By Citius Mag Staff
Celebrating Music Week here at payoffsong.com, we, the Citius Mag staff, put our heads together to curate a definitive list of songs that feature some form of “run” or “running” in their titles. It wasn’t easy; many tracks were left on the cutting room floor. We even debated including songs with repeated “run” or “running” lyrics, even if not in the title, but that felt like opening Pandora’s Box. So, here it is, our meticulously crafted top 50.
We’re all ears for your feedback and yes, even your criticisms. Hit us up on Twitter or drop us an email. You’ll find our contact info lurking at the bottom of our number one pick – so you’ll have to scroll through a few pages to yell at us. Enjoy the read and the tunes!
50. Run – BTS (방탄소년단)
What are they saying? Who knows! But visually, it’s pure energy. Think running through fields, epic pillow fights – all with the slick production and visuals you expect from BTS. This track is a YouTube view monster for a reason. Pure kinetic energy, even if the lyrics are a mystery to most of us. – Chris Chavez
Best line: Sorry. Can’t understand.
49. Run – Awolnation
“I am a human capable of doing terrible things,” the song starts. Making this song might qualify. Honestly, the best thing to come from this track was a brief moment of Vine fame. For a song that dominates YouTube searches for “Run lyrics,” it’s surprisingly underwhelming. If you need an Awolnation adrenaline boost, stick to “Sail.” – CC
48. A River Runs Through It – Mark Isham
Sometimes, a phrase just sticks. For me, it was “a river runs through it.” A quick Google search later, and I discovered this gem. Turns out, it’s from Norman Maclean’s stories, adapted into a Robert Redford film starring a young Brad Pitt. This track is the special edition score. It’s… nice. Vaguely Sound of Music-esque, maybe a touch Titanic? Could just be the iceberg images YouTube uses as a backdrop. – Jeanne Mack
Best Line: There are no words! Who knew! It’s one of those songs.
47. Let the River Run – Carly Simon
Let’s be upfront: I’m not a fan. And it’s not 80s diva insecurity – I love plenty of those, and Carly Simon’s “You’re So Vain” is a classic. But this? This is… something else. Lyrically, it’s like a cryptic message from a proletariat uprising fueled by New World Order conspiracies. Musically? Sleepy, dull. Wouldn’t be shocked to find it on “Funeral Parlor Hits Vol. 3.” -Ryan Sterner
Spookiest line: It’s asking for the taking/Trembling, shaking/Oh, my heart is aching/We’re coming to the edge/running on the water/coming through the fog/your sons and daughters.
46. The Running Kind – Merle Haggard
Every runner knows that relationship cliché: “You always run from your problems.” Merle Haggard takes that sentiment and flips it into an anthem of freedom. It’s an ode to embracing that “running free” feeling, even if it’s from something (or someone). – Pat Price
Best line: I know running’s not the answer, but running’s been my nature / And a part of me that keeps me moving on
45. Running on Empty – Jackson Browne
Okay, first time listen, live reaction. :45 – “I don’t know where I’m running now.” Lost already, Jackson? That was quick. I don’t get lost 45 seconds into a run. But then, I’m not a melodramatic singer-songwriter. 1:45 – Still lost, still rambling about running on empty. Writers call this a metaphor, I think. 2:40 – Metaphor again! Road rushing under wheels… feet as wheels. Runner community inside joke. 2:45 – Done. Can’t imagine anyone willingly listening to this whimsical garbage and not agreeing with my assessment. – Stephen Kersh
Best lyric: it’s all lousy.
Image alt text: Jackson Browne performing live, Running on Empty music video still, capturing the song’s melancholic mood.
