About the song
“Runaway,” performed by Del Shannon, is an iconic song from the early 1960s that captures the angst and heartache of lost love with its unforgettable melody and haunting lyrics. Released in 1961, this track quickly became a defining hit of the era, propelling Del Shannon to stardom and leaving a lasting impact on the music landscape.
The song was co-written by Del Shannon (whose real name was Charles Westover) and keyboardist Max Crook. Crook’s innovative use of the Musitron, an early electronic keyboard, added a distinctive and futuristic sound to the track, setting it apart from other songs of the time. Shannon’s emotive voice and poignant delivery of the lyrics, which tell the story of a man lamenting his lost love, struck a chord with listeners worldwide.
“Runaway” was released as a single and achieved phenomenal success on the charts. It soared to number one on the Billboard Hot 100 in April 1961 and remained in that position for four weeks. The song also topped charts internationally, reaching number one in the UK and charting highly in several other countries. This widespread acclaim underscored its universal appeal and the powerful connection Shannon forged with his audience.
The song was featured on Del Shannon’s debut album, also titled “Runaway,” which included other notable tracks that showcased his distinctive vocal style and songwriting abilities. The album helped to cement his reputation as a leading figure in the rock and roll and pop music scenes of the early 60s.
“Runaway” is renowned not only for its commercial success but also for its influence on future generations of musicians. Its innovative use of the Musitron and its emotive storytelling have made it a timeless classic, frequently covered by various artists and featured in numerous films and television shows. The song’s enduring popularity is a testament to its powerful emotional resonance and its place in the pantheon of great rock and roll hits.
For many fans, “Runaway” remains a poignant reminder of the early 1960s, an era marked by musical innovation and the emergence of new, electrifying talents like Del Shannon. His performance of this song continues to be celebrated for its heartfelt intensity and its ability to capture the universal experience of love and loss.
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