The Meaning Behind The Song: I Ran Iran by David Lampell
Music has always been a powerful medium to convey messages, emotions, and stories. It has the ability to capture the essence of moments in time and express the collective sentiments of a generation. One such song that holds deep meaning and significance is “I Ran Iran” by David Lampell.
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As a fan of music, I have always been intrigued by the stories behind the songs. “I Ran Iran” is not your typical song; it holds a distinct place in history as one of the first political rap records. Released in 1979 on Prism Records, this track shed light on the political turmoil surrounding Iran during that period.
The Lyrics
[Chorus]I ran
You ran
He ran
I ran [Verse 1]
Aya-tollah you once, aya-tollah you twice
You better not mess with me
You have the Shah, Iran’s got you
I’m the big man Khomeini
I’ve been here since time began, time is on my side
And all your planes and battleships can’t deal with suicide
If you think I’m playing games with you just look into my eyes
I didn’t throw that turkey out by making compromise
Carter’s talking tough right now but he really should thank me
I’ve got the press off his back, I’ve shut up Kennedy
I’ve even helped myself out with my super, duper plan
I’ve tricked my opposition and I’ve thrown out spies again
Carter, Shahanshah, Khomeini
The baddest little cock fight Iran will ever see [Refrain]
I ran
You ran
He ran
I ran [Verse 2]
Who you messin’ with? I’d like to know
We ain’t no box of Cheerios
This country here ain’t playin’ around
We’re madder than a bulldog hound
Now the President, the President
The Whitehouse is my residence
Where I come from they make ’em mean
A country born like you never seen
You bit off more than you can chew
And we’re nowhere near quite through with you
But I’ll tell you something you should know
Before I let my Marines go
Now Shahanshah means a lot to us
He can come and go, there ain’t no rush
Nixon, he’s been speaking out
But Hansen, he ain’t got no clout
And Rocky, there’s a name you’ll know
Henry’s cool is gonna blow
We’ve got too much at stake you see
And we’ve got no use for Khomeini
This peanut here is too tough to crack
My Planters punch will slap your back
There’s one thing you don’t realize
All embassies are filled with spies
Don’t know why you picked on us
But pay you will in God we trust [Chorus]
I ran
You ran
He ran
I ran
Through these lyrics, David Lampell portrays the mindset of the Iranian leadership during that time. The song reflects the power struggle between the Shah, Iran, and the rising influence of Ayatollah Khomeini. Lampell cleverly intertwines political figures such as Carter, Shahanshah, and Khomeini, showcasing the tension and dynamics between them.
He emphasizes the audacity and confidence of Khomeini, highlighting his belief that time is on his side and no military force can defeat the determination of his cause. Lampell also mentions his ability to manipulate the media, shut up influential individuals like Kennedy, and maintain control over the situation.
The Message
“I Ran Iran” ultimately conveys the message that Iran, under Ayatollah Khomeini’s leadership, will not back down. The song highlights the resilience and firm stance of the country against external influences, portraying Iran as a force to be reckoned with.
It is essential to note that the song reflects a specific moment in history and the perspectives of that time. It provides valuable insight into the sentiments and tensions surrounding the Iranian Revolution, shedding light on the complexities of the political landscape during that period.
Personal Reflections
As a listener, “I Ran Iran” holds a unique place in my memories. The song serves as a reminder of the power of music to capture historical events and convey powerful messages. It evokes a sense of curiosity about the political climate of that era and encourages further exploration of the Iranian Revolution.
Listening to this song transports me back to a time when political rap was just emerging as a form of expression. It reminds me of the courage artists had to tackle sensitive and important subjects through their music, challenging the status quo. “I Ran Iran” is a testament to the impact music can have on society, urging listeners to delve deeper into the history behind the lyrics.
In Conclusion
“I Ran Iran” by David Lampell remains a significant piece of music history, representing the era it was created in and shedding light on the political landscape of that time. Its lyrics offer a glimpse into the power struggle and tensions between Iran and the international community. Through this song, Lampell effectively delivers a powerful message of resilience and determination, reminding us of the power of music as a means of expression and historical documentation.
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