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It Keeps You Runnin'
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Wikipedia article
"'It Keeps You Runnin'" is a song by the American rock band The Doobie Brothers. The song was written by band member Michael McDonald, and served as the third single from their sixth studio album 'Takin' It to the Streets'. It was also covered and released as a single by Carly Simon.
The Doobie Brothers version was featured in the 1994 Oscar-winning film 'Forrest Gump', and was included on the film's multi-platinum selling soundtrack album.
The song was also featured in the soundtrack of the 1978 film 'FM'.
Lyrics and music
According to Allmusic critic Jason Elias, the music of "It Keeps You Runnin'" reflects a "jazzy R&B influence" and "gospel-based keyboard shading."
Elias described the lyrics as the singer "trying to talk some woman into listening to what her heart is trying to say -- the oldest trick in the book."
Reception
'Ultimate Classic Rock' critic Michael Gallucci rated "It Keeps You Runnin'" as the Doobie Brothers 10th greatest song, describing it as being "California-funky."
Track listing
'7" single'
# "It Keeps You Runnin'" 4:20
# "Turn It Loose" 3:53
Personnel
* Michael McDonald keyboards, vocals
* Patrick Simmons guitar, backing vocals
* Jeff "Skunk" Baxter guitar
* Tiran Porter bass, backing vocals
* Keith Knudsen drums, backing vocals
* John Hartman drums
Additional Personnel
* Ted Templeman percussion, producer* Bobby LaKind congas
Charts
Carly Simon version
American singer-songwriter and musician Carly Simon covered "It Keeps You Runnin'" for her sixth studio album 'Another Passenger', and the song served as the lead single. Simon's version charted on both the 'Billboard' Pop singles chart and the 'Billboard' Adult Contemporary chart.
'Billboard' described it as an "interesting mid -tempo rocker" with a "jazzy feel" that has a powerful vocal performance by Simon. 'Billboard' specifically praised the guitar playing and the hook. 'Cash Box' said that Simon's "vocal is always clean and sensuous, and sensitive to the excellent backing," calling the song "an upbeat cut, with attractive chord changes and hook-filled lyric."
The Doobie Brothers provided backing vocals on the track. Ted Templeman produced both Simon's and The Doobie's versions, as well as each of their albums from which the song is featured.
Personnel
* Carly Simon lead vocals, backing vocals* Michael McDonald keyboards
* Jeff Baxter slide guitar
* Patrick Simmons electric guitar
* Tiran Porter bass
* John Hartman drums
* Keith Knudsen drums
* The Doobie Brothers backing vocals
Track listing
'7" single (US)'# "It Keeps You Runnin'" 3:56
# "Look Me In The Eyes" 3:34
'7" single (UK)'
# "It Keeps You Runnin'" 3:56
# "Be with Me" 1:53
Charts
References
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