The urge to run away from whatever is making us unhappy, be it one’s own thoughts and feelings, a relationship, or people, is something we all go through at times. Running away is a phrase and theme that is frequently used in music; this is likely due to the fact that music is a popular means of expression. It appears that artists of all ages and from all types of genres find inspiration in the concept of fleeing.
As running away, in fact, means freedom, many musicians try to express this sense of freedom through their music. Nonetheless, we have compiled a selection of the best songs about running away that will make your day. So, stay tuned!
5 Songs About Running Away
Different artists have written songs with a wide range of emotions, styles, and themes surrounding the concept of running away. We picked the best 5 songs about running away. The list includes:
1.“Runaway” by Bon Jovi
Artist: Bon Jovi
Year: 1984
Album: Bon Jovi
Lyricist: George Karak, Bon Jovi
Genre: Hard rock
Of course, if we were to talk about classics, Bon Jovi’s “Runaway” would be on the list of recommended songs about running away. This 1984 single was their first commercial success. On Billboard’s Hot 100, it charted in the top 40, with lyrics like
“…All those things he couldn’t say
Ooh, she’s a little runaway…”
The theme of “Runaway” is a lonely young girl who escapes her abusive household in search of love and a better life. It’s a song that employs the concept of running away to tell a specific, real-life tale about the challenges faced by a homeless teenager. In the end, this song was Bon Jovi’s first big success and became a hard rock classic.
2. “Running Away” by Bob Marley
Artist: Bob Marley
Year: 1977
Album: Kaya
Lyricist: Bob Marley
Genre: Reggae
This is another classic example of a song about running away. Despite how hard one tries or how busy one keeps themselves, it is difficult to escape from one’s own mistakes, as this song explains. Bob Marley writes about the futility of trying to hide from one’s mistakes and the dire consequences, with words like
“…Who feels it knows it, Lord
Ya running and ya running…”
The world needs to hear this song now more than ever, as so many people hide behind smartphones and other devices rather than confront the problems they face and just want to run away.
3. “Born to Run” by Bruce Springsteen
Artist: Bruce Springsteen
Year: 1975
Album: Born to Run
Genre: Classic rock
Bruce Springsteen’s 1975 masterpiece, “Born to Run,” depicts the energy of young people and their yearning for freedom in a variety of ways. The song may be seen as a plea to flee an unfair American society, with lyrics like
“…Together we could break this trap
We’ll run ’til we drop, baby, we’ll never go back…”
But there’s no denying that “Born to Run” is one of the all-time great songs about getting away.
You can also read: Songs About Bad Parents
4. “Fly Away” by Lenny Kravitz
Artist: Lenny Kravitz
Year: 1998
Lyricist: Lenny Kravitz
Genre: R&B
One of Lenny Kravitz’s best singles, “Fly Away,” is geared toward slightly older listeners and retro music lovers. This song is about longing to leave this world behind and experience something else, with lyrics like
“…I want to get away
I want to fly away…”
Even though it was launched back in 1998, this song is still relevant as it screams the essence of running away and freedom. It’s a highly energetic rock tune that’s been around for a good reason.
5. “The Getaway” by Red Hot Chili Peppers
Band: Red Hot Chili Peppers
Year: 2016
Album: The Getaway
Genre: Punk rock
The song “The Getaway” is infectious and compelling; it makes you want to pack up and get away. Although the song’s primary theme is the termination of a relationship, its lyrical content also suggests running away, with words like
“…A lover that another tried
Take it, too my ride…”
It’s not a traditional song about running away with someone, but it does address that idea very subtly; you will feel the vibe.
Some More Famous Songs About Running Away
When looking for songs about running away, we discovered that this genre could be both deeply moving and wonderfully liberating. And the list of songs of this kind is endless.
Apart from the songs we mentioned earlier, the following songs deserve to be on the list of songs about running away:
- “Runaways” by Linkin Park
- “Runaways” by The Killers
- “Runaways” by Ed Sheeran
- “Runaways” by Avril Lavigne
- “Runaways” by Maroon 5
- “Run” by Gnarls Barkley
- “Running” by Abi Ocia
- “Walking Away” by Craig David
- “How To Disappear Completely” by Radiohead
- “Sweet Escape” by Gwen Stefani
- “Shake it Off” by Taylor Swift
- “Take the Money and Run” by Steve Miller Band
