Jackson Browne - Running on Empty - 1977
Jackson Browne - Running on Empty (1977)
Running on Empty is a song by American singer-songwriter Jackson Browne, released in 1977. The title track of his album, Running on Empty, it became one of Browne's most famous songs, encapsulating the themes of life on the road and the weariness and resignation of a rock performer.
Background and Composition
Running on Empty was written and recorded by Browne while he was touring, capturing the essence of life on the road. This aspect made the song unique, as it was recorded live during concerts, or in hotel rooms and on the tour bus. The lyrics reflect the experiences of the touring musician, dealing with themes like constant travel, relationships, and the passage of time.
Musical Style and Reception
Musically, the song features a blend of rock, folk, and country elements, typical of Browne's style. It achieved significant commercial success, becoming a staple on classic rock radio stations. Critics praised its introspective lyrics and the raw, authentic sound that came from recording in non-traditional settings.
For more information, check out the MOOCit page on Jackson Browne or the Wikipedia article on Running on Empty.
Interactive Tasks
Quiz: Questions on the song
What unique aspect of "Running on Empty" sets it apart from most studio recordings? (It was recorded live during concerts and in non-traditional settings like hotel rooms) (!It was the first song recorded in a submarine) (!It featured a 100-piece orchestra) (!The song was entirely improvised during each performance)
Which year was "Running on Empty" released? (1977) (!1980) (!1975) (!1982)
What themes does "Running on Empty" primarily deal with? (Life on the road and the experiences of a touring musician) (!The political climate of the 1970s) (!A fictional story about a runaway) (!The environmental movement)
How did critics generally receive "Running on Empty"? (They praised its introspective lyrics and authentic sound) (!It was criticized for its unconventional recording method) (!It was considered too experimental for the time) (!Critics found the lyrics too simplistic)
What musical styles are blended in "Running on Empty"? (Rock, folk, and country) (!Jazz, blues, and reggae) (!Classical and pop) (!Hip-hop and electronic)
Quiz: Questions on the Performer
What is Jackson Browne known for as a musician? (His introspective songwriting and blend of rock, folk, and country) (!Pioneering electronic dance music) (!Being a prominent jazz saxophonist) (!Founding a famous punk rock band)
Prior to "Running on Empty," what was one of Jackson Browne's notable achievements? (His successful album "The Pretender") (!Winning a Grammy for Best New Artist) (!Inventing a new guitar tuning) (!Collaborating with The Beatles)
In what decade did Jackson Browne's career begin to flourish? (The 1970s) (!The 1980s) (!The 1960s) (!The 1990s)
Which cause is Jackson Browne known to support through his music and actions? (Environmental activism) (!Space exploration) (!Culinary arts) (!Virtual reality technology)
Which of these songs is also a hit by Jackson Browne? ("The Pretender") (!"Hotel California") (!"Bohemian Rhapsody") (!"Purple Rain")
Quiz: Questions on the lyrics
What is a key line from "Running on Empty"? ("Looking out at the road rushing under my wheels") (!"Flying high above the city lights") (!"Walking down a lonely street") (!"Dancing in the moonlight")
The lyrics "In '65 I was seventeen and running up 101" refer to what? (Browne's age in 1965 and a highway in California) (!A popular dance move in 1965) (!The number of concerts he performed that year) (!A famous event that happened in 1965)
How do the lyrics of "Running on Empty" depict the life of a touring musician? (As a relentless and wearying experience) (!As a glamorous and luxurious lifestyle) (!Focused on the fame and fortune) (!Emphasizing the musician's technical skill)
Which of the following lines is NOT from "Running on Empty"? (!"I left my heart in San Francisco") ("I don't know where I'm running now, I'm just running on") ("I don't know when that road turned onto the road I'm on") ("Running on - running on empty")
The lyrics "Everyone I know, everywhere I go" suggest what about the singer's life? (A sense of universality and connection despite constant travel) (!A feeling of loneliness and isolation) (!Celebrity and recognition everywhere) (!Confusion and disorientation)
Memory
| 1977 | Release year of "Running on Empty" |
| Hotel rooms and tour bus | Unconventional recording locations for the song |
| Life on the road | Central theme of "Running on Empty" |
| Jackson Browne | Composer and singer of "Running on Empty" |
| Rock, folk, and country | Musical styles blended in "Running on Empty" |
Open Tasks
Easy
- Write a short paragraph: Describe your interpretation of the song's message.
- Draw a picture: Create an artwork that represents the themes of "Running on Empty."
- Explore music history: Research other songs from the 1970s that talk about life on the road.
Standard
- Create a playlist: Compile songs that share themes with "Running on Empty."
- Interview project: Talk to musicians about their experiences on the road and compare them to the song's lyrics.
- Write an essay: Discuss the impact of "Running on Empty" on rock music.
Difficult
- Compose a song: Write your own song inspired by "Running on Empty."
- Analyze the lyrics: Deep dive into the symbolism and metaphors in the song.
- Study Jackson Browne's discography: Explore how his music evolved over time and its cultural impact.
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Oral Exam
- Discuss the significance: How does "Running on Empty" reflect the cultural and musical landscape of the late 1970s?
- Compare and contrast: Analyze the differences in themes and styles between "Running on Empty" and other songs by Jackson Browne.
- Personal reflection: Relate the themes of "Running on Empty" to your own life experiences.
- Explore genre blending: Discuss how blending rock, folk, and country influences the listener's experience of the song.
- The role of live recording: How does recording live influence the authenticity and reception of a song?
OERs on the Topic
Links
MUSIC QUIZ
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