Born in Atlanta and raised in Chicago, KanyeOmariWest grew up in a middle-class home with his mom, a college teacher. After his parents split when he was young, he and his mom stayed close. 

As a music maker, West started by creating beats for other artists in the 1990s. He then proved himself as a singer, too, putting out hit songs and winning many awards. His work has changed rap music’s sound and style in major ways.

About the Song

This nine-minute song “Runaway” came out in 2010 as part of West’s fifth album.

The track starts with one piano note playing over and over. The song talks about knowing your flaws but not being able to fix them.

Runaway Lyrics by Kanye West

Intro: Rick James & James Brown

Look at ya, look at ya, look at ya, look at ya
Look at ya, look at ya, look at ya, look at ya
Look at ya, look at ya, look at ya, look at ya
Look at ya, look at ya, look at ya, look at ya (Ladies and gentlemen, ladies, ladies and gentlemen)

Pre-Chorus: Kanye West

And I always find, yeah, I always find something wrong
You been puttin’ up with my shit just way too long
I’m so gifted at finding what I don’t like the most
So I think it’s time for us to have a toast

Chorus: Kanye West

Let’s have a toast for the douchebags
Let’s have a toast for the assholes
Let’s have a toast for the scumbags
Every one of them that I know
Let’s have a toast for the jerk-offs
That’ll never take work off
Baby, I got a plan
Run away fast as you can

Verse 1: Kanye West

She find pictures in my email
I sent this bitch a picture of my dick
I don’t know what it is with females
But I’m not too good at that shit
See, I could have me a good girl
And still be addicted to them hoodrats
And I just blame everything on you
At least you know that’s what I’m good at

Pre-Chorus: Kanye West

And I always find, yeah, I always find
Yeah, I always find something wrong
You been puttin’ up with my shit just way too long
I’m so gifted at finding what I don’t like the most
So I think it’s time for us to have a toast

Chorus: Kanye West

Let’s have a toast for the douchebags
Let’s have a toast for the assholes
Let’s have a toast for the scumbags
Every one of them that I know
Let’s have a toast for the jerk-offs
That’ll never take work off
Baby, I got a plan
Run away fast as you can

Bridge: Kanye West & Rick James

Run away from me, baby
Ah, run away
Run away from me, baby (Look at ya, look at ya, look at ya)
Run away
When it starts to get crazy (Look at ya, look at ya, look at ya)
Then run away
Babe, I got a plan, run away as fast as you can
Run away from me, baby
Run away
Run away from me, baby (Look at, look at, look at, look at, look at, look at, look at ya)
Run away
When it starts to get crazy (Look at ya, look at ya, look at ya, look at ya)
Why can’t she just run away?
Baby, I got a plan
Run away as fast as you can (Look at ya, look at ya, look at ya)

Verse 2: Pusha T

Twenty-four seven, three sixty-five, pussy stays on my mind
I-I-I-I did it, alright, alright, I admit it
Now pick your next move, you could leave or live with it
Ichabod Crane with that motherfuckin’ top off
Split and go where? Back to wearing knockoffs?
Haha, knock it off, Neimans, shop it off
Let’s talk over mai tais, waitress, top it off
Hoes like vultures, wanna fly in your Freddy loafers
You can’t blame ’em, they ain’t never seen Versace sofas
Every bag, every blouse, every bracelet
Comes with a price tag, baby, face it
You should leave if you can’t accept the basics
Plenty hoes in the baller-nigga matrix
Invisibly set, the Rolex is faceless
I’m just young, rich, and tasteless, P

Verse 3: Kanye West

Never was much of a romantic
I could never take the intimacy
And I know I did damage
‘Cause the look in your eyes is killing me
I guess you knew of that advantage
‘Cause you could blame me for everything
And I don’t know how I’ma manage
If one day, you just up and leave

Pre-Chorus: Kanye West

And I always find, yeah, I always find something wrong
You been puttin’ up with my shit just way too long
I’m so gifted at finding what I don’t like the most
So I think it’s time for us to have a toast

Chorus: Kanye West

Let’s have a toast for the douchebags
Let’s have a toast for the assholes
Let’s have a toast for the scumbags
Every one of them that I know
Let’s have a toast for the jerk-offs
That’ll never take work off
Baby, I got a plan
Run away fast as you can

Similar Songs Like Runaway

Songs that show raw feelings and deep thoughts, much like “Runaway,” with striking music and honest words:

1. “Street Lights”: A song about moving forward in life, with deep sounds and words that hit the heart.
2. “Hey Mama”: A touching song from West to his mother, filled with loving words and soft musical touches.
3. “24”: Strong church sounds mixed with personal words about keeping faith when times get rough.
4. “Come to Life”: Piano notes lead this deep look at personal growth with meaningful words about change.
5. “Pinocchio Story”: A raw, live recording where West opens up about fame and feeling alone in life.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Does the Runaway Outro Mean?

The last part shows thoughts about oneself, accepting faults, and coming to terms with past actions.

Is Runaway a Heartbreak Song?

Yes, the song looks at lost bonds, knowing oneself, how hard close ties can be, and showing sad feelings.

What Note is Kanye West’s Runaway?

 The Runaway song is in note E major, making listeners feel something deep.

What BPM is Kanye West’s Runaway?

The song plays at 85 beats per minute, making it slow and full of thought.