She’s a Runaway

Zoo Freaks, get ready for a wild ride as the Zoo Crew spins "She’s a Runaway" by BoDeans from their debut album Love & Hope & Sex & Dreams! This track, the opener of the 1986 album, sets the tone with its raw, roots-rock energy. One juicy tidbit from rock journalist Dave Marsh, featured in the album’s liner notes, describes the song’s opening notes as heralding a “singular sound” that’s both true to the band’s style and instantly captivating. It’s the kind of tune that grabs you whether you’re seeking it out or just stumbling across it at THE ZOO. The song tells the story of Mary, a woman pushed to her breaking point, stealing money, grabbing a gun, and hitting the road as a runaway. Its gritty narrative and driving rhythm made it a standout, previewed live nearly a year before the album’s release at a 1985 Minneapolis concert at First Avenue, where the band played to a tiny crowd, possibly just label execs. That performance, captured on a DVD in the album’s Collector’s Edition, shows the band’s early fire, with Sammy Llanas leaping onto amps and Kurt Neumann shredding guitar.

Another cool story comes from the recording sessions in Los Angeles with producer T Bone Burnett. According to Wikipedia, there was some creative tension over how polished the production should be. Burnett, known for his work on raw, authentic sounds, pushed for simplicity to match the band’s straightforward songwriting, even as the band toyed with more elaborate ideas. Burnett’s frequent absences during tracking—due to his in-demand status—left the band to experiment, but he’d swoop in to steer them back to the album’s heart. Fans on Facebook often share how this song’s unpolished vibe resonates, with one commenter on a fan page noting how Llanas’ slightly higher-pitched vocals in early performances (like that ’85 show) gave the track a unique edge compared to his later, deeper tone. The song’s legacy endures, with Amazon reviews calling it one of the band’s biggest hits alongside “Fadeaway.”

The BoDeans got their start in 1984 in Waukesha, Wisconsin, when high school pals Sammy Llanas and Kurt Neumann teamed up to blend Midwestern roots rock with adult contemporary pop. Their sound, rooted in heartland rock, caught fire in nearby Milwaukee, where they built a loyal following before signing with Slash Records in 1985. According to Last.fm, the duo shared vocal and guitar duties, backed by bassist Bob Griffin and drummer Guy Hoffman, creating a sound that earned critical praise in the ‘80s and commercial success in the ‘90s. Their early gigs in Milwaukee’s clubs laid the groundwork for their debut, recorded with T Bone Burnett in LA. The band’s name, initially “DaBoDeans” (as seen on a banner at that ’85 concert), was wisely trimmed down. Over time, they shifted toward alternative rock, scoring top 40 mainstream rock hits in the late ‘80s and top 10 adult contemporary tracks in the mid-‘90s. Despite never breaking big globally, their authentic, handcrafted sound—think Springsteen or Tom Petty—keeps fans hooked.

Stay connected with the BoDeans on their Facebook, Instagram, and X accounts for the latest updates on tours and releases. Zoo Freaks can also dive into fan communities like the BoDeans Fans Facebook group, where diehards swap stories, share concert pics, and celebrate the band’s legacy. For vinyl hunters, check out Levykauppa Äx or Record Shop X for copies of Love & Hope & Sex & Dreams. Keep rocking with the Zoo Crew, and let “She’s a Runaway” fuel your inner rebel!