"Be running up that road,
Be running up that hill ..."
In case you didn't know, Volume 1 of Season 4 of Stranger Things hit Netflix this past Friday. And it's completely taken over the internet, as it should. But perhaps one standout piece of this new season is Kate Bush's 1985 hit "Running Up That Hill (A Deal With God)."
(I have been jamming out to the song for days. In fact, I've had "Running Up That Hill" on repeat while writing this article!)
The song has topped streaming charts all over the world thanks to its heavy inclusion throughout Stranger Things. The song plays a prominent role in the life of Stranger Things' Max Mayfield (Sadie Sink), who is still dealing with Billy's death in Season 3.
*listens to "Running Up That Hill" for the 397,216th time*
— Netflix Geeked (@NetflixGeeked) June 1, 2022
oh THAT'S why Winona Ryder wore a Kate Bush pin to the #StrangerThings4 premiere pic.twitter.com/kmbFRMjgNC
According to Spotify, "Running Up That Hill" had an 8,700% increase in global streams on Monday, May 30, in comparison to its total on Thursday, May 26—the day before Stranger Things Season 4, Volume 1 premiered on Netflix. "Running Up That Hill" currently sits at No. 2 on Spotify’s top 50 U.S. chart and No. 4 on its top 200 global chart.
"More than ever, Stranger Things is a cultural phenomenon that resonates with fans all over the world," said Alexandra Patsavas, Netflix’s director of music/creative production for series, in a statement. "We are thrilled to see fans connect so enthusiastically with such a key part of the [showrunners] Duffer Brothers' incredible storytelling—the music. It’s remarkable to see how the reaction to Kate’s song has engaged new and old fans alike, and has also transcended generations—37 years later!"
And the internet has been going crazy for the classic '80s song:
i just have to say the inclusion of kate bush’s running up that hill (a deal with god) in stranger things 4 episode 4 changed the trajectory of my life and permanently altered my brain chemistry thank you kate bush thank you sadie sink
— ⁂ (@gob1inatrix) May 28, 2022
this is exactly what happens when you listen to running up that hill pic.twitter.com/TNX6ZQrQ7u
— kate bush’s aquarius moon (@cloudbusting) May 29, 2022
at this point “running up that hill” is going to be on my spotify wrapped… #StrangerThings4
— sam || 30 (@joycelhopper) May 31, 2022
So is anyone else ugly crying to "Running Up That Hill" after watching the new season of #StrangerThings ?
— Jonathan Benton (@Jonathan_Benton) May 28, 2022
POV: Me listening to Kate Bush - Running Up That Hill on repeat since Friday going through every emotion. #StrangerThings #STRANGERTHINGS4 pic.twitter.com/g5HgwFi0Zh
— Rosie (@rosiesutton) May 29, 2022
if you would told me Running Up That Hill was gonna be the worlds song of the summer like what is going on LMFAO
— shayne (@themoodzter) June 1, 2022
"It’s incredible to watch iconic songs get rediscovered and have global moments with new listeners,” said Jeremy Erlich, Spotify’s global head of music. "'Running Up That Hill (A Deal With God)' is one of those ‘perfect storm’ examples. It’s a classic song that has been introduced to a wide fandom and has now taken on a whole new meaning ... Most importantly, Kate Bush has deservedly increased her fanbase to a new generation of music lovers. Max / Sadie Sink and the Stranger Things crew have great taste!"
You can listen to the official Stranger Things playlist on Spotify.