About the song
“Running Scared,” penned by Roy Orbison and Joe Melson, stands as a timeless testament to Orbison’s vocal prowess and songwriting genius. Released in March 1961 under Monument Records, this operatic rock ballad quickly ascended to the top of the Billboard Hot 100, showcasing Orbison’s ability to captivate audiences with his emotive delivery and unique style.
The song’s distinctive composition, characterized by its lack of a traditional chorus, diverges from conventional pop structures of its time. Instead, it builds momentum through its richly layered lyrics and orchestration, culminating in a dramatic climax that highlights Orbison’s commanding tenor voice. Bill Porter, the audio engineer behind the recording, meticulously crafted a sound that accentuated Orbison’s clear, resonant vocals, further solidifying its impact on listeners.
Fred Foster, the visionary producer at Monument Records, played a pivotal role in shaping the song’s final arrangement. Foster’s insistence on Orbison delivering the climactic high note in full voice, rather than falsetto, added an element of raw emotion and authenticity to the performance. This decision underscored Orbison’s vocal range and technical skill, marking “Running Scared” not only as a commercial success but also as a definitive moment in Orbison’s career.
Beyond its chart-topping success in the United States, “Running Scared” achieved international acclaim, reaching number nine on the UK Singles Chart. Its popularity extended to Australia, where it was released as a double A-side with “Love Hurts,” another of Orbison’s poignant compositions that resonated deeply with audiences worldwide.
The enduring legacy of “Running Scared” lies not only in its chart achievements but also in its influence on subsequent generations of musicians. Orbison’s ability to meld operatic influences with rock and roll laid a foundation for future artists to explore new musical territories. His emotive storytelling and vocal prowess continue to inspire admiration and reverence among fans and critics alike, cementing “Running Scared” as a timeless classic in the annals of popular music history.
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Lyrics
Just 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