Running Bear
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Running Bear is a song written by J.P. Richardson sung most famously by Johnny Preston in 1959. Mr. Preston first sang the song in 1959[1] with background vocals by George Jones and J.P. Richardson (aka The Big Bopper), and it was #1 on January 23, January 30 and February 6, 1960.[2] The previous weeks #1 was El Paso by Marty Robbins. The subsequent weeks #1 was Teen Angel by Mark Dinning.[3]
[edit] Lyrics
Running Bear tells the story of Running Bear, a "young indian brave," and Little White Dove, an "indian maid." The song portrays them as being in a situation similar to Romeo and Juliet,
Running Bear and Little White Dove are separated by their tribes hatred of each other. According to the lyrics, "their tribes fought with each other. So their love could never be."[4]
Running Bear and Little White Dove are also separated by a raging river. In the end, they dive into the raging river, at which point "the raging river pulled them down. Now they'll always be together. In their happy hunting ground."[5] Running Bear and Little White Dove presumably perish after they kiss.
[edit] Artists
- Johnny Preston had success with Running Bear in the 1960s.
| Preceded by El Paso by Marty Robbins |
Billboard Hot 100 number one single January 18, 1960 |
Succeeded by Teen Angel by Mark Dinning |
- Sonny James also had a hit with his recording of the song in 1968.
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