44. Running out of Time – Hot Hot Heat
Whoa, blast from the past! Haven’t heard this in ages. Catchy mid-2000s UK pop-rock, straight out of The O.C. era. Probably ranked low because it’s not instantly recognizable, but honestly, it’s way more enjoyable than 90% of “run” songs – a genre we’re starting to realize might be artistically bankrupt. – Paul Snyder
Best lyrics: Self-appointed sheriff of a popular ghost town/I’m open to bribes but I’ve arrested no one
43. Middle Distance Runner – Sea Wolf
Not bad at all. Hits that indie emo sweet spot with soft guitar, tambourine, and angsty vocals. Lyrics are decent, not too cheesy. “Track” and “lack” rhyme – poetic genius! Plus, reminds me of pretending to be a middle distance runner to fit in. Nostalgic, if slightly delusional. – JM
Best Line: And it’s stamina that I lack. Worst Line: Well I’m so proud tonight of the woman you’ve become. [Creepy]
42. Run to the Hills – Iron Maiden
80s Iron Maiden: pure pearl-clutching fuel for mayonnaise-blooded Americans. “Satanic!” “Sinful!” Now? Iron Maiden tees at Target for subversive tweens. Musically, maybe doesn’t hold up that well, but their fonts and dark imagery? Aged like fine wine, mall Hot Topic vintage. – PS
Best lyrics: Run to the hills, run for your life
41. Run Thru – My Morning Jacket
This list: an excuse to rant from a soapbox. My Morning Jacket is good, yes, but let me preach about their influence: Songs:Ohia/Magnolia Electric Company. Listen to “Farewell Transmission.” Zero rehearsal. Jason Molina crammed ten musicians into Steve Albini’s studio, chord progression only, hit record. Didn’t even know when to end. Result? Near perfection. Lyrically hints at depression and alcoholism that tragically took Molina. Dark turn, sorry, but when else can I force people to read this? -PS
Best lyrics: There ain’t no end to the sands I been trying to cross/The real truth about it is/My kind of life’s no better off/If it’s got the map, or if it’s lost
40. Runaround Sue – Dion
Sounds sweet, but Sue’s a menace. Flitting from guy to guy, flaunting it. You kinda feel for Dion, warning everyone about her. Wild twist: in real life, Dion married a Susan. Not that Sue, thankfully. – CC
Best line: She took my love then ran around / With every single guy in town
Image alt text: Dion singing Runaround Sue in a black and white performance still, classic 1960s vibe.
39. The Loneliness of a Middle Distance Runner – Belle & Sebastian
Title screamed “pretentious,” especially knowing Belle & Sebastian “deeply affected” college clowns. But… it’s jaunty. Sebastian (maybe?) even says “race.” Could be actually running-related. Zombies-esque vibes, which I dig. Not a banger, not workout playlist material. Hence, low ranking. -RS
Best line: The future’s looking colorful/It’s the color of blood, chaos and corruption of a happy soul
Image alt text: Belle and Sebastian performing The Loneliness of a Middle Distance Runner, capturing their indie folk sound.
38. Running from an Angel – Hootie and the Blowfish
Millennia from now, future evolved humans will sift through our nuked ruins, asking: “How did Hootie happen?” “Let Her Cry” is fine, but this band’s commercial viability is a societal head-scratcher. Exhibit A: this smoldering trash fire of a song. -PS
Some line: Sometimes we’d laugh and talk, seems like yesterday, then you let the white horse come and take you away
37. Run for your Life – The Beatles
Lennon hated it, not their best. Opening lyrics lifted from Elvis’s “Baby, Let’s Play House.” Lyrics a bit shocking for fans – Lennon sounding… possessive. – CC
Best line (maybe not the best but most notable): Well I’d rather see you dead, little girl / Than to be with another man
36. It keeps you running – Doobie Brothers
YouTube commenters are passionate about this song’s greatness. Count von Dankenstein declared it “a good song if it bit them in the @#$%!” (censorship questionable). 92 agreed. So, to appease the YouTube masses: not terrible. But… slow burn. Takes 1:42-3 to get going. Before that? Super Mario Bros. soundtrack material, according to another commenter. -JM
Best Line: Yep, you guessed it: It keeps you runnin’, yeah, it keeps you runnin’
35. Running – 311
Fact: Every American white dude knows at least three 311 songs, despite post-middle school amnesia. This isn’t that song, but if you’re a rare adult 311 fan, enjoy! Props to 311 for lasting relevance, thanks to Eric Andre and California-style taco stands in small towns. -PS
Best line: Oh livin’ is a journey / Waking believing running / For shelter now / Slow slow lover
34. Water Runs Dry – Boyz II Men
Stretch for this list, but had to include some Boyz II Men. Baby-making playlist staple. “Run” in the title? List-worthy. – CC
Best line: Let’s don’t wait till the water runs dry We might watch our whole lives pass us by
33. Runaway Train – Soul Asylum
Not about literal running, obviously – runaway locomotive, metaphorical. But crucial in tracing butt rock origins. Feel bad mocking it, because: a) video prefaces with youth homelessness PSA; b) I kinda like it. But Soul Asylum members look like “actually…” guys from intro philosophy. Hence, low rank. – PS
Best line: How on earth did I get so jaded / Life’s mystery seems so faded
32. Take the Money and Run – Steve Miller Band
Plot: Billy Joe and Bobby Sue rob, shoot, flee “down south.” Steve Miller dismisses detective, “makes his living from other people’s taxes.” Anti-murder, anti-theft, pro-taxes, pro-Steve Miller Band. Points earned. Appropriate 24th place. -RS
(Sidenote: Taco Bell commercial, 2014, spicy chicken crunchwrap slider.)
