Running In Circles

Running In Circles is a visceral exploration of impostor syndrome, anxiety, and the toxic cycle of self-doubt. The song's central theme revolves around the 'paranoid voices inside our heads' that convince us we are fake or inadequate. Vocalist Jack Underkofler articulates the exhaustion of maintaining a persona that doesn't align with one's true self, leading to a state of dissonance where the protagonist feels like they are constantly moving but never advancing.

The 'circles' represent behavioral loops—bad habits, negative thought patterns, or coping mechanisms (hinted at by references to 'Jameson and nicotine')—that the narrator falls back into despite knowing they are harmful. The line 'Soon I'll be just like the others' suggests a fear of assimilation or a loss of authenticity, fighting against a world or an industry that demands conformity. Ultimately, the song captures the desperate energy of trying to outrun one's own psyche, only to find oneself back at the starting line, consumed by the 'self-hate' that the lyrics explicitly mention.

The narrative begins in a state of deep internalized inadequacy, where the protagonist feels perpetually insufficient and attempts to mask this vulnerability with a facade of apathy. Despite claiming not to care, they actively suppress their true emotions ('keeping shit down low'), a suppression that inevitably leads to a mental unraveling. This internal conflict creates a sensation of entrapment, visualized as running in endless loops without progress.

As the tension mounts, the narrator describes a desperate need to isolate themselves, pushing others away ('get back, get away') while simultaneously feeling judged by them. There is a profound fear of losing one's identity to a 'fake' persona—a performance of self that feels like a killing outfit. The lyrics reveal a struggle with impostor syndrome ('I know that I'm not that') and an exhaustion from the constant pretense.

The cycle intensifies with the desire to escape physically and mentally. The protagonist envisions burying themselves or hiding beneath the surface to avoid becoming 'just like the others,' suggesting a fear of conformity or losing their unique, albeit troubled, self. The physical symptoms of this anxiety are palpable, described through blurred vision ('can't see straight') and a reliance on vices like alcohol and nicotine ('Jameson and nicotine') to cope with the late-night spiraling thoughts. Ultimately, the song resolves nowhere, leaving the narrator stuck in the same repetitive, self-destructive pattern they are desperate to flee.

Running In Circles was originally released on September 7, 2023, as part of a double single alongside the track 'HURT'. It later served as a key track on the band's sophomore album, FISSION, released in January 2024. The song was written by the band members—Jack Underkofler (vocals/guitar), Jack Collins (guitar), Dylan Brenner (bass), and Will Goodroad (drums).

According to the band, the song was born from a desire to address the 'nagging doubt and insecurity' that plagues artists and individuals alike. They described the track as being about the struggle to be real with oneself and avoiding the 'fake.' Musically, the band continued their exploration of heavy, fuzz-laden rock sounds, influenced by acts like Royal Blood and Queens of the Stone Age, while integrating pop sensibilities in the vocal melodies.

An interesting anecdote regarding the song's legacy involves a stripped-down version released later. The band discovered a piano cover of the song on Instagram by a fan named Marissa. Moved by her emotional interpretation, they flew her out to record an official 'Stripped' version with Jack Underkofler, which was released in mid-2025, highlighting the song's emotional versatility beyond its heavy rock origins.

The lyrics rely heavily on spatial and physical metaphors to describe psychological states:

• Running in Circles: The primary metaphor for futile effort and insanity. It represents the repetitive nature of anxiety where worry leads to action that solves nothing, bringing the thinker back to the start.
• Digging a hole / Burying myself: Represents isolation and depression. The desire to go 'beneath the surface' symbolizes a retreat into the subconscious or a withdrawal from social scrutiny to hide one's true self.
• The Outfit/Costume ('This outfit's killing me'): A metaphor for the social mask or persona the narrator is forced to wear. It implies that being inauthentic is physically painful and lethal to the soul.
• Jameson and Nicotine: Symbols of escapism and self-medication, grounding the abstract anxiety in concrete, gritty reality.

The emotional landscape of the song is dominated by high-octane anxiety and frustration. It begins with a simmering tension—a feeling of holding back 'shit down low'—which quickly escalates into a frantic release. There is a sense of panic in the chorus, conveyed through the high-pitched vocals and crashing cymbals. However, beneath the aggression and volume, there is a layer of melancholy and exhaustion, particularly in the bridge where the narrator admits to being 'fucked up' and unable to see straight. The song effectively captures the sound of a panic attack set to music.

As a single from the album FISSION, 'Running In Circles' helped cement Dead Poet Society's status as leaders in the modern alternative rock revival. The song resonated strongly with fans for its honest depiction of mental health struggles, a theme prevalent in post-2020 rock music. Its popularity was boosted by its inclusion in rock radio playlists and the band's energetic live performances while touring with major acts like Nothing More and Hyro the Hero. The song's success also facilitated the unique fan-collaboration for the 'Stripped' version, showcasing the band's close connection with their community.

The song features a driving, uptempo 4/4 time signature that feels urgent and propulsive. The rhythm section (drums and bass) locks into a steady, marching groove in the verses, providing a rigid structure that the vocals weave around.

Lyrically, the song uses a mix of perfect rhymes (e.g., 'low'/'low') and slant rhymes (e.g., 'others'/'under'). The rhyme scheme in the chorus is tight and repetitive (AABB or similar variations depending on the section), which contributes to the catchy, anthem-like quality. The rhythmic phrasing of the vocals is syncopated, often pushing against the beat, which adds to the feeling of stumbling or running frantically.

Dead Poet Society employs several distinct techniques to amplify the song's tension:

• Fuzz Bass & Distortion: The track is driven by a heavy, distorted bassline (a signature of the band) that creates a thick, wall-of-sound texture, physically mimicking the suffocating feeling of anxiety.
• Dynamic Contrast: The verses are relatively restrained and rhythmic, building tension that explodes in the chorus. This loud-quiet-loud dynamic mirrors the internal bottling up of emotions and their subsequent release.
• Vocal Delivery: Jack Underkofler utilizes his wide range, shifting from a gritty, lower-register delivery in the verses to soaring, desperate falsetto and belting in the choruses. This vocal strain emphasizes the emotional desperation of the lyrics.
• Repetitive Phrasing: The repetition of 'running, running' and 'get back, get back' serves a rhythmic function, creating a hypnotic, chant-like quality that reinforces the theme of a loop.

What is the meaning behind 'Running In Circles' by Dead Poet Society?

The song is about the struggle with impostor syndrome, self-doubt, and the exhaustion of pretending to be someone you're not. The 'circles' represent the repetitive cycle of anxiety and negative habits that keep the narrator trapped.

When was 'Running In Circles' released?

The song was originally released as a double single (alongside 'HURT') on September 7, 2023, and is featured on the 2024 album 'FISSION'.

Who are the members of Dead Poet Society on this track?

The band consists of Jack Underkofler (vocals/guitar), Jack Collins (guitar), Dylan Brenner (bass), and Will Goodroad (drums).

Is there a slower version of 'Running In Circles'?

Yes, a 'Stripped' version was released (around July 2025), featuring a piano arrangement performed by a fan named Marissa, whom the band flew out to record after seeing her cover on Instagram.

What genre is Dead Poet Society?

Dead Poet Society is typically classified as Alternative Rock or Hard Rock, known for their use of heavy fretless bass, distorted guitars, and blues-rock influences comparable to bands like Royal Blood or Muse.