Roadrunner

Album: The Modern Lovers (1977)
Charted: 11
Play Video
  • Lyrics currently unavailable Writer/s: Jonathan Richman
    Publisher: Wixen Music Publishing

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.
see more comments

Editor's Picks

Stephen Christian of Anberlin

Stephen Christian of AnberlinSongwriter Interviews

The lead singer/lyricist for Anberlin breaks down "Impossible" and covers some tracks from their 2012 album Vital.

Real or Spinal Tap

Real or Spinal TapMusic Quiz

They sang about pink torpedoes and rocking you tonight tonight, but some real lyrics are just as ridiculous. See if you can tell which lyrics are real and which are Spinal Tap in this lyrics quiz.

Harry Wayne Casey of KC and The Sunshine Band

Harry Wayne Casey of KC and The Sunshine BandSongwriter Interviews

Harry Wayne Casey tells the stories behind KC and The Sunshine Band hits like "Get Down Tonight," "That's The Way (I Like It)," and "Give It Up."

Maria Muldaur

Maria MuldaurSongwriter Interviews

The "Midnight At The Oasis" singer is an Old Time gal. She talks about her jug band beginnings and shares a Dylan story.

Dexys (Kevin Rowland and Jim Paterson)

Dexys (Kevin Rowland and Jim Paterson)Songwriter Interviews

"Come On Eileen" was a colossal '80s hit, but the band - far more appreciated in their native UK than stateside - released just three albums before their split. Now, Dexys is back.

Waiting For The Break of Day: Three Classic Songs About All-Nighters

Waiting For The Break of Day: Three Classic Songs About All-NightersSong Writing

These Three famous songs actually describe how they were written - late into the evening.