About the song
“Running on Empty,” the fifth studio album by American singer-songwriter Jackson Browne, stands as a unique testament to life on the road and the creative spirit it nurtures. Released in 1977, this seminal work was crafted entirely on tour, capturing the essence of Browne’s experiences in concert venues, hotel rooms, and even tour buses. The album’s unconventional approach to recording live performances and impromptu sessions set it apart from traditional studio releases, reflecting Browne’s desire to authentically depict the nomadic lifestyle of a touring musician.
The album’s title track, “Running on Empty,” became an instant classic, resonating with listeners as it climbed to No. 11 on the Billboard Pop Singles chart. Its follow-up, the medley “The Load-Out”/”Stay,” further solidified Browne’s success, peaking at No. 20 and encapsulating the bittersweet sentiments of life on tour.
Critically acclaimed, “Running on Empty” garnered two Grammy Award nominations in 1979, including Album of the Year, highlighting its impact and enduring popularity. Browne’s songwriting prowess shines throughout the album, with deeply personal lyrics that reflect both the exhilaration and challenges of life on the road.
Commercially, the album achieved significant milestones, certified Gold in 1977 and Platinum in 1978 by the RIAA, later achieving Multi-Platinum status. Its enduring appeal has been bolstered by various reissues, including a remastered version in 2005 that offered enhanced audio quality and additional bonus tracks like “Cocaine Again” and “Edwardsville Room 124.”
In popular culture, “Running on Empty” continues to resonate, with its iconic album cover even appearing on the set of the television show Mork & Mindy, attesting to its cultural impact beyond the realm of music. Music critics have praised its innovative approach, with Rolling Stone commending Browne’s ability to capture the humanity and essence of life behind the scenes of a rock tour.
William Ruhlmann of AllMusic described it as Browne’s most accessible work, appealing to both devoted fans and new listeners alike. The album’s portrayal of a transient existence, coupled with Browne’s introspective songwriting, has cemented its status as a cornerstone of 1970s rock music, demonstrating that sometimes the most poignant artistry emerges from the raw, unfiltered moments of life “Running on Empty.”
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Lyrics
Lookin’ out at the road rushin’ under my wheels
Lookin’ back at the years gone by like so many summer fields
In ’65 I was seventeen and runnin’ up 101
I don’t know where I’m runnin’ now, I’m just runnin’ on
runnin’ on empty
(Runnin’ on) runnin’ blind
(Runnin’ on) runnin’ into the sun
But I’m runnin’ behind
Gotta do what you can just to keep your love alive
Tryin’ not to confuse it with what you do to survive
In ’69 I was twenty-one and I called the road my own
I don’t know when that road turned onto the road I’m on
runnin’ on empty
(Runnin’ on) runnin’ blind
(Runnin’ on) runnin’ into the sun
But I’m runnin’ behind
Everyone I know
Everywhere I go
People need some reason to believe
I don’t know about anyone but me
If it takes all night
That’d be alright
If I can get you to smile before I leave
Lookin’ out at the road rushin’ under my wheels
I don’t know how to tell you all just how crazy this life feels
I look around for the friends that I used to turn to to pull me through
Lookin’ into their eyes, I see them runnin’ too
runnin’ on empty
(Runnin’ on) runnin’ blind
(Runnin’ on) runnin’ into the sun
But I’m runnin’ behind
Honey, you really tempt me, you know, the way you look so kind
I’d love to stick around, but I’m runnin’ behind
(Runnin’ on)
You know I don’t even know what I’m hopin’ to find
(Runnin’ blind)
Runnin’ into the sun but I’m runnin’ behind