Running on Empty – Jackson Browne

“Running on Empty” is one of Jackson Browne’s most enduring songs, capturing the restless push forward that comes with life on the road and the quiet exhaustion that follows. Released in 1977, the song feels both urgent and reflective, balancing motion with vulnerability. Browne’s lyrics speak to anyone who’s ever kept going on determination alone, even when the tank feels nearly dry.

The song is the title track from Browne’s 1977 album Running on Empty, a unique live-style record that blended concert performances, hotel-room recordings, and studio sessions. That raw, in-between quality gave the album an honesty that resonated deeply with listeners and critics alike.

On the charts, “Running on Empty” performed strongly, peaking at No. 11 on the Billboard Hot 100. The album itself reached No. 3 on the Billboard 200 and went on to become one of Browne’s most successful releases. Decades later, the song still stands as a quiet anthem for perseverance, reminding listeners that sometimes just moving forward is an act of courage in itself.