Running away has long been a theme in music, capturing the desire for escape and freedom that many of us have felt at one point or another. From the punk anthems of the 1970s to the indie rock hits of today, countless artists have explored the idea of running away through their music. In this article, we’ll take a look at 20 songs about running away, each with its own unique perspective on the subject.
Some of the songs on this list are about escaping from a difficult situation, whether it’s a bad relationship, a dead-end job, or a troubled past. Others are about the thrill of leaving everything behind and hitting the open road, with no destination in mind. Still, others explore the darker side of running away, acknowledging the consequences that come with leaving everything behind.
Through these songs, we’ll explore the many different facets of running away and the complex emotions that can come with it. Whether you’re feeling trapped and looking for an escape or simply in need of a little inspiration, these songs are sure to resonate with you. So put on your headphones, hit the road, and let these 20 songs about running away be your soundtrack to freedom.
1. Bruno Mars – Runaway baby
“Runaway Baby” is an upbeat and energetic song by American singer-songwriter Bruno Mars. It was released as the fourth single from his debut studio album, “Doo-Wops & Hooligans,” in 2011. The song features a mix of pop, rock, and soul elements and showcases Mars’ impressive vocal range and energetic performance style. The lyrics of the song tell the story of a womanizer who can’t be tamed, with Mars comparing him to a runaway baby. The music video features Mars performing the song live, showcasing his dynamic stage presence and charisma. “Runaway Baby” became a hit for Mars, reaching the top 20 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart.
2. AURORA – Runaway
“Runaway” is a hauntingly beautiful song by Norwegian singer-songwriter AURORA. It was released as a single in 2015 and later included on her debut studio album, “All My Demons Greeting Me as a Friend.” The song features ethereal vocals and a sparse instrumental arrangement, with gentle piano chords and delicate percussion underscoring AURORA’s emotional performance. The lyrics of the song speak to the desire to escape and start anew, with AURORA urging the listener to “run, run, run” and leave behind the troubles of the past. The music video for “Runaway” features AURORA wandering through a forest, creating a dreamlike atmosphere that perfectly complements the song’s introspective mood. “Runaway” showcases AURORA’s unique voice and songwriting style, cementing her status as one of the most compelling artists in the alternative pop genre.
3. Linkin Park – Runaway
“Runaway” is an early hit from American rock band Linkin Park, released in 2001 as part of their debut studio album, “Hybrid Theory.” The song features a heavy and aggressive sound, blending elements of alternative rock, nu-metal, and rap. The lyrics of the song express the feeling of being trapped and isolated, with lead singer Chester Bennington screaming, “I wanna run away and never say goodbye!” The music video for “Runaway” features the band performing in a dark and industrial setting, with flashing lights and frenetic camera angles adding to the song’s intense energy. “Runaway” helped establish Linkin Park as one of the most popular rock bands of the early 2000s, and it remains a fan favorite to this day.
4. Bon Jovi – Runaway
“Runaway” is a classic rock song by American rock band Bon Jovi, released in 1984 as the lead single from their self-titled debut album. The song features a catchy guitar riff, a driving beat, and powerful vocals from lead singer Jon Bon Jovi. The lyrics of the song tell the story of a woman who has left her troubles behind and is on the run, with Jon Bon Jovi pleading for her to come back home. The music video for “Runaway” features the band performing in a warehouse, with shots of the runaway woman interspersed throughout. “Runaway” helped launch Bon Jovi’s career and remains a beloved classic rock staple to this day.
5. Lenny Kravitz – Always on the run.
“Always on the Run” is a hit song by American musician Lenny Kravitz, released in 1991 as part of his second studio album, “Mama Said.” The song features a funky and soulful sound, with Kravitz’s powerful vocals and guitar work taking center stage. The lyrics of the song speak to the idea of constantly moving forward and striving for success, with Kravitz singing, “I’m always on the run, got to slow down baby, got to have some fun.” The music video for “Always on the Run” features Kravitz performing the song live in a variety of different locations, highlighting his energetic stage presence and showmanship.
6. Avril Lavigne – Runaway
“Runaway” is a song by Canadian singer-songwriter Avril Lavigne, released in 2019 as part of her sixth studio album, “Head Above Water.” The song features a slower and more introspective sound than some of Lavigne’s previous hits, with a simple piano melody and emotive vocals underscoring the song’s message of seeking freedom and escape. The lyrics of the song speak to the idea of running away from pain and heartbreak, with Lavigne singing, “I’m a runaway, I’m a runaway, yeah, yeah, yeah.” The music video for “Runaway” features Lavigne performing the song alone in a deserted forest, capturing the song’s lonely and contemplative mood.
