About The Song
“Runaway” is the debut single by American rock band Bon Jovi. It was originally recorded in 1981 for the so-called “Power Station Demos” at the beginning of singer Jon Bon Jovi’s career, featuring the vocalist backed by session musicians.
The song became a surprise hit in 1983 on WAPP-FM (now WKTU), leading to the formation of the first proper lineup of Bon Jovi for a short tour.
The track was recorded in 1982 at the Power Station recording studio, and released to radio in 1983. Jon Bon Jovi chose studio musicians who were recording with other artists using the studio at the time—these musicians became known as “The All Star Revue”, which included: bassist Hugh McDonald (who would join Bon Jovi in 1994 as an unofficial member); guitarist Tim Pierce (who was working on a John Waite record with producer Neil Giraldo); drummer Frankie LaRocka; and keyboardist Roy Bittan. The keyboard intro was written by Mick Seeley—then of John Bongiovi and the Wild Ones and later with Southside Johnny and the Asbury Jukes—who also performed backing vocals on the track with David Grahmme.
In 1983, local radio station WAPP 103.5FM “The Apple” had a contest, held in conjunction with St. John’s University, to search for the best unsigned band. After the song won the contest, it became a radio hit in the summer of 1983.
“Runaway” became the first single from the band’s self-titled debut album. It hit the Top 40 on the Billboard Hot 100 at #39 in early 1984 and became the band’s first Top 40 hit in the US.
A dance/club remake of “Runaway” was released in July 2008 by “DJ Freddy Retro featuring Jim Davis Jr.” on Casa Records.
The music video was directed by Mike Cuesta (not to be confused with TV producer Michael Cuesta) and featured Jennifer Gatti in one of her earliest roles.
Video
Lyrics
On the street where you live
Girls talk about their social lives
They’re made of lipstick, plastic and paint
A touch of sable in their eyes
all your life all you’ve asked
When’s your Daddy gonna talk to you?
But you were living in another world
Trying to get your message through
No one heard a single word you said
They should have seen it in your eyes
What was going around your head
Oh, she’s a little runaway
Daddy’s girl learned fast
All those things she couldn’t say
Ooh, she’s a little runaway
Take a line line every night
Guaranteed to blow your mind
I see you out on the streets
Calling for a wild time
So you sit home alone
‘Cause there’s nothing left that you can do
There’s only pictures hung in the shadows
Left there to look at you
You know she likes the lights
At night on the neon Broadway signs
She don’t really mind
It’s only love she hoped to find
Oh, she’s a little runaway
Daddy’s girl learned fast
All those things she couldn’t say
Ooh, she’s a little runaway
No one heard a single word you said
They should have seen it in your eyes (seen it in your eyes)
What was going around your head
Oh, she’s a little runaway
Daddy’s girl learned fast
All those things she couldn’t say
Oh, she’s a little runaway
Daddy’s girl learned fast
Now she works the night away
Oh, she’s a little runaway
Daddy’s girl learned fast
All those things she couldn’t say
Oh, she’s a little runaway
Daddy’s girl learned fast
Now she works the night away