"It Keeps You Runnin'" is a song by the American rock band The Doobie Brothers. It was written by band member Michael McDonald, and served as the third single from their sixth studio album Takin' It to the Streets (1976). It was also covered by Carly Simon the same year and released as the lead single from her sixth studio album Another Passenger.
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'" – 4:07 "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 Chart (1977)PeakpositionBillboard Pop Singles (Hot 100)37
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 the month prior, the first version of the song to be released as a single. Simon's version charted on both the Billboard Pop singles (Hot 100) chart and the Billboard Adult Contemporary chart.
The Doobie Brothers played and 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.
Reception 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." Record World called it "a refreshing change of pace for the songstress who sounds very comfortable with the palpitating percussive Doobies beat."
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 Chart (1976)PeakpositionCanada (RPM)47US Billboard Pop Singles (Hot 100)46US Billboard Adult Contemporary27
References
External links The Doobie Brothers Official Website Michael McDonald's Official Website Carly Simon's Official Website