Jackson Browne’s hit single “Running On Empty” is from the 1970s. The song appeared on his 1977 album Running on Empty and was released as a single in 1978.
The album was unusual because Browne recorded its tracks in places associated with touring, including concert stages, hotel rooms, backstage areas and a tour bus. The title track was recorded live at Merriweather Post Pavilion in Maryland on August 27, 1977, capturing the energy of Browne’s road-focused album.
Although the single became a major radio hit in 1978, the 1970s classification is still correct: both the album and the original recording date fall within that decade. The song reached No. 11 on the US Billboard Hot 100 and became one of Browne’s signature performances. Its title reflects both literal fuel anxiety and the broader emotional exhaustion explored in the song.