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Running On Empty

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F#minor

90BPM

Lyrics & ChordsClick chords to see diagrams

Running On Empty chords
  D   D\  A3x
F#m
F#m D E
                  D                       A      D    D   D\ A  
Looking out at the road rushing under my wheels
                   D                     A                D      A    D   D\ A  
Looking back at the years gone by, like so many summer fields
DIn sixty-five I was Aseventeen, and Drunning up 10A1
DI don't know where I'm Arunning now, I'm just Erunning on
Running Don, running on Aempty
Running Don, running Ablind 
Running Don, running into the Asun, but I'm running beF#mhind.E  
                 D                       A       D     A    D   D\ A  
Gotta do what you can just to keep your love alive
                D                       A          D     A    D   D\ A  
Trying not to confuse it with what you do to survive
DIn sixty-nine I was Atwenty-one, and Dcalled the road my Aown
DI don't know when that Aroad turned onto the Eroad I'm on.
Running Don, running on Aempty
Running Don, running Ablind 
Running Don, running into the Asun, but I'm running beF#mhind.E  
D A  D A  D A  F#m D E
F#mEveryone I Dknow, Eeverywhere I Ago
F#mPeople need some Ereason to beDlieve;
I don't Eknow about Aanyone but Dme
F#mIf it takes all Dnight, Ethat'll be all rAight
DIf I can get you to Esmile before I DleaveBm  A  E  A  
                  D                       A        D    D   D\ A  
Looking out at the road rushing under my wheels
                   D                       A                 D      A    D   D\ A  
I don't know how to tell you all just how crazy this life feels
DI look around for the Afriends I used to Dturn to, to pull me Athrough
DLooking into their Aeyes I see them Erunning too
Running Don, running on Aempty
Running Don, running Ablind 
Running Don, running into the Asun, but I'm running beF#mhind.E  
                D                        A                 D     A    D   D\ A  
Honey you really tempt me; you know the way you look so kind
DI'd love to Estick around but I'm Drunning beAhindBm  A  E  A  
DYou know I don't even Eknow what I'm Dhoping to AfindBm  A  E  A  
DRunning into the Esun but I'm Drunning beAhindBm.A  E  A  
E
  D   D\  A10x
D E   D A E A
Capo II
   D= C  
   A= G  
   E= D  
 F#m= Em  
  Bm= Am  

All chords in this song (9)

The story behind the song

This signature song by Jackson Browne captures the feeling of a life lived on the road, where the constant motion of touring becomes a way of being. It speaks to the relentless drive of chasing the sun, even when it feels like you're falling behind, always needing a reason to believe. The track, from his 1977 album Running on Empty, embodies the bittersweet freedom and exhaustion of a musician's journey. It plays like a reflection on youth and the endless pursuit of something just out of reach.

AI-written from these sources:Jackson Browne — Wikipedia ↗

Story time

Running On Empty

Running On Empty

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Running On Empty

by Jackson Browne

Lyrics & chords · Original key

Chords in this song · guitar

F#m

Running On Empty chords

D D A

\ 3x

F#m

F#m D E

D A D D D A

Looking out at the road rushing under my wheels

D A D A D D A

Looking back at the years gone by, like so many summer fields

D A D A

In sixty-five I was seventeen, and running up 101

D A E

I don't know where I'm running now, I'm just running on

D A

Running on, running on empty

D A

Running on, running blind

D A F#m E

Running on, running into the sun, but I'm running behind.

D A D A D D A

Gotta do what you can just to keep your love alive

D A D A D D A

Trying not to confuse it with what you do to survive

D A D A

In sixty-nine I was twenty-one, and called the road my own

D A E

I don't know when that road turned onto the road I'm on.

D A

Running on, running on empty

D A

Running on, running blind

D A F#m E

Running on, running into the sun, but I'm running behind.

D A D A D A F#m D E

F#m D E A

Everyone I know, everywhere I go

F#m E D

People need some reason to believe;

E A D

I don't know about anyone but me

F#m D E A

If it takes all night, that'll be all right

D E D Bm A E A

If I can get you to smile before I leave

D A D D D A

Looking out at the road rushing under my wheels

D A D A D D A

I don't know how to tell you all just how crazy this life feels

D A D A

I look around for the friends I used to turn to, to pull me through

D A E

Looking into their eyes I see them running too

D A

Running on, running on empty

D A

Running on, running blind

D A F#m E

Running on, running into the sun, but I'm running behind.

D A D A D D A

Honey you really tempt me; you know the way you look so kind

D E D A Bm A E A

I'd love to stick around but I'm running behind

D E D A Bm A E A

You know I don't even know what I'm hoping to find

D E D A Bm A E A

Running into the sun but I'm running behind.

D D A

\ 10x

D E D A E A

Capo II

D C

A G

E D

F#m Em

Bm Am

About Running On Empty Chords by Jackson Browne

Learn how to play Running On Empty by Jackson Browne with free guitar chords, lyrics, and interactive chord diagrams. Search for “Running On Empty chords”, “Running On Empty guitar chords”, or “Jackson Browne Running On Empty chords” and you will find this page — transpose to any key, tap chords for diagrams, and use auto-scroll while you play. Perfect for beginners looking for easy Running On Empty chords and for experienced players who want accurate Running On Empty lyrics and chords in one place. Common chords in this song include D, A, F#m, E, Bm, C.

FAQ — Running On Empty by Jackson Browne

How do I play "Running On Empty" by Jackson Browne on guitar?

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Can I transpose "Running On Empty" to a different key?

Yes. Use the transpose buttons on the song page to shift "Running On Empty" up or down by half-steps so it matches your vocal range or capo position.

Can I see chord diagrams for "Running On Empty"?

Yes. Tap any chord in "Running On Empty" to instantly see an interactive guitar chord diagram with alternate fingerings.

Is "Running On Empty" easy to play on guitar?

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What key is "Running On Empty" in?

The chords for "Running On Empty" show the original chord names (including D, A, F#m, E, Bm, C). Use transpose to move the song into any key that fits your voice or capo.