Kanye West is a prominent figure in the music industry, renowned for his innovative approach to hip-hop, fashion, and culture.

Born on June 8, 1977, in Atlanta, Georgia, and raised in Chicago, Kanye first gained prominence as a producer, crafting iconic beats for artists such as Jay-Z before beginning his solo career.

His debut album, The College Dropout (2004), not only changed the sound of hip-hop but also the themes of self-reflection, social issues, and personal struggles. Beyond music, Kanye has made a significant impact in the fashion world with his Yeezy brand and collaborations with major fashion houses.

About the Song

Runaway is a powerful track that has become one of his signature songs. Featuring a hauntingly beautiful piano melody and a minimalist beat, the song delves deep into themes of self-doubt, fame, and personal flaws.

With its raw, emotional lyrics, Runaway serves as both a self-criticism and a commentary on Kanye’s public persona and the consequences of his actions.

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

[Outro: Kanye West]

[Non-Lyrical Vocals]

Meaning of The Song

Runaway is one of Kanye’s most self-aware and vulnerable songs. At its core, the track is a public confession and apology for his flaws, especially in his relationships.

He openly admits to being a “douchebag” and a man prone to mistakes, pushing away people who love him because of his ego, selfishness, and inability to maintain emotional intimacy.

The song is essentially Kanye holding a mirror to himself. Rather than sugarcoating his behavior, he calls it out directly, almost sarcastically inviting others to “run away as fast as you can” before he inevitably hurts them.

The extended instrumental outro, with distorted vocals, symbolizes the emotional distance and confusion that often surrounds his personal life and relationships.

It also reflects the public scrutiny Kanye faced at the time after controversies and media backlash, using the song as both a personal reckoning and a commentary on fame, self-sabotage, and loneliness at the top.

Similar Songs Like Runaway

Here are some songs by Kanye West that are similar to Runaway:

• Blame Game: This is another emotional, raw song about heartbreak, miscommunication, and the pain of lost love.
• Street Lights: A melancholic, reflective track about the passage of time and feeling lost. The auto-tuned vocals and moody production echo the vulnerability of Runaway.
• Real Friends: Kanye Opens Up About the Challenges of Maintaining Genuine Connections Amidst Fame and Trust Issues. It has that same confessional tone that made Runaway powerful.
• Devil in a New Dress: A smooth, soulful song that deals with temptation and complicated relationships. The production is rich, and the lyrics go through Kanye’s flaws in love.

Similar Artists Like Kanye West

Here are some artists similar to Kanye West, along with their genres and notable albums:

• Kid Cudi
  Genre: Hip-Hop, Alternative Hip-Hop, Psychedelic Rap
  Notable Albums: The End of Day, Man on the Moon II: The Legend of Mr. Rager, Indicud
• Jay-Z
  Genre: Hip-Hop, East Coast Rap
  Notable Albums: The Blueprint, The Black Album, 4:44
• Travis Scott
  Genre: Hip-Hop, Trap, Psychedelic Rap
  Notable Albums: Rodeo, Astroworld, Birds in the Trap Sing McKnight
• Drake
  Genre: Hip-Hop, R&B, Pop Rap
  Notable Albums: Take Care, Nothing Was the Same, Views
• Frank Ocean
  Genre: R&B, Alternative R&B, Soul
  Notable Albums: Channel Orange, Blonde, nostalgia, ULTRA

Frequently Asked Questions

What Inspired the Song’s Lyrics?

It reflects Kanye’s thoughts on failed relationships, self-sabotage, and media criticism.

What is the Role of Pusha T’s Verse?

Pusha T contrasts Kanye’s experience with arrogance and materialism.

Has Runaway been Included in any Rankings?

Rolling Stone ranked it #25 on their list of The 500 Greatest Songs of All Time.