60s - Running Bear (Johnny Preston)

Running Bear

"Running Bear" is a song written by J.P. Richardson and sung most famously by Johnny Preston in 1959. Preston first sang the song in 1959 with background vocals by Richardson and George Jones, and it reached #1 for 3 weeks (January - February 1960) on the US Billboard Hot 100. The song also peaked at #1 in the UK in March 1960.

"Running Bear" was released in August 1959, seven months after Richardson's death in the plane crash that also killed Buddy Holly and Ritchie Valens.

The song tells the story of Running Bear, a "young Indian brave", and Little White Dove, an "Indian maid". The two are in love but are separated by their tribes' hatred of each other.

The two, desiring to be together despite the obstacles, dive into the raging river to unite. After sharing a passionate kiss, they are pulled down by the swift current and drown.

One of the most successful covers is the version by Sonny James released in April 1969. It topped the Hot Country Singles chart in mid-June and spent 3 weeks at #1. The song soon became one of James' most popular recordings of his career.

Lyrics:

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

CHORUS
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

CHORUS

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

CHORUS

(With a love that couldn't die)