Originally titled “Don’t Let Me Down”, the second single from the band’s breakthrough album Hi Infidelity, “Take It On The Run” became the band’s second of five career top 10 hits, peaking at #5 in May 1981. It was one of several songs on the album inspired by infidelity and other relationship probl...
[Verse 1]
Heard it from a friend who
Heard it from a friend who
Heard it from another
You been messin' around
[Verse 2]
They say you got a boyfriend
You're out late every weekend
They're talkin' about you
And it's bringin' me down
[Verse 3]
But I know the neighborhood
And talk is cheap when the story is good
And the tales grow taller on down the line
[Pre-Chorus]
But I'm telling you, babe
That I don't think it's true, babe
And even if it is keep this in mind
[Chorus]
You take it on the run baby
If that's the way you want it baby
Then I don't want you around
I don't believe it
Not for a minute
You're under the gun
So you take it on the run
[Verse 3]
You're thinking up your white lies
You're puttin' on your bedroom eyes
You say you're coming home
But you won't say when
[Pre-Chorus]
But I can feel it comin'
If you leave tonight keep runnin'
And you need never look back again
[Chorus]
You take it on the run baby
If that's the way you want it baby
Then I don't want you around
I don't believe it
Not for a minute
You're under the gun
So you take it on the run
[Guitar Solo]
[Chorus]
Take it on the run baby
If that's the way you want it baby
Then I don't want you around
I don't believe it
Not for a minute
You're under the gun
So you take it on the run
Take it on the run baby
If that's the way you want it baby
Then I don't want you around
I don't believe it
Not for a minute
You're under the gun
So you take it on the run
[Verse 1 / Outro]
Heard it from a friend who
Heard it from a friend who
Heard it from another
You been messin' around
Take It on the Run was written by Gary Richrath.
Take It on the Run was produced by Kevin Cronin & Gary Richrath & Kevin Beamish & Alan Gratzer.
REO Speedwagon released Take It on the Run on Fri Nov 21 1980.
Gary Richrath shared:
When I wrote that, I woke up one night, half asleep, and sat down in front of the TV. There was a soap opera on it. I was just sitting there, strumming a guitar, thinking, ‘God, these guys’ relationships are worse than mine.‘ I just sat there and sang vocals about the effects...