Runaway (Ed Sheeran song)

Last updated

"Runaway"
Song by Ed Sheeran
from the album x
Released20 June 2014 (2014-06-20)
Genre
Length3:25
Label
Songwriter(s)
Producer(s) Pharrell Williams

"Runaway" is a song written by English singer-songwriter Ed Sheeran and American rapper and singer Pharrell Williams then it was recorded by the former for his second studio album, x (2014) which appeared as the ninth track. [1] The song was produced solely by Pharrell Williams.

Contents

Background

"Runaway" is the ninth track as well as the second and final track from the album that is produced by Pharrell Williams (the other being "Sing"). Described as "finger-clicking", it draws from the same influence, the sound of Justin Timberlake's debut album, that "Sing" does. Sheeran intended for the song to feature on a future project with Pharrell, but it was put on the album when he was persuaded to include "Sing". [2] [3]

Lyrics

The lyrics of the song describes Sheeran who no longer is able to put up with the problems of his father and decides to run away with a girl to escape the toxic environment he once called home.

Planning to leave in the early hours of the morning with his packed necessities, he intended to flee to London to pursue his music career - an act he has followed through with at the age of 16. [4] [5]

"Runaway wasn't even going to go on the record, it was just a cool jam I was going to use for a project down the line. I played it to Elton John and he said 'That's on your record right?' and I said 'No' and he told me I was an idiot, so it's on the record." [6]

Critical reception

In a Billboard track-by-track review, writer Jason Lipshutz stated: "The sassy soul of "Runaway" sounds like the perfection of the idea John Newman hatched on "Cheating," but the looped vocal snippet is Sheeran's specialty. This one is going to pop when presented live." [7]

Composition

"Runaway" is written in the key of G-sharp minor with the tempo of 95 BPM. [8]

Credits and personnel

Credits adapted from x album liner notes: [9]

Charts

Chart (2014)Peak
position
UK Singles (Official Charts Company) [10] 71

Certifications

RegionCertification Certified units/sales
Canada (Music Canada) [11] Gold40,000‡
New Zealand (RMNZ) [12] Gold15,000‡
United Kingdom (BPI) [13] Gold400,000‡
United States (RIAA) [14] Gold500,000‡

‡ Sales+streaming figures based on certification alone.

Related Research Articles

<span class="mw-page-title-main">U Don't Have to Call</span> 2002 single by Usher

"U Don't Have to Call" is a song by American singer Usher. It was written by Pharrell Williams and produced by Williams and Chad Hugo under their production moniker The Neptunes for Usher's third studio album, 8701 (2001). The song was released as the third US single from the album and the fifth international single. In the US, it was first serviced to radio on January 18, 2002, and it was issued as a commercial single in Europe and Australia later that year.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">You Need Me, I Don't Need You</span> 2011 single by Ed Sheeran

"You Need Me, I Don't Need You" is a song by English singer-songwriter Ed Sheeran. It was released in the United Kingdom on 26 August 2011 as the second single from his debut studio album, + ("Plus").

<i>+</i> (album) 2011 studio album by Ed Sheeran

+ ("Plus") is the debut studio album by English singer-songwriter Ed Sheeran. It was released on 9 September 2011 by Asylum Records and Atlantic Records. The album is considered Sheeran's commercial breakthrough. He previously released five EPs independently. Jake Gosling and Sheeran produced the majority of the album, with additional production by American hip hop producer No I.D.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Everything Has Changed</span> 2013 single by Taylor Swift featuring Ed Sheeran

"Everything Has Changed" is a song by the American singer-songwriter Taylor Swift featuring the English singer-songwriter Ed Sheeran from Swift's fourth studio album, Red (2012). It was released as the sixth single from the album on July 14, 2013, by Big Machine Records. A music video for the song was released earlier on June 6, 2013. Produced by Butch Walker, "Everything Has Changed" is a guitar-led folk-pop ballad. Its lyrics are about wanting to know a new lover better. The song received mixed reviews from critics, who either complimented or criticized the production.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Get Lucky (Daft Punk song)</span> 2013 single by Daft Punk featuring Pharrell Williams and Nile Rodgers

"Get Lucky" is a song written and performed by French electronic music duo Daft Punk featuring American singer-songwriter Pharrell Williams and American guitarist Nile Rodgers. Daft Punk released the song as the lead single from their fourth and final studio album, Random Access Memories, on 19 April 2013. Before its release as a single, it was featured in television advertisements broadcast during Saturday Night Live, after which Rodgers and Williams announced their involvement in the track. "Get Lucky" is a house-inspired disco, funk, and pop track with lyrics that, according to Williams, are about the good fortune of connecting with someone, as well as sexual chemistry. Upon release, it received widespread acclaim from music critics, who praised Williams's vocals and Rodgers's guitar riffs.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Lose Yourself to Dance</span> 2013 single by Daft Punk featuring Pharrell Williams

"Lose Yourself to Dance" is a song by French electronic music duo Daft Punk featuring American singer-songwriter Pharrell Williams. Like their previous collaboration with American guitarist Nile Rodgers, "Get Lucky", the song was written for Daft Punk's fourth studio album Random Access Memories (2013).

<span class="mw-page-title-main">I See Fire</span> 2013 single by Ed Sheeran

"I See Fire" is a song by the English singer-songwriter Ed Sheeran. It was commissioned for the soundtrack of the 2013 film The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug, where it was played over the closing credits. The Hobbit director, Peter Jackson, asked Sheeran to write a song for the movie after Jackson's daughter, Katie, suggested Sheeran. Sheeran saw the film, wrote the song, and recorded most of the track elements on the same day.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Happy (Pharrell Williams song)</span> 2013 single by Pharrell Williams

"Happy" is a song written, produced, and performed by American singer-songwriter Pharrell Williams, released as the only single from the soundtrack album for the film Despicable Me 2 (2013). The song was first released on July 2, 2013 with the soundtrack, and it was released as a single on November 21, 2013, alongside a long-form music video. The song was reissued on December 16, 2013, by Back Lot Music under exclusive license to Columbia Records, a division of Sony Music. The song also served as the lead single from Williams's second studio album, Girl (2014). An official remix features American rapper Sky Blu of LMFAO.

<i>Girl</i> (Pharrell Williams album) 2014 studio album by Pharrell Williams

Girl is the second studio album by American musician Pharrell Williams. The album was released on March 3, 2014, by Williams' label I Am Other and Columbia Records. Girl was Williams' first studio album since his 2006 debut, In My Mind. It contains appearances by Justin Timberlake, Miley Cyrus, Daft Punk, JoJo, and Alicia Keys.

<i>x</i> (Ed Sheeran album) 2014 Ed Sheeran album, pronounced multiply

x is the second studio album by English singer-songwriter, Ed Sheeran. It was released on 20 June 2014 in Australia and New Zealand, and worldwide on 23 June through Asylum Records and Atlantic Records. The album received positive reviews from music critics. It was an international commercial success, peaking at No. 1 in 15 countries, while topping both the UK Albums Chart and the US Billboard 200. x also reached the top five in seven other countries and was the best selling album of 2014 in Australia, New Zealand, Ireland, and the United Kingdom. Five singles were released from the album: "Sing", "Don't", "Thinking Out Loud", "Bloodstream", and "Photograph".

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Sing (Ed Sheeran song)</span> 2014 single by Ed Sheeran

"Sing" is a song written and recorded by English singer-songwriter, Ed Sheeran. It was produced by Pharrell Williams, who also provided backing vocals. The song was released by Asylum Records UK on 7 April 2014 as the lead single from Sheeran's second studio album, × (2014). "Sing" became Sheeran's first UK number-one single and also topped the charts in Australia, New Zealand and Ireland. It peaked at number 13 on the US Billboard Hot 100.

"One" is a song recorded by English singer-songwriter Ed Sheeran for his second studio album, x (2014). Sheeran wrote the song immediately after releasing his debut album, + (2011). It marked the last occasion wherein Sheeran wrote about his former girlfriend, who inspired all the romantic compositions on +. "One" was produced by frequent collaborator Jake Gosling and its music was based primarily on acoustic guitar. Critics were generally positive toward the song; it was noted for its guitar-driven sound and Sheeran's use of falsetto.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Don't (Ed Sheeran song)</span> 2014 single by Ed Sheeran

"Don't" is a song by English singer-songwriter, Ed Sheeran, for his second studio album, × (2014). Written by Sheeran and Benny Blanco and produced by Blanco and Rick Rubin, the song samples "Don't Mess with My Man" by Lucy Pearl. It was initially planned as the album's lead single, but was passed over in favour of "Sing". It was instead released to iTunes on 13 June 2014 as the second "instant grat" promotional single from ×. "Don't" officially impacted US contemporary hit radio on 15 July 2014 as the album's second single.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Thinking Out Loud</span> 2014 single by Ed Sheeran

"Thinking Out Loud" is a song by English singer-songwriter Ed Sheeran recorded for his second studio album, × (2014). It was written by Ed Sheeran and Amy Wadge, and produced by frequent collaborator Jake Gosling. It was released in the US on 14 August 2014 as the album's third single.

"I'm a Mess" is a song recorded by English singer-songwriter Ed Sheeran for his second studio album, x (2014). It features production from frequent collaborator Jake Gosling. It entered the UK Singles Chart at number 72 and rose to number 49 due to strong download sales.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Photograph (Ed Sheeran song)</span> 2015 single by Ed Sheeran

"Photograph" is a song by English singer-songwriter Ed Sheeran from his second studio album, × (2014). Sheeran wrote the song with Snow Patrol member Johnny McDaid, who had a piano loop from which the composition developed. After recording several versions with other producers, Sheeran eventually solicited help from Jeff Bhasker; the collaboration generated a version that Bhasker further enhanced for months. The ballad derives its music primarily from an acoustic guitar, piano and programmed drums. With visually descriptive lyrics, it discusses a long-distance relationship inspired by Sheeran's own experience of being away from his then-girlfriend while he was on tour.

"Nina" is a song written by English singer-songwriter Ed Sheeran and Northern Irish singer Johnny McDaid. It was recorded by the former for his second studio album, x (2014), and it appeared as the sixth track. The song was produced by Jake Gosling. "Nina" samples elements of "Welcome to My World" by Wretch 32, written by Jermaine Scott, Isra Andja-Diumi Lohata and Jay Lee Robert Hippolyte.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">I Don't Care (Ed Sheeran and Justin Bieber song)</span> 2019 single by Ed Sheeran and Justin Bieber

"I Don't Care" is a song by English singer-songwriter Ed Sheeran and Canadian singer Justin Bieber. It was released on 10 May 2019, through Asylum, Atlantic Records and Def Jam Recordings as the lead single from the former's compilation album, No.6 Collaborations Project (2019). Sheeran previewed the song on his Instagram on 5 May 2019, and Bieber shared another part of the song the following day, before both artists announced the full title and release date on 7 May.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Remember the Name (Ed Sheeran song)</span> 2018 song feat. Eminem and 50 Cent

"Remember the Name" is a song by English singer-songwriter Ed Sheeran featuring American rappers Eminem and 50 Cent from the former's compilation album No.6 Collaborations Project (2019). It was released as a promotional single through Asylum and Atlantic Records. The song was produced by Sheeran, alongside Max Martin, Shellback, and Fred. They also served as songwriters alongside the rappers and Patrick Brown, Raymon Murra, Rico Wade, André Benjamin and Antwan Patton, with the latter five receiving credit due to the usage of words and music from Outkast's single "So Fresh, So Clean" (2001).

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Stay with Me (Calvin Harris, Justin Timberlake, Halsey and Pharrell Williams song)</span> 2022 single by Calvin Harris, Justin Timberlake, Halsey, and Pharrell Williams

"Stay with Me" is a song by Scottish DJ and record producer Calvin Harris and American singer-songwriters Justin Timberlake, Halsey, and Pharrell Williams. Produced by the former and written by the artists alongside James Fauntleroy, it was released on 15 July 2022 through Columbia Records as the third single from Harris' sixth studio album, Funk Wav Bounces Vol. 2.

References

  1. ↑ "Ed Sheeran Shares 'x' Track List". Billboard . 9 April 2014. Retrieved 21 April 2022.
  2. ↑ "Ed Sheeran interview: 'I don't make music for critics'". The Telegraph. 9 April 2014. Retrieved 25 April 2022.
  3. ↑ "REVIEW: Ed Sheeran Multiplies His Appeal on x". Time. 9 April 2014. Retrieved 25 April 2022.
  4. ↑ "Ed Sheeran interview: 'I don't make music for critics'". The Telegraph. 9 April 2014. Retrieved 25 April 2022.
  5. ↑ "Ed Sheeran - Runaway". Genius . 20 June 2014. Retrieved 25 April 2022.
  6. ↑ Ed Sheeran Admits Don't Is The Celebrity Break-up Song So Harsh It Even Shocked Taylor Swift, news.com, retrieved 24 April 2022
  7. ↑ "Ed Sheeran, 'x': Track-By-Track Review". Billboard . 23 June 2014. Retrieved 25 April 2022.
  8. ↑ "Runaway". SheetMusicDirect. Retrieved 26 April 2022.
  9. ↑ x (Deluxe Edition Compact Disc liner notes). Ed Sheeran. Warner Music. 2014.{{cite AV media notes}}: CS1 maint: others in cite AV media (notes) (link)
  10. ↑ "Official Singles Chart UK Top 100 - 6th July 2014". Official Charts Company . Retrieved 26 April 2022.
  11. ↑ "Canadian single certifications – Ed Sheeran – Runaway". Music Canada . Retrieved 26 April 2022.
  12. ↑ "New Zealand single certifications – Ed Sheeran – Runaway". Radioscope. Retrieved 29 December 2024.Type Runaway in the "Search:" field.
  13. ↑ "British single certifications – Ed Sheeran – Runaway". British Phonographic Industry . Retrieved 17 May 2024.
  14. ↑ "American single certifications – Ed Sheeran – Runaway". Recording Industry Association of America . Retrieved 26 April 2022.
This page is based on this Wikipedia article
Text is available under the CC BY-SA 4.0 license; additional terms may apply.
Images, videos and audio are available under their respective licenses.