Have you ever felt like dropping everything and running off to a place no one can find you?
It’s a normal feeling and an even more common theme in songs.
Whether it’s from home, relationships, or reality overall, many artists have expressed the longing for escape and freedom in different genres.
In this article, we’ll be highlighting the best 27 songs about running away. From high-energy anthems to soothing ballads, you’ll find amazing musical gems that might offer the escapism you need from life.
The Best Songs About Running Away
“Eastside” – Benny Blanco feat. Khalid & Halsey
This catchy track has a nostalgic tone and tells the story of a forbidden romantic relationship.
In the song, the main characters reminisce over their memories together, even mentioning of running away to be together.
Dripping with a rebellious and carefree feel, it’s a melodic song that shows us the complexities of relationships and adulthood.
“Escape” – Megan Nicole
Nicole’s 2014 track captures the feeling of wanting to run away from reality perfectly.
Lyrically, it talks about the impossible expectations society puts on us, leading to a desire to find liberation somewhere else.
The song drips with a fleeting, adventurous melody that makes you feel like taking off to another place.
“Somewhere Only We Know” – Keane
This traditional rock track deals with themes of old age and nostalgia.
The ballad revolves around two protagonists who, after growing old, decide to leave their present situation to reunite and run off together.
Featuring a melancholic tune and soft vocals, it’s a song that will make you think of days long gone.
“Runaway” – Ed Sheeran
Sheeran goes introspective in this upbeat, rhythmic ballad. In this 2014 track, he decides to run away with a girl and escape his toxic environment.
Despite its catchy melody, it mentions abuse, child neglect, and alcohol misuse. It’s an eye-opening ballad that shows us the darker side of life and brings awareness to these very real issues.
“Cowboy Take Me Away” – The Chicks
It might have been released in 1999, but this country-infused ballad offers us a breathtaking experience like no other.
With simple yet melodic instrumentals, it depicts the feeling of being carried off to a place where you can truly be yourself without fear.
It evokes a sense of peace and euphoria and puts you in a better mood for the day.
“Run to You” – Bryan Adams
“Run to You” is not your typical rousing love ballad, it describes a man who’s two-timing his complacent partner with another woman.
Adam’s raspy vocals truly shine in this track as he sings about running off to his paramour when his current relationship gets too much for him.
It doesn’t have the most positive message, but we can’t deny that the thundering chorus and pulsating beats make it a banger.
“Till I’m Gone” – Tinie Tempah feat. Wiz Khalifa
Tempah’s hip-hop hit spins a different meaning on the theme of “running away.”
In this song, he sings about being fed up with his present lifestyle and decides to book it out of his home to pursue his dreams.
The track exudes the right amount of sassiness and confidence as it also encourages us to never forget our roots in the midst of success.
“Runaway” – Kanye West
“Runaway” serves as a self-reflection notice and ego check on West and his relationships.
Featuring spine-tingling pianos, haunting distortions, and remorseful solos, this track shows us the downside of fame and wealth and how it can disillusion us to the point of insecurity.
It’s a funny, sad, and compelling track that can be pretty relatable.
“Take the Money and Run” – Steve Miller Band
This witty 1976 track tells the story of two young thieves on the run from the policemen pursuing them.
It’s a light-hearted and fun listen, making it a great choice if you’re looking for something to sing at karaoke.
“A Sweeter Place” – Selena Gomez feat. Kid Cudi
Fresh off Gomez’s 2020 album Rare, “A Sweeter Place” is a clever blend of R&B, electro, and pop, creating a unique sound of its own.
The song finds Gomez and Cudi singing about running away to a better place to forget their worries.
If you’re facing a hard time in the present, you’ll surely relate to this distinctive track.
“Where’s My Love” – SYML
First released in 2016, “Where’s My Love” focuses on a man who wishes for his lover, who ran away to come back to him.
The song is perfect for a rainy day—quiet and soft with a sad feel to it.
It’s, by definition, a love ballad, but it can also be interpreted as a track about loss and death.
“Feels Like” – Gracie Abrams
“Feels Like” debuted in Abrams’s 2021 album This Is What It Feels Like.
The dreamlike single embodies the beauty of friendships and the things you would do for your friends, like running off to catch a train to meet them halfway.
With a relaxing melody, it’s a quiet anthem dedicated to meaningful relationships that will last for a long time.
“Running Away From Home” – Eddie Benjamin
This 2021 pop track sets an adventurous tone, which is fitting since it focuses on the desire of leaving home.
The lyrics suggest images of hopping aboard trains to anywhere and taking long walks under the skies.
The song dives deep into your inner explorer and takes you on an unforgettable experience with its catchy beats and hazy vocals.
“Run, Baby Run” – Sheryl Crow
This bluesy single was composed in 1992 at a time when big political changes were happening.
The song revolves around that context, telling the story of a girl caught in the consequences of her parents’ actions.
This causes her to run away from her problems as a coping mechanism.
Accompanied by striking guitar riffs and Crow’s throaty vocals, it’s an enjoyable and fine listen.
“I Ran (So Far Away)” – A Flock of Seagulls
This energetic 1980s track captures the charm of new wave music, entertaining our ears with its fancy electric guitar riffs.
The song finds a man falling in love with a woman though he tries to deny it by running away from his feelings.
The track has been featured in a few popular media like the trailer of Grand Theft Auto: Vice City and the Netflix series Dark.
“Run Away With Me” – Carly Rae Jepsen
Jepsen proves her growth as an artist with this passionate breakaway track about the restlessness of love.
The song centers on the rush of emotions when two people in a long-distance relationship finally meet again.
These feelings are strong enough to make them want to run away together.
With high-paced synths, crashing drums, and a pulsing bass, this retro track is the perfect anthem for your summer parties!
“Runaway” – Aurora
On “Runaway,” Aurora turns to escapism as she struggles being far from her family and realizes the need to go home.
Inspired by Nordic folk music, the song features nature-related sounds, like water droplet effects and windswept transitions, to elevate the listener’s experience.
“Running Back” – Thin Lizzy
Released in 1976, “Running Back” revolves around the protagonist’s obsession with a woman he loves and how he always runs back to her no matter what.
Featuring a pleasant and upbeat melody, it’s a surprisingly great song despite its less-than-positive lyrics.
“Runaway” – Linkin Park
“Runaway” encapsulates the suffocation and frustration of being stuck in a chaotic society to the point of desiring escape.
Featured in the 2000 album Hybrid Theory, the song is driven by powerful guitar riffs and distorted vocals to make its message known to us.
It’s a great choice if you’re looking to scream and screech all those suppressed emotions out.
“Fast Car” – Jonas Blue and Dakota Wanderlust
This tropical house-style track is a reimagination of Tracy Chapman’s 1988 hit.
The original song tells a realistic story of a working woman who strives hard to break the cycle of poverty.
The 2018 cover is a fresh take on the original and makes you feel like driving off into the night in search of a better life.
“Runaway Love” – Ludacris feat. Mary J. Blige
Ludacris collaborates with Mary J. Blige to deliver this poignant and hard-hitting track about violence against women and children.
The song is about three children who run away to escape from their problems.
“Runaway Love” is a far departure from Ludacris’s previous style and works, but the grim subject matter is certainly thought-provoking.
“Time to Run” – Lord Huron
Released in 2012, “Time to Run” revolves around the main character who has to flee for his life after committing a crime for the woman he loves.
Featuring energetic guitars and haunting vocals, it’s an exciting track that you can enjoy on a long car ride.
“Must Get Out” – Maroon 5
It’s good to take breaks from the hustle and bustle of life sometimes.
“Must Get Out finds” Levine singing about leaving the commotion of the city with his lover.
With a slow-paced tune and gentle vocals, it exudes a melancholic tone that comes with heading toward the unknown.
“You Keep Running Away” – Four Tops
This upbeat 1967 rock jam can be interpreted in two ways: the protagonist’s lover is running away from him because she’s unfaithful or he’s obsessive.
It’s an easy listen that oozes feel-good vibes and would be a great song pick on a lazy afternoon.
“Runaway” – Del Shannon
If you’ve never heard this rock-and-roll oldie, you’re about to fall in love with it.
Released in 1961, this song takes place from the perspective of a man who’s been abandoned by his girlfriend.
The song is infectiously catchy, delivered gracefully by rhythmic instrumentals and passionate vocals.
It was an international hit back in the day and has been covered by many artists including Elvis Presley and Bonnie Raitt.
“Breakaway” – Kelly Clarkson
Released in 2004, the song was originally released as a single for the film The Princess Diaries 2: Royal Engagement.
This folksy track about a girl leaving her home to pursue her dreams has become a Clarkson classic that leaves us inspired and teary-eyed.
“Running Away” – James Arthur
“Running Away” is Arthur’s conviction on his life choices and decisions. To an extent, it also reflects our own conviction on our own choices.
It’s easy to relate to the lyrics as it’s about running away from the demons in your head by using unhealthy methods.
The raspy vocals and sweeping instrumentals truly drive its themes home, opening our eyes to the truth.
