About The Song
“Running on Empty” is Browne’s fifth album, featuring songs recorded entirely on tour, capturing the essence of life on the road. The titular track of the 1977 live album, “Running on Empty,” was recorded at a concert in Maryland. It peaked at number 11 on the US Billboard Hot 100 charts. The song’s lyrics describe looking out at the road while running up 101, which was where Browne started his career, and not knowing where he is going. The song’s lyrics reflect Browne’s reflections on life on tour, with lines like “Looking out at the road rushing under my wheels” capturing the nomadic essence of touring.
Lyrics
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 17 and running up 101
I don't know where I'm running now, I'm just running on
Running on, running on empty
Running on, running blind
Running on, running into the sun
But I'm running behind
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 21 and I called the road my own
I don't know when that road turned on to the road I'm on
Running on, running on empty
Running on, running blind
Running on, running into the sun
But I'm running 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'll be all right
If I can get you to smile before I leave
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
Running on, running on empty
Running on, running blind
Running on, running into the sun
But I'm running behind
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