Spedding was raised by adoptive parents in Sheffield before moving to Birmingham. During the late 1960s and early 1970s he became known as a guitar player on sessions for Alan Price, Jack Bruce, Pete Brown's Battered Ornaments and others. During this time he was also playing jazz with Nucleus and recorded and toured with Mike Gibbs. He was a session player on Harry Nilsson's breakthrough album, Nilsson Schmilsson, recorded in London.
During 1972-74 Spedding played a central role in Sharks, initially with ex-Free bassist Andy Fraser. They recorded two albums and toured with Roxy Music. After that, he toured and recorded with John Cale. He also played with Roy Harper's occasional backing band Trigger, notably on 1975's HQ album.
In 1975 Spedding had a Top Twenty solo hit in the UK with "Motor Bikin'", but subsequently became better known as a session guitarist, appearing and recording with Bryan Ferry, Roxy Music, Elton John, Brian Eno, Jack Bruce, Nick Mason and Katie Melua, amongst others. During the mid 1970s, he even took part in the Wombles' UK tour in full furry costume, whilst wielding his trademark Gibson Flying V.
Spedding recorded a version of the American singer-songwriter Garland Jeffreys' song, "Wild In The Streets", on his own Hurt album. The song has since been covered by the Circle Jerks and is featured on Tony Hawk's American Wasteland.
He also was the producer of the Sex Pistols first demos, which were recorded on 15 May 1976. The three tracks recorded were "Problems", "No Feelings" and "Pretty Vacant".
He made an appearance in Paul McCartney's Give My Regards to Broad Street in 1984, playing guitar in a session with McCartney and his wife, Linda. In 1995, he played on Willy DeVille's Big Easy Fantasy, and later that year, on his album Loup Garou.
Spedding was producer of the first two albums by Canadian rockabilly band "The Razorbacks" entitled "Go to Town"(1988) and "Live a Little"(1989).
Spedding has had a long association with rockabilly legend Robert Gordon recording the classic albumn 'Live at the Lonestar' in 1989. Their cover of Springsteen's 'Fire' is reported to be the Boss' favorite version.
In 2011 Spedding and Steve Parsons (aka "Snips", former vocalist with Sharks) are back together with Martin Chambers (Pretenders) on drums, Glen Matlock (Sex Pistols) on bass, and a new mysterious guitarist named Sixteen, making a five-piece band called King Mob.
Road Runner
Chris Spedding Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
I'm a roadrunner baby,
Can't keep up with me, oh, oh
I'm a roadrunning mad,
You can't keep up with me, yeah
Come on and lets have a race
Oh, take my hand baby
Yeah, Yeah, take my hand baby
I wanna prove to you,
That I'm a roadrunning man, yeah
I wanna tell you something
I'm the fastest in the land
Oh, Come one take my hand baby, yeah
Now listen to me baby
Oh Oh, why don't you move up a bit slowly
Let this man by, let me by
I want to give my love to you
To put some dirt in your eye
Oh, Oh baby, come over baby
Can't keep up with me, oh, oh
I'm a roadrunning man,
You can't keep up with me, ah
Come on and let's have a race,
And baby, baby, baby, baby....
...Oh, oh yeah, come on baby
Yes, I'm a roadrunning man,
Can't keep up with me
Yeah, come on and lets have a race
And baby, baby you will see
Oh, I'll say it one more time now
Oh, oh, bye bye baby
I've got to put you down
Oh yeah, I've got to put you down
I'll see you baby
I'll see you somewhere hanging around, oh...
The song "Road Runner" by Chris Spedding is a fast-paced rock tune that features Spedding declaring himself as a roadrunner man who is the fastest in the land. The lyrics play on the idea of the roadrunner bird, which is known for its speed and agility. Spedding encourages his lover to race him, confidently stating that they won't be able to keep up with him. He also expresses his desire to give his love to his partner, telling them to move up slowly to let him pass.
The song can be interpreted as a metaphor for Spedding's speedy and wild lifestyle. He could be challenging his partner to keep up with his fast-paced life and adventurous spirit. The line "I'll see you somewhere hanging around" could be suggesting that his lover may not be able to keep up with him and he'll be moving on.
Overall, the lyrics of "Road Runner" express a desire for speed and adventure while also incorporating themes of love and relationships.
Line by Line Meaning
Yeah, baby, come one baby, Oh, oh...
Introducing the singer as an energetic, confident person who is eager to make a move towards something or someone.
I'm a roadrunner baby, Can't keep up with me, oh, oh
The singer is using the metaphor of a roadrunner to indicate their speed and agility, thereby challenging others to a race.
I'm a roadrunning mad, You can't keep up with me, yeah
The singer is clarifying their determination and confidence that others will not be able to catch up with them.
Come on and lets have a race, And baby, baby you will see, Oh, take my hand baby
The artist proposes a race to prove their speed to someone and invites them to participate by holding their hand.
Yeah, Yeah, take my hand baby, I wanna prove to you, That I'm a roadrunning man, yeah
The artist repeats the invitation, emphasizing their desire to show how fast they are as a roadrunner.
I wanna tell you something, I'm the fastest in the land, Oh, Come one take my hand baby, yeah
The singer asserts their belief that they are the fastest person around, reinforcing their eagerness for a challenge through the repetition of the invitation.
Now listen to me baby, Oh Oh, why don't you move up a bit slowly, Let this man by, let me by
The singer addresses the person they were addressing to slow down to let them pass by and continue the race.
I want to give my love to you, To put some dirt in your eye, Oh, Oh baby, come over baby
The artist expresses that winning the race would mean a great deal to them, as they could give an expression of love or triumph to someone else.
Can't keep up with me, oh, oh, I'm a roadrunning man, You can't keep up with me, ah
The artist repeats their confidence in their speed and tells others that they cannot keep up with them.
I'll see you baby, I'll see you somewhere hanging around, oh...
The artist concludes by indicating that even if they are left behind, they will still be around and likely see the person again soon.
Lyrics © O/B/O APRA AMCOS
Written by: Ellas McDaniel
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind