Roy Orbison

Lyrics

12 ContributorsRunning Scared LyricsJust 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

If there's one song that showcases Roy Orbison's vocal prowess, it's Running Scared. Written and recorded in 1961, the song exuded Orbison's signature style of blending melancholy lyrics with soaring melodies and impressive vocal range. It's little wonder that the song became one of his biggest hits, charting at number one in the U.S and the U.K.

But beyond its commercial success, Running Scared is a fascinating piece of music history. Allegedly written in just five minutes, the song was a result of Orbison's collaboration with record producer Fred Foster. According to Orbison, Foster was instrumental in pushing him to improve his vocal technique, an effort that culminated in Orbison hitting high notes in full voice, a technique that he didn't even know he was capable of.

About Running Scared

One of the most striking things about Running Scared is its distinct blend of sadness and euphoria. The song's lyrics center on a man who's "runnin' scared, feelin' low," haunted by thoughts of his lost love. But despite the melancholic subject matter, the song's soaring, operatic arrangement gives the impression of a man who's fighting to stay afloat against all odds.

This juxtaposition between sadness and elation is actually a hallmark of Roy Orbison's songwriting style. He's known for his ability to turn the most depressing of lyrics into something that's both anthemic and uplifting. Running Scared is no exception.

Another standout feature of the song is Orbison's bold vocals. The song starts with him hitting a high note in falsetto, one of the most recognizable intros in all of pop music. From there, he alternates between full voice and falsetto, creating a dynamic, emotive performance that manages to convey the song's emotional depth without ever becoming overwrought.

The song's arrangement is similarly impressive. With thirty musicians playing on the track, there's a lushness to the sound that's both grand and intimate. The use of strings is particularly notable, adding an extra layer of drama to an already dramatic song.

All of these elements come together to create a song that's both timeless and emblematic of its era. It's little wonder that Running Scared remains such a beloved song decades after its release.

The Legacy of Running Scared

One of the reasons why Running Scared continues to endure is Orbison's influence on subsequent generations of musicians. Everyone from Elvis Presley to Bruce Springsteen has cited him as an inspiration, and his unique blend of operatic vocals and emotive songwriting has gone on to inform countless artists in the years since.

But perhaps what's most impressive about Running Scared is how it continues to resonate with listeners today. Despite its age, it remains a song that manages to tap into a specific range of emotions with piercing accuracy. It's a song about the fear of loss and the pain of heartbreak, emotions that are as relevant today as they were when the song was first released.

Ultimately, Running Scared is a masterpiece of songwriting and performance, a work of art that will continue to be celebrated for generations to come.

• Release Date: March 1961
• Artist: Roy Orbison