The operatic ballad Running Scared is the second song by Roy Orbison presented here in quick succession from his legendary record Crying. This monumental track went to number 1 on the Billboard charts and sold over one million copies in the US alone. Just like the previous entry here – Crying, Roy’s inimitable voice is on full display here as it closes the record. Noted for being a song written without a chorus, the song builds in the lyrics, arrangement, and vocals to a climax that, without vibrato, demonstrating the power of Orbison’s clear, full voice. The version presented below is Roy Orbison and his all-star cast of friends (Bruce Springsteen, k.d. lang, Elvis Costello and more) from “A Black and White Night” concert.
Just runnin’ scared each place we go
So afraid that he might show
Yeah, runnin’ scared, what would I do?
If he came back and wanted you
Just runnin’ scared, feelin’ low
Runnin’ scared, you love him so
Just runnin’ scared, afraid to lose
If he came back which one would you choose
Then all at once he was standing there
So sure of himself, his head in the air
My heart was breaking, which one would it be
You turned around and walked away with me
Running Scared is written in the bolero style and Orbison is credited with bringing this to the rock genre. Bolero music which has featured in this blog quite prominently possesses a romantic cadence and sophisticated lyrics dealing with love. Bolero music was born as a form of romantic folk poetry cultivated by a new breed of troubadour from Santiago de Cuba.
Here’s some interesting trivia information for you music aficionados out there from the Wiki reference: While Running Scared was an international hit, the B-side Love Hurts also picked up significant airplay in Australia. Consequently, chart figures for Australia show “Running Scared”/”Love Hurts” as a double A-side, both sides peaking at number five. This makes Orbison’s recording of “Love Hurts” the first version to be a hit. Love Hurts later became better known in a version by rock band Nazareth, who had an international hit with it in 1975.
References:
1. Running Scared (Roy Orbison song) – Wikipedia
“The more I live, the more I learn. The more I learn, the more I realize, the less I know.”- Michel Legrand
Observation Blogger 
One of Roy’s amazing songs! Have you heard the albums with the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra? It’s amazing how adding a new orchestration can bring an entire new feel to a song. Here is Running Scared with the RPO:
I have not heard the albums with the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra. I loved the version you sent me and I wish I had presented that as the principal version. Spectacular. Thank you.
My favorite song by Roy Orbison, and one I also wrote about several years ago.
I don’t have a favourite, but I can see how this could top someone’s list.
Man, what an incredible voice and what a captivating performance! Springsteen’s facial expression says it all. I also love this clip is in black and white, which I feel works very well here.
Below ‘Nostalgicitalian’ sent a link of this song played by the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra. Definitely check that out if you can. It left me gobsmacked.
Yes, I was pointing out Bruce’s expressions to my daughter yesterday as we watched it again. Very cool.
Ths song This song is like a pop opera…I love it.
Speaking of Pop, thanks for popping in Max. I hope all is well in your neck of the woods.
Yes it is Matt…hope you are doing well. It was a long week last week and I’m ready to be off coming up…from Thursday to next Monday.
I’m glad you you will be getting some time off in upcoming days. Thanks for your kind words. Yes, all is very good since I’ve had the kids during their school holidays. Cheers mate.