Courtesy of the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and Museum
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The Runaways' "Cherry Bomb" Lyrics, 1976
The Runaways were an all-female band that played loud, guitar-driven rock. At a time when aggressive female rockers were the exception rather than the rule, the Runaways wrote and sang rowdy, brash songs about sex, drugs and life on the edge. "Cherry Bomb" is a rebellious-girl anthem that paved the way for female rockers today.
More about the Runaways
The Runaways were started by Joan Jett and Sandy West in 1975. The classic lineup included Joan on guitar and vocals, Sandy on drums, Cherie Currie on lead vocals, Jackie Fox on bass guitar and Lita Ford on guitar. The band was ahead of its time, with its hard-rock sound emerging during an era when disco music ruled the airwaves. In 1976, the Runaways released their debut, self-titled album. The song "Cherry Bomb," which Joan wrote with band manager Kim Fowley, became a surprise hit.
