\"Runaways\" transports listeners into a dark and dancy fairy-tail of lovers on the run. The song tells the story of a young man's battle to leave a life of crime. It enters with our main character shot on the doorstep of his girlfriend's family home, seeking refuge after confronting his boss (who is referred to as \"the devil\" throughout the song). He begs her to help him escape his life of crime, but, before they \"runaway,\" he must confront this \"devil\" before starting anew. The retro pop-rock-dance track draws production inspiration from \"Blinding Lights\" (The Weekend) and \"White Wedding\" (Billy Idol). Stylistic and vocal inspiration from Roy Orbison, Danzig, and Elvis. And, lyrical and songwriting inspiration from movies such as \"True Romance,\" \"Bonnie and Clyde,\" and \"Badlands.\"