Runaway Train

Album: Life (2018)
Play Video

Songfacts®:

  • Boy George wrote this travelogue number while on tour in Boston.

    Flew down to airy California sun
    So many people tryna be someone
    Michelle Obama, you know my name
    The truth is a runaway train


    The Culture Club singer penned the song during the Obama administration, which is why he namechecks Michelle Obama.
  • George told Entertainment Weekly he used to laugh at the idea of songs with the topic of being on the road. However, during this particular tour he'd come to the realization how fortunate he was to be on tour performing music, "being loved and adored." So the Culture Club frontman set himself, "a challenge to write about traveling around America."
  • Boy George originally penned this as a Johnny Cash tribute, but in time it transformed into a Gladys Knight & The Pips-esque soul stomper.

Comments

Be the first to comment...

Editor's Picks

James Bond Theme Songs

James Bond Theme SongsMusic Quiz

How well do you know the 007 theme songs?

Andy McClusky of OMD

Andy McClusky of OMDSongwriter Interviews

Known in America for the hit "If You Leave," OMD is a huge influence on modern electronic music.

Narada Michael Walden - "Freeway of Love"

Narada Michael Walden - "Freeway of Love"They're Playing My Song

As a songwriter and producer, Narada had hits with Aretha Franklin, Whitney Houston, Mariah Carey and Starship. But what song does he feel had the greatest impact on his career?

Gary Brooker of Procol Harum

Gary Brooker of Procol HarumSongwriter Interviews

The lead singer and pianist for Procol Harum, Gary talks about finding the musical ideas to match the words.

Goodbye, Hello: Ten Farewell Tour Fake-Outs

Goodbye, Hello: Ten Farewell Tour Fake-OutsSong Writing

The 10 biggest "retirement tours" that didn't take.

David Clayton-Thomas of Blood, Sweat & Tears

David Clayton-Thomas of Blood, Sweat & TearsSongwriter Interviews

The longtime BS&T frontman tells the "Spinning Wheel" story, including the line he got from Joni Mitchell.