REO Speedwagon’s “Take It On the Run”: A Rock Anthem of Heartache and Suspicion
Released in 1981 on the band’s breakout album Hi Infidelity, “Take It On the Run” by REO Speedwagon became an iconic anthem of love, betrayal, and the rumors that can tear relationships apart. Written by REO guitarist Gary Richrath, this hit followed the success of their chart-topping single “Keep on Loving You” and helped solidify the band’s place in rock history. With its memorable guitar riff and emotionally charged lyrics, “Take It On the Run” resonated deeply with fans, ultimately reaching number 5 on the Billboard Hot 100 and becoming one of REO Speedwagon’s signature songs.
The song tells a story familiar to many: the turmoil of hearing rumors about a loved one’s infidelity. The lyrics center on the pain and disbelief of a man who is confronted with the possibility that his partner may be unfaithful. Lines like “Heard it from a friend who heard it from a friend who / Heard it from another you’ve been messin’ around” capture the uneasy spiral of suspicion and doubt that rumors can create. Rather than directly accusing his partner, the narrator instead expresses his hurt and confusion, torn between wanting to believe in their loyalty and feeling betrayed by what he’s heard. This emotionally relatable storyline, coupled with the song’s infectious melody, makes “Take It On the Run” a timeless hit that taps into universal themes of trust, heartbreak, and resilience.
Musically, “Take It On the Run” balances hard rock energy with a catchy pop sensibility that made it accessible to a wide audience. The song opens with a powerful, instantly recognizable guitar riff from Gary Richrath, whose playing is both melodic and intense. Kevin Cronin’s vocals carry a raw, emotive quality, as he moves from soft reflection in the verses to an urgent, passionate delivery in the chorus. The combination of Richrath’s soaring guitar solo and Cronin’s evocative vocal performance gives the song a dynamic, cathartic quality, perfectly capturing the push and pull of emotional conflict.
The chorus, with its direct message to “Take it on the run, baby, if that’s the way you want it,” is a declaration of both acceptance and defiance. It’s as though the narrator is saying, “If you’re going to leave, then just go,” but underlying that message is a sense of hurt and reluctance. It’s a powerful moment in the song that resonates with anyone who’s had to face painful truths about a relationship, marking the point where emotion and acceptance collide.
“Take It On the Run” stands out on Hi Infidelity, an album that marked REO Speedwagon’s shift toward a more polished, radio-friendly rock sound. Hi Infidelity went on to become the band’s best-selling album, certified 10x platinum, and is considered a quintessential rock album of the early ‘80s. It’s filled with songs that explore themes of love and heartache, but “Take It On the Run” brings a raw vulnerability that makes it especially memorable. The song’s success helped REO Speedwagon become a mainstay on classic rock radio, and it continues to be one of their most requested and beloved tracks.
The song’s success and enduring popularity can be attributed not only to its catchy melody but also to the universal nature of its lyrics. Rumors, trust, and betrayal are experiences that nearly everyone has faced at some point in their lives, and “Take It On the Run” captures those feelings in a way that is both accessible and emotionally impactful. For many fans, it’s not just a song but a moment of catharsis, a way to feel understood and to process their own experiences of love and loss.
In live performances, REO Speedwagon often features “Take It On the Run” as a highlight, and the song has become a staple in their setlist. Fans sing along passionately to the chorus, and its memorable guitar solo often receives cheers and applause. Decades after its release, the song remains a defining track for the band, encapsulating the emotional honesty and raw energy that characterizes REO Speedwagon’s music.
Today, “Take It On the Run” endures as one of REO Speedwagon’s most beloved songs. It is a timeless anthem of heartbreak that captures the pain of hearing hard truths, the strength to confront them, and the resilience to move forward. Whether listeners are hearing it for the first time or revisiting it as a classic, “Take It On the Run” stands as a rock ballad with heart, a song that reminds us of both the fragility of trust and the courage it takes to let go.