7. Avenged Sevenfold – Runaway
“Runaway” is a hard-hitting rock song by American heavy metal band Avenged Sevenfold, released in 2003 as part of their debut studio album, “Sounding the Seventh Trumpet.” The song features a thrashy and aggressive sound, with driving drums and intricate guitar work highlighting the band’s technical prowess. The lyrics of the song express feelings of isolation and despair, with lead singer M. Shadows screaming, “I’m a runaway, and I’ll never go back!” The music video for “Runaway” features the band performing the song live in a dark and gritty setting, with flashing lights and intense energy adding to the song’s raw power.
8. Ed Sheeran – Runaway
“Runaway” is a song by British singer-songwriter Ed Sheeran, released in 2011 as part of his debut studio album, “+.” The song features a more mellow and acoustic sound than some of Sheeran’s later hits, with a simple guitar melody and Sheeran’s soft vocals underscoring the song’s message of longing and escape. The lyrics of the song speak to the idea of running away with someone you love, with Sheeran singing, “Let’s run away and don’t ever look back, don’t ever look back.” The music video for “Runaway” features Sheeran performing the song in a dimly lit room, capturing the song’s intimate and romantic mood.
9. Galantis – Runaway (U & I)
“Runaway (U & I)” is an upbeat and catchy dance-pop song by Swedish electronic music duo Galantis, released in 2014 as part of their debut studio album, “Pharmacy.” The song features a driving beat, soaring vocals, and a euphoric chorus that’s sure to get listeners dancing. The lyrics of the song express feelings of desire and longing, with the singer urging their lover to run away with them, singing, “I wanna runaway with you.” The music video for “Runaway (U & I)” features a group of young people joyfully dancing and celebrating in the streets, perfectly capturing the song’s carefree and exuberant spirit.
10. The Weeknd – Save your tears
“Save Your Tears” is a pop song by Canadian singer The Weeknd, released in 2020 as part of his fourth studio album, “After Hours.” The song features a catchy and upbeat sound, with a funky beat and The Weeknd’s smooth vocals underscoring the song’s message of regret and heartbreak. The lyrics of the song speak to the idea of moving on from a toxic relationship, with The Weeknd singing, “I broke your heart like someone did to mine, and now you won’t love me for a second time.” The music video for “Save Your Tears” features The Weeknd performing the song live in a surreal and fantastical setting, with elaborate costumes and visual effects adding to the song’s dreamlike mood.
11. The Killers – Runaways
“Runaways” is a rock song by American band The Killers, released in 2012 as part of their fourth studio album, “Battle Born.” The song features a driving beat, anthemic guitar riffs, and lead singer Brandon Flowers’ powerful vocals, making for a stadium-worthy rock anthem. The lyrics of the song speak to the desire for escape and freedom, with Flowers singing, “Let’s take a chance, baby, we can’t lose, we’re runaways.” The music video for “Runaways” features the band performing the song in a barren desert landscape, with images of road trips and youthful rebellion interspersed throughout. “Runaways” is a classic example of The Killers’ ability to craft infectious and uplifting rock songs that resonate with fans of all ages.
12. Gwen Stefani – Sweet Escape
“Sweet Escape” is a pop song by American singer-songwriter Gwen Stefani, released in 2006 as part of her second studio album, “The Sweet Escape.” The song features a catchy and upbeat sound, with a bouncy synth melody and Stefani’s sweet vocals underscoring the song’s message of escapism and freedom. The lyrics of the song speak to the idea of running away from the stresses of everyday life, with Stefani singing, “If I could be sweet, I know I’ve been a real bad girl, I’ll try to change, if you’ll forgive me.” The music video for “Sweet Escape” features Stefani escaping from a boring party and taking a joyride with rapper Akon, adding to the song’s carefree and fun-loving mood. “Sweet Escape” became a hit for Stefani, reaching the top 10 on charts around the world and cementing her status as one of the leading pop stars of the mid-2000s.
13. Red Hot Chili Peppers – The Getaway
“The Getaway” is a rock song by American band Red Hot Chili Peppers, released in 2016 as part of their eleventh studio album of the same name. The song features a more mellow and introspective sound than some of the band’s previous hits, with a gentle guitar melody and lead singer Anthony Kiedis’ melodic vocals underscoring the song’s message of starting anew and leaving the past behind. The lyrics of the song speak to the idea of escape and renewal, with Kiedis singing, “The getaway has got me on the run, the getaway is running through my veins.” The music video for “The Getaway” features the band performing the song in a variety of surreal and psychedelic settings, perfectly capturing the song’s dreamlike and introspective mood. “The Getaway” showcases the Red Hot Chili Peppers’ ability to evolve and experiment with their sound, while still maintaining their signature style and energy.
