71. (1987) Jag Blir Hellre Jagad Av Vargar – Orup

In 1987, a burst of red, black, and electric green hit Swedish record shelves, announcing the arrival of Thomas “Orup” Eriksson with his first massive hit, “Jag blir hellre jagad av vargar”, or “I’d rather be hunted down by wolves.” While Orup had already dipped his toes into the waters of his solo career with the earlier single “Är du redo” and had been a member of various bands before that, this track was the moment everything changed. It wasn’t just another song; it was a brazen statement of liberation packaged in perfect late-eighties Pop and Synth-pop. Released on August 6, 1987, this single was the strategic opening salvo before Orup‘s successful self-titled debut album dropped in early 1988.

The track is an encapsulation of Orup‘s signature style, which expertly marries an undeniable, catchy pop hook with a set of lyrics that were described as “superfräck text,” meaning super-cool or bold text, and contributed to its “phenomenal pop-konstruktion”. What made it so bold? The emotional content. This wasn’t a lamenting breakup track; it was an angry, desperate roar for freedom. Orup, who wrote and composed the song himself, painted a vivid picture of escaping a destructive relationship with lines like, “I have just escaped a monster / Who was heaven and hell for me” and “I was the farmer – she was the tyrant – She was the center – I was beside”. The chorus delivers the ultimate, shocking metaphor: “I’d rather be hunted by wolves. I’d rather be alone, so I say no. Rather hunted by wolves – Than loved by you”. Choosing the life-or-death threat of wolves over the suffocating love of a partner is a powerful, exaggerated, yet deeply relatable expression of needing to reclaim one’s self-worth. This audacious lyrical choice ensured the song was instantly memorable.

The song’s sound was as polished as its lyrics were sharp. Crucially, it was produced by Anders Glenmark, a pivotal figure in defining Orup‘s signature sound on this breakthrough. The recording took place in the legendary Polar Studio in Stockholm, a facility famously co-founded by Stig “Stickan” Anderson and linked to global sensation ABBA. Recording there indicated a commitment to sonic excellence, lending prestige to the single and ensuring its polished sound was ready for national radio.

The gamble paid off handsomely in the Swedish market. The single hit second position on the Swedish singles chart and spent four weeks on the influential radio chart Trackslistan, peaking at number six. On another major national chart, Svensktoppen, it enjoyed an impressive eleven-week run, also peaking at second place. Its chart success generated the buzz that drove Orup‘s debut album to number one and Gold certification.

Adding to the song’s early momentum, Orup was actively touring in 1987 as a support act for Roxette. This offered him a prime opportunity to perform his burgeoning hit for large, established pop audiences. One anecdote even details an amusing misstep during a performance in Halmstad, where Orup tried to “joke with us Halmstad residents” and attempted to speak Scanian, confusing it with the local dialect (Halländska), resulting in the audience not understanding the joke. This minor error and the audience’s reaction provided a charming glimpse into his public persona and connection with fans.

The song’s cultural footprint extends far beyond its initial chart run; it’s widely acknowledged as a genuine Swedish 80s classic. Its influence is clear in the fact that it was covered by the group Östen Med Resten in 2001, who reinterpreted the synth-pop track in a Country/Folk style. This transformation across genres affirms the strength of its core melody and lyrics. Decades later, it remains a staple in Orup‘s live performances , demonstrating how “Jag blir hellre jagad av vargar” provided the foundational blueprint for his artistic identity and a sustained, successful career.

My copy: 7″, 45 RPM, Scandinavia, 1987, WEA / Sweden Music
Trackslistan (Swedish radio chart): 4 weeks, peaked at #6, #71 on year-end list 1987