Meaning of "Running Bear" by The Guess Who

"Running Bear" depicts a tragic tale of forbidden love that transcends cultural boundaries but ends in a sorrowful demise. The lyrics highlight the challenges faced by individuals in love who are separated by societal norms and historical conflicts. The river serves as a symbolic barrier representing the divide between the lovers' worlds, with their unsuccessful attempt to bridge that gap ultimately leading to their untimely deaths. The song's message of love being able to conquer all obstacles but ultimately succumbing to external forces resonates with themes of fate, sacrifice, and the enduring power of love.