Meaning of "Runnin' Blue" by The Doors

"Runnin' Blue" seems to hold a nostalgic tone as the speaker reflects on the past and the simplicity of bygone days. The mention of Otis, who is described as dead and gone, evokes feelings of loss and mourning, leaving the narrator to carry on in his absence. The repetition of the line "remembering when" underscores a yearning for better times, when life was less complicated. The notion of ‘runnin' blues’ symbolizes the desire to escape from current challenges and return to a familiar place, like Los Angeles. The narrator appears conflicted between the impulse to run away and the realization that there is too much to lose by doing so. This internal struggle is highlighted by the refrain "Can't fight the runnin' blues." Ultimately, the song captures the tension between wanting to evade hardships and facing them head-on, echoing the universal experience of grappling with adversity and seeking solace in familiarity.