The Making Of The Runaways’ Track “Come On.”

December 3, 2024

The Making of The Runaways’ Track Come On”: A Sonic Pedigree of Youth and Rebellion

In the annals of rock history, few tracks encapsulate the spirited exuberance and burgeoning defiance of adolescence as efficiently as Come On” by The Runaways. Released in 1976, this pulsating anthem served as both a clarion call and a manifesto for young listeners disenchanted with the societal norms of the era. It stands as a testament to the group’s formidable blend of talent and audacity, composed during a time when female musicians were often relegated to the margins. The making of Come On” is a rich narrative woven from the threads of collaboration, cultural context, and the raw energy of youtha juxtaposition that merits closer examination.

At the heart of Come On” is the unmistakable sonic imprint of producer Kim Fowley, whose vision was integral to the crafting of The Runaways’ sound. Fowley, known for his flamboyant personality and keen understanding of pop dynamics, harnessed the group’s youthful exuberance, channeling it into a high-voltage track that resonated with the freedom-seeking spirit of the ’70s. The opening riff, bristling with electric energy, immediately sets the tone for what followsa blend of hard rock and glam that was both infectious and empowering. The urgency of the instrumentation mirrors the song’s lyrical themes, which celebrate the vitality and recklessness of youth, as well as the inherent desire to break free from constraints.

Yet, it is the collective chemistry of the band members that elevates Come On” from mere production to a compelling musical statement. Joan Jett’s pulsating guitar work, Wendy O. Williams’ captivating vocals, and Lita Ford’s intricate solos come together in a way that is both cohesive and electrifying. Each element of the arrangement, down to the robust rhythm section anchored by Sandy West’s dynamic drumming, contributes to a sound that is at once raucous and polished. The divergence of styles within the bandwhere punk sensibilities collide with pop melodiescreates a distinct aural tapestry, one that invites listeners to engage in its broader narrative of rebellion and self-discovery.

Lyrically, Come On” serves as an invitation to abandon the mundane and embrace the thrill of experience. The repeated calls to action evoke a sense of urgency, compelling the listener to join the fray. In a decade marked by social upheaval and a quest for liberation, such sentiments resonated powerfully with a generation yearning for voices that reflected their own struggles and aspirations. The juxtaposition of innocence with a raw, almost feral boldness encapsulated in lines such as come on, let’s go” speaks to the fragile balance between recklessness and desire for connection that defines youthful exploration.

However, the cultural significance of Come On” extends beyond its immediate appeal. It embodies a moment in music history where female artists began to challenge the status quo, carving out spaces for themselves in a male-dominated industry. The Runaways’ unabashed embrace of their identity as young women rockers was revolutionary, yet it was their artistrycombined with Fowley’s shrewd productionthat allowed them to transcend their role as novelty acts. They became pioneers, influencing a generation of female musicians who would follow, from the punk rock scene in the late ’70s to the riot grrrl movement in the ’90s.

In retrospect, Come On” remains an emblematic artifact of its time, a song that taps into the very essence of rock music as a crucible for youthful rebellion and self-expression. Its exhilarating rhythms and impassioned performances invite nostalgia while simultaneously asserting its relevance in today’s musical landscape. The making of this trackan alchemical blend of talent, vision, and cultural contextreminds us that the heart of rock music lies as much in its ability to inspire as it does in its capacity to transcend generations. The Runaways, with Come On,” did not merely create a song; they crafted a legacy, one that continues to resonate with those who dare to dream and disrupt.