The Runaways were formed in late 1975 by drummer Sandy West and rhythm guitarist Joan Jett after they had both introduced themselves to producer Kim Fowley, who gave Jett’s phone number to West. The two met on their own at West’s home and later called Fowley to let him hear the outcome. Fowley then helped the girls find other members. Two decades later he said, “I didn’t put The Runaways together, I had an idea, they had ideas, we all met, there was combustion and out of five different versions of that group came the five girls who were the ones that people liked.”
Starting as a power trio with singer/bassist Micki Steele, The Runaways began the party and club circuit around Los Angeles. They soon added lead guitarist Lita Ford who had originally auditioned for the bass spot. Steele got fired from the group, later resurfacing in The Bangles. Local bassist Peggy Foster took over on bass but left after a month. Lead singer Cherie Currie was found and recruited in a local teen nightclub called the Sugar Shack, followed by Jackie Fox (who had originally auditioned for the lead guitar spot) on bass.
The band's lineup was:
* Cherie Currie, lead vocals and keyboards
* Joan Jett, rhythm guitar and vocals
* Lita Ford, lead guitar
* Jackie Fox, bass guitar and vocals
* Sandy West, drums and vocals
Despite the apparent "jailbait on the run" gimmick, the girls in the band were proficient at playing their instruments and wrote or co-wrote most of the band's material and, as later became obvious, were serious about their music. Their best known song is 1976's "Cherry Bomb" which has been covered by many other bands, including the punk band Bratmobile.
The Runaways made five albums and went through several personnel changes. Michael Steele was briefly part of the band before their first album, and later joined The Bangles. In 1977 Vicki Blue replaced Jackie Fox on bass guitar and Joan Jett took over as lead singer after the departure of Cherie Currie. In 1978 Laurie McAllister replaced Vicki Blue. The band broke up in 1979.
Jett and Ford both went on to achieve substantial success as solo artists in the 1980s. Currie went on to a briefly successful career as an actress, appearing in "Foxes" with Jodie Foster, before falling into heavy drug use. She later recovered and wrote an autobiography, "Neon Angel". West continued with music, sometimes playing with her former bandmates. Fox went to UCLA and Harvard Law School and became an entertainment attorney.
There was some progress made towards a Runaways reunion at the end of the 1990s, but this was killed off by Lita Ford who backed out at the planning stage, to the disgust of Jett. Currie did join Jett onstage in 2001 to sing "Cherry Bomb", the first time they had performed together in close to 25 years.
In 2004 Vicki Blue directed a feature-length documentary named "Edgeplay - A Film About The Runaways". The film includes interviews with most of the band members as well as producer Kim Fowley.
Drummer and vocalist Sandy West died on October 21, 2006 of lung cancer, at age 47.
The Runaways paved the way for female oriented punk bands like X-Ray Spex, Bikini Kill and most recently, The Donnas.
Most recently a movie called "The Runaways" was released starring Dakota Fanning as Currie and Kristen Stewart as Jett.
Joan Jett and Cherie Currie re-recorded "Cherry Bomb" for the video game "Guitar Hero Warriors Of Rock.
Don't Go Away
The Runaways Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
We got along
We partied awhile, you gave me the smile
Nothin' went wrong
Hold me close, hold me really tight
Go ahead, make me feel alright
Don't go away, I'm so happy
You're just what I need to make it
You're just what I need ooooh!
The very next day, you saw us play
It was really a kick
Drippin' in sweat, I got very wet, honey
You did the trick
Hold me close, hold me really tight
Go ahead, make me feel alright
Don't go away, I'm so happy
You're just what I need to make it
Don't go away, I'm so happy
You're just what I need ooooh!
I stayed the night, it was really alright
I need our heat
I got kinda cold, you got really bold
Ya said, "Come to me."
Hold me close, hold me really tight
Go ahead, make me feel alright
Don't go away, I'm so happy
You're just what I need to make it
Don't go away, I'm so happy
You're just what I need ooooh!
The Runaways’ song Don’t Go Away is about a one-night stand that turns into a deeper connection. The singer meets someone at a party and they hit it off immediately. The first verse establishes their chemistry and ease with each other. The chorus emphasizes the singer’s happiness and how this person is “just what I need to make it.” It’s clear that they aren't ready to let go of this person just yet. The second verse describes the two of them seeing the band play, with the singer getting sweaty and turned on. The chorus repeats again, but this time with a more urgent tone. The singer is starting to feel a real connection and doesn’t want it to end. The final verse takes place after their night together, as the singer feels a sense of longing for the intimacy that they shared. The song ends on another repetition of the chorus.
While the lyrics are simple, there’s a sense of vulnerability and honesty in them. The chorus is especially relatable, as it captures the feeling of finding someone who makes you truly happy and not wanting to let go. The Runaways were known for their rebellious and edgy image, but this song shows a softer side to them.
Line by Line Meaning
I met you last night, it was really alright
I met you last night and I had a good time.
We got along
We connected well.
We partied awhile, you gave me the smile
We spent some time together enjoying the party, and you gave me a smile.
Nothin' went wrong
There were no issues or problems.
Hold me close, hold me really tight
I want you to hold me tightly in your arms.
Go ahead, make me feel alright
Do whatever it takes to make me feel good and happy.
Don't go away, I'm so happy
Please don't leave because I'm really enjoying your company.
You're just what I need to make it
You are exactly what I need to feel complete and happy.
The very next day, you saw us play
The following day you watched us perform.
It was really a kick
It was really exciting and fun.
Drippin' in sweat, I got very wet, honey
I was sweating a lot and got all wet, my dear.
You did the trick
Your presence and energy made the performance great.
I stayed the night, it was really alright
I slept over and it was a good experience.
I need our heat
I crave your physical warmth.
I got kinda cold, you got really bold
I was feeling cold and you took the lead with our physical intimacy.
Ya said, "Come to me."
You invited me to be closer to you.
Lyrics © Peermusic Publishing
Written by: JOAN JETT
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind