About the Song
Bobby Vee, a teen idol known for his infectious energy and upbeat tunes, surprised audiences in 1961 with the release of “Run to Him.” Unlike his usual rock and roll fare, this song delves into the bittersweet territory of teenage heartbreak.
“Run to Him” isn’t a tale of rebellion or anger. It’s a heartfelt plea, a vulnerable confession of a love lost. The opening line, “If you see him walkin’ down the street, with his arm around another girl” immediately sets the scene, painting a picture of heartbreak and betrayal.
Vee’s vocals, while still retaining their youthful charm, take on a melancholic tone. He delivers the lyrics with a touch of desperation, pleading with a former lover, “Don’t turn your head, just keep on walkin’ by.” The repeated “Run to him, run to him, if that’s what makes you happy” is both heartbreaking and selfless, a testament to the narrator’s desire for his lost love’s happiness, even if it’s with someone else.
The music, a departure from Vee’s usual upbeat style, reflects the emotional weight of the lyrics. A slower tempo creates a sense of longing, while the prominent piano and strings add a layer of sophistication and melancholy. The backing vocals, layered and mournful, echo the narrator’s pain, creating a sense of emotional depth.
“Run to Him” wasn’t just a hit song; it captured a universal experience – the sting of teenage heartbreak. It resonated with young listeners who had experienced the pain of a lost love, offering a voice to their unspoken emotions. While Bobby Vee may be known for his rock and roll anthems, “Run to Him” stands as a testament to his versatility as a singer and his ability to connect with his audience on a deeper emotional level. Even today, the song continues to evoke feelings of empathy and nostalgia for a time when young love felt all-encompassing and heartbreak seemed unbearable.
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Lyrics: “Run To Him”
If you’ve found another guy who
Satisfies you more than I do
Run to him
I’ll step asideIf you think his lips can kiss you
Better than my lips can kiss you
Run to him
Forgive my prideIf someone else’s arms can hold you
Better than my arms can hold you
Go to him
And show to him
All your devotionIf somebody else can make you
Happier than I can make you
Run to him
My tears will dryIf someone else’s arms can hold you
Better than my arms can hold you
Go to him
And show to him
All your devotionIf somebody else can make you
Happier than I can make you
Run to him
My tears will dryIf you feel you want to love me
I’d be more than glad to love you
Love you till your life is done
But darling, if I’m not the one
Then run to him