About the Song
Roy Orbison, the “Big O” himself. Now there’s a voice you don’t forget. Powerful, dramatic, and drenched in emotion, Orbison’s singing could take you from soaring highs to heart-wrenching lows in a single breath. And when it comes to capturing that raw vulnerability, there’s no better example than his 1961 hit, “Running Scared”.
This isn’t your typical rock and roll tune. “Running Scared” is an operatic rock ballad, a genre Orbison practically pioneered. Imagine the soaring vocals of an opera singer backed by a driving rock band, and you’ve got the picture. The song’s arrangement is dramatic, building tension with its thundering drums and melancholic strings, perfectly complementing Orbison’s passionate delivery.
But what truly sets “Running Scared” apart is the story it tells. It’s a tale of insecurity and fear, a man constantly “running scared” that his new love might return to her old flame. The lyrics paint a vivid picture of a love triangle, filled with doubt and desperation. Orbison’s voice perfectly conveys the protagonist’s emotional turmoil, making you feel every pang of jealousy and every shred of hope.
“Running Scared” wasn’t just a hit song, it was a cultural phenomenon. It topped the Billboard Hot 100 chart in 1961 and cemented Orbison’s status as a rock and roll legend. The song has been covered by countless artists over the years, but there’s something undeniable about the original. Orbison’s raw emotion and that unmistakable voice make “Running Scared” a timeless classic, a song that continues to resonate with listeners of all ages. So, put on your favorite record, close your eyes, and let the Big O take you on a journey of love, loss, and the ever-present fear of what might be.