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.
Hollywood
The Runaways Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
That I'm a rebel roller queen
I'll be a star that shines
I can make the whole world mine
Hollywood it feels so good
Hollywood it feels so good
Each day at home I scheme
For the fame and fortune dream
With my fancy clothes and cars
Hollywood it feels so good
Hollywood it feels so good
I can make it, make it, make it, make it
'Cause I can take it, take it, take it,take it
Each time the radio plays
It tells of the golden days
Living fast on the go
Lets get on with the show yeah
Hollywood it feels so good
Hollywood it feels so good
The Runaways' song Hollywood is a classic example of the American pop culture fascination with Hollywood and the entertainment industry. The lyrics reveal an almost adolescent daydream of becoming a "rebel roller queen" and a "superstar" who shines bright in the limelight of Hollywood. The singer of the lyrics is yearning to live a life of glamour and fame, where their fancy clothes and cars would establish them as a celebrity, making the whole world theirs.
The chorus of the song, "Hollywood it feels so good," is repeated twice in every stanza, indicating the singer's unshakable desire to achieve stardom in Hollywood. Each day, they scheme for their "fame and fortune dream" despite being home alone, showing that their aspirations transcend their present circumstances. The lyrics are accompanied by the upbeat percussion and power chords that characterize The Runaways' rock and roll sound, ultimately serving as an ode to the glamour of Hollywood and the entertainment industry.
Line by Line Meaning
Each night alone I dream
I often fantasize about becoming famous and living the dream life of a rebel roller queen, causing chaos wherever I go.
That I'm a rebel roller queen
In my dreams, I envision myself as someone who basks in fame and fortune, while indulging in a life of rebellion and roller skating.
I'll be a star that shines
I strive to be a bright and shiny star that outshines others in the entertainment industry, and am willing to do whatever it takes to achieve it.
I can make the whole world mine
With my talent and charm, I'm confident that I can become so popular and influential that the whole world would be at my feet.
Each day at home I scheme
Despite being stuck at home, I constantly plot and plan how I can make my way to stardom and achieve my dream of fame and fortune.
For the fame and fortune dream
My ultimate goal is to become rich and famous, and have everything that comes with that lifestyle- glamor, luxury, and recognition.
Gonna be a superstar
I'm determined to reach the pinnacle of success and fame, and become a superstar that commands attention and respect from everyone around me.
With my fancy clothes and cars
Once I become successful, I plan to flaunt my wealth and taste in fashion by splurging on expensive clothes and luxury cars.
I can make it, make it, make it, make it
I strongly believe that I have what it takes to achieve my dreams and that I will succeed, no matter what.
'Cause I can take it, take it, take it,take it
I am confident in my ability to withstand the stress, criticism, and challenges that come with trying to make it big in Hollywood, and emerge victorious.
Each time the radio plays
Every time I hear a popular song playing on the radio, it reminds me of the golden age of Hollywood and fuels my desire to become a star.
It tells of the golden days
The songs on the radio, which hark back to a more glamorous era of Hollywood, inspire me to pursue my dream, and remind me that success is attainable.
Living fast on the go
I'm prepared to live a fast-paced, exciting life, always on the go, meeting new people and attending glamorous parties and events.
Lets get on with the show yeah
I'm eager to jump into the fray and start my journey towards achieving my dreams of becoming a big-shot in Hollywood, come what may.
Hollywood it feels so good
The thought of making it big in Hollywood, and achieving the life of fame and fortune, makes me feel good and drives me to pursue my dreams.
Hollywood it feels so good
The allure of Hollywood, with its glitz and glamour, never fades, and always fills me with renewed hope and motivation to continue chasing my dreams.
Lyrics © Peermusic Publishing
Written by: MICHAEL NESMITH
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind