Runaway Man

The Everly Brothers' song 'Runaway Man' delves into the life of a man who is perpetually on the move, both physically and emotionally. The lyrics paint a vivid picture of a drifter who arrives in town 'the hard way,' with no money and no one who knows his name. This sense of isolation is compounded by the dingy room just off the freeway, symbolizing the transient and often bleak nature of his existence. Despite the changing locations, one thing remains constant: his status as a 'runaway man.'

The song's chorus reveals the deeper emotional turmoil that drives his constant movement. The runaway man acknowledges that 'there’s no home without you,' indicating that his restlessness is rooted in a lost love. He has done all he can to move on, but he remains haunted by memories of a past relationship. The lyrics suggest that he never stays too long in one place because the memories catch up with him too fast, forcing him to picture only the face of his lost love. This emotional baggage keeps him in a perpetual state of flight, unable to find peace or stability.

In the latter part of the song, the runaway man reflects on his past, admitting that he has been 'hung up on many things' but always managed to get free. However, losing his love was a habit he didn't want to break, and it was more than he could take. This admission adds a layer of vulnerability to his character, showing that his runaway lifestyle is not a choice but a consequence of his emotional scars. The repetition of the chorus underscores his resignation to this fate, as he continues to change his plans and run away, knowing that he is, and always will be, a runaway man.