I’m not a regular viewer of Country Music Television (CMT), but credit where it’s due: the network’s “Crossroads” was/is a visionary show that not only combines country artists with performers from other genres but invariably introduces new perspectives while breathing fresh life into old favourites.
The series started in 2002, pairing roots/blues siren Lucinda Williams and new wave pop prince Elvis Costello, followed by Hank Williams and Kid Rock, and ZZ Top with Brooks and Dunn. You get the idea.
To date, more than 70 sessions have taken place, including last week’s Leanne Rhimes and Friends.
I’m rewinding to 2015 for an episode that paired country powerhouse Sara Evans with one of my teenage favourite bands and songs, REO Speedwagon’s “Take It On the Run.”
Released on the album “Hi Infidelity” in 1980, the song made it to No. 2 in Canada and No. 5 the US, following “Keep on Loving You,” which did hit the top of the charts. Altogether six songs from the album (which went on to be the best-selling album of 1981) charted, turning Speedwagon into certified legends.
For her part, Evans, who came to prominence in the oughts, is a great choice to front the song, delivering impeccable, tasteful vocals that importantly lack the country twang that might have threatened this pop-rock classic. Moreover, she deferentially declares: “This is an absolute dream come true for me, I am singing a song with REO Speedwagon.”
So, trust me and check out this version. You heard from a friend!
Lyrics
Heard it from a friend who
Heard it from a friend who
Heard it from another you been messin’ around
They say you got a boyfriend
You’re out late every weekend
They’re talkin’ about you and it’s bringin’ me down
But I know the neighborhood
And talk is cheaper when the story is good
And the tales grow taller on down the line
But I’m telling you, babe
That I don’t think it’s true, babe
And even if it is, keep this in mind
You take it on the run, baby
If that’s the way you want it, baby
Then I don’t want you around
I don’t believe it
Not for a minute
You’re under the gun
So you take it on the run
You’re thinking up your white lies
You’re putting on your bedroom eyes
You say you’re coming home but you won’t say when
But I can feel it coming
If you leave tonight, keep running
And you need never look back again
You take it on the run, baby
If that’s the way you want it, baby
Then I don’t want you around
I don’t believe it
Not for a minute
You’re under the gun
So you take it on the run
Take it on the run, baby
If that’s the way you want it, baby
Then I don’t want you around
I don’t believe it
Not for a minute
You’re under the gun
So you take it on the run
Take it on the run, baby
If that’s the way you want it, baby
Then I don’t want you around
I don’t believe it
Not for a minute
You’re under the gun
So you take it on the run
Heard it from a friend who
Heard it from a friend who
Heard it from another you been messin’ around