"Take The Money And Run" was a hit single in New Zealand for singer Bunny Walters, reaching no. 2 in 1972.

Background

It was written by Geoff Stephens and John Carter. The recording was produced by Bernie Allen and featured

The Yandall Sisters The Yandall Sisters were a popular New Zealand-born Samoan all-female singing group of the 1970s, who made a major contribution to music in New Zealand. The members of the group were Caroline, Mary and Adele Yandall, and later younger sister Pauli ...

on backing vocals. The song is about a man, quite possibly an unappealing who man has worked in a Santa Fe bank for 20 years. He has fallen for a wealthy rancher's wife who is used to living in luxury. Unfortunately this woman has devious motives. She tells him to prove his manhood by stealing the payroll intended for the railroad gang. Manipulated by her, he obeys her request and steals the money. Sadly he meets a tragic end before he can go with her to Mexico. With his dying breath, he still talks of his love for her and his mission.

New Zealand release

The song backed with "Kiss Her Three Times" was released on the

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label, Cat no. IR 1079 in 1972. For the week ending 18 November 1972, ''

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'' recorded the N.Z. chart position of the song at no. 2, having moved from the previous week's position of no. 3. It finally settled at no. 2.

Australian release

In Australia, the song was released on the Image label, Cat IS-127. On 30 November, it was at no. 73 in Australia.

Remembered

In 2016, the song was quoted in the article "Rugby: Dagg's hot property overseas", which appeared in the 24 November edition of ''

Hawke's Bay Today ''Hawke's Bay Today'' is a daily compact newspaper published in Hastings, New Zealand and serving Hastings, Napier and the Hawke's Bay region. It is owned by NZME. The ''Hawke's Bay Today'' is New Zealand's youngest newspaper, founded on 3 May ...

'' to describe a move in All Black

Israel Dagg Israel Jamahl Akuhata Dagg (born 6 June 1988) is a former New Zealand rugby union player who played for the Crusaders in Super Rugby. He has also played for the New Zealand Sevens team, and represents Hawkes Bay in the ITM Cup. Dagg played i ...

's rugby career.

Other versions

Joe Dolan Joseph Francis Robert Dolan (16 October 1939 – 26 December 2007) was an Irish singer, entertainer and recording artist. Chiefly known in Ireland for his association with Irish showband, showbands and for his innovative style and high tenor s ...

recorded his version backed with " Home Isn't Home Anymore". This one was released on the Pye 7N 45151 in June 1972. Dutch singer, Ben Cramer also recorded a version in 1976 as the B side of his single "Sorrow".''Media Markt TOP 40''
Ben Cramer - Sorrow
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References

{{reflist Bunny Walters songs 1972 songs 1972 singles Songs written by Geoff Stephens Songs written by John Carter (musician)