Track of the Week 15th Feb 2015

Each week I choose a song from a movie which may be popular or not. The only criteria is that its a great  song and it fits the scene in the film perfectly. Let me know if you agree.

Running on Empty – Jackson Browne

“Running on Empty “, was the tile track off the album of the same name, written and recorded by Jackson Browne in 1977. This album was the turning point in his faltering career. He recorded the album whilst on tour which he undertook after his wife’s suicide the year before.  Its a live album which documents life on the road of a touring band. Surprisingly the album made him popular with a more mainstream audience.

The track was used in the the classic Robert Zemeckis film Forrest Gump.

As many will know the film is a story of a simple man with a low IQ but with good intentions. This was one of Hanks best performances by far. His inocence in explaining his life is what brings the film to life.

By sheer good luck he manages to drift through life being witness to every major american pivotal historic event which makes it all seem more real to the audience.

The track is used when Forrest decides to go for a run whilst coming to terms with the loss of his mother and missing his beloved Jenny his best and only friend. In the scene Forrest inspires people to jog, create the smiley, write bumper stickers and songs.

What I like about the film is that it makes you smile and makes you cry in equal measure, when you have watched in you feel like you have lived through every experience. The scenes in Vietnam being outstanding.

The year it was released it won six oscars including best picture, keeping Pulp Fiction from the podium.