Runaway Child, Running Wild

The Temptations

About Runaway Child, Running Wild

"Runaway Child, Running Wild" (shown as "Run Away Child, Running Wild" on the label of the original single) is a 1969 hit single for the Gordy (Motown) label, performed by The Temptations and produced by Norman Whitfield. The single was both the second from their landmark Cloud Nine LP, and the second of their "psychedelic soul" tracks penned by Whitfield and former Motown artist Barrett Strong. Featuring all five Temptations - Dennis Edwards, Eddie Kendricks, Paul Williams, Melvin Franklin, and Otis Williams - trading verses and harmony lines, "Runaway Child, Running Wild" paints a tale of a young boy (presumably a preteen) who runs away from home after being punished for playing hooky i. e. absence from school without permission. The boy wanders the dark streets alone, eventually realizing he cannot survive on his own, but cannot find his way home, and ends up lost, frightened by strangers, unfamiliar landmarks, and his own thoughts. "Runaway child runnin' wild," the Temptations tell the boy during the chorus, "you better go back home/where you belong". 


Year:
1994
4:46
252 
#1

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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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The Temptations

The Temptations are an American vocal group known for their success in the 60s and 70s at Motown Records. The group's repertoire has included, during its five-decade career, R&B, doo-wop, funk, disco, soul, and adult contemporary music. Known for their recognizable choreography, distinct harmonies, and flashy onstage suits, the Temptations have been said to be as influential to soul as The Beatles are to pop and rock. more »

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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.
Release Date
The song "Runaway Child, Running Wild" was released in late 1968.
Album
It 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.
Genre
The song is classified under the Psychedelic Soul genre, combining soul music with elements of psychedelic rock.
Song Length
One 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.
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.
Song Theme
The 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.
Psychedelic Shack Album
The song was included on the "Psychedelic Shack" album, released in 1970, as track 2 on Side 2.
Significance
The 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.
Writers
The song was written by Norman Whitfield and Barrett Strong, who were also the producers of the song.
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.
Noteworthy Use
The 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.
Cover Version
Major Lance, an American R&B singer, also recorded a cover version of the song.

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