Meaning of "Runs in the Family" by The Roches

The lyrics of "Runs in the Family" by The Roches explore the impact of intergenerational patterns of behavior and their inevitability within families. The speaker grapples with the realization that the destructive behaviors they and their relatives engage in seem to be a predetermined fate, as they "can't change the law of averages". The image of leaving home and going "so far out there" reflects a sense of rebellion and escape, as each family member seems to follow the same path of running away. The mention of the danger zone and the feeling of being unable to escape it suggests a sense of entrapment within these behaviors. The repetition of the refrain "runs, runs in the family" emphasizes the idea that these behaviors are passed down through familial lines, creating a sense of inevitability for the new kid in the family. Overall, the lyrics paint a poignant picture of the impact of generational patterns of behavior on individuals and the sense of resignation that can come with recognizing these patterns.