Running On Empty - Jackson Browne

Red, White & Screwed is Rhett Sawyer’s unapologetic, 21-track reckoning with the state of a nation betrayed. Blending outlaw country grit with working-class truth, the album calls out corruption at every level — from Congressional cowards to billionaire puppet masters — while honoring the backbone of America: the people they forgot.

This isn’t blind patriotism. It’s a fight song for the silenced, a prayer for the broken, and a rally cry for those still standing. From raw protest anthems to ballads of resilience and redemption, Red, White & Screwed tells the story of a country gaslit, gutted, and still too stubborn to quit.

Raise the flag — but raise it for something real.

The Backbone

WaitingforYouLord (1)

Makin’ a livin’ outta livin’—
Yeah, that’s my claim to fame.
Every sunrise writes my story,
Every breeze calls out my name.
There’s gold out in the risin’ sun,
Silver runnin’ through my hair…
Name a beach I haven’t seen—
I’ll pack my bag and meet you there.
Makin’ a livin’ outta livin’—
Man, I’ve chased the sun.
From Jimmy’s One Particular Harbor
To Band on the Run.
Got a little jingle in my pocket,
But I never needed much—
Just a beat-up six-string and a stage
And a breeze I know by touch.
Wouldn’t trade a mile I’ve roamed—
Far as I can tell,
Wind in the pines and rain on tin—
That’s the sound that makes me well.
Incoming tides, deep sapphire skies,
Salt air runnin’ through my soul…
I’m lovin’ and livin’ the life I’ve been given—
And I thank God I found it at all.
Makin’ a livin’ outta livin’—
Wish I’d found it long ago.
But I’m here now, feet up, wide-eyed
Just watchin’ this good life grow.
Ain’t got much saved for later,
But I got memories I can spend.
And a voice that still sings true
With every song I send.
Wouldn’t change a single thing—
Not one detour or delay.
The drift, the dance, the second chance—
All led me here today.
Drivin’ blind with windows down,
Laughin’ ‘til I cried…
I’m wild, I’m alive, I’m free—
And it’s one hell of a ride.
Some folks chase a dollar…
I just chased the view.
Built a home inside the moment—
That’s the best I ever knew.
Makin’ a livin’ outta livin’—
That’s the life I lead.
Sunburned maps and ocean naps—
Are all the wealth I need.
Some folks pray for someday dreams—
But I just let mine be.
Makin’ a livin’ outta livin’—
Yeah, I’m lucky…
I’m wild, I’m alive…
I’m free.

Making a Livin’ outta Livin’

Running on Empty

You Love the Thunder

The Road

The Load Out

Rosie

Nothing but Time

Jackson Browne is not only a pivotal figure in the artistic history of Elektra/Asylum – remaining with the label for a remarkable 30 years – but the very existence of Asylum Records was a direct result of his exceptional talent. When artist manager David Geffen was initially unsuccessful in securing a recording deal for the L.A.-based singer/songwriter, he turned to his mentor, Atlantic Records founder Ahmet Ertegun – who suggested that if he truly believed in Browne, he should start his own label as a joint venture with Atlantic. Founded in 1971, Asylum’s earliest releases included Browne’s self-titled debut (1972), followed by For Everyman (1973) and Late For The Sky (1974).
Meanwhile, at the urging of Elektra’s departing founder Jac Holzman, Warner Communications turned to Geffen to lead Elektra, and Browne – along with his friends the Eagles and Linda Ronstadt – became part of the newly merged Elektra/Asylum. It was a fitting turn of events, since Browne’s links with Elektra went back half a dozen years. In 1967, he had signed a publishing deal with Nina Music, a division of Elektra named after Holzman’s then-wife. Browne’s songs were recorded by such artists as Tom Rush and then-girlfriend Nico, and during a brief stint in New York he played in Tim Buckley’s backing band.

Although Browne’s first three albums had been critically acclaimed and commercially successful, he was still not selling as many records as Elektra thought he could. In 1976, it was The Pretender that finally brought Jackson to a wider, deeper audience, with the title track and “Here Come Those Tears Again” among the highlights. Jackson’s introspective examinations of life “caught between the longing for love and the struggle for the legal tender” resonated everywhere. His next release, the 7-times platinum Running on Empty (1977) became his best-selling album, and his role as an iconic artist of his generation was forever cemented. Browne remained with the label until 2002, having charted a rare three-decade career with the first label that had signed him.

You Love the Thunder

Jackson Browne

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