Kate Bush’s Running Up That Hill (A Deal With God) is a song that originally appeared in 1985 and then re‑entered the global spotlight in 2022 thanks to its pivotal role in the Netflix series Stranger Things. The track’s emotional resonance, layered production, and thought‑provoking lyrics have made it one of the most discussed songs of both the 1980s and the streaming era. Its revival introduced Bush to a generation of listeners who had never heard her work, while long‑time fans saw the song reach new chart heights.
Few catalogue tracks have experienced such a powerful second life. The interplay between the song’s original meaning and its new narrative context in Stranger Things created a cultural moment that was as much about empathy and trauma as it was about pop music. This article explores the song’s meaning, its lyrics, the reasons behind the Stranger Things placement, and the practical details for anyone wanting to own or play it.
Below we break down the key facts, the timeline of its resurgence, and what remains uncertain about the song’s future.
What is the meaning of Kate Bush’s Running Up That Hill?
- Song: Running Up That Hill (A Deal With God)
- Artist: Kate Bush
- Album: Hounds of Love (1985)
- Resurgence: Featured in Stranger Things Season 4 (2022)
- The song’s central theme is about the difficulty of understanding between men and women, proposing a “deal with God” to swap places so each person can fully grasp the other’s experience.
- In Bush’s own framing, a relationship can be damaged not by a lack of love, but by a failure of empathy.
- The lyric “It doesn’t hurt me / Do you want to feel how it feels?” immediately sets up a tension around minimised pain and a desire for the other to finally understand it.
- The song’s revival on Stranger Things introduced Kate Bush to a generation of Gen Z listeners, resulting in a record‑breaking chart run in 2022.
- The vinyl format experienced a massive sales spike in 2022, causing production delays for new pressings.
- Many musicians and analysts describe the song’s harmonic structure as emotionally “pleading” because of its minor‑key tension, suspended resolution, and dramatic build.
| Category | Detail |
|---|---|
| Release Date | 5 August 1985 |
| Album | Hounds of Love |
| Lyric Theme | Swapping places to understand a partner’s perspective |
| Stranger Things Feature | Season 4, Episode 4 (“Dear Billy”) – character Max Mayfield |
| Peak Chart Position (2022) | #1 in the UK, #3 on the US Billboard Hot 100 |
| Original Peak (1985) | #3 on the UK Singles Chart |
| Record Set (2022) | Longest gap between UK number‑one singles for a solo artist |
| Vinyl Format | Originally released as a 7‑inch single; re‑pressed in 2022 |
Why is Running Up That Hill in Stranger Things?
The song was placed prominently in Stranger Things Season 4 because its themes of pain, trauma, and emotional isolation perfectly matched the arc of the character Max Mayfield. The creators, the Duffer Brothers, have confirmed that the track was chosen specifically for Max’s emotional journey – the lyrics and mood function as a lifeline during a critical scene.
How did Stranger Things revive Kate Bush’s career?
The sync placement was extraordinary in its effect. Almost 40 years after its original release, the song re‑entered global charts, became Kate Bush’s second UK number‑one single, and set a record for the longest gap between number‑one singles for a solo artist. It also made Bush the oldest female artist to top the UK singles chart at that time. The revival was driven entirely by television exposure; there was no new remix or collaboration.
This is considered one of the most notable examples of a catalogue song being revived by a TV sync. The track surged on streaming platforms, and Bush gained millions of new listeners who then explored her broader catalog, especially the album Hounds of Love.
How did Running Up That Hill perform on the charts in 2022?
After Stranger Things aired the episode in late May 2022, the song shot up the charts worldwide. It reached number one in the UK, hit the top five in the US, and became one of the most‑streamed songs globally that year. The performance was historically unusual because it was a pure catalogue revival with no new release.
When Was Running Up That Hill Released and On What Album?
Running Up That Hill (A Deal With God) was released on 5 August 1985 as the lead single from Kate Bush’s fifth studio album, Hounds of Love. The album is considered one of her most acclaimed works, blending art pop with experimental production.
What album is Running Up That Hill on?
The song appears on the A‑side of the album Hounds of Love. That album also includes other well‑known tracks such as “Cloudbusting” and “The Big Sky”. The album itself has been praised for its cohesive emotional arc and innovative use of synthesizers and drum machines.
Was Running Up That Hill a hit in 1985?
Upon its original release, the song reached number three on the UK Singles Chart and became a modest global hit. It remains one of Kate Bush’s best‑known songs from the 1980s.
How Can I Buy or Play Running Up That Hill?
