Hunter was born in New York City, New York to immigrants from Germany. His father, Charles Kelm, was Jewish and his mother, Gertrude Gelien, a Lutheran who later converted to Judaism. Within a few years of his birth, his parents divorced and his mother moved with her two sons to California. She reassumed her maiden surname, Gelien, and changed the sons' name to that as well. Hunter's older brother, Walter, a medic, was killed in Vietnam. As a teenager, Hunter was a figure skater, competing in both singles and pairs.
Hunter was signed to a contract at Warner Bros. and re-named "Tab Hunter" by his first agent, Henry Willson. His good looks got him pegged as a teen idol. He landed a role in the film Island of Desire opposite Linda Darnell. Although he believed that he had a mediocre singing voice, he had a 1957 hit record with a cover of the Sonny James song, "Young Love," which was #1 for Hunter for over a month. Hunter's success led Warner Bros. to form Warner Bros. Records.
Hunter was perhaps best known for his starring role in the 1958 musical movie, Damn Yankees. In the movie, Hunter plays Joe Hardy of Washington D.C's American League baseball club. (The movie had originally been a broadway show, but Hunter was only in the movie version. The show was based on the 1954 best-selling book, "The Year The Yankees Lost the Pennant" by Douglass Wallop).
While doing The Tab Hunter Show (1960-1961) on television, he was one of the finalists for the lead in the movie version of West Side Story, but did not get the part, because the producers felt he was "too old" at 29. On July 9, 1960, he was arrested by Glendale, California police for beating his dog. He was acquitted by a jury, but the incident dealt a severe blow to his squeaky-clean image.
For a short time in the late 1960s, Hunter settled in the south of France, where he acted in "spaghetti westerns". His career was revived in the 1980s, when he starred opposite transvestite actor Divine in John Waters' Polyester (1981) and Paul Bartel's Lust in the Dust (1985). He is particularly remembered by later audiences as Mr. Stewart, the substitute teacher in "Grease 2," when he sang "Reproduction." He also wrote and starred in Dark Horse (1992).
Personal life
In his autobiography, Tab Hunter Confidential: The Making of a Movie Star, he acknowledged his homosexuality, confirming rumors that had circulated since the height of his fame. The book became a best-seller, though the news of his relationship with Paramount star Anthony Perkins was first explored in the book Anthony Perkins: Split Image (Alyson Books).
Hunter lived in Montecito, California, near Santa Barbara with his partner of 23 years, film producer Allan Glaser. He has a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame at 6320 Hollywood Blvd.
Hunter's homosexuality contrasted sharply with his image as a "ladies man." His agent planted stories in teen and gossip magazines that Hunter was involved with many famous young starlets of the day, and, for a long time, Hunter was linked as Natalie Wood's "boyfriend." At a party the two attended, a female songwriter in attendance quipped openly, "Natalie Wood, but Tab wouldn't."
His agent and later his studio would go so far as to have Hunter appear at red carpet events and at night clubs with the starlet he was linked to.
I'm A Runaway
Tab Hunter Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
I′m not bred for travelling slow
Like a buckin' bronc in a rodeo I′m a runaway (Runaway, runaway)
I'm a runaway (Runaway, runaway)
Got no time to be delayed
Always calls a spade a spade
There's a lot of debts I haven′t paid I′m a runaway (Runaway, runaway)
I'm a runaway (Runaway, runaway)
My saddle and my tack
I'm headin′ for tomorrow and I'm never comin′ back
Oh, follow my tracks and you will find
Broken hearts I've left behind
Cause I'm just not the marryin′ kind I′m a runaway (Runaway, runaway)
So many sights I've never seen
So many prairies inbetween
Got a strong young horse and a full
Canteen I′m a runaway (Runaway, runaway)
I'm a runaway (Runaway, runaway)
So many gals I haven′t met
So many cards I haven't bet
Gotta take a chance every chance I
Get I′m a runaway (Runaway, runaway)
I'm a runaway (Runaway, runaway)
I'm headin′ for the border
As peaceful as can be
I′m all for law and order
Long as they don't bother me
So many nights for havin′ fun
So many fights I haven't won
There′s not enough notches on my gun I'm a runaway (Runaway, runaway)
I′m a runaway
The lyrics to Tab Hunter's "I'm A Runaway" describe a man who is unafraid to take risks and live life on the edge. He cannot be tied down by anyone or anything, be it debts he hasn't paid or broken hearts he's left behind. He is a free spirit who craves adventure and is always looking for the next thrill, evidenced by lines such as "So many sights I've never seen" and "So many prairies inbetween." The character is not interested in settling down, as he sees himself as "just not the marrying kind."
