About the song
“Runnin’ with the Devil” epitomizes the electrifying sound of Van Halen, a band that reshaped the landscape of rock music in the late 1970s and early 1980s. This iconic track, featured on their debut album simply titled “Van Halen,” was released in 1978 and instantly became a staple of the band’s live performances and rock radio playlists.
Crafted by the band’s guitarist Eddie Van Halen, drummer Alex Van Halen, bassist Michael Anthony, and lead vocalist David Lee Roth, “Runnin’ with the Devil” showcases the band’s raw talent and energetic stage presence. With its driving rhythm section, blistering guitar solos, and Roth’s distinctive vocals, the song captures the essence of rebellion and hedonism that defined the rock music of its era.
Upon its release, “Runnin’ with the Devil” climbed the charts, peaking at number 84 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart. Its success helped propel Van Halen to superstardom, setting the stage for their subsequent rise to rock music royalty.
Van Halen’s self-titled debut album, which features “Runnin’ with the Devil” as its opening track, was a commercial success, reaching number 19 on the Billboard 200 chart and eventually achieving diamond certification for its sales in the United States.
Decades after its release, “Runnin’ with the Devil” remains a beloved classic rock anthem, revered by fans and musicians alike for its infectious energy and timeless appeal. It stands as a testament to Van Halen’s enduring legacy and their enduring impact on the world of rock music.
Video
Lyrics
Yeah, yeah, ah, yeah
I live my life like there’s no tomorrow
And all I’ve got, I had to steal
Least I don’t need to beg or borrow
Yes I’m livin’ at a pace that kills
Ooh, yeah
(Ahh)
Runnin’ with the Devil
(Ahh-hah, yeah)
(Woo-hoo-oo)
Runnin’ with the Devil
Yes I’m, yeah, hoo
Ooh, you know I
I found the simple life ain’t so simple
When I jumped out, on that road
I got no love, no love you’d call real
Ain’t got nobody, waitin’ at home
Runnin’ with the Devil
(Hold on, hold on I’m runnin’ ah yeah)
Runnin’ with the Devil
(Ooh ooh, one more time)
Runnin’ with the Devil
(Oh, yeah, ya-yeah)
Runnin’ with the Devil
(Woo, woo)
Runnin’ with the Devil
(I’ll tell you about it)
I found the simple life, it’s so simple
When I jumped out, on that road
I got no love, no love you’d call real
Ain’t got nobody, waitin’ at home
Runnin’ with the Devil
(Oh, yeah)
Runnin’ with the Devil
(Ah-ha, yeah, ah-ha, yeah, ah-hah, yeah)
Runnin’ with the Devil