Jackson Browne recorded “Nothing But Time” while travelling between concerts on his tour bus during the making of his 1977 live album, *Running on Empty*. The song captures the album’s focus on touring life and demonstrates how spontaneous, imperfect recording environments can create an unusually authentic musical moment.

The track was recorded somewhere in New Jersey, with guitars, microphones and a makeshift drum kit assembled on the moving bus. Drummer Russell Kunkel used a snare, hi-hat and cardboard box with a foot pedal, yet the recording sounds remarkably clear while retaining the raw atmosphere of music made on the road.