Running On Empty
Jackson Browne David Lindley Lyrics
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Looking back at the years gone by like so many summer fields
In sixty-five I was seventeen and running up one-o-one
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
Gotta do what you can just to keep your love alive
Trying not to confuse it with what you do to survive
In sixty-nine 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
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
I 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 behind
Running into the sun but I'm running behind
The lyrics of Running On Empty by Jackson Browne and David Lindley offer a vivid description of the singer’s life on the road, the passage of time, and the need to keep pushing forward. The song speaks to the universal human experience of feeling lost, unsure of where to go next, and yearning for something more. The opening lines paint a picture of a long journey, with the road rushing under the wheels and the passing of time compared to fields in summer. The song’s unique tempo and lively rhythm add to the sense of movement and the feeling of urgency conveyed in the lyrics.
The song touches on themes of love and survival, highlighting the need to keep one’s love alive and to not confuse it with the things we do to survive. The lyrics then turn to the present, with the singer unsure of where he is going, but still running on. While the chorus repeats the phrase “running on empty,” it also speaks of running blind and running into the sun. The final verses of the song make reference to the people around us, and the idea that we all need something to believe in. The chorus echoes once more, with the singer still running behind.
Overall, the song captures the essence of the human experience: the passage of time, the quest for meaning and purpose, and the drive to keep moving forward even when we feel lost. The music and lyrics of Running On Empty blend seamlessly to create a poignant and moving ode to the uncertainties and challenges of life.
Line by Line Meaning
Looking out at the road rushing under my wheels
Observing the road moving quickly beneath the car tires.
Looking back at the years gone by like so many summer fields
Reflecting on past experiences as if they have zoomed past.
In sixty-five I was seventeen and running up one-o-one
Recalling the past, specifically driving up the 101 freeway at 17 years old in 1965.
I don't know where I'm running now, I'm just running on
Not having a clear destination in the current time and continuing to move forward.
Running on, running on empty
Feeling drained or lacking energy while continuing to move forward.
Running on, running blind
Progressing without any clear direction or vision of the future.
Running on, running into the sun
Continuing to pursue goals despite potential risks or obstacles.
But I'm running behind
Feeling like there is a time pressure or being behind schedule somehow.
Gotta do what you can just to keep your love alive
Trying to preserve a loving relationship.
Trying not to confuse it with what you do to survive
Differentiating love from merely trying to survive.
In sixty-nine I was twenty-one and I called the road my own
Recalling another specific date from the past, driving age 21 in 1969.
I don't know when that road turned onto the road I'm on
Being unsure of how the original path led to the current one.
Everyone I know, everywhere I go
Feeling the need to connect with people and belong somewhere.
People need some reason to believe
Recognizing people desire to have hope or something to believe in.
I don't know about anyone but me
Acknowledging that each person has their own beliefs and perspectives.
If it takes all night, that'll be all right
Being willing to put in the time and effort to make someone happy before leaving.
If I can get you to smile before I leave
Wanting to bring joy to someone else before departing.
I don't know how to tell you all just how crazy this life feels
Struggling to describe the complexities and challenges of life.
I look around for the friends that I used to turn to
Searching for past friends who have offered support in difficult times.
To pull me through
Hoping these past friends can offer assistance again.
Looking into their eyes I see them running too
Seeing that other people are also striving or struggling.
Honey, you really tempt me
Feeling drawn to someone who is appealing or charming.
You know the way you look so kind
Noting that the person is attractive in demeanor and appearance.
I'd love to stick around
Desiring to stay longer.
But I'm running behind
Feeling constrained by time or other factors that require leaving sooner.
You know I don't even know what I'm hoping to find
Admitting to uncertainty about the future or desires.
Running behind
Continuing to feel rushed or behind schedule.
Running into the sun but I'm running behind
Persisting towards goals despite feeling delayed or off-pace.
Lyrics © O/B/O APRA/AMCOS
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