Van Halen

Released: February 10, 1978

Songwriter: Michael Anthony (Bassist) Eddie Van Halen Alex Van Halen David Lee Roth

Producer: Ted Templeman

[Intro]
Yeah, yeah, yeah
Ahh, yeah

[Verse 1]
I live my life like there's no tomorrow
And all I've got I had to steal
Least I don't need to beg or borrow
Yes, I'm livin' at a pace that kills
Ooh, yeah

[Chorus]
(Runnin' with the devil)
Ah, Ah-ha yeah, whoo-hoo-ooh
(Runnin' with the devil)
I'll tell y'all about it

[Verse 2]
I found the simple life ain't so simple
When I jumped out on that road
I got no love, no love you'd call real
Ain't got nobody waitin' at home

[Chorus]
Ahh, yeah
(Runnin' with the devil)
God damn it lady, you know I ain't lying to ya
I'm only gonna tell you one time
Aah, yeah
(Runnin' with the devil)
Yes I am
Yeah

[Guitar Solo]
Whoo
Whoo

[Verse 3]
You know I—
I found the simple life, weren't so simple, no
When I jumped out on that road
Got no love, no love you'd call real
Got nobody waiting at home

[Chorus]
(Runnin' with the devil)
(Runnin' with the devil)

[Bridge]
Woo

[Outro]
(Runnin' with the devil)
(Runnin' with the devil)

Van Halen is one of the most iconic American rock bands of all time. Formed in Pasadena, California in 1972, the group’s primary line-up consisted of Eddie Van Halen on guitar, Alex Van Halen on drums, David Lee Roth providing lead vocals, and Michael Anthony providing bass duties and significant harmonies.

Their first six albums, recorded and released between 1977–1984, are considered to be classics and pioneering efforts in the field of hard rock. Eddie Van Halen’s groundbreaking guitar sound and techniques completely changed the landscape of music and radio culture in the 1980s. His and brother Alex’s virtuosity, along with David Lee Roth’s charisma and bassist Michael Anthony’s foundational contributions garnered the band early comparisons to their predecessors—Led Zeppelin—a group who had a profound influence on them. Though, even more so than Jimmy Page, Eddie cites Eric Clapton as having the biggest impact on his playing.

In 1977, after recording a demo with Gene Simmons (who wanted the band to change their name to “Daddy Longlegs”) they were introduced to KISS‘ management, who told Simmons they wouldn’t sign them

more tracks from the album

The Best of Both Worlds

From the albums

Collectus Interruptus (1978)
Van Halen (1978)
Best of – Volume I (1996)
Detroit Rock City: Music from the Motion Picture (1999)
The Best of Both Worlds (2004)

Van Halen popular songs

Runnin’ with the DevilVan Halen

Van Halen

The Best of Both Worlds