Runaway (Aurora song)
Runaway is a song by Norwegian singer-songwriter Aurora. It appears on her 2015 EP Running with the Wolves and on her 2016 debut album All My Demons Greeting Me as a Friend. It was released on February 7, 2015, by Decca and Glassnote Records as the lead single for both projects.
The track was written by Aurora Aksnes and Magnus Skylstad, with production by Skylstad and Odd Martin Skålnes. It’s a downtempo blend of folktronica, synth-pop, electronic, and electropop, with influences from Nordic folk. The song is in A minor at a slow tempo (about 58 BPM), and Aurora’s vocals span from A3 to E5.
Lyrically, Runaway talks about escapism and realizing you want to return home. Aurora has said that “home” refers to where her parents are, and the song reflects the idea of finding a soft place to fall when everything else feels uncertain.
Origin and recording: an early demo was created in 2013, with a final version recorded in winter 2014 at Lydriket Studio in Bergen. The demo had some differences, including a bridge that was later removed. After signing with record labels, the song was re-recorded for release.
Release and reception: Runaway first appeared on SoundCloud in February 2015, then was released digitally in mid-February as the lead single from the EP and, later, the album. Critics praised its delicate sound and mature themes.
Chart performance and certifications: in Norway, it peaked at number 14. In the United States, it did not enter the Billboard Hot 100 but reached number one on the Bubbling Under Hot 100 chart for two weeks. The song also charted in the UK, Australia, Germany, and Ireland. It has been certified Platinum in Norway (IFPI) and the UK (BPI), and Gold in the United States (RIAA). In spring 2021, Runaway went viral on TikTok, boosting streams and bringing renewed attention. By January 2025, it had surpassed one billion streams on Spotify.
Music video: directed by Kenny McCracken, the video was shot in early 2015 in Bergen and released on February 26, 2015. It features Aurora walking through snowy landscapes and has become one of her most-viewed videos, with hundreds of millions of views.
Live performances and legacy: Aurora performed Runaway at several venues and events, including Nobel Peace Prize Concert (2015) and NPR Tiny Desk (2015). It has remained a staple in her live sets and was later included in compilation projects. The song also inspired other artists; for example, Billie Eilish has cited the video as an influence.
Additional releases: an edited version called Runaway (Lvl. 2) was released on May 7, 2021. A Glassnote 12-inch vinyl released on November 11, 2022, includes the original version and theLvl. 2 edit.
This page was last edited on 2 February 2026, at 06:41 (CET).