Roadrunner by The Modern Lovers

Album: The Modern Lovers (1977)

Charted: 11

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Songfacts®:

Jonathan Richman wrote this two-chord garage anthem in his father's car in 1972. During the summer of 1977 when Punk and New Wave music were finding a wider audience in Britain, this song became a hit.
Richman and his band The Modern Lovers recorded a collection of songs including this one in 1973. However problems with their label blocked the songs' release until 1976.
Among the Modern Lovers playing on this song were keyboard player Jerry Harrison who later joined Talking Heads and drummer David Robinson, who later joined The Cars. The producer was Velvet Underground member John Cale.
According to Rolling Stone Magazine's Top 500 Songs, Richman was obsessed with the Velvet Underground. When he started his own band, he rewrote the Velvets' "Sister Ray" into this song.

Comments: 5

Lee From Martha's Vineyard from Oak BluffsI grew up in Waltham, Mass. Got my license in 1972. Drove my father's car until I bought a flawless used 1971 Plymouth Road Runner, B5 Blue, black bucket seat interior, 383 automatic. Used to cruise all over Greater Boston and beyond in it. The song spoke to me. Directly.
John from Cleveland, OhioIn "Roadrunner (Once)" from the album "Roadrunner: The Beserkley Collection" Richman at about 1:03 sings, "I felt in love with Planopan and Rosenfield." These are my interpretations of what he is saying. I wonder if he is naming disc jockeys or places or what.
Steve from Boston, MaThe song is about driving along Route 128 listening to the radio late at night. It's is almost a love song to Massachusetts; it has references to Massachusetts ("I'm in love with Massachusetts"), Route 128 (a major road through the state), the Stop 'n' Shop (a local grocery chain), and the Mass Turnpike (what we call Interstate 90).
Peter From Nz from Wellington New Zealand Heard once that there was something unusual about the beat/timing in this song? But I could be completely wrong! Also love the chaotic Sex Pistols version of this.
Jim from North Billerica, Ma128 refers to route 128, which is a major highway that loops around the Boston area. The Stop 'n' Shop is a local Grocery Store chain.

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