Run For Your Life
Written by: John Lennon (100%)(credited to Lennon-McCartney)
Recorded: October 12, 1965 (Studio 2, Abbey Road Studios, London, England)
Mixed: November 9-10, 1965
Length: 2:17
Takes: 5
Musicians:
John Lennon: lead vocals, acoustic rhythm guitar (Gibson J160E), rhythm guitar (1961 Sonic Blue Fender Stratocaster)
Paul McCartney: bass guitar (1963 Hofner 500/1), harmony vocals
George Harrison: lead and rhythm guitars (Gretsch 6119 "Tennessean," 1961 Sonic Blue Fender Stratocaster), harmony vocals
Ringo Starr: drums (Ludwig), tambourine
Available on: (CDs in bold)
Rubber Soul (UK: Parlophone PMC 1267; US: Capitol PCS 3075; Parlophone CDP 7 46440 2)
History:
- Written as a fairly standard rockabilly number by John during the fall of '65, "Run For Your Life" has nonetheless gained a good bit of notoriety over the years for the lyric "I'd rather see you dead, little girl, than to be with another man," a nasty idea echoed in the chorus ("Run for your life if you can, little girl... Catch you with another man, that's the end, little girl"). The impetus for the lyric was Arthur Gunter's 1954 song "Baby, Let's Play House," later made into a minor hit by an up-and-coming Elvis Presley on Sun Records. It is almost certainly Elvis' version which inspired John. Lennon himself clarified that he wrote the song around the line, merely for inspiration, but "didn't think it was that important."
- Unfortunately, the killing of an unfaithful woman was a well-known theme in American roots music, and had been so for at least 40 years when the Beatles recorded this song; it was prevalent in blues, country, and even bluegrass music. John had no particular subject for "Run For Your Life," and was merely working this idiom in his own way. Nevertheless, as he grew more socially aware, Lennon -- who had a history of violence towards his female lovers -- came to deeply regret the song, referring to it as one of his least-favorite Beatles songs in a 1973 interview.
- The song's status as an offhand, blues-influenced rocker has led many to assume that it was knocked out at the last minute to fill the 14-song requirement for Rubber Soul. In reality, it was the first song laid down for the album. "Run For Your Life" was recorded very simply in one session on October 12, 1965, with a basic track laid down in five takes, then augmented with an additional backing "slide" lead during the solos (also George), double-tracked harmonies, and tambourine. Work then began on the abortive first draft of "Norwegian Wood."
Trivia:
- The original stereo vinyl version of this song contains an audible thump during the solo (around 1:06), possibly a microphone being bumped into, that has been removed from all subsequent digital releases.
- Proving, perhaps, that a woman could be just as threatening when spurned, "Run For Your Life" was also covered by two female acts: Nancy Sinatra and The Headcoatees, both of which switch the pronouns "girl" and "boy." (Both also change "wicked guy" to "wicked chick.")
- Perhaps because of its rockabilly nature, this was one of George Harrison's favorite mid-period Beatles songs.
- Ironically, the other Beatles song John cited most frequently as his least favorite was the Help! track "It's Only Love," one of his most open-hearted and loving ballads.
- Canadian radio station CFRA banned this from its playlist in 1992 because of its offensive lyrics, unaware of the Elvis song. When that inspirational song was pointed out to management, they banned it as well.
Covered by: Gary Lewis and the Playboys, Nancy Sinatra, Johnny Rivers, Al Hirt, I-Roy, Thee Headcoatees, Robert Gordon, Jan Davis, Jarvis Church, Richard Anthony
