About The Song
“Runaway” is a classic rock and roll song performed by Del Shannon. Released in 1961, the song became one of Shannon’s most iconic hits and is celebrated for its distinctive keyboard riff and Shannon’s emotive vocals. Let’s explore the details of this timeless track:
Background:
- Artist: “Runaway” was recorded by Del Shannon, an American rock and roll singer-songwriter known for his unique vocal style and innovative use of technology in his music.
- Release Date: The song was released in 1961 as a single, later included on Shannon’s album of the same name, “Runaway.”
- Composer: “Runaway” was written by Del Shannon and keyboardist Max Crook, who also created the song’s distinctive keyboard riff.
Musical Style:
- Genre: The song falls into the rock and roll and pop genres, characterized by its driving beat, catchy melody, and Shannon’s impassioned vocals.
- Instrumentation: “Runaway” features a dynamic musical arrangement, with prominent use of keyboard, guitar, bass, and drums creating a lively and energetic sound.
- Vocals: Del Shannon delivers a powerful vocal performance, showcasing his signature falsetto and infusing the song with emotion and intensity.
Lyrics:
- Theme: “Runaway” is a song about heartbreak and longing, with the narrator expressing his pain and frustration over a lost love.
- Narrative: The lyrics depict the narrator’s plea for his runaway lover to return, as he reflects on the happiness they once shared and the emptiness he feels without them.
- Emotion: The song captures the raw emotion of heartbreak, with Shannon’s impassioned delivery conveying the pain and vulnerability of the narrator’s situation.
Cultural Impact:
- Chart Success: “Runaway” was a commercial success, reaching the top of the charts in multiple countries and becoming one of Del Shannon’s most successful singles.
- Legacy: The song is remembered as one of Shannon’s signature hits, earning a place in the pantheon of rock and roll classics.
- Cover Versions: “Runaway” has been covered by numerous artists over the years, attesting to its enduring popularity and influence on subsequent generations of musicians.
Conclusion:
“Runaway” by Del Shannon is a timeless rock and roll anthem that continues to captivate audiences with its infectious melody, memorable keyboard riff, and Shannon’s emotive vocals. As a defining moment in Shannon’s career, the song stands as a testament to his talent as a singer-songwriter and his ability to connect with listeners on a deeply emotional level. With its enduring popularity and cultural significance, “Runaway” remains a beloved favorite among fans of classic rock and roll music.
Video
Lyrics
🎵 Let’s sing along with the lyrics!
As I walk along, I wonder
A-what went wrong with our love
A love that was so strong
And as I still walk on, I think of
The things we’ve done together
While our hearts were young
I’m a-walkin’ in the rain
Tears are fallin’ and I feel the pain
Wishin’ you were here by me
To end this misery
I wonder
I wah-wah-wah-wah-wonder
Why
Why, why, why, why, why
She ran away
And I wonder
Where she will stay
My little runaway
A-run, run, run, run, runaway
I’m a-walkin’ in the rain
Tears are fallin’ and I feel the pain
Wishin’ you were here by me
To end this misery
And I wonder
I wah-wah-wah-wah-wonder
Why
Why, why, why, why, why
She ran away
And I wonder
Where she will stay
My little runaway
A-run, run, run, run, runaway
A-run, run, run, run, runaway
A-run, run, run, run, runaway