14. Band on the run – Paul McCartney & Wings
“Band on the Run” is a classic rock song by Paul McCartney & Wings, released in 1974 as part of their album of the same name. The song features a dynamic and intricate sound, with multiple sections and instrumental breaks showcasing the band’s technical skills. The lyrics of the song tell the story of a band escaping from prison and going on the run, with McCartney singing, “Band on the run, band on the run, and the jailer man, and sailor Sam, were searching everyone, for the band on the run.” The music video for “Band on the Run” features the band performing the song in a surreal and fantastical setting, adding to the song’s adventurous and escapist mood. “Band on the Run” remains one of McCartney’s most beloved and enduring hits, and a staple of classic rock radio.
15. Craig David – Walking Away
“Walking Away” is an R&B song by British singer-songwriter Craig David, released in 2000 as part of his debut studio album, “Born to Do It.” The song features a smooth and soulful sound, with David’s silky vocals and a gentle guitar melody underscoring the song’s message of moving on from a failed relationship. The lyrics of the song speak to the idea of letting go and moving forward, with David singing, “I’m walking away, from the troubles in my life, I’m walking away, oh, to find a better day.” The music video for “Walking Away” features David performing the song on a rooftop, capturing the song’s laid-back and reflective mood. “Walking Away” helped establish David as one of the leading R&B artists of the early 2000s, and it remains a fan favorite to this day.
16. Young hearts run free – Candi Station
“Young Hearts Run Free” is a disco and soul classic by American singer Candi Staton, released in 1976 as part of her album “Young Hearts Run Free.” The song features a groovy beat and Staton’s powerful vocals, making for a timeless dance floor anthem. The lyrics of the song speak to the idea of young love and freedom, with Staton singing, “Young hearts run free, never be hung up, hung up like my man and me.” The music video for “Young Hearts Run Free” features Staton performing the song in a variety of colorful and vibrant settings, perfectly capturing the song’s upbeat and empowering mood.
17. Runaway train – Soul Asylum
“Runaway Train” is a rock song by American band Soul Asylum, released in 1992 as part of their album “Grave Dancers Union.” The song features a powerful and emotional sound, with lead singer Dave Pirner’s raw vocals and a soaring guitar solo underscoring the song’s message of pain and loss. The lyrics of the song speak to the idea of running away from one’s problems and searching for a better life, with Pirner singing, “Runaway train, never coming back, wrong way on a one-way track.” The music video for “Runaway Train” features images of missing children, highlighting the song’s themes of sadness and tragedy. “Runaway Train” became one of Soul Asylum’s biggest hits, earning a Grammy Award for Best Rock Song and resonating with fans around the world.
18. Radiohead – How To Disappear Completely
“How to Disappear Completely” is an experimental rock song by British band Radiohead, released in 2000 as part of their album “Kid A.” The song features a haunting and otherworldly sound, with Thom Yorke’s ethereal vocals and atmospheric instrumentation creating a dreamlike and introspective mood. The lyrics of the song speak to the idea of wanting to escape from reality and disappear completely, with Yorke singing, “I’m not here, this isn’t happening.” The music video for “How to Disappear Completely” features the band performing the song in a dark and surreal setting, perfectly capturing the song’s haunting and ethereal atmosphere. “How to Disappear Completely” is considered one of Radiohead’s most acclaimed and experimental songs, showcasing their willingness to push the boundaries of rock music.
19. Born to Run – Bruce Springsteen
“Born to Run” is a classic rock song by American singer-songwriter Bruce Springsteen, released in 1975 as part of his album of the same name. The song features a driving beat, epic guitar riffs, and Springsteen’s passionate vocals, making for an iconic rock anthem. The lyrics of the song tell the story of a young couple’s desire to escape from their small town and start anew, with Springsteen singing, “We’re gonna get to that place where we really want to go, and we’ll walk in the sun.” The music video for “Born to Run” features Springsteen and his band performing the song live, with footage of cars and motorcycles racing down the open road interspersed throughout. “Born to Run” remains one of Springsteen’s most beloved and enduring hits, and a staple of classic rock radio.
20. Run to you – Roxette”
“Run to You” is a classic rock song by Swedish pop duo Roxette, released in 1994 as part of their album “Crash! Boom! Bang!” The song features a dynamic and upbeat sound, with Marie Fredriksson’s powerful vocals and Per Gessle’s driving guitar riffs making for an infectious and energetic rock anthem. The lyrics of the song speak to the idea of running towards love and passion, with Fredriksson singing, “I run to you, you run to me, that’s how it’s meant to be.” The music video for “Run to You” features Fredriksson and Gessle performing the song on a dimly lit stage, with images of a stormy sea and wild horses adding to the song’s sense of drama and adventure. “Run to You” remains one of Roxette’s most beloved hits, and a staple of classic rock and pop radio.
Macey West is a frequent contributor to Singers Room. Since 2005, Singersroom has been the voice of R&B around the world. Connect with us via social media below.