Best line: They headed down south and they’re still running today
31. Run through the Jungle – CCR
Not Vietnam! Jungle = America! Treacherous because John Fogerty wanted stricter gun control, in 1970, with 200 million guns. “Don’t go walking slow,” or get shot! Terrifyingly relevant. But also, literally running for your life. If “survival tips” is our running song metric, should be higher ranked. -RS
Best line: Over on the mountain, thunder magic spoke/ Let the people know my wisdom/Fill the land with smoke
30. I Run – Slim Thug
Slim Thug banger, pulling A Flock of Seagulls’ “I Ran” elements, street-infused. Credibility maintained. – CC
Best line: Call me on that burner cause them feds on my phone And I’mma run the streets ’til I’m under my headstone
29. Runnin’ Up On Ya – House of Pain
House of Pain canon: two songs. Everlast solo, verb-not-running song. “Runnin’ Up On Ya” at 29? Generous. Apologies to the four Irish rap fans reading. – PS
Best line: I’ll drop ya like acid, ya might get blasted
Image alt text: House of Pain in Runnin’ Up On Ya music video, iconic 90s hip-hop group imagery.
28. Runner’s High – The Hold Steady
Love The Hold Steady, Craig Finn genius. Teeth Dreams album title admired – teeth dreams = anxiety. Good track, underrated album post-keyboardist. -PS
Best line: He jerked around when we joked about the runner’s high. He said now that is one high I’ve never tried.
27. Fuck and Run – Liz Phair
Two Liz Phairs: “Why Can’t I?” (sucks) and Exile in Guyville-era, pre-Exile self-recorded (amazing). “Fuck and Run” is latter Liz. Shook up 90s dude-heavy indie scene with searing, direct lyrics. -PS
Best line: You got up out of bed / You said you had a lot of work to do / But I heard the rest in your head / And almost immediately I felt sorry
26. 100 Miles and Running – NWA
NWA, police tension, African-American community. Dr. Dre production, MC Ren feature (under-appreciated in “Straight Outta Compton”). MC Ren throws shade at Ice Cube. – CC
Best line: Only reason n—– pick up your record is cause they thought it was us
25. Ready to Run – Dixie Chicks
Musically depressing. Music video: ditch grooms at altar, garbage truck getaway, running shoes under wedding gowns. Planned elopement? Ruined weddings? Broken hearts? Angry relatives? Bewildered friends? Song sucks. Grammy nominated? What do I know? -RS
Best line: God, it’s so hard to choose, so let’s go with the final time Natalie Maines crows “ready to run” and the song is finally over.
24. Run Like Hell – Pink Floyd
Not huge Pink Floyd fan (except “Comfortably Numb” in The Departed). Recognize repetitive, echoey guitar riff. Sonic precursor to Smiths’ “How Soon is Now?” guitar siren. -PS
Best lyric: Run run run run (etc.)
23. Grandma got run over by a reindeer – the Christmas Folks
Christmas tunes, sub-genre. Kitsch example. “Run” in title, so… here. Sterner wanted top 10 – preposterous. Compromise reached. – JM
Best line: She had hoofprints on her forehead.
