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The Ventures – Walk, Don’t Run – 1960

About The Song


“Walk, Don’t Run” is a classic instrumental rock song by the American surf rock band The Ventures, originally released in 1960. The track is widely recognized for its catchy melody and is considered one of the signature songs of the surf rock genre.

Five facts about The Ventures’ “Walk, Don’t Run (1960)”:

  1. Instrumental Innovation: “Walk, Don’t Run” is instrumental, featuring a distinctive lead guitar riff played by Ventures guitarist Don Wilson. The song is celebrated for its innovative use of guitar techniques, contributing to its lasting popularity and influence on the surf rock genre.
  2. Original Version: The Ventures’ version of “Walk, Don’t Run” is actually a cover of the original song by jazz guitarist Johnny Smith, which was released in 1954. The Ventures’ rendition, however, became the more well-known and commercially successful version, reaching the top 10 on the Billboard Hot 100 in the United States.
  3. Album Title: The success of “Walk, Don’t Run” led The Ventures to release an album with the same name in 1960. The album includes variations of the title track as well as other instrumental covers, solidifying The Ventures’ reputation as one of the leading instrumental rock bands of the early 1960s.
  4. Cultural Impact: The song’s popularity extended beyond the United States, making it a global hit. It influenced numerous musicians and bands in the surf rock and instrumental rock genres and has been featured in various movies, TV shows, and commercials over the years.
  5. Enduring Legacy: “Walk, Don’t Run” remains one of The Ventures’ most enduring and recognizable songs. The band continued to perform and record music for several decades, but this track, in particular, stands out as a landmark in their career and a classic in the history of instrumental rock.

Video

Lyrics

All your love I miss loving, all your kiss I miss kissing
All your love I miss loving, all your kiss I miss kissing
Before I met you, baby, I didn’t know what I was missing

All my love, pretty baby, I have in store for you
All my love, pretty baby, I have in store for you
Well I love you, baby, I know you love me too

Oh, oh, oh, baby, you know I love you
Yeah, yeah, yeah, baby, you know I love you baby
I love you baby, oh I love you so