Reeya Banerjee's "Runner" is a Breathless, Barefoot Tribute to Survival in the City

With her latest single “Runner,” singer-songwriter Reeya Banerjee trades introspective ballads for something rawer, louder and decidedly more frantic.

It’s a sharp, punk-edged snapshot of her time as a 20 something corporate commuter in New York City. A phase of life defined by movement, exhaustion and the strange clarity that sometimes only comes from being in motion.

Listen here:

https://open.spotify.com/track/0bPgIV4ZiDrsvEvLiSLwXR

Clocking in at just under three minutes, “Runner” doesn’t waste time.

The guitars are brisk and choppy, the drums relentless and Banerjee’s vocals perfectl suit the subject matter.

She sings from the perspective of someone perpetually in a rush - racing to the train, dodging tourists in Midtown, sprinting through Grand Central Station, and willing her tired body just one step further.

But rather than just glorify the hustle, “Runner” offers a wry and almost surreal take on it. There’s humor buried in the chaos, particularly when you watch the accompanying video, where Banerjee literally sprints barefoot through the terminal she once knew all too well.

The inspiration behind “Runner” is refreshingly specific.

Unlike many tracks that aim for a vague relatability, this one is rooted in real experiences and locations. Banerjee’s lyrics chronicle the unglamorous details of city life - the ill-fitting shoes, the dead phone battery and the crowded platform where you question every life choice. And in a way, that’s what makes the song feel relatable. We’ve all had our “runner” moments, even if the setting was different.

Musically, “Runner” leans into post-punk energy. It’s not abrasive or alienating - it’s catchy and tightly structured, with a propulsive rhythm section that mirrors the forward momentum of the lyrics.

Her voice carries a mix of fatigue, humor, and defiance, creating a tone that feels lived-in and honest. She’s not just performing a version of herself from that time—she’s embodying it, quirks and all.

“I used to run barefoot through Grand Central to catch my train,” says Banerjee.

The video, directed by Banerjee and edited by longtime collaborator Khalifa Cyrus, is as kinetic as the song itself.

Shot DIY-style across Manhattan and Brooklyn, along with footage captured by friends on phones and handheld cameras, it mirrors the song’s themes of scrappy perseverance. No permits and no fancy equipment. Just a solid determination to tell a story.

The result is a blur of city lights, train platforms, and side streets anchored by Banerjee’s performance and a climactic barefoot run through Grand Central.

What stands out most in “Runner” is how effectively it captures a moment in time. It’s a song about the identity crisis that comes from running too hard for too long. It’s about trying to figure out who you are in between calendar invites and train delays. And it’s about reclaiming those frantic memories by turning them into art.

Whether you have sprinted through Grand Central or simply had a day that never seemed to stop, this song offers something of a cathartic, exhilarating reminder that you are not alone. That it's okay to laugh, collapse and then get back up and run again!

Keep up with everything Reeya Banerjee on her Website

Stream music on Spotify and Apple Music.