They enjoyed working together so much that they decided to create an album together. Co-written by all the group members, the songwriting and recording were accomplished over a ten-day period at Dave Stewart's house, as Dylan was due to go out on tour. Their first studio album, Traveling Wilburys, Vol. 1 was released on October 18, 1988. The band members were credited under various pseudonyms, all sons of a fictional Charles Truscott Wilbury, Sr. The album was immediately dubbed as one of the top 100 albums of all time by Rolling Stone, and was a critical and commercial success, spawning several successful singles and eventually reaching triple-platinum sales status in the US. Additionally, it was nominated for several awards and won the Grammy Award for Best Rock Performance by a Duo or Group in 1989.
The death of Orbison on December 6, 1988 prevented further full collaborations, and the band continued without him. In 1990, they released a second studio album titled Traveling Wilburys, Vol. 3. The intentional misnumbering is attributed to Harrison's sense of humor; additionally, the pseudonyms for all members were changed. The album met with less success than its predecessor, and the group eventually disbanded in 1990, their final released recording being the song "Nobody's Child", the title track of a benefit album released to benefit Romanian orphans.
In 2007, a compilation of both albums was released, entitled The Traveling Wilburys Collection. As well as both of the original albums, the release included bonus tracks and music videos; additionally, previously uncredited session drummer Jim Keltner, who appeared in some of the group's music videos, was listed as a member of the group, as was Dhani Harrison, the son of George who had assisted in some parts of the overdubbing of the previously unreleased material.
Runaway
Traveling Wilburys Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
I wonder what went wrong
With our love, a love that was so strong
And as I still walk on
I think of the things we've done together
Awhile our hearts were young
I'm a-walkin' in the rain
Wishin' you were here by me
To end this misery
And I wonder
I wah-wah-wah-wah-wonder
Why
Why, why, why, why, why she ran away
And I wonder
Where she will stay
My little runaway
Run, run, run, run, runaway
I'm a-walkin' in the rain
Tears are fallin' and I feel the pain
Wishin' you were here by me
To end this misery
And I wonder
I wah-wah-wah-wah-wonder
Why
Why, why, why, why, why she ran away
And I wonder
Where she will stay
My little runaway
Run, run, run, run, runaway
Run, run, run, run, runaway
Run, run, run, run, runaway
Run, run, run, run, runaway
The song "Runaway" by the Traveling Wilburys is an emotional ballad about lost love and the pain that comes with it. The lyrics express the singer's feelings of confusion and hurt as he tries to make sense of why his love interest left him. He walks alone in the rain, thinking about the happy memories they shared, wondering what went wrong, and what she is doing now. The repetition of the word "wonder" emphasizes the singer's sense of confusion, regret, and longing. He wishes she were with him to end his misery as he stands alone in the rain, feeling the tears of his heartbreak flowing down his face.
The song's powerful emotions are accentuated by its simple musical arrangement, with a slow tempo and melancholic harmonies that reinforce the mood of heartbreak conveyed in the lyrics. The chorus features a repetitive melody that is easy to sing along with, creating a sense of community and shared experience with the listener.
Line by Line Meaning
As I walk along
While I walk, I'm thinking about the state of our past love.
I wonder what went wrong
I'm questioning the reasons why our once strong love faltered.
With our love, a love that was so strong
Our love was once a powerful force that has now dwindled.
And as I still walk on
I continue my walk, still pondering over our past experiences together.
I think of the things we've done together
I recall the shared experiences we had as romantic partners.
Awhile our hearts were young
During the time of our romance, we were young and naive about love.
I'm a-walkin' in the rain
My walk is accompanied by the unpleasant feeling of rain and tears.
Tears are fallin' and I feel the pain
I'm experiencing great emotional pain, which is reflected in the tears falling down my face.
Wishin' you were here by me
I desire your presence next to me during this difficult time.
To end this misery
Your presence would help me alleviate the sorrow and pain I am feeling.
And I wonder
Once again, I am questioning and contemplating.
I wah-wah-wah-wah-wonder
An expression of the artist's emotional distress and uncertainty.
Why
The primary question in the singer's mind is focused on the reasons behind their partner's departure.
Why, why, why, why, why she ran away
A repetition of the question, emphasizing the mystery of the situation and the singer's vexation.
And I wonder
The question of why remains unanswered.
Where she will stay
The location of the partner is unknown to the artist.
My little runaway
The artist's term of endearment for their departed partner.
Run, run, run, run, runaway
An expression of the singer's desire for their partner to return.
Lyrics © BMG Rights Management
Written by: Del Shannon, Max D. Crook
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@thomassmith8721
Perhaps the ultimate super group in RocknRoll. Five incredibly gifted rock icon friends, who enjoyed making music together for the pure pleasure of it. It's a great video and a sad video. Del, Roy, George and Tom have reached the end of the line. They are traveling through space and time.
RIP gentlemen
@MrErdner
I read an article that said the Wilburys were talking about inviting Del Shannon to join them, but he committed suicide before they could ask him. This recording was made as a posthumous tribute to Del. At least, that's what I read. I didn't make notes about where and when I read it.
@johnparton2209
You took the words out of my mouth fantastic group
@adamsanchez1512
Agree!! I love this song i just heard it on the radio the other day. First time that i have heard of it. 👍
@gregorylapointe4157
@George Erdner Del actually recorded a couple of songs with some members of the Wilburys. It would have been fun to have him in the band, it's too bad depression got the better of Del and he committed suicide before he could join the group.
@pmdk1953
Truly beautifully put.
@JeffLynnesELO2024Tour
Jeff Lynne's vocals are always magic.
@sarahloughlin3724
beautiful angelic voice
@JoelDavies-bi5mp
His cover of Give Me Love at The Concert For George is still unbelievable.
@karinverndal2055
And even now as an older man he still has this wonderful voice 🎉