that the religious reference might affect the song’s reception.

Musically, the recording was built around a Fairlight CMI synthesizer riff and a programmed LinnDrum rhythm. Bush created the central rhythmic pattern by singing it to Del Palmer, who programmed it into the drum machine. Stuart Elliott later added live percussion, while bass, guitar and balalaika helped give the electronic foundation a richer, more organic character.

Bush’s passionate vocal gives the song its sense of urgency, while the relentless rhythm creates the impression of constant movement. The result is both intimate and epic, turning a deeply personal idea about empathy and relationships into an unforgettable piece of electronic pop.

The song peaked at No. 03 in the UK charts on 31st August 1985.