About the song
“Runaway,” a song that has become synonymous with the early 1960s rock ‘n’ roll era, was a groundbreaking hit for Del Shannon in 1961. This chart-topping single, written by Shannon and his collaborator Max Crook, not only soared to the top of the Billboard Hot 100 but also left an indelible mark on the international music scene. It held the No. 1 position for four consecutive weeks and was named the No. 5 song of the year by Billboard, further solidifying its status as a classic.
The origins of “Runaway” trace back to Battle Creek, Michigan, where singer-guitarist Charles Westover, who would later adopt the stage name Del Shannon, and keyboardist Max Crook first performed together. Crook, known for his invention of the Musitron, a clavioline-based electric keyboard, played a pivotal role in the song’s distinctive sound. After an initial recording session in New York City failed to produce a hit, their manager, Ollie McLaughlin, encouraged them to rework and re-record an earlier song titled “Little Runaway.” This strategic decision proved fortuitous, as “Runaway” was recorded on January 21, 1961, at Bell Sound Studios with Harry Balk as producer and a team of talented session musicians contributing to its unique arrangement.
The song’s success was almost immediate. Upon its release in February 1961, “Runaway” quickly climbed the charts, aided by Shannon’s memorable television appearance on Dick Clark’s “American Bandstand.” The track not only topped the Billboard Hot 100 but also reached No. 1 on the UK’s Record Retailer chart, demonstrating its widespread appeal. On Billboard’s Hot R&B Sides, it peaked at No. 3, further highlighting its crossover success.
The influence of “Runaway” extends beyond its initial release. The song has been covered and re-recorded by numerous artists across different genres over the years. Notably, Del Shannon revisited the song in 1967 and again in 1986 for various projects, including its use as the theme music for the NBC TV series “Crime Story.” The original mono version remains the most celebrated, though stereo versions have also been released in compilations.
“Runaway” has permeated popular culture, featuring in films like “American Graffiti,” the Showtime miniseries “Dexter: New Blood,” and even referenced in songs by artists such as Tom Petty and Barenaked Ladies. Its legacy is cemented not only through its chart success but also through its lasting impact on music and media. Del Shannon’s “Runaway” continues to be celebrated as a quintessential piece of rock ‘n’ roll history, embodying the spirit of an era and showcasing the innovative sound that defined the early ’60s.
Video
Lyrics
As I walk along, I wonder
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’ma 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 wo-wo-wo wonder
Why… why-why-why-why-why
She ran away
And I wonder where she will stay
My little runaway
I run-run-run-run runaway
I’ma 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 wo-wo-wo wonder
Why… why-why-why-why-why
She ran away
And I wonder where she will stay
My little runaway
I run-run-run-run runaway
I run-run-run-run runaway
I run-run-run-run runaway