Released July 20 1992 Genre Pop rock Label MCA · Rocket | Format CD · cassette · vinyl Length 5:23 | |
B-side "Understanding Women (Extended Mix)" | ||
"Runaway Train" is a pop rock song recorded by the British rock-pop musicians Elton John and Eric Clapton. A CD, cassette and 7" vinyl single from Elton John's album The One was released in July 1992 which was later also accompanied by a music video shot the same year. it is also from the Lethal Weapon 3 movie soundtrack.
Contents
Writing and recording
The music for the song was written by Elton John and Olle Romo while the lyrics were written by John's long-time collaborator Bernie Taupin. For the recording of his instrumental part, John used the Roland RD-1000 digital piano. Eric Clapton sings a duet with John for this track. Clapton takes the main singing part and improvised a couple guitar solos while recording. The song is in the key of G minor. For the studio recordings, Clapton used a capo on the third guitar fret, but never used it for live performances when John and Clapton went on tour in 1992.
Music video and release
The song was released in July 1992 as the third single of Elton John's studio album The One and from the Lethal Weapon 3 soundtrack. Then, it was available for several European countries. A music video to accompany the single was released in late 1992. It consists of video snippets while Clapton and John are performing the song during the 1992 Eric Clapton World Tour in London's Wembley Stadium. it also peaked on the United States mainstream rock billboard charts at #10
Personnel
Taken from the single release liner notes.
Track listings
- "Runaway Train" – 5:23
- "Aretha & Elton - Through The Storm" – 4:21
- "George Michael & Elton John - Don't Let The Sun Go Down On Me" – 5:49
- "Elton John & Cliff Richard - Slow Rivers" – 3:10
- "Runaway Train" – 5:23
- "Elton John - Understanding Women" – 9:31