[3] Lead singer Bernard Fanning said in April 2007 that the song was more positive than many other Powderfinger works, stating "the music is quite up and hopeful sounding and has a breezy feel to it".

He notes that the song's premise is reflective of how the group approached the recording of Dream Days at the Hotel Existence, in that they were unsure of what they wanted to do with the album.

[2] The music video for "Lost and Running" was directed by Damon Escott and Stephen Lance of Head Pictures.

He eventually walks out of the hotel and finds himself on a country road which was filmed halfway between Toowoomba and Dalby.

Powderfinger also performed the song with the Sydney Gospel Choir on 28 October 2007 at the ARIA Music Awards of 2007, as it was nominated for Single of the Year.

Kathy McCabe of The Daily Telegraph noted that it's "an instant singalong anthem which should prove a crowd favourite".

McCabe also comments on the band's application of their influences stating that they have "taken a vial of sonic essence from their favourite artists and skilfully distilled the parts into a Powderfinger whole."

[4] Meanwhile, Matthias Scherer of NoiseMakesEnemies.co.uk described the song as boring and inoffensive, questioning "Who knew the music scene down under was in this serious a state.

He also noted the Rolling Stones influence, and said the song contained a "laidback approach and simple acoustic charm".

"Lost and Running" is Powderfinger's second highest-charting single, second only to their 2000 release "My Happiness", which gained international attention.