Runaway Child, Running Wild
The Temptations
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You played hookie from school and you can't go out to play, yeah Mama said, for the rest of the week, in your room you gotta stay, yeah Oh ho, now you feel like the whole world's pickin' on you But deep down inside, you know it ain't true You're in punishment 'Cause your mother wants to raise you in the right way, yeah But you don't care 'Cause you already made up your mind you wanna run away yeah You're on your way, runaway child, running wild Runaway child running wild Better go back home where you belong Roaming through the city going nowhere fast, you're on your own at last Hey, it's gettin' late, where will you sleep? You're gettin' kinda hungry, you forgot to bring something to eat Oh, lost with no money you start to cry But remember, you left home wantin' to be grown, so dry your weeping eyes Sirens screamin' down neon lighted streets You want your mama Run, run, run, run, run, run, run, run Are they looking for you? You're frightened and confused I want my mama Run, run, run, run, run, run, run But she's much too far away, she can't hear a word you say You've heard some frightening news on the radio About little boys running away from home And the parents don't see them no more You wanna stop to hitch a ride, I know But your mama told you never trust a stranger And you don't know which way to go Streets are dark and deserted, not a sound nor sign of life Oh how you long to hear your mother's voice, 'cause you're lost and alone But remember, you made the choice, runaway child, running wild You better go back home where you belong He he he, oh, runaway child, running wild You better go back home where you belong You're lost in this great big city Go back home where you belong Not one familiar face, ain't it a pity Go back home where you belong Oh, runaway child running wild You better go back home where you belong Oh yeah, my girl Mama, mama, please, come and sit here by me Oh but she's much too far away, she can't hear a word you say Oh, you're frightened and confused, which way will you choose
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Written by: BARRETT STRONG, NORMAN WHITFIELD
Lyrics © BMG Rights Management, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
13 facts about this song
Group Information"The Temptations" is an American vocal group known for their contributions to the evolution of R&B and soul music.
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Release DateThe song "Runaway Child, Running Wild" was released in late 1968.
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AlbumIt is one of the songs featured in the album "Cloud Nine". The album was released on February 17, 1969, it was the ninth studio album by The Temptations.
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GenreThe song is classified under the Psychedelic Soul genre, combining soul music with elements of psychedelic rock.
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Song LengthOne unique feature about the song is its duration. The original album version of the song runs over 9 minutes, whereas the single version is slightly shorter at just over 4 minutes.
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Billboard Ranking"Runaway Child, Running Wild" hit number one on the Billboard R&B singles chart and number six on the Billboard Pop Singles chart in 1969.
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Song ThemeThe song speaks of a young boy who, in an act of defiance against his disciplinarian parents, runs away from home only to realize the harsh realities of real life.
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Psychedelic Shack AlbumThe song was included on the "Psychedelic Shack" album, released in 1970, as track 2 on Side 2.
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SignificanceThe song is significant as it showcased a departure from the smooth R&B sound of the group to a more psychedelic and socially aware theme.
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WritersThe song was written by Norman Whitfield and Barrett Strong, who were also the producers of the song.
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Instrumentals"Runaway Child, Running Wild" features a full-scale instrumental break that spans more than three minutes of the nearly ten minute song and this was considered as unusual for songs of the era.
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Noteworthy UseThe song has been used in radio, video and television, most notably it was featured in an episode of American Crime Story that focused on the O.J. Simpson trial.
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Cover VersionMajor Lance, an American R&B singer, also recorded a cover version of the song.
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Citation
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"Runaway Child, Running Wild Lyrics." Lyrics.com. STANDS4 LLC, 2024. Web. 28 Mar. 2024. <https://www.lyrics.com/lyric/949188/The+Temptations/Runaway+Child%2C+Running+Wild>.
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