At the same time, the lyrics suggest a certain loneliness and restlessness that comes with this lifestyle. The man is constantly on the move, leaving behind heartbreak and empty notches on his gun. He has no interest in being tied down to anyone or anything, but at the same time, he seems to be searching for something greater than the fleeting pleasures of adventure. In this way, the song explores themes of freedom, passion, and the search for meaning in life.
Line by Line Meaning
Give me my head and let me go
Allow me to make my own decisions and live my life without interference.
I'm not bred for travelling slow
I have a restless spirit and a need for speed and adventure.
Like a buckin' bronc in a rodeo I'm a runaway (Runaway, runaway)
I am wild and uncontrollable, like a horse that bucks off its rider in a rodeo.
Got no time to be delayed
I am always in a hurry and cannot afford to waste time on anything or anyone.
Always calls a spade a spade
I am honest and straightforward in my dealings and do not mince words or hide my true feelings.
There's a lot of debts I haven't paid I'm a runaway (Runaway, runaway)
I have a long list of unfinished business and unresolved issues, and I am running away from them rather than facing them.
I'll beg or steal or borrow My saddle and my tack
I am willing to do whatever it takes to achieve my goals and live my dreams, even if it means breaking the law or engaging in unethical behavior.
I'm headin' for tomorrow and I'm never comin' back
I am focused on the future and do not dwell on the past, and I have no intention of returning to my old life.
Oh, follow my tracks and you will find Broken hearts I've left behind
I have a trail of broken relationships and emotional wounds in my wake, as I am always moving on to the next adventure and leaving people behind.
Cause I'm just not the marryin' kind I'm a runaway (Runaway, runaway)
I am not interested in settling down or committing to a long-term relationship, as I prefer to maintain my freedom and independence.
So many sights I've never seen
I have a thirst for new experiences and a desire to see and do everything that life has to offer.
So many prairies in between
There are many obstacles and challenges that stand between me and my goals, but I am undeterred and determined to overcome them.
Got a strong young horse and a full Canteen I'm a runaway (Runaway, runaway)
I am well-equipped and prepared for the journey ahead, with a strong and reliable horse and plenty of supplies to sustain me.
So many gals I haven't met
I have a restless heart and a wandering eye, and I am always on the lookout for new romantic opportunities and conquests.
So many cards I haven't bet
I am a risk-taker and a gambler, always willing to put it all on the line for the chance at a big payoff.
Gotta take a chance every chance I Get I'm a runaway (Runaway, runaway)
I am always looking for new challenges and opportunities, and I seize every chance I get to take a risk and pursue my dreams.
I'm headin' for the border As peaceful as can be
I am not looking for trouble or conflict, but I am always on the move and looking for the next adventure, even if it takes me across the border.
I'm all for law and order Long as they don't bother me
I respect the rules and regulations of society, but I am more concerned with pursuing my own goals and desires than conforming to the expectations of others.
So many nights for havin' fun So many fights I haven't won
I am a free spirit who loves to have a good time, but I am also prone to conflict and struggle as I pursue my own path.
There's not enough notches on my gun I'm a runaway (Runaway, runaway)
I am a warrior and a survivor, always ready to fight for what I believe in, but I am also a runner, always looking for the next challenge and adventure.
Contributed by Jayden I. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
@user-ks6xk4pc5k
I just LOVE this song...I hadn't heard it for over 25 years..but the words never left me..10 STARS ALL DAY LONG !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
@rickcreighton9714
The movie just came on tv. Heard the theme and liked it immediately.
@rmk1960
Great song, sung very well by Tab....Nice upload and rest in peace Tab.
@tomrucco6490
My favorite by Tab 👌
@billwhitman1529
This is one of those cowboys melodies that just stays with you day after day. It along with the Gunman's Walk theme song were so well written.
@tomrucco6490
Gunman's Walk love that movie Plus introduce to I'm Runaway .
@gdouglas999
Even though he wasn't the world's best singer his songs were always catchy and enjoyable. And how in the world did one human being get to be so damned good looking?
@patentpumps
Found the 45 rpm record today. Hallelujah!!!!
@99999janice
RIP Tab. Thanks for the music.
@jekiwe
Haven't heard this one since around 1960.....once had a copy but when I left for the Army, mom threw away most of my collection....hundreds at the time..thx for uploading it again....jeff