About the song
Del Shannon’s “Runaway” is a landmark song in the history of rock and roll, celebrated for its infectious melody and distinctive sound. Originally released in February 1961, the song quickly captured the public’s imagination and became a major international hit. Written by Del Shannon, whose real name was Charles Westover, and his keyboardist Max Crook, “Runaway” topped the Billboard Hot 100 for four consecutive weeks, cementing its place as a classic.
The song’s success was driven by its innovative instrumental break, created by Max Crook using a clavioline-based electric keyboard he called a Musitron. This unique sound helped distinguish “Runaway” from other hits of the era and contributed to its widespread acclaim. The recording session, held at Bell Sound Studios in New York City, included a team of talented musicians such as Al Caiola on guitar, Moe Wechsler on piano, and Milt Hinton on bass. The producer, Harry Balk, played a crucial role in shaping the song’s final sound by slightly speeding up the recording pitch.
Del Shannon and Max Crook had previously performed together in a group called “Charlie Johnson and the Big Little Show Band” before landing their recording contract in 1960. Shannon, who took on his stage name for the recording career, and Crook, known as Maximilian, faced initial setbacks with their first sessions but eventually found success with “Runaway.”
The song’s impact was further amplified by Shannon’s appearance on Dick Clark’s *American Bandstand*, which helped propel “Runaway” to the top of the Billboard Hot 100. In addition to its success in the U.S., the song also reached number one on the UK’s Record Retailer chart, where it remained for three weeks. It also achieved notable positions on Billboard’s Hot R&B Sides and was ranked No. 5 on Billboard’s end-of-year Hot 100 for 1961.
In 1982, Del Shannon revisited “Runaway” with a live performance that brought new energy and nostalgia to the classic hit. This live rendition highlights the enduring appeal of the song and Shannon’s lasting influence on rock and roll. “Runaway” remains a beloved piece of music history, showcasing the innovative spirit and emotional depth 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