I’ve Been Runnin’

Background and Commentary

This bit of boogie rock is one of Rush’s earliest tracks, featuring John Rutsey on drums. It was recorded live at Laura Secord Secondary School, St. Catharines, Ont., in 1974, and released in 2014 as bonus track on the band’s 40-year anniversary DVD called R40. Geddy sets the mood by having the audience join him in clapping to the beat.

The lyrics are about a guy who likes what he has going on with a girl.

Recording

Lyrics

Well, I’ve been runnin’ and I’ve been lookin’
Ooh, yeah, oh yeah
I’ve been prowlin’ and I’ve been lurkin’
Ooh, yeah, oh yeah

Ooh, your love sure has been sweet
Made me feel, baby, so complete

‘Cause I’ve been runnin’ and I’ve been lookin’

Ooh, yes, now baby, don’t go try talkin’ ‘bout ya

Ooh, I’ve been runnin’ and I’ve been seekin’
I’ve been prowlin’, I’ve been creepin’
Ooh, yeah, oh yeah

Ooh, your love has made me feel
Made me feel the best there is

And I’ve been runnin’ and I’ve been lookin’

Ooh, now, baby, don’t go try talkin’ ‘bout ya

Well, I need your love
I want your love
I’ve got to have it, gotta have it
Yes, I need your love
Ooh, I want your love
I gotta have it, gotta have it

Well, I need your love
I want your love
I’ve got to have it, I’ve got to have it
Yes, I want your love
Ooh, I need your love
Gotta have it, gotta have it

Well, I’ve been runnin’ and I’ve been lookin’
Ooh, I’ve been tryin’, I’ve been workin’
Ooh, I need your love, gonna be so sweet
Make me feel, oh, so complete

Well, I’ve been runnin’ and I’ve been lookin’
I say runnin’
Ooh, I said oh yeah
Yeah
I said oh yeah

I’ve been seekin’ and I’ve been wanderin’
Ooh, yeah, oh yeah
I’ve been drivin’ and I’ve been workin’
Ooh, yeah, oh yeah

Your love has been so sweet
It makes me feel so very real
Well, I’ve been runnin I’ve been wanderin’

Oh, now, baby, don’t go try talkin’ ‘bout ya

Well, I need your love
I want your love
I’ve got to have it, got to have it
Well, I want your love
Ooh, I need your love
Gotta have it, gotta have it

Ooh, yeah, yeah

More pre-1974 unreleased recordings.

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