I Ran (So Far Away) – Flock Of Seagulls | Top 40 Chart Performance, Story and Song Meaning
Chart Performance: Pop (#9); 1982
Story Behind The Song By Ed Osborne
In the early 1980’s, MTV reenergized a business intent on churning out one generic pop record after another. Among the first beneficiaries was A Flock Of Seagulls.
In October of 1982, I Ran was a refreshing breath of air in the Top 10, surrounded by songs such as Neil Diamond’s Heartlight, America’s You Can Do Magic, and Lionel Richie’s Truly. In the newly emerging video age, a striking image also helped propel an artist into the spotlight, and AFOS certainly had one in the huge fan-like hairdo of singer Mike Score.
For awhile the catchy sound of I Ran, coupled with their unique appearance, guaranteed the Liverpool group a spot on the home screen Unfortunately – like so many hopeful new artists in rock ‘n’ roll history and unlike that other home town band the Beatles – A Flock Of Seagulls was unable to capitalize on the success of its hit single, and faded from sight, leaving behind fond memories and a catchy sonic slice of pop history.
This content and all Song Meaning articles were created and written by Top 40 Contributing Editor Ed Osborne. © 2024 Ed Osborne. All Rights Reserved. In addition to these song meaning articles, Ed has written our “Year in Music 1960s-1990s” articles.
Produced by:
- Mike Howlett
Lyrics Written by:
- Mike Score
- Ali Score
- Frank Maudsley
- Paul Reynolds
Ed Osborne
Hi. I got my first record at age two and never looked back, spending a decades-long career in radio and the music business. Even after years of reading about and listening to all types of music, I am still fascinated by it. Apart from that, I’m endlessly intrigued by art, nature, and the inner lives of people (and dogs).