You Keep Runnin' Away

The Zoo Crew is spinning ".38 Special’s" high-energy track "You Keep Runnin' Away" from their 1982 album Special Forces, and the Zoo Freaks are loving it! This song, a fan favorite, was the second single from the album and showcases the band’s signature blend of Southern rock and arena-ready hooks. In a 2009 blog post, music enthusiast Mr. Mike shared his love for the track, calling it a personal favorite with its "edgy verse and rushing chorus" that perfectly captures the band’s shift toward a more melodic, radio-friendly sound while keeping their Southern roots intact. He noted how the song stood out on Special Forces, an album he bought on cassette for $5 from a classmate, wearing it out with constant play. Critics also praised the track—Mark Coleman from Rolling Stone highlighted it as a "minor delight" in the band’s Flashback compilation, while AllMusic’s Mike DeGagne lauded its catchy chorus and "well-proportioned rhythms," making it a staple for the Zoo Freaks tuning in tonight.

Another tidbit about "You Keep Runnin' Away" comes from its songwriting roots. Co-written by Don Barnes, Jeff Carlisi, and Survivor’s Jim Peterik, the track reflects the band’s collaboration with Peterik, who also penned their smash hit "Caught Up in You" from the same album. In a 2021 interview with Velvet Thunder, Carlisi explained how Special Forces marked a pivotal moment for .38 Special, building on the modern sound they crafted with Wild-Eyed Southern Boys. He credited influences like The Cars’ "Just What I Needed" for inspiring their shift to tighter, hook-driven rock, which shines through in the driving energy of "You Keep Runnin' Away." For the Zoo Crew, this track’s relentless pace and story of chasing elusive love make it a perfect fit for their free-spirited, vinyl-spinning vibe.

.38 Special, formed in Jacksonville, Florida, in 1974, got their start through the grit and determination of singer-guitarists Donnie Van Zant and Don Barnes. Donnie, the younger brother of Lynyrd Skynyrd’s Ronnie Van Zant, began playing music as a teen, forming bands like Standard Production in 1968 and Sweet Rooster in 1969 with guitarist Jeff Carlisi. Barnes joined soon after, bringing his soulful vocals and guitar chops. As noted in a Wikipedia bio, the band’s early years were shaped by their Southern rock influences, but comparisons to Lynyrd Skynyrd brought both opportunities and challenges. Donnie nearly left music for a railroad job, but Ronnie convinced him to stick with it, telling him, "It’s in your blood." By the late 1970s, .38 Special found their groove, with their 1979 album Rockin’ into the Night delivering their first Top 40 hit, setting the stage for their 1980s success.

The band’s persistence paid off with Special Forces, which hit No. 10 on the Billboard 200 and cemented their place in rock history. Their journey wasn’t without hurdles—early albums didn’t sell as hoped, but as a Joe Bonamassa feature noted, .38 Special’s blend of Southern rock and pop sensibilities won over fans and radio stations alike. Don Barnes, described on the band’s official website as a self-made talent, honed his craft through years of hard work, his vocals and songwriting becoming a cornerstone of the band’s sound. Even after lineup changes, including Donnie’s retirement in 2013 due to health issues, .38 Special continues to tour, delivering their timeless hits to fans worldwide.

Zoo Freaks looking to connect with .38 Special can follow the band on their official website, where they share tour dates and news. Their social media presence is active on Facebook, Instagram, and X, offering glimpses into their ongoing tours and behind-the-scenes moments. Fans can also join the vibrant .38 Special Fan Group on Facebook, where enthusiasts share memories, photos, and updates about the band. For more fan-driven content, check out Heavy Harmonies, a site dedicated to hard rock discographies, including .38 Special’s catalog. The Zoo Crew encourages all Zoo Freaks to crank up "You Keep Runnin' Away" and keep the Southern rock spirit alive!