The song is widely available in both physical and digital formats. Interest in vinyl copies surged dramatically after the Stranger Things placement, leading to new pressings and increased demand for original copies.
Can I buy Running Up That Hill on vinyl?
Yes, the track has been released in several vinyl formats. Original 1985 EMI 7‑inch pressings are sought after by collectors, as are 12‑inch single editions. In 2022, record labels re‑pressed the single to meet renewed demand. Prices vary: a 2022 re‑press typically costs between $25 and $40 USD, while original copies can fetch over $100 on collector markets.
When searching for a vinyl copy, look for the 1985 EMI pressing (catalogue number KAB 1) or the 2022 re‑issue by Fish People. Promo copies and coloured editions, if available, are also highly collectible.
What are the guitar chords for Running Up That Hill?
The song is in the key of C‑sharp minor. Many guitar tab resources provide chord diagrams for the verses and chorus, noting a tense, propulsive harmonic feel created by suspended chords and a driving bass line. The exact chord progression is widely discussed online, often described as emotionally “pleading” due to the minor‑key tension and unresolved movement.
Is Running Up That Hill available on Spotify?
Yes, the official audio is available on streaming platforms, including Spotify. The Stranger Things soundtrack playlist also includes the track, along with other songs from the season. (See the official Netflix playlist.)
Timeline: From 1985 to 2022
- 1985: Running Up That Hill released as the lead single from Hounds of Love.
- 1985: The song peaks at number three on the UK Singles Chart.
- 2012: Kate Bush performs the song live for the first time during her “Before the Dawn” tour.
- May 2022: The track is featured in Stranger Things Season 4.
- June 2022: The song re‑enters global charts, topping the UK and hitting the US top five.
- 2023: The official music video surpasses 100 million views on YouTube.
- 2024: The song remains a staple on 1980s and indie playlists worldwide.
For further chart details, consult the Billboard artist page for Kate Bush.
What We Know vs. What Remains Speculative
| Established Information | Information That Remains Unclear |
|---|---|
| Kate Bush confirmed the song is about perspectives between men and women. | Whether Kate Bush will release a new album following the resurgence. |
| The song was originally titled “A Deal With God” but was changed at the request of the record label. | Exact sales figures for the 2022 vinyl re‑press (unconfirmed by official sources). |
| Stranger Things creators officially chose the song for Max Mayfield’s emotional arc. | Whether a live performance of the song will ever be officially released. |
Why Running Up That Hill Resonates Today
The song’s lyrical theme of emotional vulnerability fits perfectly with Max Mayfield’s storyline in Stranger Things. Her character deals with trauma, grief, and isolation – the same feelings the song explores. The production, driven by synthesizers and a drum machine, feels both retro and timeless, which helped the track appeal to modern audiences.
Additionally, the song gained traction on TikTok and other platforms as fans created emotional edits and tributes, further driving streams and conversation. A detailed analysis of the lyrics can be found on Genius.
Sources and Official Commentary
The background of the song and its chart history is documented on Wikipedia. Official audio and lyrics are available on streaming services such as Spotify’s Stranger Things playlist and through the Kate Bush official website. Physical release versions and pressing history are tracked by Discogs.
In Bush’s own framing, the song’s central idea is that a relationship can be damaged not by lack of love, but by a failure of empathy.
– Kate Bush, as reported in multiple interviews
What’s Next for Running Up That Hill?
The song will likely continue to appear on 1980s playlists and Netflix soundtracks. Demand for vinyl remains elevated, and new represses may appear as the track’s legacy as one of the most‑streamed 1980s songs of the 2020s cements its place in pop culture. For a deeper dive into the song’s full interpretation and chart history, read our comprehensive article: Kate Bush Running Up That Hill meaning and lyrics and Stranger Things Running Up That Hill resurgence and chart history.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Kate Bush Running Up That Hill vinyl price?
Prices vary. 2022 represses typically cost $25–40 USD. Original 1985 pressings can cost over $100 on collector markets.
Did Kate Bush write Running Up That Hill?
Yes, Kate Bush wrote and produced the song herself.
Is Running Up That Hill about a specific person?
No, it is a general exploration of gender differences and emotional understanding.
What key is Running Up That Hill in?
The song is in the key of C‑sharp minor.
Was Running Up That Hill originally titled “A Deal With God”?
Yes, the song was originally called “A Deal With God” but the label requested a change to avoid religious connotations.
Rebecca Wallace is Managing Editor at MarketUK.uk, running the daily news list, the publishing schedule and article commissioning.