The Runaways And The Stained Lyric Sheet Joan Kept As A Reminder Of “Those Days”

April 3, 2025

Joan Jett sat in her dimly lit studio, a place filled with guitars, memories, and the echoes of songs that had shaped her life. Among them, one object held a special place—the stained lyric sheet of “Cherry Bomb,” a song that had been the anthem of her youth with The Runaways. The paper was yellowed with age, dotted with coffee stains and smudged ink, each blemish a reminder of the wild days she spent on stage, belting out lyrics that sparked a revolution for female rock musicians.

The Runaways had been formed when Joan was just fifteen, a time when the music world was dominated by male bands. With her fierce attitude and unforgettable voice, Joan helped lead a group of young girls daring to break through barriers. In 1976, they released their first album, and “Cherry Bomb” quickly became their signature song. The thrill of playing it live was like electricity in the air; the crowd roared, and Joan felt like she was flying. Yet, the success was bittersweet. The pressure and exploitation they faced were heavy burdens for young women in a male-centric industry, leading to the band’s eventual breakup.

Years later, as Joan looked at the lyric sheet, she remembered the challenges that had tested her spirit. After The Runaways disbanded, she found herself struggling to find her place in a world that seemed to push her aside. But music was her lifeline. She poured her heart into her solo career, writing songs that resonated with her experiences. Joan knew the darkness of feeling lost, but she also knew the power of resilience. With grit and determination, she transformed her pain into artistry, creating hits like “I Love Rock ‘n’ Roll” that solidified her legacy in rock history.

The stains on that lyric sheet were badges of honor, symbols of her journey. Each mark reminded Joan of the friends she had made, the risks they took, and the passion that fueled their dreams. The Runaways had inspired countless young girls to pick up guitars and scream their truths into microphones, igniting a female rock movement that continues to thrive today. Joan’s story was not just hers; it belonged to all those who dared to challenge the status quo.

As she played a few chords on her guitar, the music floated through the air, reminding her of the joy she felt on stage. The lyric sheet, now framed and hanging on the wall, was more than just a relic; it was a promise to herself. No matter the setbacks, she would never give up on her dreams. Joan felt a spark of hope as she strummed the strings, knowing that her journey was far from over. With each note, she embraced the resilience that had guided her through the years, ready to inspire another generation to find their own voices. And in that moment, she smiled, knowing that the spirit of The Runaways would live on, vibrant and unyielding, just like her.