22. I Keep Running – Ryan Adams
Ryan Adams on jogging (2014): “after 15 minutes is when it gets hard. There’s a five minute interval where you’re like ‘God, I just wanna stop now because I’ve run now.’” Song from 2014. Line below = jogging reference? Wonder what running music RA listens to? – PP
Best line: I’m faster than the pain / That’s running through my veins / And you can’t break my heart if you don’t know my name / I keep running
21. Take it on the Run – REO Speedwagon
So good Pitbull sampled it for “Messin’ Around” with Enrique Iglesias. Ninth MTV video, technical difficulties, incomplete airing. Not REO’s biggest hit (“Can’t Fight This Feeling,” “Keep on Loving You”). – CC
Best line: You take it on the run baby / If that’s the way you want it baby / Then I don’t want you around / I don’t believe it / Not for a minute / You’re under the gun so you take it on the run
20. The Long Run – Eagles
Dad Rock epitome. Dads too busy tucking in t-shirts for jogging. Song meaning unclear. Self-care? Broken relationship? Uncool, un-uplifting, unentertaining. Sorry I listened. -RS
Best line: Kinda bent, but we ain’t breakin’ in the long run
19. Run Boy Run – Woodkid
Music video elevates this to top 20. Relatively unknown song, listicle mid-major upset. Fast-paced, intense, fight-or-flight. Crescendo of good feelings. “Run” (running) said 31 times. – JC
Best line: Run boy run! / This race is a prophecy / Run boy run! / And disappear in the trees
18. Run Rabbit Run – Eminem
YouTube commenter breakdown: “No hook, no bridge. Just three minutes of absolute lyrical perfection. No one can f*** with Em’s pen game. No one. I don’t give a f*** who you name; Rakim, Nas, Pac, Biggie, Jay… NO one f***s with the white boy son. Rap is like a mountain, almost all black but the very top is white.”
17. Run the World (Girls) – Beyonce
Not top 5 Bey, prefer “Party.” But feminist anthem status undeniable. Empowering message (repeated at least 50 times) – girls run “this motha” or “the world.” True. Beyonce music video – nutso body movements, Gaga-esque shoes, spotted hyenas on chains. – JM
Best line: This is how they made me (made me) Houston, Texas, baby
16. Band on the Run – Paul McCartney and Wings
Song origins interesting. Ringo Starr comment about sticking it to Apple. McCartney song about “escaping, freedom, criminals.” Musical ride – ballad, rock, country-rock. Thematic unity. Brief Boyhood appearance (should’ve won Best Picture). – CC
Best line: Well, the rain exploded with a mighty crash / As we fell into the sun / And the first one said to the second one there I hope you’re having fun
15. Run this Town – Jay Z
Remember car rides, hyped for Blueprint 3. Still on running playlists. NYC Marathon start – Sinatra vibes. Rihanna’s “Ay! Ay!” anytime. Pre-“Empire State of Mind,” NYC anthem potential. Shame only YouTube video is Kobe Bryant highlight reel. – CC
Best line: Walkin’ tall against the rain / Victory’s within the mile, Almost there, don’t give up now / Only thing that’s on my mind Is who’s gon’ run this town tonight
Image alt text: Jay-Z, Rihanna, and Kanye West performing Run This Town live, iconic hip-hop collaboration image.
14. Run – Vampire Weekend
Contra era, late 20s, Springsteen tribute attempt. Softer song, commercial potential. – CC
Best line: Honey, with you / Is the only honest way to go / And I could take two / But I really couldn’t ever know / Honey, with you / And a little battered radio
13. Runnin’ – The Pharcyde
Rankings farce post-top 4/5. Arbitrary. This song bumps. Aged well for mid-90s hip-hop, J Dilla production (RIP). Top ten worthy, no power to move it. – PS
Best lyrics: I don’t sweat it, I let the bullshit blow in the breeze/ In other words, just debris
12. Runaway – Kanye West
My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy, best Kanye album. Softer side, commitment issues, “runaway” = ghosting = douchebaggery. Pre-Kim K, pre-fatherhood Kanye. – JM
Best line (Pusha T verse): Ichabod Crane with that motherf***ing top off/ Split and go where? Back to wearing knockoffs, haha/Knock it off, Neiman’s, shop it off/ Let’s talk over mai tais, waitress, top it off
11. Running with the Devil – Van Halen
