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.
I Love Playin' with Fire
The Runaways Lyrics
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My one and only shining star said stick with me and I'll take you far
Your eyes are sparklin with teenage fire
I'll satisfy your mad desire
I love playin' with fire
I don't wanna get burned
I love playin' with fire
Don't think I'll ever learn, no!
And I can't wait
Till another day
The way you shake me, is really hot
You know how to use
What you got you know
I love playin' with fire
I don't wanna get burned
I love playin' with fire
Don't think I'll ever learn
Actin' tough with looks that kill
You got me goin' and I can't stand still
My arms are dyin' to hold you tight
Well you're my little dark dynamite you know
I love playin' with fire
I don't wanna get burned
I love playin' with fire
Don't think I'll ever learn
In "I Love Playin' with Fire," The Runaways sing about a passionate and dangerous relationship. The lyrics describe a lover who is wild, exciting, and "sparklin with teenage fire." Despite the risks involved, the singer can't help but be drawn to their lover and their thrilling behavior. The singer is fully aware of the dangers of playing with fire, but they are unable to resist the temptation.
The song emphasizes the physicality of the relationship, with lines like "The way you shake me, is really hot/You know how to use/What you got." The singer is entranced by their lover's looks, tough persona, and ability to make them feel alive. Despite the warning signs, the singer can't let go of their desire for the other person.
Line by Line Meaning
My one and only shining star said stick with me and I'll take you far
Someone I really admire promised that they will elevate me to great heights if I just stick with them.
Your eyes are sparklin with teenage fire
Your eyes are full of youthful passion and exuberance that's infectious.
I'll satisfy your mad desire
I will fulfill your intense and unbridled yearning for something adventurous and thrilling.
I love playin' with fire
I adore doing things that are daring and potentially harmful, like playing with fire.
I don't wanna get burned
Even though I enjoy doing dangerous things, I'm still cautious and don't want to get hurt in the process.
Don't think I'll ever learn, no!
Despite the risks, I doubt that I will ever stop engaging in these dangerous antics.
My heart is achin' to see you play
I'm dying to see you do something risky and exciting because that's what I find attractive.
And I can't wait till another day
I'm too impatient to wait for you to perform your next dangerous stunt. I need to see it now.
The way you shake me, is really hot
Your impact on me is powerful and intense, and it excites and thrills me.
You know how to use what you got you know
You know how to take advantage of your strengths and appeal to people like me who are drawn to danger.
Actin' tough with looks that kill
You project strength and confidence, and your appearance exudes danger and excitement.
You got me goin' and I can't stand still
You are such a powerful force that you inspire me to act recklessly and impulsively just to keep up with you.
My arms are dyin' to hold you tight
I want to hold you closely because the proximity to danger is exhilarating and intoxicating.
Well you're my little dark dynamite you know
You are my source of explosive, intense energy and I am completely hooked on the rush you provide.
Lyrics © Peermusic Publishing
Written by: JOAN JETT
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind