Running Bear

Album: Running Bear (1959)
Charted: 1 1
Play Video
  • On the banks of the river stood runnin' bear, young Indian brave
    On the other side of the river stood his lovely Indian maid
    Little white dove was-a her name, such a lovely sight to see
    But their tribes fought with each other so their love could never be

    Runnin' bear loved little white dove with a love big as the sky
    Runnin' bear loved little white dove with a love that couldn't die

    He couldn't swim the raging river 'cause the river was too wide
    He couldn't reach little white dove, waiting on the other side
    In the moonlight he could see her blowing kisses 'cross the waves
    Her little heart was beating faster, waiting there for her brave

    Runnin' bear loved little white dove with a love big as the sky
    Runnin' bear loved little white dove with a love that couldn't die

    Runnin' bear dove in the water, little white dove did the same
    And they swam out to each other through the swirling stream they came
    As their hands touched and their lips met, the ragin' river pulled them down
    Now they'll always be together in that happy hunting ground

    Runnin' bear loved little white dove with a love big as the sky
    Runnin' bear loved little white dove with a love that couldn't die Writer/s: J. P. RICHARDSON
    Publisher: Universal Music Publishing Group
    Lyrics licensed and provided by LyricFind

Comments: 9

  • Malcolm from EnglandTry Stiff Little Fingers version...northern Irish punk group...I think Tom O'Connor did a version too
  • Janice L from NcNaomi from Fargo,Nd Bobby Bare recorded It I think. Maybe it was him?
  • Barry from Sauquoit, NyOn January 18th 1960, "Running Bear" by Johnny Preston peaked at #1 (for 3 weeks); it had entered the chart on October 6th, 1959 and spent over a half-year on the Top 100 (27 weeks)...
    He had one other record, "Cradle of Love", to make the Top 10, it reached #7 (for 1 week) on May 2nd, 1960...
    The three weeks "Running Bear" was at #1 the three different records at #2 were not really 'bridesmaids', for each one also peaked at #1 ("El Paso" by Marty Robbins, "Why" by Frankie Avalon, and "Teen Angel" by Mark Dinning)...
    Sonny James covered "Running Bear" in 1969; it stayed on the Top 100 for two weeks, peaking at position #94...
    R.I.P. Mr. Preston, born John Preston Courville, (1939 - 2011) and Mr. James, born James Hugh Loden, will celebrate his 85th birthday this coming May 1st (2014).
  • Naomi from Fargo, NdI heard a version of this song Running Bear. But it did not have the chanting in the back ground and the song might have been mistitled.
    I'm looking for a specific version of this classic J.P. Richardson song, NOT by Johnny Preston. Nor Sonny James, George Jones, Don Fardon or The Guess Who...

    This version has no chanting, and is done in a classic country style, with a serene mood and vocal.

    Anyone know of any other artists who have recorded this song?
  • Barry from Sauquoit, NyFor some unknown reason; our local AM rock station in Utica, NY {WTLB} played a version by somebody named Smiley Wilson instead of Johnny Preston's. Also the theme of the song is very similar to Western movie star Rex Allen's 'Don't Go Near The Indains' record, it peaked at No. 17 in 1962...
  • Marissa from Akron, OhI thought Running Bear was the most famous Native American streaker. Get it? (Feel free to groan.)
  • Steve Dotstar from Los Angeles, Camy mother's and my stepdad's love theme for each other..he was running bear,and she was "little white dove"..go figure! lol
  • Andy from Halesowen, West Midlands, United KingdomHow times change. Imagine someone writing this now, they would get instantly accused of being racist and "non-PC".
  • J from Toronto, CanadaNot only did George Jones once cover this tune, he actually sang back up on the original recording!
see more comments

Editor's Picks

Five Rockers Who Rolled With The Devil

Five Rockers Who Rolled With The DevilSong Writing

Just how much did these monsters of rock dabble in the occult?

Jon Anderson

Jon AndersonSongwriter Interviews

Jon Anderson breaks down the Yes classic "Seen All Good People" and talks about his 1000 Hands album, which features Chick Corea, Rick Derringer, Ian Anderson, and many other luminaries.

Jesus In Pop Hits: The Gospel Songs That Went Mainstream

Jesus In Pop Hits: The Gospel Songs That Went MainstreamSong Writing

These overtly religious songs crossed over to the pop charts, despite resistance from fans, and in many cases, churches.

Kristian Bush of Sugarland

Kristian Bush of SugarlandSongwriter Interviews

Kristian talks songwriting technique, like how the chorus should redefine the story, and how to write a song backwards.

Gary Brooker of Procol Harum

Gary Brooker of Procol HarumSongwriter Interviews

The lead singer and pianist for Procol Harum, Gary talks about finding the musical ideas to match the words.

Meshell Ndegeocello

Meshell NdegeocelloSongwriter Interviews

Meshell Ndegeocello talks about recording "Wild Night" with John Mellencamp, and explains why she shied away from the spotlight.