About the song
“A Timeless Performance: Roy Orbison – Running Scared Live on Austin City Limits 1982”
Roy Orbison, with his distinctive baritone voice and heartfelt lyrics, has long been considered one of the greatest singers of all time. His performance of “Running Scared” on the iconic Austin City Limits stage in 1982 stands as a testament to his enduring talent and emotional depth.
This particular rendition is a true gem for fans of Orbison. Recorded during a pivotal time in his career, this performance captures the essence of a musical legend at the height of his powers. The raw emotion and vulnerability in Orbison’s voice as he delivers the lyrics of “Running Scared” is simply breathtaking. His ability to convey such a wide range of emotions, from longing to fear, is what sets him apart from other artists.
The intimate setting of Austin City Limits provided the perfect backdrop for Orbison’s performance. The simple stage setup, with just Orbison and his band, allowed the focus to remain squarely on his powerful vocals. The audience is clearly captivated by his performance, as evidenced by the hushed silence between verses and the enthusiastic applause at the end of the song.
One of the most striking aspects of this performance is the way Orbison’s voice seems to soar above the music. His vocal range is simply astounding, and his ability to hit those high notes with ease is a testament to his technical skill. However, it is his emotional connection to the song that truly sets this performance apart.
“Running Scared” is a classic Orbison ballad, with its haunting melody and introspective lyrics. The song tells the story of a man who is deeply in love but is afraid of getting hurt. Orbison’s performance brings this story to life, and it is easy to imagine the pain and longing that he is feeling.
For those who have never had the pleasure of hearing Roy Orbison perform live, this recording offers a rare glimpse into the magic of his live shows. It is a must-listen for any fan of classic rock or country music. And for those who are already familiar with Orbison’s work, this performance is a welcome reminder of why he is considered one of the greatest singers of all time.
Video
Lyrics
Just runnin’ scared each place we go
So afraid that he might show
Yeah, runnin’ scared, what would I do
If he came back and wanted you?
Just runnin’ scared, feelin’ low
Runnin’ scared, you love him so
Just runnin’ scared, afraid to lose
If he came back, which one would you choose?
Then all at once he was standing there
So sure of himself, his head in the air
My heart was breaking, which one would it be?
You turned around and walked away with me