Meaning of "The Boy Who Ran Away" by Mystery Jets

"The Boy Who Ran Away" by Mystery Jets reflects the universal theme of running away from problems without truly addressing them. The boy’s decision to flee is driven by fear of the unknown, highlighted by the mysterious threat he is escaping from. However, as he reaches his destination, the reality sinks in that his issues cannot be escaped but must be confronted. The lyrics suggest that avoiding one’s problems only leads to a cycle of returning to face them once more. The reference to Waterloo being devoid of a sunset symbolizes the absence of hope and warmth in his journey. Despite trying to banish the past, the boy is forced to confront it and find solace in music, indicating that music serves as a comforting escape or outlet when faced with difficulties. Overall, the song serves as a cautionary tale about the futility of running away from problems and emphasizes the importance of facing challenges head-on.