Jackson Browne is an American singer and songwriter known for his thoughtful lyrics and smooth, emotional singing style. Born in 1948, he rose to fame in the 1970s with songs that often talk about love, life, and social issues.
His music blends rock, folk, and soft melodies, making it easy to listen to but full of meaning. Tracks like These Days and Doctor My Eyes are some of his best-known works. He’s admired for writing honest, poetic songs that connect with everyday feelings and real experiences.
Over the years, Jackson Browne has become respected not just for his music but also for his support of environmental and political causes. His calm voice and thoughtful words have earned him a loyal fan base that continues to grow.
About the Song
Running on Empty captures the restless rush of life lived on the road. Released in 1977, it blends rock piano riffs, steady drums, and urgent guitar lines to mirror nonstop touring mileage.
The lyrics follow a weary traveler measuring distance in gas stations, night drives, and fleeting memories, asking how long momentum alone can keep him moving.
Browne’s clear, slightly raspy voice delivers both energy and reflection, turning everyday highway images into a bigger story about time, ambition, and the search for purpose while always moving forward.
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Release Date | August 1977 |
| Album Name | Running on Empty |
| Writer | Jackson Browne |
| Producer | Jackson Browne |
Complete Lyrics of Running On Empty
Verse 1
Looking out at the road rushing under my wheels
Looking back at the years gone by like so many summer fields
In ’65, I was seventeen and running up 101
I don’t know where I’m running now, I’m just running on
Chorus
Running on, running on empty
Running on, running blind
Running on, running into the sun
But I’m running behind
Verse 2
Gotta do what you can just to keep your love alive
Trying 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
Chorus
Running on, running on empty
Running on, running blind
Running on, running into the sun
But I’m running behind
Bridge
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’ll be all right
If I can get you to smile before I leave
Verse 3
Looking out at the road rushing under my wheels
I don’t know how to tell you all just how crazy this life feels
Look around for the friends that I used to turn to to pull me through
Looking into their eyes I see them running too
Chorus
Running on, running on empty, yeah
Running on, running blind
Running on, running into the sun
But I’m running behind
Verse 4
Honey, you really tempt me
You know the way you look so kind
I’d love to stick around but I’m running behind
(Running on)
You know I don’t even know what I’m hoping to find
(Running blind)
Running into the sun but I’m running behind
Outro
Thank you!
Similar Songs Like Running On Empty
If you enjoyed Running On Empty for its road-weary honesty and driving rhythm, there’s more to appreciate in Jackson Browne’s music.
- The Pretender: painting daily routines against sunset chords, questioning dreams, wealth, and fulfillment while guitars shimmer gently.
- Doctor My Eyes: races forward, pounding piano, asking heavy questions about empathy disappearing after long travels through sorrowful paths.
- Take It Easy: encouraging peaceful hearts, open highways, and learning to relax under desert moonlight.
- Rock Me on the Water: mixing gospel warmth, coastal imagery, and calls for healing troubled spirits.
Similar Artists Like Jackson Browne
Here are some similar songwriters who, like Jackson Browne, create calm, emotional songs with real stories and soft musical styles.
- James Taylor
Genre: Folk Rock, Soft Rock
Top Albums: Sweet Baby James (1970), Mud Slide Slim and the Blue Horizon (1971), JT (1977) - Carole King
Genre: Pop, Soft Rock, Singer-Songwriter
Top Albums: Tapestry (1971), Music (1971), Wrap Around Joy (1974) - Dan Fogelberg
Genre: Folk Rock, Country Rock
Top Albums: Home Free (1972), Souvenirs (1974), The Innocent Age (1981) - Paul Simon
Genre: Folk Rock, Pop
Top Albums: Paul Simon (1972), Still Crazy After All These Years (1975), Graceland (1986) - Joni Mitchell
Genre: Folk, Jazz Fusion, Art Rock
Top Albums: Blue (1971), Court and Spark (1974), Hejira (1976)
Frequently Asked Questions
How Popular was Running On Empty?
It was a big hit, reaching #11 on the Billboard Hot 100 in 1978.
Was there a Music Video for Running On Empty?
No official music video was made, but live performance videos are available and widely shared.
Who Played Instruments on Running On Empty?
Musicians from Jackson Browne’s touring band played on Running on Empty, including David Lindley and Russ Kunkel.
