Take the Money and Run (Steve Miller Band song)

The song was written as a road trip. Miller drew inspiration from his childhood, when he listened to the radio while on long road trips with his family, and he would sing along to his favorite songs. Because FM radio was capable of clearer stereo sound, this allowed him to make his road trip songs with more layers for a much bigger sound. :This here's a story about Billy Joe and Bobbie Sue :Two young lovers with nothin' better to do :Than sit around the house, get high, and watch the tube :And here's what happened when they decided to cut loose Billy Joe robs a house in El Paso and shoots its owner, while Bobbie Sue escapes with the proceeds of the robbery. They reunite the next day and flee south through Texas, pursued by Billy Mack, a police detective intent on arresting them. ==Reception==

Cash Box said that the song gets off to a "fine start" with "spirited drums" and has "intelligent" lyrics and music that is "just as good, maybe better, than "Space Cowboy." Record World said that this "story about an armed robbery is punctuated with some good guitar chording and [Miller's] distinct vocal." ==Personnel==

• Steve Miller – guitar, double-tracked lead vocals • Gary Mallaber – drums, percussion • Lonnie Turner – bass guitar == Certifications ==

This was the first song Miller let a rap group sample, since he had previously turned down requests to sample his songs. Run-DMC used it in 2001 with Everlast also on vocals. He agreed only after hearing the song and liking what they did with it. In 2000, the song was covered in country style by Canadian singer Julian Austin on his album Back in Your Life. In 2006, the 30th Anniversary Edition of the Fly Like An Eagle album was released. The track "Take the Joker and Run" was included as a bonus track and is an acoustic version of "Take the Money and Run" sung over an early version of "The Joker". ==References==