Song Review: “Runaway” by Beya
I recently came across a video circulating on social media that featured a rabbi, of all people, talking about addiction. He framed the conversation in a unique way, positioning the vice as a response to an underlying problem, and shifted the focus to that root cause. The conclusion he landed on was that addiction stems from a deep discomfort with oneself–an “allergic” reaction to one’s own identity while searching for belonging. While that idea might resonate with many, I’m not sure it applies to everyone as universally as the rabbi makes it sound. Sure, it’s true for a large number of people, but is it 100% of the time? Probably not. But then again, blanket statements tend to be the key to viral success these days, right?
The thing is, some addictions are just so easy to fall into, even for people who feel comfortable in their lives. Circumstance definitely plays a role here. Something that brings a little joy in a moment of frustration can quickly turn into a habit–whether it’s binge-watching a TV show or a comfort food that starts popping up more and more. And, of course, there’s the bigger issue of how addictions are perceived. Some addictions are viewed as normal, others as questionable, and some are considered completely off-limits. Sure, there are addictions that pose an immediate danger, but the reality is that any addiction, left unchecked, can cause serious damage to one’s life, whether physically or emotionally. One moment, this fixation is providing a blissful escape. The next, it’s barrelling down on you like an out-of-control locomotive, threatening to demolish everything you hold dear.
This dynamic unfolds in real-time on “Runaway,” the emotive new single from Richmond singer-songwriter Beya. With a twangy country shuffle that mirrors the rhythmic chug of a train approaching, the song paints a powerful picture of love as one of the most perilous addictions. It’s not just a story of heartbreak, but a stark realization that no substance can compete with the raw euphoria of an intimate connection, and the gut-wrenching fear that arises when it turns toxic.
“‘Cause nothin’ is sweeter\ Than the fix you give me,” Beya sings, finding clarity in a moment of alarm as she realizes the enormity of what is truly bearing down on her: an addiction so pervasive, so intoxicating, that it eclipses everything else–even her own sense of self. As easy as it is for some to say, “Just walk away,” the feeling of powerlessness outweighs all logic, with only brief moments of joy from reunion offering fleeting solace. It’s that insidious kind of addiction, one people don’t even recognize because it’s so ubiquitous, so intertwined with everyday life, and it seems so simple to solve… until you’re caught on the tracks, the blinding lights and booming foghorn drowning out everything around you, paralyzed by wondering how you even got to this point (“Crashing train, cars carry my fate\ It’s coming closer every day”).
Beya’s voice is melodically valiant, flawlessly aligning with the song’s rhythm while seeking out timbral shifts and lyrical accentuations to escape the repetition, whether blending in harmony or boldly diverging with a sharp contrast. The cadence is steady and unrelenting, much like the persistent grip of addiction that never fully releases, growing more overwhelming the moment you turn around and face the looming affliction. But Beya confronts that sorrow with a resilient spirit, repeating the grievances to uncover the cracks that reveal this devastating train as the faceless illusion it always was. It’s not a fleeting epiphany, but rather a mantra that holds the power to disrupt the cycle, even as it continues to spin endlessly without the connection it once had.
By framing it this way, with agency and definition, it shifts from merely a tale of love gone awry to one of triumph over a real addiction–an issue that gains increasing attention as more people highlight its dangers. Are there root causes at play? Sure. But don’t let a random video you came across while doom-scrolling in the middle of the night convince you that there’s a one-size-fits-all solution to everyone’s struggles. What becomes clearer is that the problem itself is both amorphous and pervasive, showing up in countless forms across different lives. When you realize the ease at which we become addicted and how hard it is to break that cycle, you can train yourself to act with greater urgency, so that a runaway train doesn’t become an inevitable crash, but rather something you can navigate around with intention and control.
That’s not to say you’ll never encounter that situation again, but rather that you’ll be equipped with the same strength as Beya, enabling you to reach peace more quickly. And once you find that peace, having “Runaway” as your companion will feel all the more rewarding.
“Runaway” is available now on all streaming platforms. To learn more about Beya and stay up-to-date on their upcoming shows and releases, be sure to follow her on social media.
