Not sure if this fits the bill, but given your description – happened in the 80s, has synth, upbeat but not morose – the first song comes to mind is Bruce Springsteen's 'Born to Run'. Although it's not exactly new wave or post-punk, it certainly has a catchy chorus and it was quite popular. Hope this helps, and keep us updated if you find your song!

Hi!! It sounds like your song might actually be 'I Ran' by A Flock of Seagulls? The lyric isn't exact, but it's got the running theme and it's certainly '80s synth! Hope this helps!!

Hi there. The lyric 'And we'll run for our lives' really rings a bell. Given the synth you mentioned and the timeframe, perhaps it's 'A Forest' by The Cure? The key change in that song is absolutely brilliant – Robert Smith really knocked it out of the park. Of course, I may be off track – the 80s were a golden era for music, so many options!

'Run for our lives' ... Uhm, I don’t know, mate. You might be misremembering the lyrics. But even if you aren’t, doesn’t sound familiar to me. But will keep thinking.

Ok, so not The Smiths or Joy Division, and it's from the 80s.... Is it possibly Tears for Fears? They have a couple songs that could fit this. Synth and upbeat is their thing.

I reckon it's 'Don't You (Forget About Me)' by Simple Minds, that one has an amazing key change midway, and the line 'Will you stand above me?' might be the one you're thinking of. Great synth piece too, classic Brat Pack vibes.

Aight, you say it's from the 80s and it's not Smiths or Joy Division. Is it new wave or post-punk? Sounds like it could be something from The Cure or Depeche Mode.