Take the Money and Run (song)
"Take the Money and Run" is a song recorded in 1976 by the Steve Miller Band. A song about two young (possibly teenage) bandits and the police officer pursuing them, it was one of the many hit singles produced by the Steve Miller Band in the 1970s and featured on Fly Like an Eagle. The song peaked at #11 on the U.S. Billboard Hot 100 in July 1976[1] and also charted in Australia.
"Take the Money and Run" | ||||
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Single by Steve Miller Band | ||||
from the album Fly Like an Eagle | ||||
B-side | "Sweet Maree" | |||
Released | April 1976 | |||
Genre | Rock | |||
Length | 2:50 | |||
Label | Capitol | |||
Songwriter(s) | Steve Miller | |||
Producer(s) | Steve Miller | |||
Steve Miller Band singles chronology | ||||
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Background and Writing
The song was written as a road trip song. Miller drew inspiration from his childhood, when he listened to the radio station while on long road trips with his family and he would sing along to his favorite songs. Because FM radio was capable of clearer stereo sound, this allowed Miller to make his road trip songs with more layers for a much bigger sound.
Personnel
- Steve Miller – guitar, double-tracked lead vocals
- Gary Mallaber – drums, percussion
- Lonnie Turner – bass guitar
Legacy
This was the first song Miller let a rap group sample, since he had previously turned down requests to sample his songs. Run-D.M.C. used it in 2001 with Everlast also on vocals. He agreed only after hearing the song and liking what they did with it.
In 2000, the song was covered in country style by Canadian singer Julian Austin on his album Back in Your Life.
In 2006, the 30th Anniversary Edition of the Fly Like An Eagle album was released. The track "Take The Joker And Run," was included as a bonus track and is an acoustic version of "Take the Money and Run" sung over an early version of "The Joker."
References
- "Take The Money And Run". Billboard. Retrieved September 28, 2018.
- "Key & BPM for Take The Money And Run by Steve Miller Band | Tunebat". tunebat.com.
- "Take The Money And Run by Steve Miller Band - Songfacts". www.songfacts.com.