Born to Run

     I think Born to Run (the Emmylou Harris version, not be be confused with the song of the same name by Bruce Springstein) could be a really good song for someone. 


     

Some 30 years ago, Emmylou Harris cut a version that crested at number 3 in the Country Western Charts.  

There's nothing wrong with Number 3, but I always thought that it could be a much better song.  

First of all, I wish that they had had a fiddle player for this song, preferably the lead singer.  Instead, they kind of use the electric bass player to carry the song as a rockabilly lead, which is an odd choice.  To me it just doesn't work. 

Another problem is that the "Hot Band" isn't really all that hot, at least not for this song.  To me they look like they are bored, and just playing to collect a paycheck.  They just don't look like they are having fun. They seem to be looking at the floor, and they rarely smile or show any emotion at all.  I think if I were playing with Emmylou Harris I would go absolutely nuts (in fact, after 30 years Emmylou is still a babe, and yes I am ready to quit my day job and tour with her at any time!), but you just don't see any reaction from this band despite their obvious talent.

That said, it is a great song with a fantastic melody, and interesting lyrics that  tell the story of an untamed "bad girl." This is pretty much announced in the second line "No man is master to me, I ain't that kind."  Yikes! 

I think I know someone from the Morgantown musical scene who could really take this song to the next level.   Not that I am any kind of expert, but I think it could be a hit.

Born to Run

Well I never did crawl and I never did toe that line
No man is a master to me I ain't that kind
I just put on my traveling shoes
If you wanna win you just can't lose 
the time
Or stay behind
Well I was born to run
To get ahead of the rest
And all that I wanted was to be the best
Just to feel free and be someone
I was born to be fast I was born to run

Well I take the chances sometimes I've made mistakes
But you don't get nothing unless you take the breaks
Living as dangerous as dynamite
Sure makes you feel nervous but it makes you feel alright
Makes you feel alright
Well I was born to run
To get ahead of the rest
And all that I wanted was to be the best
Just to feel free and be someone
I was born to be fast I was born to run

Nobody's gonna make me do things their way
By the time you figure it out it's yesterday
Well it comes to he who waits I'm told
But I don't need it when I'm old and gray
Yea I want it today
Well I was born to run
To get ahead of the rest
And all that I wanted was to be the best
Just to feel free and be someone
I was born to be fast I was born to run