Before They Make Me Run

"Before They Make Me Run" is a song by rock and roll band the Rolling Stones featured on their 1978 album Some Girls.

Written primarily by guitarist Keith Richards the song is believed to be his most personal ever penned for a Stones album. Originally titled "Rotten Roll," the song was written in Canada while Richards waited for his trial on drug charges to begin. Due to these circumstances, singer Mick Jagger took control of most of the remaining tracks on the album, but this one was Keith's. The lyrics talk of the lifestyle that Richards had led up until that point:

Worked the bars and sideshows along the twilight zone. Only a crowd can make you feel so alone... Booze and pills and powders, you can choose your medicine. Well here's another goodbye to another good friend.

That last part is said to be written about Richards' good friend Gram Parsons who died of a drug overdose in 1973.

Recorded in March of 1978, "Before They Make Me Run" features just Richards (lead vocals/guitars/bass), guitarist Ron Wood (pedel steel & electric slide guitars/backup vocals), and drummer Charlie Watts. Keith's harsh vocals were double-tracked to make them stand out more on the final cut.

A fan favorite, "Before They Make Me Run" was performed heavily by Richards during the 1997-1998/1999 Bridges to Babylon and No Security tours.