Van Halen = idea: big hair, screaming guitars, groupies, sex, drugs, rock’n’roll. Heard 1,000 times, “running with the devil” = subversive act? Thorough listen: road exhaustion, interpersonal relationship strain. Pop song, make it mean what you want. -RS
Best line: Runnin’ with the devil (Woo, hoo)
10. Run to You – Bryan Adams
Beautiful song, affair over faithful partner choice. Bryan Adams’ Reckless (1984) – “Heaven,” “Summer of ‘69,” “Run to You” = pure hits. Adams guitar in snow/rain = badass. Adultery un-condoned. – CC
Best line: I got my mind made up / I need to feel your touch / I’m gonna run to you
9. Runnin’ Down A Dream – Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers
Grand Theft Auto soundtrack, great driving song. Family Guy runner’s high scene. Not biggest Tom Petty, but one of best. 2007 documentary song. Billboard Hot 100 peak #23 (1989) – surprisingly low. – CC
Best line: (Enjoy the guitar solo at the end. That’s the best part more than anything)
8. Ran – Future Islands
Future Islands, unlikely runners, but jog-friendly music. Sam Herring stage endurance. “Traveling band woes” song, misconstrued as “loneliness of the long distance runner” ode. – PP
Best Line: On these roads / Out of love, so it goes / How it feels when we fall, when we fold / How we lose control, on these roads
7. Run Rudolph Run – Chuck Berry
Chuck Berry loss hurts. Miss him dearly. Song melody from 1959 hit “Little Queenie.” Billboard Hot 100 #69 (Dec 1958), Whitney Wolanin version (inferior) Adult Contemporary #2. Chuck Berry deserves more love. – CC
Best line: Run, run Rudolph, Santa’s got to make it to town
6. Run-Around – Blues Traveler
Blues Traveler played this live 1,000 times. 90s memories. John Popper (singer) looks healthier now (maybe running?). Reportedly not a great guy. – CC
Best line: But you, why you want to give me a run-around? / Is it a sure-fire way to speed things up / When all it does is slow me down
5. I Ran – Flock of Seagulls
Emma Stone LaLa Land dance comeback. Grand Theft Auto: Vice City soundtrack personal favorite. Timeless classic, beyond hairstyles. Synth rock fans. – CC
Best line: And I ran I ran so far away / I just ran I ran all night and day / I couldn’t get away (Sounds like “Iran’s so far away”)
4. Run It – Chris Brown
Chris Brown debut, watched him grow up. 16 years old, debut single #1 Billboard Hot 100 (P. Diddy feat). Not best role model, middle school memories, good times. – CC
Best line: You’ll see, girl I can set you off, don’t believe my age is gonna slow us down/ I can definitely show you things to have you saying I can’t be 16
3. Anything by Run the Jewels
Title rule exception. Never “done” cocaine (wink wink, nudge nudge – haven’t). Run the Jewels = cocaine feeling. Human cocaine. 140 lbs of cocaine. Killer Mike and El-P blood-brain barrier. Cocaine mongoose. Treadmill music. “Close Your Eyes (And Count to Fuck)” – brick wall running music. Killer Mike dulcet riot/police violence tones. El-P tattoo rant. Zack De La Rocha (Rage Against the Machine) screaming “RUN THEM JEWELS FAST.” Best. – SK
2. Anything by Run-DMC
Late to Run-DMC party. Shea Serrano’s “Rap Yearbook.” “Sucker M.C.’s” (1983) – greatest rap songs ever. Groovy, powerful, sharp lyrics. Hip-hop/rap changing. Queens, NY pride – DMC “I’m DMC in the place to be/I go to St. John’s University!” No. 2 for “Run” group. – CC
1. Born to Run – Bruce Springsteen
Legally bound to put this first. Otherwise, pissy tweets, Chavez identity theft attempts. Bruce Springsteen kicks ass. Understand disagreement, spite-dislike for ravenous fanbase. Used to be naysayer. Wised up.
Phenomenal songwriter, band leader, speaks to every American demographic. Important song, #1 slot deserved. “Born to Run” – maybe second best song on third best album. Clarence Clemons (RIP) tenor sax – solo, driving notes – makes the song. Jersey factory town desperation, high school cross country coach appeal.
Lyrically rich: sexy car innuendo, Jersey road call-outs, desperation, longing, desire, redemption (“Baby we were born to run”). Musically iconic, glockenspiel and all. -PS
Best line: When Bruce yells off-mic “One, two, three, four” to the E-Street Band at the 3:04 mark
Bruce Springsteen Born to Run
Millions of songs, hundreds with “Run” or “Running.” Missed something? Tweet us: @CitiusMag. Make your case for another song, reader rebuttals future post. Email: [email protected]
Citius Mag Staff
