The Temptations – Run Away Child, Running Wild: A Haunting Portrait of Youthful Angst
The Temptations, a legendary vocal group synonymous with soulful harmonies and powerful messages, delivered a poignant social commentary with their 1969 hit, Run Away Child, Running Wild. This song stands out as a departure from their usual upbeat sound, instead exploring the emotional turmoil and vulnerability of a young runaway.
Background
Released on their landmark album Cloud Nine, “Run Away Child, Running Wild” was co-written by Norman Whitfield and Barrett Strong, a songwriting duo known for their socially conscious lyrics.
The song reached number 14 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart and number three on the Billboard Hot R&B Singles chart, resonating deeply with listeners.
The narrative unfolds through the eyes of the Temptations, directly addressing a runaway child. The lyrics paint a vivid picture of the protagonist’s desperation and fear.
Having run away from home as a consequence of punishment, the child now finds himself alone and lost in the unfamiliar urban environment.
Video
Lyrics
🎵 Let’s sing along with the lyrics! 🎤
You played hookie from school and you can’t go out to play, yeahMama said, for the rest of the week, in your room you gotta stay, yeahOh ho, now you feel like the whole world’s pickin’ on youBut deep down inside, you know it ain’t trueYou’re in punishment‘Cause your mother wants to raise you in the right way, yeahBut you don’t care‘Cause you already made up your mind you wanna run away yeahYou’re on your way, runaway child, running wildRunaway child running wildBetter go back home where you belongRoaming through the city going nowhere fast, you’re on your own at lastHey, it’s gettin’ late, where will you sleep?You’re gettin’ kinda hungry, you forgot to bring something to eatOh, lost with no money you start to cryBut remember, you left home wantin’ to be grown, so dry your weeping eyesSirens screamin’ down neon lighted streetsYou want your mamaRun, run, run, run, run, run, run, runAre they looking for you?You’re frightened and confusedI want my mamaRun, run, run, run, run, run, runBut she’s much too far away, she can’t hear a word you sayYou’ve heard some frightening news on the radioAbout little boys running away from homeAnd the parents don’t see them no moreYou wanna stop to hitch a ride, I knowBut your mama told you never trust a strangerAnd you don’t know which way to go