About the song
“Runaway,” a timeless hit from 1961, was made famous by Del Shannon and remains one of the defining tracks of early rock and roll. Co-written by Shannon and keyboardist Max Crook, the song showcased a distinctive instrumental break played on Crook’s self-designed Musitron, setting it apart from other hits of the era. This innovative sound and catchy melody helped propel “Runaway” to the top of the Billboard Hot 100, where it enjoyed a four-week reign and was ranked as the No. 5 song of 1961.
The origins of “Runaway” trace back to the collaboration between Shannon, then known as Charles Westover, and Crook, who was an integral part of the recording. Initially part of the group “Charlie Johnson and the Big Little Show Band,” Shannon and Crook faced challenges in their early recording efforts. However, their fortunes changed when manager Ollie McLaughlin suggested re-recording an earlier song, “Little Runaway,” to emphasize Crook’s unique instrumental contributions. The song was recorded at Bell Sound Studios in New York City on January 21, 1961, with Harry Balk producing and Fred Weinberg engineering. The final mix, sped up from A minor to a pitch just below B-flat minor, was released in February 1961 and quickly gained popularity.
“Runaway” not only topped the charts in the U.S. but also achieved international success, reaching No. 1 in the UK and several other countries, including Australia and Canada. Its success was bolstered by Shannon’s performance on Dick Clark’s *American Bandstand*, which significantly increased its visibility. Despite facing strong competition from the British Invasion, “Runaway” stood out with its emotional depth and unique sound.
The song’s impact was significant enough to see it ranked as No. 472 on Rolling Stone’s list of the 500 Greatest Songs of All Time in 2010, reflecting its enduring influence. Del Shannon re-recorded “Runaway” in 1967 and again in 1986, adapting it for various projects, including as a theme song for the TV series *Crime Story*. His 1986 version featured new lyrics tailored to a crime drama setting.
The song’s lyrics, narrated from the perspective of a heartbroken man whose lover has left him, capture the essence of longing and sorrow. The track’s distinct musical arrangement, combined with Shannon’s poignant delivery, has cemented its place in music history. Despite its original version being mono, later compilations have included stereo versions, preserving the song’s legacy for new generations of listeners. “Runaway” remains a celebrated classic, reflecting the creativity and emotional resonance of early rock and roll.
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