Mariko Takahashi - Runner （ランナー）

I decided to go for the trifecta. After profiling two other songs by the same title: one being the end theme for the anime "Macross" by Makoto Fujiwara（藤原誠） and the other being the big hit by Bakufu Slump, I thought it time to bring in the third, the sweet and inspirational one by Mariko Takahashi（高橋真梨子）.

"Runner" was never released as an official single but was a track on Takahashi's 3rd album, "Monologue" in 1980. Although I eventually got the album, my first time with the song came when I received an audiotape of her concert album, "More 5th Love Affair" which came out in the mid-80s. Written by Akira Otsu（大津あきら）and composed by Kisaburo Suzuki（鈴木キサブロ）, it starts off like a Carpenters song, has a bluesy bridge and ends nearly like a rock gospel song. The lyrics talk of trying to dig oneself out of trouble and then run for one's life with support at his side.

Not surprisingly, "Runner" has been a favourite tune to finish off a Mariko Takahashi concert. It's a fine song for the chanteuse to leave the stage on.