About the Song
"Runnin' with the Devil" is a song by the American hard rock band Van Halen, released as the second single from their eponymous debut album in April 1978. The lyrics were inspired by Ohio Players 1974 song "Runnin' from the Devil". In 2009, "Runnin' with the Devil" was named the 9th greatest hard rock song of all time by VH1. Chuck Klosterman of Vulture ranked it the eighth-best Van Halen song, praising the staccato bass playing as well as David Lee Roth's vocal performance.
Meaning Behind the Lyrics
For many listeners, "Runnin' with the Devil" can be interpreted as a reflection on the thrill and recklessness of living life on the edge. The imagery evokes a sense of adventure intertwined with the dangers that accompany such a lifestyle. Themes of temptation and defiance resonate throughout, capturing the essence of youthful rebellion and freedom. The high-energy instrumentation complements the lyrical exploration of these concepts, making the song not only a hard rock anthem but also a commentary on the choices one makes in pursuit of excitement. Ultimately, it challenges listeners to consider the cost of their actions in the pursuit of thrill.
Did You Know?
- Van Halen was an American rock band formed in Pasadena, California, in 1972.
- Credited with restoring hard rock to the forefront of the music scene, Van Halen was known for their energetic live performances and the virtuosity of their guitarist, Eddie Van Halen.
Music Details
These details come from the iTunes song listing used for the artwork and metadata match.
- Album/collection: Van Halen
- Genre: Hard Rock
- iTunes release date: February 10, 1978
- Track runtime: 3:35
Video Snapshot
- Video title: Van Halen – Runnin' With The Devil (Official Music Video)
- YouTube channel: Van Halen
Quick Facts
- Artist: Van Halen
- Song: Runnin' with the Devil
- Album/collection: Van Halen
- Genre: Hard Rock
- Reference page: Runnin' with the Devil
